Auburn University at Montgomery (AUM) – Programs, Campus Life & Rankings

Auburn University at Montgomery (AUM), a public institution founded in 1967 and located on a 500-acre campus in Montgomery, Alabama, is a dynamic center for higher learning committed to academic excellence, student development, and community engagement. Offering a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs across disciplines such as business, IT, nursing, sciences, and education, AUM provides robust academic support, vibrant student life, and extensive campus facilities including a modern library, wellness center, and residential housing.

Recognized for its value and quality in rankings like U.S. News & World Report and Princeton Review, AUM fosters leadership, research, and professional growth through initiatives like its Office of Sponsored Programs and Research. With NCAA Division II athletics, an active Greek life, and a notable alumni network featuring leaders like Octavia Spencer and Tarana Burke, AUM remains a cornerstone of educational opportunity in Alabama and beyond.

Auburn University at Montgomery: A Comprehensive Overview

Auburn University at Montgomery (AUM), established in 1967, is a dynamic public university located in Montgomery, Alabama, USA. Spanning 500 acres, AUM has grown significantly since its move to the current campus in 1971, evolving into a vital educational hub for the region and beyond. With a commitment to academic excellence, student success, and community engagement, AUM offers a diverse range of undergraduate and graduate programs.

History and Foundation

AUM was founded by Act 403 of the Alabama Legislature in 1967, responding to the community’s demand for a degree-granting institution in the Montgomery area. Dr. H. Hanly Funderburk, Jr. was appointed as the first vice president and chief administrator in March 1968, and the university welcomed its inaugural classes in September 1969. The 500-acre campus, formerly part of the McLemore Plantation, was acquired and developed, with the original buildings occupied in the fall of 1971.

Campus and Facilities

AUM’s campus offers a comprehensive environment for learning and student life. Key facilities and services include:

Ida Belle Young Library Tower: A multi-story complex housing an extensive collection of over 300,000 books, 100 databases, and special collections, including the prominent William Dickinson Congressional papers. It provides various study areas, including closed study carrels, group study rooms, and a computer lab.

Student Housing: On-campus housing options like P40 Place, The Commons, The Courtyards, and Warhawk Hall offer diverse amenities and price points, fostering a vibrant residential community. Free laundry facilities and close proximity to classrooms are notable benefits.

Dining Services: AUM offers various dining options, including Starbucks and The Café, catering to diverse tastes with an emphasis on sustainability and fresh fare.

Wellness Center: Providing access to swimming, fitness classes, rock climbing, and sports facilities for students, faculty, staff, and their families.

Bookstore: A comprehensive store offering textbooks, school supplies, AUM Warhawks merchandise, and gifts.

Campus Mail and Police: Essential services ensuring convenience and safety for the campus community.

Facilities Management: Responsible for building construction and upkeep, housekeeping, maintenance, groundskeeping, energy management, and campus transit.

Academics and Programs

AUM offers a wide array of undergraduate and graduate programs across various disciplines. Some of the key areas of study include:

Business & Management Studies: Accounting, Business Administration, Finance, Management Information Systems (MIS), Business Analytics, and more. The Harbert College of Business is highly regarded.

IT & Software: Computer Science, Information Systems, Cyber Security, and Artificial Intelligence.

Science: Biology (including pre-professional tracks), Chemistry, Environmental Science, Mathematics, Biochemistry & Molecular Biology.

Humanities & Social Sciences: Anthropology, Art History, Psychology, Liberal Arts Education, American Society & Culture.

Education: Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, Secondary Education, Special Education, Collaborative Teaching, Kinesiology (Exercise Science, Physical Education, Sport Management).

Nursing: The College of Nursing, established in 1979, is a notable program.

AUM emphasizes practical skills and professional development, with many programs offering opportunities for research and hands-on experience.

Admissions

AUM offers flexible admission pathways for various student profiles:

• Freshman Admissions: Requires a minimum 2.3 unweighted high school GPA. While ACT/SAT scores are considered, scholarships and admissions can also be granted without a test score.
• Transfer Students: A minimum 2.0 GPA and 24 completed course hours are generally required. Students with fewer than 24 hours must meet freshman requirements.
• Graduate Admissions: Applicants typically need a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited U.S. institution or equivalent, good standing at their last institution, and often standardized test scores (GRE, GMAT, TOEFL/IELTS) depending on the program. A minimum GPA of 2.75 on undergraduate coursework or 3.0 on graduate coursework is usually expected.
• Bridge Program: Designed for students who may not fully meet all admission requirements, providing structured courses to prepare them for full admission.
• Dual Enrollment: High school students can earn simultaneous high school and college credit.

Application deadlines are typically May 1 for Summer, August 1 for Fall, and December 15 for Spring.

Rankings and Recognition

Auburn University at Montgomery has consistently received recognition for its quality and value. In U.S. News & World Report’s 2024 Best Colleges survey, AUM achieved its best ranking among regional public universities in the South, securing the No. 29 spot. It also ranked 38th among “Best Value Schools” in the South and No. 63 overall among all regional universities in the South for overall quality.

Beyond these, AUM has been recognized by:

• Princeton Review: As one of the best universities in the South.
• Montgomery Advertiser: Voted “Best of the Best” as the top university in Alabama’s River Region for six consecutive years.
• Viqtory Media: Ranked No. 9 nationally among small public universities on its 2023-2024 “Military Friendly Schools” list, marking its sixth consecutive year of recognition for serving military veterans and affiliated students.

Student Life

Student life at AUM is designed to foster both academic and personal growth. Key aspects include:

First Year Experience: Programs for incoming freshmen and transfer students, focusing on intellectual and social development.

Greek Life: A vibrant community with numerous fraternities and sororities offering leadership development, service projects, and philanthropic opportunities.

Recreation & Wellness: A wide array of fitness, wellness, sports, and recreation opportunities, including club and intramural sports, group fitness, and personal training.

Student Involvement: Encouraging engagement through various campus organizations to enhance learning, leadership skills, and career readiness.

Campus Events: AUM hosts numerous events and activities throughout the year, enriching the student experience.

Athletics

The Auburn Montgomery Warhawks (formerly Senators) compete in intercollegiate sports at the NCAA Division II level. They are primarily members of the Gulf South Conference since the 2017–18 academic year. The Warhawks field 11 varsity teams:

• Men’s Sports: Baseball, Basketball, Cross Country, Soccer, and Tennis.
• Women’s Sports: Basketball, Cross Country, Soccer, Softball, Tennis, and Volleyball.

Before transitioning to NCAA Division II, AUM had a highly successful run in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), winning 25 national championships (14 by women’s tennis, 9 by men’s tennis, and others), with 22 teams finishing as national runners-up. Many individual student-athletes earned All-American honors and Scholar-Athlete recognition.

Research and Innovation

AUM actively promotes research and scholarly activities through its Office of Sponsored Programs and Research (OSPR). OSPR manages and coordinates all research and research-related activities, providing support for:

• Pre-award and Post-award activities: Assisting faculty and researchers with grant applications, negotiations, and administration.
• Funding Opportunities: Providing resources and guidance for identifying internal and external funding, including databases like Grants.gov, SPIN, Pivot, and Foundation Directory.
• Compliance: Ensuring adherence to policies regarding scientific misconduct and financial conflicts of interest.

AUM’s commitment to research contributes to the advancement of knowledge and provides valuable opportunities for student engagement in scholarly pursuits.

Notable Alumni

AUM boasts a strong alumni network of over 32,000 individuals who have made significant contributions in various fields. Some notable alumni include:

• Octavia Spencer: Academy Award-winning actress.
• Tarana Burke: Founder of the #MeToo movement.
• Richard Marcinko: Former Navy SEAL commander and author.
• Halla Tómasdóttir: Entrepreneur and current President of Iceland.
• Hugh Shelton: Retired four-star general and former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
• John E. Hyten: Retired four-star general, former Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
• Rick Bright: Immunologist and former director of the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA).
• Jessica Meuse: Singer-songwriter, American Idol contestant.
• Lucy Baxley: Former Lieutenant Governor of Alabama.
• Perry Hooper Jr.: Former Alabama State Representative.

Auburn University at Montgomery continues to be a cornerstone of education in Alabama, providing a comprehensive and supportive environment for students to achieve their academic and professional goals, while also making significant contributions to research and community development.

FAQs about Auburn University at Montgomery

What is Auburn University at Montgomery (AUM)?
AUM is a public university located in Montgomery, Alabama, offering a wide range of undergraduate and graduate degree programs.

When was AUM founded?
AUM was established in 1967 by an act of the Alabama Legislature.

Where is AUM located?
The university is situated in Montgomery, Alabama, on a 500-acre campus.

What academic programs does AUM offer?
AUM offers programs in business, IT, nursing, science, humanities, education, and more at both undergraduate and graduate levels.

Does AUM have a nursing program?
Yes, AUM’s College of Nursing, founded in 1979, is one of its most recognized programs.

What is the student-to-faculty ratio at AUM?
AUM maintains a student-focused environment with small class sizes to promote engagement and learning.

Are there research opportunities for students?
Yes, AUM encourages research through the Office of Sponsored Programs and Research (OSPR) and offers various funding and compliance support.

Is on-campus housing available at AUM?
Yes, AUM offers multiple housing options including P40 Place, The Commons, The Courtyards, and Warhawk Hall.

What dining options are available on campus?
Dining services include The Café, Starbucks, and other options with a focus on sustainability and variety.

What kind of facilities does AUM have?
Facilities include a large library, wellness center, bookstore, student housing, dining areas, and comprehensive campus services.

Does AUM have athletics?
Yes, AUM’s Warhawks compete in NCAA Division II as part of the Gulf South Conference.

What varsity sports does AUM offer?
Men’s sports include baseball, basketball, cross country, soccer, and tennis. Women’s sports include basketball, cross country, soccer, softball, tennis, and volleyball.

What is AUM’s ranking in national surveys?
In 2024, AUM ranked #29 among regional public universities in the South and #38 in Best Value Schools by U.S. News & World Report.

Is AUM recognized as a military-friendly school?
Yes, AUM has been recognized for six consecutive years by Viqtory Media as a Military Friendly School.

What is the admission GPA requirement for freshmen?
A minimum unweighted high school GPA of 2.3 is typically required.

Are ACT/SAT scores mandatory for admission?
ACT/SAT scores are considered but not required for general admission or scholarships.

What are the requirements for transfer students?
Transfer students generally need a minimum 2.0 GPA and 24 completed college credit hours.

Are there programs for students who don’t meet admission criteria?
Yes, the Bridge Program provides structured support for students needing additional preparation for full admission.

Can high school students take college courses at AUM?
Yes, AUM offers a dual enrollment program allowing high school students to earn college credits.

What are the application deadlines for AUM?
Deadlines are May 1 for Summer, August 1 for Fall, and December 15 for Spring enrollment.

What kind of student life can I expect at AUM?
AUM provides a vibrant student experience including Greek life, student organizations, wellness programs, and campus events.

Is Greek life active at AUM?
Yes, AUM hosts multiple fraternities and sororities that contribute to leadership and service opportunities.

Does AUM support student wellness and recreation?
Yes, AUM has a Wellness Center with fitness classes, rock climbing, swimming, and recreational sports.

What support services does AUM offer?
Services include academic advising, counseling, campus security, mail, maintenance, and more.

Does AUM have a library?
Yes, the Ida Belle Young Library Tower holds over 300,000 books and extensive digital resources.

What is the Office of Sponsored Programs and Research?
It’s the university’s central office for managing and supporting faculty and student research initiatives.

Who are some notable alumni of AUM?
Notable alumni include Octavia Spencer, Tarana Burke, Richard Marcinko, Halla Tómasdóttir, and Hugh Shelton.

Does AUM offer scholarships?
Yes, AUM offers merit-based scholarships, including options for students without standardized test scores.

Is AUM affiliated with Auburn University?
Yes, AUM is a separately accredited branch campus of Auburn University, sharing its legacy but operating independently.

Does AUM offer online degree programs?
Yes, AUM offers several programs and courses in online or hybrid formats for greater flexibility.