Collat School of Business

Graduate

UAB’s Master of Accounting program curriculum has two areas of focus: CPA Preparation and Accounting Information Systems.

CPA Preparation

A student following this focus of study is interested in becoming a CPA and wants to pursue a career in public accounting or a higher-level accounting or auditing position in a corporate, not-for-profit, or government organization. CPA preparation is formally incorporated in the program. Graduate from UAB, passing all four sections of the CPA exam and be eligible to become a Certified Public Accountant.

Accounting Information Systems

A student following this focus of study typically pursues an accounting or auditing position in a corporate, not-for-profit, or government organization with plans to advance in accounting or move to a different role in the organization. The curriculum blends advanced accounting courses with study in one of three areas of information systems:

  • Business Analytics
  • Cybersecurity
  • IT Management

Students earn a graduate certificate in selected area of information systems in addition to a Master of Accounting degree and are still able to pursue a CPA license later if they choose.

How to Match a Focus to Your Career Goals

CPA Preparation

  • I have an undergraduate degree in accounting. I want to pursue a MAc degree and obtain my CPA license.
    • Enroll in our MAc program following the CPA Preparation focus of study.
    • Apply for a scholarship for Becker study materials, if needed.
    • Graduate from UAB with a MAc degree, pass all four sections of the CPA exam, and be eligible to become a Certified Public Accountant.*

    *Our degree plans are structured to meet the requirements to become a CPA in Alabama. Although most states have very similar requirement, if you desire to become a CPA in a different location, please check by state for CPA requirements and reach out to us with any questions.

  • I have a business (non-accounting) OR a non-business undergraduate degree. I want to pursue a MAc and obtain my CPA license.
    • Enroll in our Accounting Bridge Certificate program and take additional business-related courses for the foundational knowledge in accounting and business. The need for additional business-related courses varies depending on the state where you intend to apply for the CPA exam. Our MAc program director/advisor can advise you on these requirements.
    • Transition into the MAc program following the CPA Preparation focus of study.
    • Apply for a scholarship for Becker study materials, if needed.
    • Graduate from UAB with a MAc degree, pass all four sections of the CPA exam, and be eligible to become a Certified Public Accountant.*

    *Our degree plans are structured to meet the requirements to become a CPA in Alabama. Although most states have very similar requirement, if you desire to become a CPA in a different location, please check by state for CPA requirements and reach out to us with any questions.

Accounting Information Systems

UAB Accounting Programs

Students riding in the back of a pickup truck at the homecoming parade, smiling and waving at the camera.

Students in UAB's Master of Accounting and Bachelor of Science in Accounting programs have ample opportunity to engage with the surrounding Birmingham community through real world business projects, volunteer service, and networking events. The program works closely with the UAB Regions Institute for Financial Education opens a new website (RIFE) located on the first floor of the Collat School of Business where students volunteer as tax preparers through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance site within RIFE.

Community Engagement

Career Development

Male student in a UAB baseball cap writing at a table.

To enhance the overall educational experience of high ability learners, the UAB Collat School of Business designed three paths for students to earn a bachelor's degree and a master's degree in an accelerated time-period with lower costs compared to the independent completion of these two degrees.

Once admitted, students can take up to 12 shared credit hours of approved graduate courses that help complete both degrees. Students in ABM programs study, work, and learn with similar high caliber students — much like they would in an honors program — and are prepared for a challenging career when they graduate.

Learn about ABM Admissions

ABM Requirements

In addition to UAB's ABM requirements opens a new website, the Collat School of Business ABM programs require the following:

  • Receive course approval by undergraduate academic advisor and graduate program advisor.
  • A minimum of 60 credit hours (45 must have been taken at UAB).
  • Maintain a GPA of 3.25 or higher in all undergraduate coursework.
  • Receive a B (or higher) in graduate classes taken while still an undergraduate student.
  • Maintain full-time student status at UAB. The MAc program will waive this requirement for terms when an internship causes a drop below the full-time student hour requirement.
  • ABM MBA program only:
    • UAB GPA of 3.7 or higher required for entry.
    • Complete a precalculus course with a grade of “B” or better. Students who have not completed a precalculus class will be required to enroll in a free online Quantitative Analysis review course. This not-for-credit course contains tutorial videos and a short proficiency quiz. Students must achieve a 70% or above pass rate before enrolling in MBA classes.
    • All non-business undergraduate students must complete BUS 101 or BUS 102 with a B or better before beginning MBA courses.
    • Complete a graduate level internship, which counts as one of the two required electives. For students pursuing a concentration, the internship must be in the area of concentration, unless waived by the MBA Director due to previous work experience within their field of study.

Students will be withdrawn from the ABM program if they fail to meet these requirements, but will retain credit for courses already taken in the program.

Once the student has completed all courses required for their undergraduate degree, they will continue in the graduate program and must maintain the requirements of that program. Tuition is then charged at the graduate rate.

Curriculum/Graduate Courses Allowed for Credit Sharing

ABM MAc curriculum

See the MAC program opens a new website in the UAB Graduate Catalog for course descriptions and any prerequisite requirements.

  • AC 514: Governmental and Not-for-Profit Accounting
  • AC 523: External Auditing
  • AC 530: Financial Accounting III
  • AC 573: Fraud Examination
  • AC 580: Advanced Accounting
  • AC 600: Financial Accounting Research
  • AC 612: Governance and the Business Environment
  • LS 557: Business Law for Accountants

ABM MBA curriculum

See the MBA program opens a new website in the UAB Graduate Catalog for course descriptions and any prerequisite requirements.

  • MBA 601: Accounting and Finance for Managers
  • MBA 608: Strategic Cost Analysis and Decision Making
  • MBA 619: Information Technology and Business Strategy
  • MBA 621: Topics in Corporate Finance
  • MBA 631: Management and Organizations
  • MBA 634: Strategic Management
  • MBA 637: Operations and Supply Chain Management
  • MBA 642: Economics for Managers
  • MBA 651: Marketing Strategy
  • MBA 662: Quantitative Analysis for Business Managers

ABM MSMIS curriculum

Graduate courses allowed for credit sharing are listed below but vary by MSMIS concentration. See the MSMIS program opens a new website in the UAB Graduate Catalog for course descriptions and any prerequisite requirements.

MSMIS with Business Analytics Concentration

  • IS 617: Data Science for Business
  • IS 619: Advanced Business Analytics
  • IS 651: Data Management & SQL for Analytics
  • IS 652: Data Visualization for Business

MSMIS with Cybersecurity Management Concentration

  • IS 613: Information Security Management
  • IS 620: Cyber Attacks and Threat Mitigation
  • IS 621: Incident Response and Business Continuity
  • IS 644: Digital Forensics

MSMIS with IT Management Concentration

  • IS 612: IT Governance and Management
  • IS 621: Incident Response and Business Continuity
  • IS 640: Technology Planning and Capital Budgeting
  • IS 641: Leadership in IT

All Other MSMIS Courses

  • IS 607: Introduction to Cyber Security
  • IS 608: Desktop Analytics with IT Tools
  • IS 611: Information Technology and Business Strategy
  • IS 618: IT Project Management
  • IS 650: Business Intelligence Strategy
  • IS 660: Emerging IT Trends & Technologies
A femal optometrist performing an eye exam.

The first program of its kind in the nation, the University of Alabama at Birmingham's Doctor of Optometry opens a new website/Master of Business Administration (OD/MBA) program exposes students to a truly interdisciplinary approach to learning. Here, the fundamental and advanced principles of both optometry and business converge to provide a greater understanding of the business of eye care.

Why an MBA? 

Some of the greatest challenges in healthcare today are business related. As optometrists find themselves in an increasingly complex business environment, many are choosing to pursue a business education in order to navigate the healthcare system with efficiency and effectiveness. Combining a business degree with an optometry degree can help future healthcare leaders learn to manage rapid change and traverse the uncertainties of management with flexibility.

Students who choose the OD/MBA option often plan careers with both clinical and administrative responsibilities, perhaps opening their own practices. OD/MBA graduates can manage group practices and clinics more effectively and efficiently. Students successfully completing the program should understand how to use innovation and strategic thinking to solve healthcare problems and become fluent in the languages of science and business — putting them on the fast track to career advancement.

Program Specifics

An integrative, four year degree that combines business courses with the OD curricula. Students start their business classes the summer before optometry school and the remaining courses are offered at key times during the remaining four years. Degree plans are also available for those students who decide to pursue the MBA after beginning their OD courses.

The dual degree is a unique offering designed for the ease of the busy optometry student, including a comprehensive all services included approach from start to finish. The dual program is structured around the OD curricula and includes a concierge approach to integration and completion of the MBA dual degree requirements. As a Collat School of Business MBA student, all participants will benefit from an array of services to manage all enrollment requirements, including:

  • Administrative registration for all required MBA courses
  • Professional development seminars
  • Access to faculty mentors
  • On-site tutoring
  • Opportunities for hands-on learning

How to Apply

Students interested in pursuing the dual OD/MBA degree must complete an application through the UAB Graduate School.

Admissions Information

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Glasses resting on black leather portfolio; cover says UAB MBA.

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Program Contacts

A male and female dentist conducting an exam.

The DMD/MBA program is an integrative, four-year degree that combines business courses with the DMD curricula. Students start their business classes the summer before dentistry school. The remaining courses are offered at key times during the remaining four years.

The UAB School of Dentistry opens a new website and the Collat School of Business offer a dual Doctor of Dental Medicine/Master of Business Administration (DMD/MBA) dual-degree that exposes students to a truly interdisciplinary approach to learning. Here, both fundamental and advanced principles of dentistry and business converge to provide a greater understanding of the business of dentistry.

Why an MBA?

Some of the greatest challenges in healthcare today are business related. As dentists find themselves in an increasingly complex business environment, many choose to pursue a business education in order to navigate the healthcare system with efficiency and effectiveness.

Students who choose the DMD/MBA option often plan careers with both clinical and administrative responsibilities, perhaps opening their own practice. DMD/MBA graduates can manage group practices and clinics more effectively. Successful students should understand how to use innovation and strategic thinking to solve healthcare problems and become fluent in the languages of science and business — putting them on the fast track to career advancement.

Program Specifics

The dual degree is a unique offering designed for the busy dentistry student, including a comprehensive all-services-included approach from start to finish. The dual program is structured around the DMD curricula and includes a concierge approach to integration and completion of the MBA dual degree requirements. Collat School of Business MBA students will benefit from an array of services to manage all enrollment requirements, including:

  • Administrative registration for all required MBA courses
  • Professional development seminars
  • Access to faculty mentors
  • On-site tutoring
  • Opportunities for hands-on learning

How to Apply

Students interested in pursuing the dual DMD/MBA degree must complete an application through the UAB Graduate School. 

Admissions Information

Related News

Hear from one of the first students to graduate from UAB's DMD/MBA Dual Degree program

Program Contact

Two students watching a female teacher demonstrate a procedure.

The program is an integrative, four-year degree which combines 10 business courses (30 semester hours) with the MD curricula. Students start their business classes the summer before medical school. The remaining courses are offered at key times after the second year of classes and after finishing the USMLE Step 1 exam.

Degree plans are also available for students who decide to pursue the MBA after beginning their MD courses.

The UAB Heersink School of Medicine opens a new website and Collat School of Business offer a dual MD/MBA degree in medicine and management to high-achieving healthcare leaders. A dual MD/MBA degree can open opportunities for physicians and lead to greater management responsibilities within their organizations.

Why an MBA?

The industry is increasingly characterized by uncertainty and ambiguity. Combining a business degree with a medical degree can help future healthcare leaders learn to manage through rapid change and traverse the uncertainties of management with flexibility.

Students who choose the MD/MBA option often plan careers with both clinical and administrative responsibilities. MD/MBA holders can operate their clinics more efficiently, manage a healthcare organization, head a research project, or advocate for their patients and work to improve the healthcare system. Successful students should understand how to use innovation and strategic thinking to solve healthcare problems and become fluent in the languages of science and business — putting them on the fast track to career advancement.

Program Specifics

The dual degree is a unique offering designed specifically for busy medical professionals. Structured around the MD curricula, the dual program includes a concierge approach by sequencing and integrating the MBA requirements to fit within the medical program. As a UAB School of Medicine student, all dual degree participants will receive a wide array of added benefits, including:

  • Automatic MBA course registration
  • Professional development seminars
  • Access to faculty mentors
  • On-site tutoring
  • Opportunities for hands-on learning

Class Schedule

  • Summer (before medical school entry)
    • MBA 601: Accounting and Finance for Managers
    • MBA 619: IT and Business Strategy
    • MBA 631: Management and Organization
    • MBA 642: Economics for Managers
  • Year Two

    FALL

    • Co-enrolled elective: Business-focused elective approved by program. NOTE: This is not an MBA class. You will take this as part of your med school curriculum.
  • Year Three

    FALL

    • MBA 608: Cost Analysis and Decision Making
      • MBA 637: Operations and Supply Chain Management

    SPRING

    • MBA 651: Marketing Strategy
    • MBA 690: Healthcare Innovation

    See ADDITIONAL OPTION section below for alternative schedule.

  • Year Four

    FALL

    • MBA 621: Topics in Corporate Finance

    SPRING

    • MBA 634: Strategic Management
  • Additional Option

    For MS1 students in good standing who receive approval from Heedrsink School of Medicine MD/MBA no later than March 15, we offer an opportunity to take two classes — MBA 608 and MBA 637 — in the summer between the first and second year. Then, in the third year, students will only take MBA 651: Marketing Strategy in the fall and MBA 690: Healthcare Innovation in the spring.


How to Apply

Students interested in pursuing the dual MD/MBA degree must complete an application through the UAB Graduate School.

Admissions Information

Program Contacts

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Collat School of Business