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The Academic Planning Calendar 2025–2026 outlines the pathways for developing academic programs, providing a structured timeline and process for proposing, reviewing, and implementing new academic initiatives. The calendar is organized by month and includes key deadlines for submitting proposals to various review bodies such as department committees, college curriculum committees, the Office of Academic Affairs, and the Alabama Commission on Higher Education (ACHE). Each pathway has a specific final approval date, helping you determine when you can market and recruit for the program or implement the approved changes.

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Scheduled Academic Program Review
At the University of Alabama at Birmingham, Academic Program Review is a crucial part of our dedication to continuous improvement, academic excellence, and strategic planning. This process guarantees that each program aligns with institutional goals, meets high standards of quality, and stays responsive to the changing needs of students, employers, and society. Through collaborative assessment and evidence-based reflection, we promote innovation, accountability, and the long-term success of our academic programs.
This process is also required by SACSCOC and the UA Board of Trustees to help academic programs evaluate their strengths and areas for growth in relation to their mission, vision, goals, student success, and student achievement. All academic degree programs are included in this review every eight years, with annual follow-up. Academic Program Review is coordinated by the Office of Institutional Effectiveness and Analysis (IEA).
Conducting regular program reviews is key to satisfying the requirements of the University of Alabama System (UAS), aligning with Board Rule 504 and maintaining high educational standards. Please contact Dr. Katrina Mintz (kmintz@uab.edu) if you have questions about the review process.
Download Scheduled Program Reviews
Program APR Cyber Security (M.S.) 2025 Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics (Ph.D.) 2025 Cell Biology (Ph.D.) 2025 Cellular and Molecular Physiology (Ph.D.) 2025 Genetics (Ph.D.) 2025 Microbiology (Ph.D.) 2025 Multidisciplinary Biomedical Science (M.S.) 2025 Accelerated Multidisc Biomedical Sci 2025 Bioinformatics 2025 Cancer Biology 2025 Immunology 2025 Genetics & Genomic Sciences 2025 Neuroscience 2025 Pharmacology 2025 Neurobiology (Ph.D.) 2025 Pathology (Ph.D.) 2025 Pharmacology & Toxicology (Ph.D.) 2025 Educational Studies in Diverse Populations (Ph.D.) 2025 Masters of Engineering (M.Eng) 2025 History (B.A.) 2025 Anthropology Peace & Human Rights (M.A.) 2026 Applied Developmental Psychology (M.S.) 2026 Applied Developmental Psychology (Ph.D.) 2026 Art History (M.A.) 2026 Kinesiology (M.S.) 2026 Biomedical Engineering (M.S.B.M.E.) 2026 Biomedical Engineering (Ph.D.) 2026 Rehabilitation Science (Ph.D.) 2026 Anthropology (B.A.) 2026 Communication Studies (B.A.) 2026 Criminal Justice (B.S.) 2026 Digital Forensics (B.S.) 2026 Applied Mathematics (Ph.D.) 2027 Behavioral Neuroscience (M.S.) 2027 Cultural Heritage Studies (M.A.) 2027 Learning Design and Learning Sciences (M.S.) - Online 2027 Civil Engineering (Ph.D.) 2027 Electrical & Computer Engineering (M.S.E.C.E) 2027 English (B.A.) 2027 Genetic & Genomic Sciences (B.S.) 2027 International Studies (B.A.) 2027 Medical Sociology (B.S.) 2027 Behavioral Neuroscience (Ph.D.) 2028 Biology (M.S.) 2028 Interdisciplinary Engineering (Ph.D.) 2028 Master of Science in Engineering Management (M.S.E.M.) 2028 Mathematics (B.S.) 2028 Natural Science (B.S.) 2028 Biology (Ph.D.) 2029 Communication Management (M.A.) 2029 Materials Engineering (M.S.Mt.E) 2029 Neuroscience (B.S.) 2029 Philosophy (B.A.) 2029 Computer Science (M.S.) 2030 Computer Science (Ph.D.) 2030 Materials Engineering (Ph.D.) 2030 Materials Science (Ph.D.) 2030 Physics (B.S.) 2030 Political Science (B.A.) 2030 Criminal Justice (M.S.C.J.) 2031 Data Science (M.S.) 2031 English (M.A.) 2031 Mechanical Engineering (M.S.M.E) 2031 Mechanical Engineering (Ph.D.) 2031 Psychology (B.S.) 2031 Sociology (B.A.) 2031 World Languages and Literatures (B.A.) 2031 History (M.A.) 2032 Mathematics (M.S.) 2032 Neuroengineering (Ph.D) 2032 Physics (M.S.) 2033 Physics (Ph.D.) 2033 Psychology (M.A.) 2034 Public Administration (M.P.A.) 2034 Sociology (M.A.) 2035 -
Creation, Revision, or Closure of Academic Degree Programs
This tab serves as your centralized resource for faculty and administrators involved in the creation, revision, or closure of full academic degree programs. Here, you’ll find all the necessary forms, templates, and guidance to support both internal university workflows and external reporting requirements. Whether you are proposing a new degree program, updating an existing one, or initiating program closure, this resource provides comprehensive support throughout the process. Additionally, it includes detailed information on dual, joint, and collaborative academic programs, along with sample Memorandums of Understanding, all aligned with the SACSCOC Substantive Change Policy to ensure compliance and institutional integrity.
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Certificate Programs
This tab serves as your centralized resource for faculty and administrators involved in the development, modification, or discontinuation of academic certificate programs. It provides access to all required forms, templates, and guidance to support both internal university processes and external compliance requirements. Whether you are proposing a new certificate, updating an existing one, or initiating its closure, this site offers comprehensive support throughout the entire lifecycle.
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Other Additions/Alterations
New Option for Existing Program Notification New Academic Department New Academic Courses -
Academic Program Evaluation
Academic Program Review and evaluation are essential components in the curriculum lifecycle, ensuring that academic offerings remain relevant, effective, and aligned with institutional goals. This tab provides faculty and administrators with centralized access to resources supporting post-implementation review, academic program assessment, and comprehensive program evaluation. Whether you are refining outcomes, analyzing performance, or preparing for scheduled reviews, the tools and guidance found here will help you maintain the quality and integrity of UAB’s academic programs.
Post-Implementation Academic Program Review – UAB APR Guidelines Programmatic Assessment -
Substantive Change
Substantive change refers to significant modifications or expansions in an institution’s academic offerings or operations that require notification or approval from SACSCOC. Currently, SACSCOC identifies 52 categories of substantive change, each tied to federal regulations that govern institutional accreditation. As such, both UAB policies and SACSCOC guidelines must be followed to ensure compliance. This section provides essential information and resources to help faculty and administrators navigate the substantive change process. Changes impacting full academic degree programs and certificate programs are addressed in their respective tabs. If you have questions or need to discuss a potential substantive change, please contact UAB’s SACSCOC Institutional Accreditation Liaison, Dr. Katrina Mintz, at kmintz@uab.edu.