Program Overview

Introduction to the Accelerated Bachelor's/Master's (ABM) Program in Psychology

The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) offers an Accelerated Bachelor's/Master's (ABM) option for highly motivated undergraduates who wish to fast-track their graduate education in Psychology. This program allows current UAB psychology undergraduates to earn graduate credit while completing their bachelor's degree, reducing time and cost, and fast-tracking them toward their career goals.

Master of Arts (M.A.) in Psychology

UAB's Master of Arts (M.A.) in Psychology provides flexible pathways designed to meet academic and professional goals. The program offers rigorous training, hands-on experiences, and personalized mentorship to prepare students for the next step in their career.

Choose Your Path: Plan I vs. Plan II

Students have two options for completing the M.A. in Psychology: Plan I and Plan II. The key distinction between the two plans is that Plan I requires a thesis, while Plan II replaces the thesis with additional coursework and applied experiences designed to strengthen professional skills.

Plan I: Thesis Track

Plan I is designed for students interested in academic, research-focused careers. It is ideal for those planning to work in research settings or pursue doctoral study. Students in this track engage in mentored research culminating in a Master's thesis, which may be developed as a publishable scientific manuscript. Career outcomes for Plan I include:

• Research assistants, analysts, or coordinators in academic institutions
• Data analysts or evaluation specialists in research, education, or industry settings
• Research coordinators in healthcare or public health organizations
• Program coordinators or managers in nonprofit, healthcare, or community organizations
• Policy, outreach, or communications roles in governmental or advocacy organizations

Plan II: Non-Thesis Track

Plan II does not require a thesis. Instead, students complete additional coursework, such as a teaching practicum, which may include serving as a teaching assistant or instructing an undergraduate course. Students may also complete additional applied training opportunities, such as community-based practica, and advanced coursework across psychology subfields. Career outcomes for Plan II include:

• Program coordinators or managers in nonprofit, healthcare, or community organizations
• Data analysts or evaluation specialists in research, education, or industry settings
• Policy, outreach, or communications roles in governmental or advocacy organizations
• Academic advising, student success, or other higher education support roles
• Compliance manager, employee trainer, recruiter, sales representative, or customer services officer
• Post-secondary psychology instructor

Why Choose the M.A. in Psychology at UAB?

The M.A. in Psychology program at UAB offers several benefits, including:

• Learning from nationally recognized faculty who are leaders in research and practice
• Engaging in collaborative research opportunities across psychology and the health sciences
• Receiving career-focused training tailored to individual goals and interests
• Developing teaching, leadership, and applied skills through hands-on experiences
• Preparing for a wide range of careers, including human resources, coaching, case management, outreach, research, and program coordination
• Building a strong foundation to pursue advanced doctoral programs in psychology

Application Requirements

The ABM application is open for Fall and Spring admission, with deadlines on July 1 for Fall admission and November 1 for Spring admission. Required application materials include:

• Two letters of recommendation
• Personal statement explaining why you are applying to ABM in Psychology and how it will benefit your professional development
• Resume or CV
• The ABM form
• Plan 1 or 2 supplemental question

ABM Requirements

To be eligible for the ABM program, students must:

• Have earned 60 or more undergraduate hours, at least 36 of which must be earned at UAB
• Have a 3.50 overall undergraduate GPA
• Have completed a statistics course with a B or better
• Have completed a research methods course with a B or better
• Students in Plan I must have completed at least one term of research experience and have identified a research mentor who is able to serve as their thesis mentor.