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Board approves new degrees, program changes and administrative reorganizations across UA, UAB and UAH
Summary
At the June 6 meeting trustees approved multiple academic program actions across the system, including new and revised degree programs, certificate updates, faculty appointments and administrative reorganizations.
The University of Alabama System’s academic affairs committee presented and the board approved a package of academic program and administrative actions affecting UA, UAB and UAH at the June 6 meeting.
Among approvals for UA: final approval for a Master of Science in Biomedical Engineering (originally approved by committee and board in February), and a proposed Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence. The Alabama Commission on Higher Education (ACHE) was cited as expected to review or approve certain program requests. UA also sought board permission to renew participation in the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Child and Adult Care Food Program for its children’s program in the College of Human Environmental Sciences; the board approved the renewal after officials said the required documentation had been reviewed.
At UAB trustees approved final implementation of the Doctor of Philosophy in Biomedical and Health Informatics (previously approved by ACHE in March 2025) and approved two initial proposals: a Master of Science in Higher Education Intercollegiate Athletic Administration (with tracks in general athletic administration and eSports organization and management) and a Master of Science in Exercise Physiology (proposed as a STEM-designated program to assist international students seeking certain visas). UAB presenters said the exercise physiology program blends exercise nutrition, research methods and statistics and that graduates would be prepared for certifications and roles across healthcare and fitness fields.
Administrative items approved across campuses included degree name changes and reorganizations: UAB requested the bachelor of science degree in biobehavioral nutrition and wellness be renamed to the BS in Nutrition Sciences (no curriculum changes); UAB announced establishment plans for an endowed professorship in reproductive health research and a proposed Healthy Living Research Center; UA informed trustees of revisions to six graduate certificates and a strategic reorganization of the Capstone College of Nursing into three academic divisions to take effect by mid-August 2025. UAH received approval for a 24-hour post-master’s certificate in psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner and for establishment of a Department of Engineering Technology in the College of Science, the presenters said.
The nut graf: the package included degree approvals, naming and reclassification of certificates (aligned with IPEDS definitions), faculty appointments to endowed positions, and campus reorganizations intended to reflect programmatic growth and workforce needs; trustees approved the items by voice vote with no recorded opposition.
Supporting details: presenters cited employment projections from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics when discussing exercise physiology program demand. For the biomedical engineering program, presenters said the program prepares students for medical school, doctoral programs and industry careers. Several faculty appointments and endowed positions were enumerated in committee materials and approved together with the program items.
Ending: Campus leaders said they will proceed with ACHE notifications and implementation steps and will provide follow-up reports to the board as needed.
