School Details
Established in 1830, the University of North Alabama is Alabama’s oldest public 4-year university. The school’s mission as a regional, state-assisted institution is to engage in teaching, research, and service. For this purpose, the school provides educational opportunities in an environment for discovery and creative accomplishment. UNA also offers civic, professional, cultural, and economic development connections throughout the region.
UNA offers programs leading to bachelor’s and master’s degrees, many of which can be earned entirely online, from the following colleges:
- Arts & Sciences
- Business
- Education & Human Sciences
- Nursing
Accreditation & Licensing
University of North Alabama is accredited by:
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
All Programs
Art & Liberal Arts
University of North Alabama offers online Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degrees with a concentration in History to the prospective student. These programs prepare students to pursue entry-level professions or an advanced degree in history. Studies include but are not limited to:
- Historical research
- US History
- Senior thesis
A Bachelor of Arts in History also includes an introductory foreign language study. Courses are offered completely online and led by high-quality faculty. Small class sizes lend to individualized attention and a personalized degree experience. Take the academic step towards archiving, campaigning, information specialization, research, teaching, and more with North Alabama online.
Focus on a wide breadth of concentrations through a Bachelor of Arts or Science degree in Interdisciplinary Studies at the University of North Alabama online. These customizable programs help students navigate academic pathways when traditional majors do not meet student’s demands. Areas of emphasis for students to choose from include but are not limited to:
- Arts
- Business
- Organizational Leadership
- Technology
Students will work closely with an advisor through a curriculum developed in response to demands of employers today. Courses are available in completely online or hybrid formats, making coursework flexible to the working adult student. Enhance essential communication and critical thinking skills, enter the workplace with promise of advancement, or go on to pursue an advanced degree with North Alabama online.
Earn a Bachelor of Arts or Science degree in Political Science through University of North Alabama online. This customizable program is designed to be flexible for the working adult student. Studies for this degree include but are not limited to:
- Political Theory
- Public Policy
- Comparative Politics
Graduates are prepared to pursue graduate programs or law school. With a bachelor’s degree students may find pursuable entry-level jobs in government, policy, politics, and more. Many graduates of North Alabama online find esteemed positions in nonprofit, the private sector, management, and government.
University of Alabama online offers a Bachelor of Arts degree in Spanish to the nontraditional student. Courses are designed to be flexible and accessible to the working adult student. This unique program offers three separate options for focus, including:
- Spanish – Language and Culture
- Spanish for Commerce
- Spanish – Literature
Students must complete a general education component along with a chosen course of study. For those taking Spanish for Commerce, immersive studies in business will also be required. Expand your foreign language skills through written and oral communication, reading, and collaboration through North Alabama online.
The online Master of Arts in History degree program from the University of North Alabama is designed as a generalist program with an emphasis on U.S. history. With thesis and non-thesis options available, graduates are prepared to teach at the secondary level and beyond, pursue Ph.D. studies, and gain career or salary advancement in the fields of:
- Education
- Law
- Library Science
- Journalism
- Seminary Training
- Government
- Business
The online Master of Arts in Writing degree program from the University of North Alabama will provide you with experience in the types of writing required in today's professional, academic, technical, and creative communities. Courses in technical writing, grant writing, document design and publishing, and composition theory will prepare you for a variety of professional writing careers such as:
- Technical writer
- Content writer
- Editor
- Social media campaign leader
- Communication manager
Business
With the online Bachelor of Business Administration, students will have the freedom to work at their own pace even while working full-time. This program provides a faster and more affordable educational experience for working adults. Students will grow their leadership, communication, and management skills through the courses and projects.
Courses include, but are not limited to:
- Principles of management
- Entrepreneurship
- Human resource management
By obtaining the online bachelor’s degree in business administration, graduates will know how to identify business problems and offer appropriate solutions, deliver oral presentations, and identify features of global businesses. These skills, along with other broad knowledge, will allow graduates to navigate the business world with confidence. The online BBA is a solid educational investment for a successful business career.
Learn to develop unique approaches to challenges facing the hospitality industry with the online Bachelor of Science in Hospitality and Events Management. This online program offers practical business classes along with specific courses focused on food, beverage, and lodging. This online program prepares students to work in various sectors of the hospitality industry.
Course topics include, but are not limited to:
- Hospitality law
- Quantity food production
- Tourism and planning
In addition, students have the opportunity to complete internships and other collaborative events within the community. These hands-on learning opportunities help students to gain practical, real-world experience. The online bachelor’s degree program provides a solid educational foundation for anyone pursuing a career in hospitality.
The online Master of Accountancy program will equip students with the tools and knowledge needed for a successful career in accounting. This advanced degree will prepare students for professional certification. Professors bring real-world experience to the classroom and allow students to research case studies to apply that knowledge to their careers.
Classes include, but are not limited to:
- Advanced auditing
- Controllership
- Fraud examination
This program can be completed in 12-18 months for full-time students, or 24-30 months for part-time students. Graduates will have strong leadership and decision-making skills to take into their careers. The online master’s degree program in accountancy will give graduates a competitive advantage in the field.
The online MBA with a concentration in Accounting prepares students for advanced careers in accounting within business organizations. The curriculum includes core MBA courses along with courses in Accounting. Accounting courses provide professional skills and business knowledge essential for success in advancing professional accounting positions. MBA courses provide training in the theory and practice of business management. This is a challenging and relevant program that takes people from a wide range of undergraduate backgrounds and prepares them for Accounting careers.
Courses may include:
- Financial Statement Analysis
- Fraud Examination
- Controllership
- Business Combinations
- CPA Review Courses
The University of North Alabama offers an online Executive MBA. This program is designed to help rising managers and career professionals with five years of business experience. Graduates are prepared for the challenge of leading organizations. The program builds important skills in every major area of business through challenging and relevant coursework.
Courses in this program include:
- Information Systems Design and Project Management
- Strategic Microeconomic Analysis for Managers
- Corporate Governance
- Business Ethics and Responsibility in a Global Economy
- Global Business
- Corporate Financial Strategy
- Project Management
- Foundations of Business
The online MBA with a concentration in Finance prepares students for advanced careers in Finance. The curriculum combines courses in core MBA topics and in Finance courses. Courses prepare students for careers in banking, investment analysis, or corporate finance. You will study advanced financial management, security, and portfolio analysis. In addition, students will learn about the theory and practice of business management.
Courses may include:
- Accounting Information for Strategic Decision Making
- Information Systems Design and Project Management
- Strategic Microeconomic Analysis for Managers
- Business Ethics and Responsibility in a Global Economy
- Global Business
The online MBA with a concentration in Global Business from the University of North Alabama prepares students for advanced careers in global business. The concentration builds on business insight and principles to learn to support global and multicultural workforces effectively. Courses include global suppliers and customers in corporate strategy. In addition, you will learn about core MBA topics.
This includes courses in:
- Information Systems Design and Project Management
- Strategic Microeconomic Analysis for Managers
- Business Ethics and Responsibility in a Global Economy
- Global Business
- Corporate Financial Strategy
The online MBA with a concentration in Human Resource (HR) Management program is designed for individuals interested in advancing careers in this area. The curriculum prepares students for successful completion of the “HR Assurance of Learning Certificate.” You will also gain an advanced focus on the professional skills and knowledge essential for success in modern HR Management careers. This challenging and relevant program also includes courses in core MBA topics. These courses provide knowledge and skills in leadership, management, accounting, global business, ethics, finance, and more.
The online MBA with a concentration in Information Systems from the University of North Alabama prepares students for advanced careers in this field. You will complete courses in core MBA topics and in Information Systems topics. The MBA core courses offer a challenging and relevant program. They provide training in the theory and practice of business management and in leadership and management.
Information Systems courses build and strengthen technical and managerial skills to effectively apply and manage technology in enabling competitive advantage and tactical efficiency in global business environments. Courses may include:
- Software Engineering for the Enterprise
- Information Systems Management
- Database Management Systems
- Electronic Commerce
- Data Communications Systems in the Global Economy
The online MBA with a concentration in Project Management builds on an already established career as a project manager or project team member to prepare students for advanced careers. The program also prepares you to pursue further credentials in the project management area, including the knowledge and skills required for the Project Management Institute (PMI) Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) certification exam or the Project Management Professional (PMP) certification exam. Courses focus on developing critical methodologies for managing projects and successfully interacting with organizational processes in business environments.
You will take courses in:
- Project Management
- Cases in Applied Project Management
- Leadership and Team Building
In addition, students complete core MBA topics that will provide training in the theory and practice of business management, including leadership, accounting, global business, finance, and ethics.
The University of North Alabama offers an online MBA with a concentration in Sales & New Business Development. The Sales and New Business Development concentration provides individuals with the professional skills and business knowledge essential for success in professional selling and new business development careers.
You may take such courses as:
- Sales Techniques for New Business Development
- Sales Management Strategies for New Business Development
- Category Management
- Private and Government Contract Business
- Purchasing, Logistics, and Supply Chain Management
- Key Account Management
In addition, students complete courses in core MBA courses. You will gain training in the theory and practice of business management and in leadership, among other areas of business administration.
Computer Science & IT
The online Master of Professional Studies degree program from the University of North Alabama is an applied professional program with workforce development, organizational leadership, and personal development at its core. The curriculum offers a thesis or non-thesis option, with students choosing one of the following areas of focus:
- Higher Education Administration
- Community Development
- Security & Safety Leadership
- Information Technology
Criminal Justice, Safety & Law
The online Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice program prepares students for graduate study, law school, or employment in law enforcement, corrections, court administration, security and emergency management, and more. The interdisciplinary curriculum provides a broad knowledge base in criminal justice, including courses in forensics, criminal justice, psychology and sociology, intelligence and security, political science, and emergency response and disaster management. You will gain an understanding of the field while improving skills in critical thinking, reasoning, writing, research, and more. The Bachelor of Arts program requires courses in a foreign language.
The online Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice program prepares students for graduate study, law school, or employment in law enforcement, corrections, court administration, security and emergency management, and more. The interdisciplinary curriculum provides a broad knowledge base in criminal justice, including courses in forensics, criminal justice, psychology and sociology, intelligence and security, political science, and emergency response and disaster management. You will gain an understanding of the field while improving skills in critical thinking, reasoning, writing, research, and more.
The online Master of Science in Criminal Justice program prepares students for employment in law enforcement, corrections, court administration, security and emergency management, and more. Students will take required courses that provide knowledge on crime in America, research methods in the field, and criminological theory, and the rest of the program is comprised of electives that allow students to shape the curriculum to suit their interests and goals. You can choose from a wide variety of electives, including:
- Forensic Investigation
- Victimology
- Psychological Dimensions of Criminal Justice Practice
- Contemporary Issues in Juvenile Justice
- Nature and Function of the American Judicial System
Education
Help some of the youngest students get set up for educational success with this online elementary education degree. Study issues and trends in the area of elementary studies. Courses cover such topics as:
- Cultural leadership
- Students with disabilities
- Ethics and professionalism
Graduates will be leaders in and out of the classroom.
This is a Class AA certification degree.
The Education Specialist degree in Instructional Leadership at the University of North Alabama is offered in an online format. Students will study a curriculum that addresses advanced curriculum development techniques and professional standards in instructional leadership. Through the program, students will be qualified for more opportunities to become instruction and curriculum design leaders.
Climb the career ladder with this online educational leadership degree. Prepare for a leadership role in a teaching environment. The curriculum addresses such areas as:
- Digital-age leadership
- Cultural leadership
- Coaching and mentoring
- Curriculum development
This is a flexible degree. The online format of the program ensures students are able to balance their educations and careers.
The Master of Arts in Education degree at the University of North Alabama is offered for individuals with a bachelor’s degree who seek professional expertise in teaching. The Collaborative/Special Education specialization curriculum outlines areas including behavior analysis, exceptional learning needs, and special education law. Graduates will pursue careers working closely with young children and their families.
The Master of Arts in Education degree at the University of North Alabama is offered for individuals with a bachelor’s degree who seek professional expertise in teaching. The Early Childhood Education specialization (P-3) curriculum was designed to provide P-3 teachers with leadership experience for educating young minds. Graduates will pursue careers working closely with young children and their families.
The Master of Arts in Education degree at the University of North Alabama is offered for individuals with a bachelor’s degree who seek professional expertise in teaching. The Elementary Education specialization (K-6) curriculum includes classes on instructional technology, issues with K-6th graders, assessments and surveys for students with disabilities, and more. Graduates will pursue careers working closely with young children and their families.
Become a leader of learning. This online educational leadership degree integrates theory, reflection, and applied leadership opportunities. The curriculum focuses on the development of essential knowledge, skills, and abilities. Graduates are engaged, collaborative, and effective educational leaders.
Coursework includes hands-on experiences, allowing you to put your new knowledge and skills to work while under expert supervision. While you are completing your education, this online educational leadership degree allows you to successfully balance your career and education.
Enroll in this secondary education degree online and advance professional opportunities. Prepare for a career outside of the classroom. This degree is for those who are seeking professional development in training in either Instructional Design or something outside of the traditional school environment.
The flexibility found with this secondary education degree online is great. Choose your area of focus based on your career goals from a wide range of possible applications. Plus, you have the opportunity to study wherever it is convenient.
Enroll in this instructional design degree online and advance your professional opportunities. In today’s world, it is hard, if not impossible, to escape technology, and the field of education is no different. Prepare to take your place as a professional who is capable of bringing technology into the classroom.
You will study how to create innovative learning experiences with technologies. The program enables problem solvers to bring unique value to organizations by being able to convey solutions grounded in instructional design theories. You will be able to improve learning, productivity, and job performance by applying foundational instructional design principles.
Customize your degree by choosing between two tracks:
- Instructional Design for Teaching, Learning, and Leading
- Workplace Design and Performance Improvement
Healthcare
Combine business and healthcare with the Bachelor of Science in Applied Health Science with a concentration in Health Administration. This online healthcare administration degree prepares leaders who use data to make decisions. Courses, taught by an experienced faculty, are built on a foundation of real-world experience. Learn to help your community, nonprofits, and organizations after developing knowledge, competencies, and skills in healthcare management, health policy, and more. The curriculum in the online healthcare administration specialization includes these courses:
- Health Administration and Strategic Planning
- Budgeting and Finance
- Principles of Resource Management and Supervision
With the flexibility only found in online learning, this healthcare administration degree ensures graduates are able to offer quality care and ethical decision-making.
University of North Alabama offers an online MBA with a concentration in Health Care Management. This program develops knowledge of policies, procedures, and standards to help meet the growing demand for management at medical facilities.
Courses may include:
- Issues in Health Care Management
- Strategic Planning for Health Care Management
- Marketing for Health Care Management
MBA courses provide training in the theory and practice of business management. This includes topics such as leadership, management, accounting, global business, and ethics.
Nursing
The online RN to BSN degree completion program from the University of North Alabama provides a flexible, convenient option for registered nurses seeking to expand their education and skills to advance their careers. Coursework builds upon students' existing experience and competencies, exploring topics such as:
- Community Health
- Nursing Research
- Health and Physical Assessment
- Leadership and Management in Nursing
- Quality and Safety
- Nursing Concepts, Issues, and Theories
The Master of Science in Nursing program from the University of North Alabama offers an online Family Nurse Practitioner concentration. Students in this degree track gain the education and experience preparing them to provide patient-centered and evidence-based healthcare for individuals of all ages.
Graduates of this online Nurse Practitioner program are eligible to sit for the national FNP certification exam. Students are able to select their own clinical locations within their local community. Clinical courses focus on specific populations including adult and geriatric, female, and pediatric.
Some of the topics covered in coursework include:
- Advanced pathophysiology
- Health policy, social issues, and theory
- Diversity, ethics, health promotion, and informatics
- Advanced pharmacology
Students pursuing the Master of Science in Nursing from the University of North Alabama can choose from three degree tracks. The specialization in Nursing in Teaching-Learning Environments gives nurses the tools they need to educate nursing students, clients, and healthcare colleagues.
The program allows students to select a clinical area of focus such as adult health, women’s health, or pediatrics.Students learn how to utilize ethical decision-making, technology, and communication skills. Graduates are qualified to serve as faculty members at colleges and universities or provide education in a clinical setting.
The University of North Alabama offers online students three choices with the Master of Science in Nursing program. One of these options, Nursing Leadership in Organizational Environments, gives nurses the knowledge and skills they need for management roles in healthcare settings.
This degree track prepares students for the politics and legislation affecting healthcare, as well as budgeting, economics, and management knowledge. The clinical courses for this degree can be arranged by the student and completed in their local area. Graduates will have the skills necessary to work in collaborative relationships across disciplines to improve patient and population health outcomes.
Nurses with a master’s degree can pursue the online Post-Graduate APRN Certificate in Family Nurse Practitioner from the University of North Alabama. The program is designed for nurses seeking a new specialty or subspecialty area of advanced practice nursing.
In addition to online coursework, students complete a minimum of 600 hours of clinical work and attend two on-campus intensive experiences. Courses in advanced health assessment, pharmacology, and pathophysiology can be completed as a part of the curriculum if not previously completed in a master’s program or completed more than five years ago. Graduates are eligible for national certification as a Family Nurse Practitioner.
The University of North Alabama offers an online Post-Graduate APRN Certificate in Leadership for nurses with an existing master’s degree. The program is designed for nurses pursuing a new specialty or subspecialty area of advanced practice nursing.
Students can choose either a clinical or non-clinical track for this certificate. The clinical option focuses on either mid-level or upper-level leadership and management experiences. Non-clinical students take a course in evidence-based practice and nursing scholarship.
Courses cover topics including:
- Business concepts for nurses
- Quality improvement in nursing practice
- Leadership and management in nursing
A Post-Graduate APRN Certificate in Teaching/Learning is available to nurses with a master’s degree who are interested in teaching nursing students and fellow nurses in educational and clinical settings. This online certificate program is designed for nurses pursuing a new specialty or subspecialty area of advanced practice nursing.
Students in this online nurse educator program can choose either a clinical or non-clinical track. Clinical courses can focus on either academic or patient teaching. Non-clinical students take a course in evidence-based practice and nursing scholarship.
Other courses in the program include:
- Curriculum development in collegiate nursing programs
- Evaluation in collegiate nursing programs
- Teaching the healthcare consumer and provider
Psychology & Human Services
The University of North Alabama offers an online sociology degree program, the Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science in Sociology. This program is designed for individuals interested in beginning careers or taking the first step in an education that studies society and how it affects human behavior. Students will analyze the effects of such forces as culture, socialization, crime, social inequality, family, religion, and education, among others. You will examine the biological, psychological, and sociological aspects of issues in society, emphasizing community services. Courses also look at the historical aspect of sociocultural change and the relationship among economic, psychological, and sociological variables as well as the concepts, processes, and theories in the field.
Other topics may include:
- Minority Groups
- Gerontology
- Medicine
- Criminology
- Populations
- Leisure and Recreation