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, required Praxis test scores and 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

Applicants must complete the application for admission. Be sure to list your personal e-mail address on the application.

2. Application Fee

Applicants must pay a non-refundable $35 application fee. The fee is payable by credit card and is waived for Samford alumni, students and employees.

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.

Transcripts may be emailed to edgradadmit@samford.edu or sent by postal mail to:
Attn: Dana Mungenast
School of Education
Samford University
800 Lakeshore Drive
Birmingham, AL 35229

4. Letters of Recommendation

Alternative Class A program applicants must upload one letter of recommendation to the online application.

5. Dispositions Form

The dispositions form must be completed by your current supervisor and may not be the same person as the letter of recommendation.

6. Program-specific Requirements

Traditional Master's Programs

Testing and Prerequisites

Applicants must have earned a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution.

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

  • 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)
  • For teachers certified in Library Media Science or Counseling, a recommendation from your current employing superintendent is required

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

Testing is not required for entry into the educational specialist program. However, applicants must have:
  • Earned a master's degree from a regionally accredited college or university; and
  • A Class A teaching certificate in instructional leadership.

Additional Application Requirements

  • Notarized experience verification form
  • Immunization records (submitted through Med+Proctor)

Doctoral Program

Testing and Prerequisites

Testing is not required for entry into the doctoral program. However, doctoral applicants must have:
  • 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)
Students at Samford
Explore the Classes
Students Performing Calculations
Estimate Your Cost
Admission Counselor
Meet Your Counselor

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there prerequisites to apply to this program?

Yes, there are prerequisites for the Alternative A (ALT A) Teacher Certification programs. Students must:

  • Complete the application and submission of the non-refundable $35 application fee. The $35 fee is waived for Samford alums, students and employees.
  • Possess a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution in a field other than education or in which teacher certification was not earned, having graduated with a minimum GPA of 2.50.
  • Provide official transcripts from all institutions attended
  • Achieve a passing score on the Praxis II Assessment for the student’s desired certification.
  • A cumulative undergraduate GPA of 2.5 or higher or achieve a passing score on all areas of the Praxis Core.
  • Provide a background clearance letter (Letter of Suitability)
  • Provide a letter of recommendation
  • Interview with faculty
Do I need a minimum GPA to enter the program?
Yes. A cumulative undergraduate GPA of 2.50 or a passing score on all areas of the Praxis Core is required for the Alternative A (ALT A) Teacher Certification program. If your cumulative GPA is 3.0 or above, the Praxis Core is not required.
Can I customize the program or choose concentrations/emphases?
Secondary education candidates may pursue certification in biology, English, general science, mathematics, social studies, Spanish or physical education.
How many credits does it take to finish this program?
Each Alternative A (ALT A) Teacher Certification program consists of 36-38 credit hours.
Are student teaching opportunities available through this major?

Yes. A required student teaching semester is included in the Alternative A (ALT A) Teacher Certification programs and is often completed at the candidate’s place of employment if it’s in the correct content area in a school setting.

Is this program online or in-person?
Courses for the Alternative A (ALT A) Teacher Certification programs are offered in a hybrid format, with evening classes held both in person and online.
How soon can I be admitted so I can apply for financial aid?
Students can be admitted upon completion of all admission requirements. A FAFSA should be completed as soon as the admission process begins if seeking financial aid. To note, summer term tuition must be paid in full prior to the first class meeting. The program application deadline for each cohort is May 15. Applications received after the May 15 deadline will be scheduled to begin the program the following summer.
What Alternative Class A Master's (Alt A) programs offered at Samford?
  • Special Education (grades K-6 or grades 6-12)
  • Secondary Education (grades 6-12) in each of the following content areas:
    • Physical Education (grades P-12)