When you complete your LifeTrack program, you will earn either a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Science degree from The University of Alabama. Students pursuing a BS degree are required to complete MATH 125 or higher.
LifeTrack Depth Studies
With LifeTrack, you do not choose a major. Instead, you develop a broad base of knowledge in the areas you want to study. This makes your educational experience more diverse and meaningful, while also preparing you for many different career options. You must complete a minimum of 30 credit hours in your depth study.
Literature, Art and Society
With this depth study, you might include courses in English, modern languages, comparative literature, fine art (including studio art and art history), music, American studies, philosophy or cultural history. You’ll learn to think about how human creativity relates to progress and community. If you’ve had a prior foreign language course, it may be integrated into this depth study.
Science, Technology and Culture
With this depth study, you’ll complete coursework in basic and advanced natural sciences, mathematics, Earth or environmental science, introductory or advanced computing, engineering and applied science, and interdisciplinary courses that examine science and society. Emphasis is placed on a broad education in science and technology, with special attention to the impact of technology on culture and the ethical dilemmas and challenges it presents. A course in the history of science, mathematics or technology is recommended.
Community Studies
With this depth study, you might complete coursework in the core social science disciplines (sociology, anthropology, criminal justice, speech and communicative disorders, psychology), education, social work, legal studies, economics, women’s studies, African American studies and related interdisciplinary fields. Emphasis is placed on theories of human interaction and community formation, with special attention to problem-solving.
Leadership Studies
With this depth study, coursework can include psychology, sociology, criminal justice, management, philosophy, public relations, social work, communication, advanced writing, educational leadership and related professional fields. Emphasis is placed on theories of motivation, organizational and group behavior, professional ethics, leadership styles, cultural differences, multicultural communication, nonprofit management, budgeting and advancement work.
Self-Designed Concentration Option
Because LifeTrack is a flexible program designed to nurture a passion for learning, students may also design their own depth study. If you’re interested in this option, you’ll first consult your advisor. A self-designed depth study plan listing the courses you plan to take must be submitted and approved during your first semester of the NCLT program.
The Curriculum Elements
A minimum of 120 semester hours are needed to graduate from The University of Alabama, including the following specified requirements:
The remaining semester hours may be distributed throughout the curriculum or as electives to meet individual goals. Students must complete at least 36 upper-level hours (courses at the 300 level or higher).
Because LifeTrack is a distance-learning, writing-intensive program, we highly recommend that you complete the 6-semester-hour “Communication Skills” requirement prior to seminar attendance. To fulfill this requirement you must have a grade of “C” or better in correspondence or on-campus courses in written and/or oral communication skills from a regionally accredited institution. In addition, all students are required to complete LifeTrack Writing Skills and Strategies contract within the first two semesters of enrollment. This class must be passed with a grade of “C” or better.
| Requirements | Semester Hours |
|---|---|
| Foundations of Adult Learning Seminar (FOALS) | 3 Semester Hours |
| LifeTrack Writing Skills and Strategies | 3 Semester Hours |
| Research Writing | 3 Semester Hours |
| Humanities | 12 Semester Hours |
| Communication Skills | 6 Semester Hours |
| Social Sciences | 12 Semester Hours |
| Natural Science (2 hours of lab) | 8 Semester Hours |
| Mathematics (Finite – MATH 110 or higher unless seeking a BS, then MATH 125 is required) | 3 Semester Hours |
| Depth Study/Major | 30 Semester Hours |
| Senior Project | 6 Semester Hours |
The remaining required hours may be distributed throughout the curriculum or as electives to meet individual goals. Students must complete at least 36 upper-level hours (courses at the 300 level or higher).
Because LifeTrack is a distance-learning, writing-intensive program, we highly recommend that you initially complete the 6-credit-hour Communication Skills requirement. The class must be passed with a grade of C or better.
Residence Requirement
“Residence” requires that you earn a minimum of 30 credit hours at The University of Alabama, which can include UA on-campus courses, LifeTrack courses and other UA Online courses.
Student-Designed Contract Courses
New College LifeTrack is about the power and excitement of learning. We encourage all types of learning and recognize that learning often does not take place in a classroom. Our student-designed contract allows you to design courses that meet academic needs while pursuing a passion that may be considered nontraditional.
The course contract is a written agreement between the student, faculty and the LifeTrack program. Contracts may be applied to any area of the curriculum and are normally designed to support learning outside of course offerings and the traditional classroom environment. You’ll learn how to design contracts while attending the Foundations of Adult Learning Seminar (FOALS). Contract learning qualifies as UA residential credit.
Foundations of Adult Learning Seminar
LifeTrack students must attend the on-campus, two-day Foundations of Adult Learning Seminar (FOALS); however, it’s the only time attendance is required on campus.
Seminars are conducted on the UA campus in Tuscaloosa, and they’re a great way to meet your advisor in person, as well as other students from around the country who are beginning their LifeTrack journey. You’ll learn about our advising team, curriculum and degree planning. It all goes a long way toward launching you on a successful journey.
Working With Your Advisor
Your advisor is your direct link to The University of Alabama. Our advisors help LifeTrack’s unique components work seamlessly for our adult students. You can contact your advisor by telephone, email or Zoom as needed.
Senior Project
The senior project is a distinctive feature of the LifeTrack program and serves as the culmination of the skills you have learned. The project is designed by you and includes research, analysis and synthesis of a particular subject. It is the final step in completing your undergraduate degree.
The senior project may support professional enhancement, development of personal interests, academic preparation for graduate school or a combination of these goals. It can be a scrapbook, a paper, a presentation, a website design, a podcast episode, a children’s book or a cookbook, etc.
To create a senior project, you will coordinate with your advisor. Once completed, the senior project earns 6 credit hours toward the UA residence requirement. Students are required to complete the 3-credit-hour research writing contract prior to beginning their senior project.
Credit Transfer
Work that you’ve completed at a regionally accredited college or university may be transferred. Up to 60 semester hours can be transferred from two-year colleges; coursework must be designated as baccalaureate-oriented or college-parallel, or be generally recognized as such.
You may also earn up to 45 credit hours for experience such as College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) General and Subject Examinations, Defense Activity for Nontraditional Education Support (DANTES) examinations and military training.
Credit for Prior Learning
You might be able to earn up to 30 credit hours for prior learning experience judged to be at the college level. Learn more about the process in our Prior Learning section.
Honors and Graduation
Outstanding LifeTrack students, graduates and faculty are recognized with special awards during UA’s Honors Week and commencement.
You are eligible for the Dean’s List and the President’s List each semester. LifeTrack students who have completed a minimum of 45 semester hours of graded work at UA *the semester prior may qualify for honors designation at graduation: cum laude, magna cum laude or summa cum laude.
LifeTrack students are awarded a traditional UA diploma and are encouraged to attend commencement ceremonies held each year in May, August and December. In addition to the campus cap-and-gown procession, LifeTrack hosts a celebration for its graduates and their invited guests.
Grading Policy
Distance learning students are subject to and have the same access to academic calendars, grading policies and refund policies as on-campus students. Refer to the registrar’s website for grading policies and contact information.