Research Laboratory Management Graduate Certificate

The Research Laboratory Management 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.

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

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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.

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).

The partnership of these units provides a unique opportunity to collaborate across campus on an innovative, interdisciplinary certificate program.

Contact Dr. Carmel McNicholas-Bevensee, cbevense@uab.edu.
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
- To Start an Application:
  - New students: please note that admissions to the Research Laboratory Management graduate certificate is based upon previous academic work, letters of recommendation, and your personal statement.
- Application Elements:
  - 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. It is a good idea to share your most recent resume or CV as well as your personal statement with them to help the personalize their letter.
  - Request official copies of all your academic transcripts to be sent to UAB graduate admissions (more details in the application).
  - Complete the online application forms.
  - Pay the application fee.
You're Admitted - Next Steps
- New students: Visit the New Students to UAB page.
- Current students: Reach out to the program director to learn more about which classes to take and upcoming orientation.
- Questions: Email cbevense@uab.edu.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the admissions requirements for the Research Laboratory Management graduate certificate?
- 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.
Can I enroll in Research Laboratory Management courses if I’m not in the program?

Yes. You do not need to be admitted to the Research Laboratory Management certificate in order 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. Apply now and begin the process.