Mission Statement

The University of North Alabama College of Arts, Sciences, and Engineering (CASE) is committed to providing an environment within our campus and community that fosters knowledge, skill, artistic and cultural enrichment, research, and discovery by supporting independence, creativity, and innovation.

The arts and sciences provide the foundational education for every UNA student to achieve a lifetime of professional success and personal fulfillment. By engaging in one or more of our 17 departments and over 100 majors, minors, or certificates, you will have ample opportunities to collaborate with faculty mentors both in and out of the classroom. Immersive experiences such as internships, education abroad, research and creative activities, and service learning help to deepen classroom instruction and prepare students to become effective leaders in their chosen fields. Come and see what CASE has to offer!  

A Message from the Dean

Dr. Ryan Zayac

As the Dean of the College of Arts, Sciences, and Engineering (CASE), it is my pleasure to welcome you to the University of North Alabama. We are thrilled to have you as part of our vibrant community of learners, both on-campus and virtually. CASE is composed of three schools: (1) the School of the Arts, (2) the School of Humanities and Social Sciences, and (3) the School of Natural Sciences, Engineering, and Mathematics, that are home to over a dozen different departments. As the largest and most diverse college on campus, we offer over 100 unique majors, minors, and certificate programs!  

As Alabama’s Workforce Development University, CASE plays a significant role in preparing career-ready graduates to meet the economic needs of the state and region. Our curriculum is designed to provide students with a solid foundation in the liberal arts and sciences, including courses in the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and mathematics. We also emphasize the development of transferable skills, such as problem-solving, teamwork, leadership, and communication. Our graduates are known for their exceptional people skills, which are in high demand by employers globally. Our students are effective communicators, collaborative team members, and empathetic leaders who create environments where everyone can contribute and succeed. CASE’s approach to comprehensive education is essential in today's ever-changing landscape and prepares our students for a lifetime of learning and success wherever their future takes them. 

As a student in CASE, you have access to a wealth of resources and opportunities. Every student is exposed and encouraged to engage in experiential learning, including education abroad, study away, student-faculty research collaborations, internships, creative activities, and community engagement. We also have a strong support system in place to help you succeed, including excellent academic advisors, tutoring, STEM and writing centers, career counselors, mental health and well-being resources, and much more.

I encourage you to take advantage of everything our college and UNA has to offer. Explore your interests, take on new challenges, and discover your passions. We are here to support you every step of the way. Whether you are just starting your academic journey or are looking to take the next step in your career, CASE and the University of North Alabama can help you find your true north, achieve your goals, and make a difference in the world.

Again, welcome to the College of Arts, Sciences, and Engineering. We look forward to seeing all that you will accomplish during your time here.

Roar Lions!

Ryan Zayac, Ph.D., BCBA-D

Dean and Professor of Psychology

The School of the Arts (SOTA), situated within the College of Arts, Sciences, and Engineering, promotes the artistic enrichment of the campus and surrounding communities by facilitating student expression and creativity through studies in Cinematic Arts, Culinary Arts Management, Entertainment Industry, Fashion Merchandising and Design, Hospitality and Events Management, Interior Architecture and Design, Music, Theatre, and Visual Arts. SOTA cultivates a diverse, collaborative, and inclusive environment while advocating for equity in arts education.

Degree concentrations, minors, and certificates offered include options from the Department of Cinematic Arts and Theatre, the David and John Briggs Family Department of Entertainment Industry, the Department of Music, and the Department of Visual Arts and Design.

Explore the School of the Arts

The School of Humanities and Social Sciences, situated within the College of Arts, Sciences, and Engineering, is a diverse group of departments dedicated to helping students become intellectually well-rounded members of a global community. The School aims to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of human experiences, societal structures, and cultural phenomena. It emphasizes critical thinking, analytical skills, and a broad perspective on human nature and social interactions. Across all our departments, students will learn in an open, supportive, and academically-rigorous environment.  The School offers numerous undergraduate and graduate programs, as well as professional certificates, both in person and online.

Explore the School of Humanities and Social Sciences 

The School of Natural Sciences, Engineering, and Mathematics, situated within the College of Arts, Sciences, and Engineering, promotes a passion for discovery and empowers students to become the problem solvers and innovators of tomorrow. With a diverse range of programs spanning the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, we provide a comprehensive education that combines theoretical knowledge with hands-on practical experience.

The School offers numerous undergraduate and graduate programs, as well as professional certificates, both in person and online. Degree concentrations, minors, and certificates offered include options from the Department of Biology, the Department of Chemistry and Physics, the Department of Geoscience, the Department of Engineering and Industrial Professions, and the Department of Mathematics.

Explore the School of Natural Sciences, Engineering, and Mathematics 

Associate and Bachelor Degree Programs

In degree programs offered by the College of Arts, Sciences, and Engineering, the student may elect either the Bachelor of Arts degree program or the Bachelor of Science degree program with any major listed for these degrees on fulfillment of the minimum requirements prescribed for each below. For the University’s basic program of study, course sequences, general requirements and procedures for graduation, reference should be made to Academic Procedures and Requirements. Reference also should be made to the major program selected for specific hour and course requirements. Courses taken to satisfy requirements in the general education components are applicable for satisfying major and minor requirements for the same courses, and the total credit hour requirements for the major and minor fields may be reduced thereby. Specific courses required for the fulfillment of major and/or minor requirements may be applied to the fulfillment of requirements for both or for another major or minor; however, these courses count only once toward the 120-semester hours required (except where specified higher) for graduation.

Minor Fields

Secondary Certification

Although the regular programs for the preparation of secondary teachers for the public schools are offered in the Spencer College of Education and Human Sciences, students taking degree programs in the College of Arts, Sciences, and Engineering may also qualify for the Alabama Class B Professional Certificate by taking subject fields approved for secondary certification and

1. by satisfying the requirements for admission to and retention in programs of educator preparation as prescribed by the Spencer College of Education and Human Sciences,
2. by completing the additional prescribed coursework in both general education and professional education as prescribed by the Spencer College of Education and Human Sciences, and
3. by satisfying the State Board of Education grade point average and test score requirements (see Spencer College of Education and Human Sciences).

Students taking degree programs in the College of Arts, Sciences, and Engineering and seeking secondary certification through the Spencer College of Education and Human Sciences may qualify for a combination degree program (see below).

Combination Degrees: A combination degree program is a specialized pathway that provides academically qualified students the opportunity to enhance their educational experience and strengthen their career preparation or readiness for future academic pursuits. This pathway allows students to earn two degrees without any loss of integrity, quality, or coherence of the two degrees for fewer total credit hours than would normally be required if both academic degree programs were taken independently. Combination degrees often allow a shorter time for completion due to the sharing of some coursework between the degree programs. Students may earn a combination degree provided they meet all the following requirements:

• The baccalaureate degrees are not the same for both majors (e.g., B.S. and B.S.Ed.)
• Students must select a primary degree and a secondary degree. The college of the primary degree will issue the university diploma.
• Students must satisfy the college and major degree requirements for their primary degree that were in effect at the time they were admitted into the primary degree and those for their secondary degree that were in effect at the time they were admitted into the secondary degree.
• Students must complete a minimum of 15 credit hours of unique upper-level courses (numbered 300-400) in the secondary degree (i.e., not used as major, supporting, or core courses in the primary degree).
• Coursework that is required by both degrees based on catalog requirements can be used towards both degrees.
• No course can count towards more than two degrees.

Students pursuing a combination degree who complete all degree requirements for one degree but not the other may graduate by dropping the incomplete degree and graduating with only the single completed degree.

Preprofessional Programs

The College of Arts, Sciences, and Engineering provides undergraduate work of one to four years required for admission to professional schools in the areas listed below. For preprofessional programs in the health professions, a Health Professions Advisory Committee provides special advisory and informational services to interested students.

• Architecture              
• Law   
• Pre-Health Professions 
  • Medicine (allopathic and osteopathic)
  • Dentistry
  • Optometry
  • Physician Assistant
  • Pharmacy
  • Veterinary Medicine
  • Physical Therapy
  • Allied Health
• Other Preprofessional Programs

For descriptions and recommended schedules on these programs see Preprofessional Programs.  

Special Programs and Activities 

Centers

Freddie Wood Geographic Research Center

The Center, a research, teaching and public service unit of the Department of Geoscience, has a three-fold purpose.  It enhances the instructional programs of the University, creates research opportunities for students and faculty, and extends benefits of geospatial technologies and research to potential users.

Public History Center

The Public History Center serves as the consulting branch of the Public History concentration at the University of North Alabama, and supervises graduate students in their fieldwork and project development. Additionally, the Public History Center staff participates in community outreach, research, content development, and historic site strategy, and maintains a close project partnership with the Muscle Shoals National Heritage Area.

Laboratories

Herbarium

The focus of the Herbarium is to maintain in the Department of Biology a complete plant collection for use by students and faculty as an instructional and research resource. It also serves as a historical record of the plant species that occur in the Southeast United States, especially Alabama. The Herbarium functions in the identification and/or verification of unknown plant material, promotes public awareness of rare and/or endangered species, and conducts environmental impact studies and floristic surveys. The Herbarium is recognized by Index Herbariorum, a database of global herbaria maintained by the New York Botanical Gardens. Go to  http://sweetgum.nybg.org/science/ for more information.

Occupational and Environmental Health Laboratory (OEHL)

The OEHL provides industrial hygiene consultation and other relevant health and environmental services to local industries as a public service of the Department of Engineering and Industrial Professions. Typical services include, but are not limited to, occupational air sampling, noise sampling, heat stress analysis and ergonomic assessments. The OEHL provides opportunities for student participation in occupational and environmental health assessments under the direction of a Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH) faculty member.

Restorative Justice Lab

The Restorative Justice Lab, housed within the Department of Politics, Justice, Law, and Philosophy, is a collaborative and interdisciplinary hub for rethinking justice through community-building, mutual aid, and restorative practices that prevent, reduce, and transform harm. Our work is generated from and around prisons in Alabama. We currently offer a number of programs in Alabama prison facilities, including the following:

• Inside-Out Prison Exchange Program

This program offers students in a variety of fields the opportunity to attend classes with our students at Limestone CF.

• Restorative Justice Program

This interdisciplinary undergraduate program is delivered through the Inside-Out Prison Exchange Program model at Limestone CF and is credit-bearing for all students. Coursework includes six classes that span criminal justice, English, psychology, and sociology. The curriculum is designed to prepare students to contribute to conflict resolution, community-building, and transformative justice movements. Outside students are able to complete a minor in Restorative Justice. You can find the curriculum for the minor here. Inside students at Limestone CF complete a certificate in Restorative Justice.

Programs

Critical Languages Program

Under the auspices of the National Association of Self-Instructional Language Programs (http://www.nasilp.net), the Department of Foreign Languages offers foundational courses in Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, and Russian utilizing native-speaker language partners in the classroom and external examiners who administer the final exams. 

Accelerated Master's Program (AMP)