More than 5,400 students are currently enrolled in graduate studies at UAB. One of our greatest assets is the diversity in age, social and economic background, ethnicity, and countries of origin of this student body. Approximately 20% of our graduate population is made up of minorities, and many of our students are returning to graduate school after years in the work force. Because students learn from each other as well as from academic courses, research, and individual study, this diversity enhances the UAB environment by bringing a wealth of life experiences and varying perspectives which in turn promote the creation and exchange of knowledge.