CSEMS Program

The University of Alabama at Birmingham, in order to address an expected national shortage of technically-educated college graduates in the coming decade, invites qualified students majoring, or intending to major, in computer science, engineering, or mathematics to apply for scholarships of $3,125 per year for up to two years. Transfer students, from both two and four year institutions are eligible to apply. Students from groups underrepresented in the above three areas are encouraged to apply. Students will receive faculty mentoring, drop-in counseling, research experiences, and special seminars, all designed to enhance the expectation of graduation within two years.

Eligibility

Students whose family income would qualify them for a federal financial aid such as the Stafford Subsidized Loan, Pell Grant, Perkins Loan, Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant, and Work Study are eligible. CSEMS funds may be awarded in addition to other financial aid, up to the maximum allowed by federal guidelines.

Preference will be given to applicants who have taken at least 50 semester hours (or equivalent) that can be counted toward an undergraduate degree in computer science, engineering, or mathematics, and are realistically within two years of graduation.

Applicants must have a cumulative GPA of at least 2.50 out of 4.00 in all college courses.

Applicants must be U.S. citizens or nationals.

Scholarship recipients will be selected based upon an assessment of their overall qualifications and the likelihood of graduation with two years of scholarship support.

Degree Programs Available

• COMPUTER AND INFORMATION SCIENCES

A computer science degree provides both the fundamental design principles of the software and hardware of computer systems as well as the skills in the use of current programming languages, operating systems and equipment. The department offers a specialization in computer networks with an NSF-supported network laboratory. A Honors Research Program is also available for qualified students. For further details, see www.cis.uab.edu or call (205) 934-2213.

• ENGINEERING

The School of Engineering offers degrees in civil, electrical, materials and mechanical engineering. Students also have the option of pursuing honors programs in biomedical engineering, civil engineering and mechanical engineering. Upper-level elective courses are available in networking, electronic materials, environmental health, biomechanics, software engineering, and other areas. For details see www.eng.uab.edu on the Web or contact the Office of Academic Programs at (205) 934-8410

• MATHEMATICS

Advantages of the CSEMS Program

Students in the Computer Science, Engineering, and Mathematics Scholarship Program will receive advising and faculty mentoring to enhance their chances of academic success. Student financial support will promote full-time enrollment and the possibility of more rapid advancement toward graduation. Opportunities to participate in seminars and some graduate classes and/or enroll in a five-year B.S.-M.S. program will enrich the educational experience of the participants.

How to Apply

To apply for a CSEMS Scholarship, you must complete the following steps:

1. Apply for admission to UAB (see http://www.uab.edu or call 205-934-8221). Be sure to indicate one of: Computer Science, Engineering or Mathematics on your application.


2. Submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form. (see fttp://www.fafsa.ed.gov or call 205-934-8223 to obtain the form.

Upon acceptance to UAB in one of the three programs above and approved for financial need, you will automatically be considered for a CSEMS scholarship. Once you have been notified of your acceptance to UAB, you may contact Dr. Norma Sorenson (nsorenso@eng.uab.edu or 205-975-5627) concerning your selection status.

Program Requirements

1. Students must be enrolled on a full-time basis each term and must have an approved plan for graduating in two years or less.


2. Students are expected to maintain or improve their GPA as they progress through the program toward graduation.


3. Students must participate in all aspects of the program including but not limited to advising, mentoring, and seminars.