Application Deadlines

Jul 15
Fall Application Closes
(August Start)
Nov 15
Spring Application Closes
(January Start)
May 15
Summer Application Closes
(June Start)

Application Process

Admission decisions are based on academic ability and the availability of a cohort each term. 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. Program-specific Requirements

Traditional Master's Programs

Academic ability is evaluated on prior degrees, GPA, letters of recommendation, admission documents and credentials. Completed applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.

Prerequisites and Testing

Applicants must have earned a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution and have a Class B teaching certificate. Testing is not required.

Additional Application Requirements

  • Dispositions: MSE program applicants must submit the email addresses of one direct supervisor and two additional email addresses of colleagues to complete a disposition form on the candidate.
  • Copy of Teaching Certificate
  • Notarized Experience Verification form documenting three or more years of teaching experience.
  • 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
  • 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

  • Letter of Recommendation
  • Dispositions Form completed by your current supervisor (may not be the same person as your letter of recommendation)
  • Background Clearance Letter
  • Interview with Faculty

Educational Specialist Program

Academic ability is evaluated on prior degrees, GPA, letters of recommendation, admission documents and credentials. Completed applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.

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

  • Copy of Teaching Certificate
  • Notarized Experience Verification form documenting three or more years of teaching experience.

Doctoral Program

Academic ability is evaluated on prior degrees, GPA, letters of recommendation, program interview and credentials. Completed applications are reviewed at least once a month.

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

  • Professional Resume or CV
  • Program Interview with Admission Committee

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.