Educational Specialist degree in Instructional Leadership

Is This Program for Me?

Through a blended format, this 30-credit hour program incorporates the Alabama Standards for Instructional Leaders delivered through rigorous academic study and utilizes research-based “best practices” for adult learners. Additionally, the program provides mentorship opportunities through collaborative P-12-University partnerships. This program is designed for K-12 professionals with a desire to serve the education system in an administrative role. Join this program and be pushed to your greatest potential.

Career Preparation

This program is designed for K-12 professionals with a passion for education and an unwavering belief in the importance of leadership development. If you have a desire to serve the education system in an administrative role, join this program and be pushed to your greatest potential.

Career Opportunities

Educational Administrator
Assistant Principal
Principal
Assistant Superintendent
Deputy Superintendent
Superintendent

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

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: Marcie Harchuck
School of Education
Samford University
800 Lakeshore Drive
Birmingham, AL 35229

4. Letters of Recommendation

Traditional master and specialist program applicants must upload two letters of recommendation to the online application; doctoral program applicants must upload one letter of recommendation.

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.

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.