Program Overview

Research Laboratory Management Graduate Certificate

The Research Laboratory Management certificate prepares graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, faculty, and staff engaged in science-related research to effectively lead and manage all aspects of an active scientific laboratory. Managing laboratory needs, such as budgetary and regulatory/safety compliance, is essential for career success in today's research marketplace.

Why Research Laboratory Management?

Successfully managing a research laboratory requires training in a spectrum of related sub-fields, including but not limited to grant writing, research communication, regulatory compliance, entrepreneurship, and personnel management. The graduate certificate in Research Laboratory Management provides learners with the opportunity to master these skills through rigorous, interactive courses led by experienced faculty and instructors.

Why Research Laboratory Management at UAB?

With internationally recognized research-training programs, UAB is one of the premier research universities in the US. Recognizing the need for research laboratory management instruction at UAB, faculty from the UAB Heersink School of Medicine and the Collat School of Business have joined together with the Graduate School to formulate this graduate certificate. Upon completion of the certificate, you will have earned 15 graduate school credit hours, which may be applied to interdisciplinary degrees in accordance with institutional policies.

Who Will Benefit from Completing the Program?

• Graduate students and postdoctoral fellows interested in improving their research lab management skills for future employment as faculty or research administrators
• Faculty who want to improve their understanding of scientific lab management and research compliance
• Current lab managers and technicians seeking career advancement or transferable skills to enhance employment opportunities

Academic Plan

The program is 15 credit hours combined at the 600 (master) and 700 (doctoral) levels. To complete this graduate certificate, students must complete five required courses (9 credit hours total) and select two elective "skill builder" courses (6 credit hours total) to earn the remaining credits.

Required and Elective Courses

Required and elective courses are offered in various formats including evening, face-to-face, as well as online, hybrid, or weekend seminar.

Required/Core Courses

• GRD 773: Research Lab Management (3 CH, Fall: Hybrid)
• GRD 774: Introduction to Regulatory Compliance (1 CH, Spring: Hybrid)
• GRD 775: Research Lab Safety (1 CH, Summer: In-person)
• GRD/RLM 706: Grants and Fellowships (1 CH, Fall: Weekend Seminar)
• MBA 631: Management and Organization (3 CH, See MBA)

Electives: Choose 6 Credit Hours in Total

• MBA 601: Accounting and Finance for Managers (3 CH, See MBA)
• MENT 719: Introduction to Mentorship (3 CH, Spring: Online)
• RECM 701: Oral and Visual Communication (3 CH, Spring, Summer: Online)
• RECM 727: Writing and Reviewing Research (3 CH, Fall: Online, Spring: Online, Summer: Online)
• RECM 745: Research Communication and Diverse Audiences (3 CH, Fall: Online)
• GRD 709: Writing Fellowships (3 CH, Varies)

Faculty & Contact

Courses will be administered and taught by faculty in the UAB Collat School of Business MBA Program, the UAB Heersink School of Medicine, and instructors in the Graduate School's Office of Interdisciplinary Graduate & Professional Studies; (IGPS).

Course Requirements and Schedules

Any student with Graduate School standing (including non-degree seeking), postdoctoral fellow, or employee is eligible for enrollment. There are no pre-requisites.

Application Checklist

• Update your resume and/or CV.
• Write your personal statement to demonstrate how the Research Laboratory Management graduate certificate will support you in reaching your professional, academic, and/or personal goals.
• Identify and ask two people to write supportive letters of recommendation for you.
• Request official copies of all your academic transcripts to be sent to UAB graduate admissions.
• Complete the online application forms.
• Pay the application fee.

Admissions Requirements

• All applicants must submit an official transcript demonstrating that you have earned a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university with a 2.5 minimum grade point average.
• All applicants must submit a personal statement articulating why you seek to complete the Research Laboratory Management graduate certificate relative to your academic, professional, or personal goals.
• Complete and submit the UAB Graduate School Application.
• GRE and MCAT are not required to be admitted.

Enrollment in Research Laboratory Management Courses

Yes, you do not need to be admitted to the Research Laboratory Management certificate to take a LEAD course. LEAD courses are great electives for professional and leadership development skills.

• Anyone in the following UAB Student Communities may enroll into the Research Laboratory Management courses: Non-degree Seeking, Post-Bac, Graduate Students, Post-Doctoral Fellows.
• Current UAB Employees, including faculty and staff, may use tuition benefits to take individual Research Laboratory Management courses or apply directly to the Research Laboratory Management graduate certificate program.
• Community Members: Birmingham and Beyond, any professional outside of UAB who is interested in advancing their skills is welcome to apply to UAB's Research Laboratory Management graduate certificate.