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Research Laboratory Management Graduate Certificate

The  Research Laboratory Management (RLM) certificate prepares graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, faculty and staff, who are 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.

Who Will Benefit from RLM courses?

  • 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

Questions?

 

  • Course Details

    The RLM graduate certificate can be completed within four semesters when students enroll in 3 to 4 credit hours per semester.

    Required Course (9 credit hours) Name Credit Hours Offered
    RLM 773 Research Lab Management 3 CH Fall
    RLM 774 Introduction to Regulatory Compliance 1 CH Spring
    RLM 775 Research Lab Safety 1 CH Summer
    RLM 706 Grants and Fellowships 1 CH Fall 
    LEAD 540 Team Development and Dynamics 3 CH Summer
    Elective (6 credit hours) Name Credit Hours Offered
    MENT 719 Introduction to Mentorship 3 CH Spring
    RECM 701 Oral and Visual Communication 3 CH Spring
    RECM 722 Storytelling for Research Communication 3 CH Spring
    RECM 727 Writing and Reviewing Research 3 CH Fall
    Spring
    Summer
    RECM 729 Writing Your Journal Article in 12 Weeks  3 CH Summer
    RECM 745 Research Communication and Diverse Audiences 3 CH Fall
    GRD 709 Writing Fellowships 3 CH Spring
    Total Credit Hours: 15 CH

     

    Course Planning
    Term Fall Start Spring Start Summer Start
    Fall RLM 773 & RLM 706
    Spring RLM 774 & Elective RLM 774 & Elective
    Summer RLM 775 & LEAD 540 RLM 775 & LEAD 540 RLM 775 & LEAD 540
    Fall Elective RLM 773 & RLM 706 RLM 773 & RLM 706
    Spring Elective RLM 774 & Elective
    Summer Elective

    *Parentheses indicate choice; total credit hours must equal 15; all required courses must be completed.

  • Credit Towards Master's Degrees

    This graduate certificate may be incorporated into the MS or MA in Interdisciplinary Graduate Studies (IGS). Learn more about IGS.

  • Admission Requirements
    • IGPS certificates are open to any graduate student, postdoctoral fellow, or UAB employee with a bachelor’s degree (minimum 2.5 GPA from an accredited institution).  
    • Current graduate students or postdoctoral fellows in good academic standing may enroll in IGPS courses without prior approval.  
    • Current undergraduate UAB students must have at least 60 earned hours with a 3.0 GPA to enroll in IGPS courses.  
  • Application Checklist

    Admission to the Research Laboratory management graduate certificate (RLM) is based on previous academic work and your personal statement. To apply, you will need: 

    • An updated resume and/or CV. 
    • A personal statement of (300-500 words) that outlines your interest in the certificate. For RLM, discuss how this program will contribute to achieving your professional, academic, and personal goals, and elaborate on your investment in laboratory science and lab management. Use the personal statement to explain your motivations and aspirations for pursuing this certificate. 
    • Official copies of academic transcripts to include in your application; you may submit copies with your application and submit official transcript later.  
    • Completed online application and the required fee.  

    Existing graduate students pursuing a master's degree or higher may add the certificate to their program using the Change/Update Program Form.  

  • You're Admitted - Next Steps
    • New students: Visit the New Students to UAB page. 
    • Current students: Reach out to your program director to determine which classes to take and upcoming orientation. 
    • Questions: Email igps@uab.edu or the program contact.  
  • Frequently Asked Questions

    What are the admissions requirements for RLM?

    An earned bachelor’s degree (minimum 2.5 GPA) from a regionally accredited college or university, a resume/CV, personal statement, and transcripts. See the Application Checklist for full details of requirements.

    Students currently enrolled in a master’s degree or above may add the certificate to their current degree program. 

    Is the RLM certificate an academic credential? 

    Yes. The certificate is an academic credential that will appear on your academic transcript.  Courses can be used for the IGS Master’s degree. 

    Can undergraduate students take RLM courses?

    Yes, with permission of the program director and your academic advisor.

    Can a student take RLM courses if not enrolled in the RLM certificate program?

    Yes. You do not need to be admitted to the certificate to take courses. Anyone in the following groups may enroll:

    • Undergraduate Jr. & Sr.
    • Non-degree seeking, postbaccalaureate 
    • Graduate students enrolled in other programs
    • Postdoctoral fellows
    • UAB employees
    • UAB faculty
    • Community members

    If you are not a current degree-seeking student, you will need to apply to as a non-degree seeking graduate student to enroll in courses. 

    Can UAB employees use the tuition benefit to pay for RLM courses?

    Yes. Current UAB employees may use the tuition benefits to take courses. Current UAB employees may take individual classes based on their interest and professional goals.  They may also apply to complete the certificate.Contact benefits@uab.edu for more information on educational benefits.

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