Frequently Asked Questions

Accreditation

Is the University of West Alabama Accredited?
The University of West Alabama (UWA) is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) to award associate, bachelor, master and doctoral degrees. SACS is one of six regional accreditation associations recognized by the U.S. Department of Education that accredits colleges and universities in 11 U.S. southern states and Latin America. 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, (404) 679-4501

The UWA College of Education is accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE), and is a member of the American Association of State Colleges and Universities, the American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education, the Conference of Southern Graduate Schools, the Council of Colleges of Arts and Sciences, and the Teacher Education Council of State Colleges and Universities.

The UWA College of Business is accredited by the Association for Collegiate Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP).

Detailed information regarding SACS, NCATE and ACBSP can be found by visiting the following websites.

Online Programs

How are UWA and Columbia Southern University (CSU) affiliated?
CSU, one of the nation's first completely online universities, is a UWA marketing associate and assists with promoting UWA online programs. All degree programs are administered by UWA faculty and staff.

How can I tell which UWA programs are offered completely online?
The programs listed as UWA Online are available completely online. However, the Non-Traditional and Educational Leadership programs are not available online.

Where can I find a list of available courses?
A course schedule listing the available courses for each semester is available at www.columbiasouthern.edu/UWA. The academic calendar with session start and end dates can also be found by visiting this site.

Are online programs the same as those offered to resident students?
Yes, a degree earned online is the same as a degree earned on the UWA campus in Livingston. Online program curriculum and requirements are not any different from traditional on-campus courses. Therefore, your diploma will not indicate that your degree was earned online.

How can I access my coursework?
Coursework can be accessed through the Blackboard Learning System. You are assigned a username and password when you enroll.

Will my instructors be available for guidance and questions?
Yes, all online instructors can be contacted via email and many even keep office hours on the UWA campus allowing you to reach them via phone. Each instructor will provide you with his/her contact information when you begin a course.

Where can I find textbook information?
Where can I find textbook information? Textbooks are available through the UWA Online Bookstore at https://www.uwa.edu/bookstore/candypress/Scripts/default.asp. Please be advised that UWA policy requires that students use the most recent edition of course texts if you prefer to use another retailer.

Are library resources available for online students?
Yes, all UWA students have access to an electronic library with hundreds of full-text journals and periodicals.

Admissions Polices and Procedures

How do I apply for admission?
Visit www.columbiasouthern.edu/UWA to complete the online admission application and submit the $50 application processing fee.

Can I register for classes the same day I apply?
Yes, you may submit your application and register for classes at the same time. You can even begin classes while your application is in pending status.

What documentation must I submit for admission?
You must submit all official transcripts from institutions you have earned previous academic credit from. Those applying for entry into a UWA graduate program must submit their Graduate Record Exam (GRE) or the Miller Analogies Test (MAT) score. Master of Education or Master of Arts in Teaching applicants must also submit a copy of a permanent and valid teaching certificate.

Can I be admitted if I haven't taken the GRE or MA?
Yes, you can be admitted on a temporary status with approval from the School of Graduate Studies Dean. However, you must submit a score after completing the first 12 hours of your program.

Does UWA award transfer credit?
Yes, UWA does accept credit earned from other accredited institutions. A maximum of 60 credit hours may be transferred from a two-year college or vo-tech school into the Bachelor of Science in Technology, and anywhere from 9 to 21 credit hours may be transferred into the graduate education programs depending on which one you choose.

Financial Information

What is the cost of completing an undergraduate degree with UWA?
The cost of each undergraduate semester hour of credit is $275 or $825 per three hour course.

What is the cost of completing a graduate degree with UWA?
The cost of each graduate semester hour of credit is $308 or $925 per three hour course.

Is financial aid available for UWA programs?
Yes, you may apply for subsidized and unsubsidized Federal Stafford Loans by filing the free application for federal student aid. Typically, a student must be enrolled in one graduate or two graduate courses per semester and be considered a half-time student to qualify for federal student loans. Please call (205) 652-3576 for more information. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Is UWA approved to offer tuition assistance?
tuition assistance is available for all active and some retired military personnel through TA, DANTES or VA benefits.