University of Alabama in Huntsville

Known as “The Rocket City” for its history with US space missions, Huntsville, Alabama, has played an important role in developing space technology since the 1950s. Huntsville serves as the seat of Madison County where more than 460,000 residents live, work, and play in the verdant foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, where a temperate climate ensures that there’s no shortage of outdoor recreation. The area has a robust economy thanks to such federal and non-profit stalwarts as Redstone Arsenal, NASA, Cummings Research Park, and the HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology. Yet despite its growth over the years from a quiet agricultural town to a high-tech business hub, Huntsville and its environs have managed to retain a small-town charm and relaxed pace of life.

Bachelor Courses in English
Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences; Business; Engineering; Science.   Students taking a full course load normally register for 12-15 semester credit hours, which represents 4-5 courses each meeting 3 hours per week.  For course information, click here.

Note: Enrollment in Nursing, Education and Professional Studies courses is not possible.
Note: Visa regulations restrict enrollment in online-courses.

Master Courses in English
Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences; Business; Engineering; Science.  Students taking a full course load normally register for 9-12 semester credit hours, which represents 3-4 courses each meeting 3 hours per week (or 6-9 semester credits during the summer, representing 2-3 courses).  For course information, click here.

Note: Enrollment in Nursing, Education and Professional Studies courses is not possible.
Note: Visa regulations restrict enrollment in online-courses.

Thesis/Final Project Work
Bachelor- or master-level students may be able to work on their thesis or final project while studying at UAH; however, it would be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Accreditations
The university holds a variety of accreditations.

Orientation
Orientation is a one-day event prior to the start of the semester.

Internships
Not possible

Part-Time Employment
Part-time employment is not possible.

Students with Disabilities
Information is available online.

Grades & Transcripts
The university uses a four point/letter grade evaluation system.  For additional details on transfer of credits, please refer to the Student Guidebook.

Students must request a copy of their transcript at the end of their exchange term; there is no fee for the first transcript.

Health Insurance
Health insurance must be purchased through the university. The approximate cost for the fall semester is $541 and the spring semester is $488.

International Student Fee
$150. This fee provides for administration, documents and advising.

Textbooks
$400-700, depending on courses.

All non-US citizens are required to obtain either an F-1 or J-1 visa to study in the United States.

Housing
On-campus suites.  On-campus housing offers fully furnished 1-, 2- or 4-person suites consisting of a common area, kitchenette and private bathroom(s). Costs are approximately $3,162-$3,960 per semester.

Meals
An optional meal plan may be purchased.

Transportation
Fly into Huntsville, Alabama (HSV). Airport pick-up is possible if arrangements are made with the Office of International Services at least one month prior to arrival.

There is a limited public transportation available in Huntsville.

Entertainment
Huntsville is home to Alabama’s top paid tourist attraction, the US Space & Rocket Center, the world’s largest space museum. In addition, you’ll find attractions related to science, engineering, and technology, along with a variety of outdoor activities. The university also hosts over 175 student organizations, which allow students to share interests, network, volunteer, plan programs, and have fun! These organizations cover the spectrum of activities and interests, from the Pep Band and the Space Hardware Club to Student-Run eSports and the Medieval Combat and Culture Group. The university offers outdoor recreation activities, competitive intramural leagues, and club sports. In addition, outdoor recreation trips to locations in the Tennessee Valley and beyond are planned periodically throughout the year. The heart of the UAH campus is at Charger Union (CU). With a 100,000 square feet building, Charger Union provides work-spaces, entertainment, and other meeting spaces, along with a 300+ seat cinema theatre.

Shopping
A variety of food, grocery, and retail options is available throughout Huntsville. Most businesses are open from 9am – 5pm Monday to Friday.  Larger shopping outlets are open during the evenings and/or weekend.

Climate
Huntsville has a humid subtropical climate. It experiences hot, humid summers and generally mild winters, with average high temperatures ranging from 32°C in the summer to 9°C during winter.