University of North Alabama Rankings

The University of North Alabama (UNA), located in Florence, Alabama, is the first state-chartered institution in Alabama, offering a diverse range of undergraduate and graduate programs in a wide variety of disciplines. Established in 1830 as LaGrange College, UNA has a long and storied history of providing higher education to students in the region. Today, the university offers an array of academic programs through four academic colleges: the College of Arts and Sciences, the College of Business, the College of Education, and the College of Nursing and Allied Health. UNA’s educational approach focuses on fostering intellectual growth, critical thinking, and professional development, all within a nurturing and inclusive environment.

One of the defining characteristics of UNA is its commitment to providing accessible, high-quality education at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. The university’s academic offerings are diverse and wide-ranging, spanning disciplines as varied as business administration, criminal justice, community counseling, education, nursing, and the arts and sciences. Through its four academic colleges, UNA provides students with the opportunity to gain specialized knowledge and skills in their chosen fields while also cultivating a broad understanding of the world through its liberal arts foundation. This combination of practical training and intellectual rigor equips UNA graduates to succeed in a wide range of careers, from healthcare and education to business and the arts.

The College of Arts and Sciences, UNA’s largest academic unit, offers a diverse array of departments and programs that prepare students for a variety of professions. The College includes departments in subjects such as art, biology, chemistry and industrial hygiene, communications, criminal justice, English, entertainment industry, foreign languages, geography, history and political science, mathematics and computer science, military science, music and theatre, physics and earth science, psychology, social work, and sociology. This wide-ranging array of disciplines allows students to tailor their education to their specific interests and career goals. Within the College of Arts and Sciences, students can pursue degrees in fields ranging from the humanities and social sciences to the natural sciences, preparing them for careers in law, education, healthcare, public policy, business, and the arts.

The Department of Art within the College of Arts and Sciences offers a comprehensive program in the visual arts, with degree programs leading to a Bachelor of Arts (BA), Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA), and Bachelor of Science (BS) in art. This program provides students with a strong foundation in both the technical and creative aspects of art, equipping them with the skills necessary to succeed as professional artists, educators, or arts administrators. The program’s emphasis on both the theory and practice of art ensures that students graduate with a well-rounded understanding of the art world and its various industries.

UNA’s College of Business provides students with a solid foundation in business principles and practices, preparing them for careers in a variety of fields such as finance, marketing, management, and entrepreneurship. The College offers degree programs in areas such as accounting, business law, management and marketing, economics, and computer information systems. The College is accredited by the Association of Collegiate Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP), ensuring that students receive an education that meets high standards of quality and rigor. The program’s curriculum combines theoretical knowledge with practical experience, providing students with the tools they need to succeed in the fast-paced and ever-evolving business world.

In addition to its undergraduate programs, the College of Business also offers a graduate program in business administration, allowing students to pursue a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree. This advanced program is designed for individuals who wish to further their careers in business leadership and management. The MBA program offers students the opportunity to develop their skills in areas such as strategic management, finance, marketing, and organizational behavior, preparing them for high-level positions in the business world.

The College of Education at UNA plays a crucial role in the university’s mission to provide high-quality education to the region. The College offers degree programs in both elementary and secondary education, as well as programs in community counseling and social work. These programs are designed to prepare students for careers in education, counseling, and social services, equipping them with the knowledge and skills necessary to serve as effective educators and counselors. UNA’s teacher preparation programs are accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE), ensuring that students receive a rigorous, high-quality education that meets national standards.

The College of Nursing and Allied Health offers degree programs in nursing, with a focus on both undergraduate and graduate education. The College offers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree, as well as an online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program. The Flex-Track RN to BSN Online program is designed for registered nurses who wish to complete their bachelor’s degree in nursing while balancing work and family commitments. UNA’s nursing programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), ensuring that students receive a high-quality education that prepares them to meet the demands of the healthcare industry. The university’s emphasis on clinical experience and practical training ensures that nursing students graduate with the skills and confidence necessary to provide exceptional care to patients.

UNA’s commitment to academic excellence is reflected in its accreditation by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACSCOC), which allows the university to confer bachelor’s, master’s, and education specialist degrees. The university also holds professional accreditations in several specialized fields, including the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET), the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD), and the National League for Nursing (NLN). These accreditations ensure that UNA’s programs meet the highest standards of quality and rigor, providing students with an education that is both academically challenging and professionally relevant.

In addition to its academic strengths, UNA has earned recognition for its commitment to student success and community engagement. The university is consistently ranked among the top universities in the South by U.S. News & World Report. In the 2010 edition of "America’s Best Colleges," UNA was ranked in Tier 3 among Master’s Universities in the South, and it was ranked 56th among the top tier Master’s Universities in the South in the 2008 edition. These rankings reflect UNA’s dedication to providing high-quality education at an affordable price, making it an attractive option for students seeking a comprehensive, well-rounded educational experience.

UNA’s commitment to serving its students and the broader community has also been recognized by various organizations. The university is proud to be a part of the Florence community, which is rich in cultural, literary, and historical significance. UNA’s location on the Tennessee River provides students with access to a vibrant cultural scene, as well as opportunities for internships and work experiences in a variety of industries. The university’s strong ties to the local community enhance students’ educational experiences and provide them with the chance to engage with the world outside the classroom.

UNA also places a strong emphasis on providing students with the resources and support they need to succeed both academically and personally. The university offers a range of services designed to support student success, including academic advising, career counseling, tutoring, and extracurricular activities. UNA’s commitment to fostering a supportive and inclusive campus environment ensures that students have the resources they need to thrive and achieve their goals.

In conclusion, the University of North Alabama is a respected institution of higher education with a rich history and a commitment to providing students with a comprehensive, high-quality education. Through its four academic colleges, UNA offers a wide range of programs that prepare students for careers in business, education, nursing, the arts, and the sciences. The university’s strong academic programs, coupled with its commitment to student success and community engagement, make it an attractive option for students seeking a well-rounded, affordable education. As UNA continues to grow and evolve, it will undoubtedly remain a vital educational resource for the region, equipping students with the skills, knowledge, and experience they need to succeed in their chosen fields.