
100 N. Washington St., Livingston, AL 35470, USA


Courtesy of University of West Alabama
The University of West Alabama traces its origins back to 1835 when it was first established as the Livingston Female Academy, emphasizing education for women. Over the years, the institution underwent several transformations, reflecting broader changes in higher education and regional needs. In 1881, it became the Livingston Female Academy and Industrial Institute, expanding its curriculum to include more practical studies alongside traditional academics.
By 1907, the school evolved into the Livingston State Normal School, focusing primarily on training teachers, which aligned with the growing demand for education professionals in Alabama. This teacher-training mission continued to define the institution's educational role throughout much of the 20th century.
As the institution broadened its academic offerings beyond teacher education, it was renamed Livingston State College in 1957, signaling a more comprehensive range of degree programs. The expansion continued in subsequent decades, culminating in its designation as the University of West Alabama in 1995, reflecting its development as a full-fledged university with diverse programs in arts, sciences, and professional studies.
The university's rich history of adaptation and growth demonstrates its responsiveness to educational trends and community needs, making it a university with deep regional roots and a broad academic mission suitable for prospective students seeking both tradition and progress.
The University of West Alabama offers a comprehensive range of faculties and departments designed to meet diverse academic interests and career goals. Students can explore programs across various fields including education, business, natural sciences, humanities, and social sciences, ensuring a broad spectrum of academic opportunities.
The College of Education provides foundational and advanced training for future educators with departments specializing in curriculum development, educational leadership, and special education. This focus equips students to address contemporary challenges in educational settings effectively.
Within the College of Business, students have access to departments such as accounting, management, marketing, and finance. These programs emphasize practical skills and theoretical knowledge to prepare graduates for competitive roles in the business world.
The university also maintains a strong emphasis on the natural sciences and mathematics. Departments in biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics support students interested in scientific research and applied sciences, fostering analytical and problem-solving abilities.
Humanities and social sciences divisions cover disciplines including English, history, political science, and psychology. These departments cultivate critical thinking, communication skills, and an understanding of societal dynamics, offering various academic and professional pathways.
Additionally, the university offers programs in fine arts and health sciences, addressing creative expression and healthcare needs respectively. These areas further diversify the academic environment and provide specialized instruction to meet student interests and employment trends.
The University of West Alabama is situated in Livingston, Alabama, located at 100 N. Washington St., ZIP code 35470. For those considering enrollment, this location places the university within a small Southern city setting, which may offer a quieter, community-focused environment compared to larger urban areas. The university can be contacted by phone at 652-3400 for further inquiries. Prospective students looking for a campus embedded in a modest-sized town may find the University of West Alabama's location conducive to both academic focus and close community engagement.
The University of West Alabama commits itself to providing a comprehensive educational experience aimed at equipping students with both knowledge and practical skills. It emphasizes academic excellence combined with personal and professional development, fostering a supportive environment that encourages lifelong learning. The institution seeks to prepare graduates who can thoughtfully contribute to their communities and professions.
The vision of the University of West Alabama is to be recognized as a leading regional university known for academic rigor, innovation, and service. It aspires to maintain programs that meet evolving educational demands while promoting inclusivity and engagement. The university prioritizes cultivating critical thinking, ethical leadership, and a global perspective among its students, ensuring they are well-prepared for the challenges of a dynamic world.
Name of the institution
University of West AlabamaLevel of institution
Four or more yearsControl of institution
PublicSetting type
Rural: RemoteInstitutional Category
Degree - granting, primarily baccalaureate or aboveInstitution size category
5,000 - 9,999School type
UniversityMain student body
CoeducationalCalendar system
SemestersFoundation year
1835
Associate's degree
Bachelor's degree
Master's degree
Post-master's certificate
Doctor's degree - research/scholarship
Certificate of less than 1 year
Certificate of at least 1 year, but less than 2 years
Certificate of at least 2 years, but less than 4 years
Postbaccalaureate certificate
Doctor's degree - professional practice
Doctor's degree - other
Other degreeDegrees
Accounting and Related Services
Data not availableAllied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
Data not availableBiological and Physical Sciences
Data not availableBiology, General
Data not availableBusiness Administration, Management and Operations
Data not availableChemistry
Data not availableCommunication and Media Studies
Data not availableEcology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology
Data not availableEconomics
Data not availableEngineering Technologies/Technicians, Other
Data not availableEngineering Technology, General
Data not availableEnglish Language and Literature, General
Data not availableFinance and Financial Management Services
Data not availableHealth and Physical Education/Fitness
Data not availableHealth Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General
Data not availableHistory
Data not availableHomeland Security, Law Enforcement, Firefighting and Related Protective Services, Other
Data not availableManagement Information Systems and Services
Data not availableMarketing
Data not availableMathematics
Data not availableMulti/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other
$26,983Psychology, General
Data not availableSociology
Data not availableSpecial Education and Teaching
Data not availableTeacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
Data not availableTeacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
Data not available