Application Deadlines
(August Start)
(January Start)
(June Start)
Application Process
Admission decisions are based on academic ability and the availability of a cohort each term. Academic ability is evaluated on prior degrees, GPA, letters of recommendation, test scores and other admission documents and credentials. Completed applications are reviewed at least one week after the posted admission deadlines. If a cohort is not available, applicants may move their applications to the next available term. Paper admission materials may be held on file for up to two years.
1. Application Form
2. Application Fee
3. Transcripts
Applicants must provide official transcripts from all institutions attended. Transcripts are only considered official when they bear the issuing institution’s seal and arrive with the seal intact.
School of Education
Samford University
800 Lakeshore Drive
Birmingham, AL 35229
4. Letters of Recommendation
5. Dispositions Form
6. Program-specific Requirements
Traditional Master's Programs
Testing and Prerequisites
Applicants must have earned a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution with a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.75.
Testing is not required for applicants who have already earned a graduate degree. All other applicants must provide test results with a minimum score of 295 for the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or minimum score of 396 for the Miller Analogies Test (MAT) taken within the last six years.
Additional Application Requirements
- Writing Sample: highlight one problem facing education today
- Notarized experience verification form
- Portfolio
- Most recent performance appraisal
- Evidence of ability to improve student achievement
- Evidence of leadership and management potential
- Statement of purpose
- Summary of program expectations
- Interview with program director
- Immunization records (submitted through Med+Proctor)
Alternative A Master's Programs
Testing and Prerequisites
Applicants must have earned a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution with a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.75 and achieve passing scores on the Praxis exams determined during applicants' admission process.
Additional Application Requirements
- Background clearance letter
- Interview with faculty
- Immunization records (submitted through Med+Proctor)
Educational Specialist Program
Testing and Prerequisites
- Earned a master's degree from a regionally accredited college or university; and
- A Class A teaching certificate in instructional leadership.
Additional Application Requirements
- Writing Sample: highlight one problem facing education today
- Notarized experience verification form
- Statement of purpose
- Immunization records (submitted through Med+Proctor)
Doctoral Program
Testing and Prerequisites
- Earned an educational specialist (EdS) degree from a regionally accredited institution; or
- Completed 30 hours beyond a master's degree in any field from a regionally accredited college or university.
Additional Application Requirements
- Writing Sample: highlight one problem facing education today
- Professional resume
- Interview with admission committee
- Immunization records (submitted through Med+Proctor)
Additional Information
Deferred Start
Students may defer to the next available term after an acceptance decision has offered. Students deferring to another term should be aware that a cohort must be available in order to start. If a cohort is unavailable for the desired start term, the student will be deferred again.
Immunization Records
Immunization records are due no later than the first day of term. Failure to submit your form will result in a financial penalty that will be added to your next tuition bill. Forms are submitted to the Graduate Admissions Office.
Disability Accommodations
Students and applicants with disabilities who seek accommodations must make a request by contacting the Section 504/Disability Access and Accommodation Coordinator.
Accepting a Job While Enrolled in a Certificate-granting Program
Students enrolled in any teaching certificate-granting program may accept a job in a school as long as the student has been admitted unconditionally. The student must apply for a SA1 Employment Form through our Certification Office.
Completion Requirements
Completion of Coursework
Candidates in all graduate programs must ensure they take the correct courses, according to the checklist, and earn the correct number of semester hours for completing a degree. The same courses do not count toward two certificates on different levels, e.g., Class A and Class AA.
Grade Point Average
Class A Traditional Admission
Candidates eligible for unconditional admission to a traditional Class A program must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.25 on all courses used to meet the requirements on the approved program checklist for Alabama State Board of Education educator preparation program.
Class A Alternative Admission
Candidates eligible for unconditional admission to an Alternative Class A program must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.25 on all courses used to meet the requirements on the approved program checklist for Alabama State Board of Education educator preparation program.
Class AA Admission
Candidates eligible for unconditional admission to a Class AA instructional leadership program must satisfactorily complete a State-approved program with a minimum GPA of 3.50 on all courses in the Alabama State Board of Education approved instructional leadership program.
State Certification Application
If applicable, candidates will be given paperwork to be completed for Alabama certification during the final semester of coursework. The paperwork must be returned to the certification officer.
Comprehensive Exit Examination
All graduate candidates are required to successfully complete a comprehensive examination in order to be eligible for graduation. Candidates in masters and specialist programs will complete the comprehensive examination process during the final semester of coursework. Candidates in the doctoral program will complete the comprehensive examination after completion of the first year.
Tuition, Scholarships and Financial Aid
Tuition
View the current graduate tuition and fees worksheet or contact the graduate admission director.
Scholarships
Orlean Beeson School of Education is proud to award graduate students in its master's, certificate and specialist programs a scholarship. Graduate students do not need to apply for this scholarship as it is automatically applied. The school will continue providing a scholarship until coursework is complete. Any additional scholarships are the responsibility of the applicant to secure.
Financial Aid
Financial aid, payment plans, student employment and student loan options are available to assist graduate students in attending Samford University. To learn more about our financial aid options, visit the Samford One Stop or call 205-726-2905.