College of Human Environmental Sciences - The University of Alabama - Overview
Flexible Degrees for Non-Traditional Students
The College of Human and Environmental Services (HES) at the University of Alabama offers a variety of degree programs designed specifically for working adults. The University of Alabama's distance learning program makes it possible for students to earn undergraduate and graduate degrees in fields like nutrition, consumer sciences, family financial planning, and hospitality without setting foot on campus. Students may choose from a variety of delivery options, including online courses and courses delivered via DVD, video, or videoconferencing.
The University of Alabama has a reputation for a combination of strong academics and affordability. According to a ranking by "US News and World Report," UA is one of the top 50 public universities in the United States.
The BS in Human and Environmental Services, General Studies
The HES general studies degree offers a great deal of flexibility for students interested in designing their own specialized curriculums. Students work closely with faculty advisers to develop approved programs of study that include 35 hours of coursework from the College of Human and Environmental Services. Students pursuing BS in general studies degrees typically develop programs that align with specific careers in fields related to human and consumer services. All coursework can be completed online.
A Bachelor's Degree in Food and Nutrition
The BS degree in food and nutrition is designed for students who wish to pursue careers as registered dietitians in hospitals, schools, or residential care facilities. Students focus on the relationship between nutrition and human health, with an emphasis on disease prevention. After completing dietetic internships, students in the food and nutrition program can sit for the Registered Dietitian exam. All courses for this degree are offered online or via streaming video.
An Online Consumer Sciences Major With 2 Concentration Options
Students majoring in consumer sciences at the University of Alabama choose between 2 areas of specialization. The consumer affairs concentration places an emphasis on consumer communication, protection, and counseling, as well as on marketing and customer service. This concentration prepares students to work as consumer specialists in a variety of settings, from government agencies to Fortune 500 companies.
The family financial planning concentration prepares students for careers as financial planners or counselors. This concentration is registered with the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards. After completing the coursework for this concentration, students are eligible to take the CFP exam to become certified financial planners.
The Early Childhood Education Degree Completion Program at UA
UA offers a bachelor's degree completion program aimed at childcare professionals who currently hold associate's degrees in child development. Students with associate's degrees from an Alabama community college may transfer up to 60 hours of coursework to UA. Students without associate's degrees will need to complete additional core courses and an internship to meet graduation requirements.
The College of Human and Environmental Services also offers a Child Development Practitioner program designed specifically for teachers in Head Start programs.
An Online Bachelor's Degree in Hospitality
Students interested in a BS in hospitality specialize in executive restaurant and hospitality management or restaurant, hotel, and meetings management. Coursework for both concentrations can be completed online. Currently, there are about 200 students enrolled in the on-campus hospitality program and about 170 students enrolled online.
The executive restaurant and hospitality management program is selective. Applicants must be 25 years old or older and have a minimum of 3 years management experience in the hospitality industry. Applicants are also required to submit letters of recommendation and participate in phone interviews.
Online Graduate Certificates for Working Professionals
The College of Human and Environmental Services at the University of Alabama offers 2 online graduate certificates. The Graduate Certificate in Consumer Conflict Management, Negotiation, and Mediation is designed for professionals who want to improve communication and conflict resolution skills. The Graduate Certificate in Environmental Health and Safety Management is designed for individuals working in risk management, injury prevention, and industrial hygiene.
Both 15-hour certificates are available completely online, and credits may be applied toward an MS in HES, general studies.
A Master's Degree in Health Studies
The MS in health studies is designed for students who wish to take the Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) exam to become certified health education practitioners. The program prepares students for careers designing, implementing, and administering health promotion programs.
A Master of Science Degree in Consumer Sciences With a Specialty in Family Financial Planning
The MS in family financial planning prepares students for careers as financial planners or counselors. This program is registered with the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards. Students who complete the coursework sit for the CFP exam to become certified financial planners.
A Master's Degree Program With 5 Areas of Concentration
The MS degree in human and environmental studies (HES) is a 30-hour online program designed for working professionals. Students pursuing an MS degree may choose from a variety of specializations, including general studies; consumer quality management; interactive technology; nutrition; and restaurant and hospitality management.
Admissions and Financial Aid
Students applying for undergraduate programs at the University of Alabama must submit online application forms and transcripts from high school and any colleges attended. GPAs of at least 3.0 are required for students who graduated high school in the past 4 years. Students who graduated high school more than 4 years ago need minimum GPAs of 2.5. Minimum scores of 510 are required for students who took the GED. Students are encouraged to submit SAT or ACT scores.
Students applying for graduate programs must submit applications; personal statements; transcripts from all colleges attended; and 3 letters of recommendation. Applicants with GPAs of less than 3.0 must submit MAT or GRE test scores and professional portfolios.
Costs for the University of Alabama's distance learning programs include tuition, textbooks or software programs, and administrative fees. Tuition is the same for in-state and out-of-state students. Financial aid and scholarships are available.