University of Alabama Online

If you’re a person who wants to make a difference in every aspect of your life — including your career — there may be a degree for you at the University of Alabama Online. Several of our online degrees are designed for people who want their work to matter—whether that means championing public health, advocating for families, or guiding the next generation. Here are some of the UA online degrees that can help you shape a career that leaves a lasting mark. Public Health: Building Healthier Communities Picture yourself as the catalyst behind healthier neighborhoods—educating families, launching wellness initiatives, and shaping policies that protect the most vulnerable.  UA’s online Public Health degrees ( bachelor’s or master’s )  prepare you to tackle health challenges head-on, whether your passion lies in disease prevention, health education, or policy advocacy.  You’ll learn to design and lead programs that improve lives, preparing for roles in local health departments,...

If you're considering advancing your education in social work, you might wonder: is there a difference between an MSW and a DSW? While both degrees are significant milestones in the field of social work, they serve distinct purposes and lead to different career paths.  In this article, we'll explore the differences between these two degrees, focusing on what you can expect from a DSW program and how it prepares you for roles in leadership and academia. Understanding The Difference Between MSW and DSW Degrees MSW (Master of Social Work): This degree is considered the terminal degree for most social work practitioners. It equips students with the skills necessary for clinical practice, policy analysis, and community engagement. An MSW is typically required for licensure as a clinical social worker and is the standard for most social work positions, including roles in healthcare, child welfare, and non-profit organizations. DSW (Doctor of Social Work): A DSW is a doctoral-level d...

A Master’s degree in Social Work is for people who want a rewarding career that involves helping people and their communities. With this degree, you could be everything from a licensed therapist to a program director for a nonprofit . But how do you become one? In this article, we cover how to get into social work school and what to expect once you’ve been accepted into a program.  But first, you need to understand the differences between programs. What Types of MSW Programs Are There? The type of master’s degree in social work you pursue depends on what kind of social work career you want. If you have a specific focus, you may be interested in picking a program with a specialization. Some examples are programs for children and families or older adults (gerontology).  If you want to see what kind of social work you like first (you may be surprised what you enjoy doing), or if you want a broader understanding of how social work transforms communities, consider an Advanced Gener...

When considering online universities, rankings matter. They provide a snapshot of a program's quality, reputation, and overall value.  The University of Alabama Online consistently earns recognition as one of the highest-ranked online universities, making it a top choice for students seeking flexibility and excellence in higher education.  Here’s a look at UA Online’s rankings and why they matter. The University of Alabama’s Impressive Rankings UA Online programs are celebrated across multiple disciplines, earning top spots in prestigious rankings for online universities such as those from U.S. News & World Report and TheBestSchools.org. Highlights include: U.S. News & World Report 2025 Rankings #1 Best Online Master's in Nursing Programs for Veterans #6 in Best Online Master's in Nursing Programs overall #8 in Best Online Bachelor’s in Business Programs #19 in Best Online Master's in Education Programs (and #7 for veterans). #25 in Best Online Master's...