The University of Alabama System has more than 50,000 students. It is one of the largest higher education enterprises in Alabama. The system includes doctoral research universities. The University of Alabama System administers teaching, research and service programs. It maintains a staff of over 19,100 employees. The system offers degree programs at bachelor s, master s and doctoral levels. The University of Alabama System operates the University of Alabama, which maintains law, education, engineering, science, and commerce and business administration schools and colleges. The system also includes the University of Alabama at Birmingham, which provides programs in chemistry, dentistry, mechanical engineering and communication studies. Its university colleges offer a variety of athletic activities, such as soccer, golf, basketball, football, baseball and tennis.