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
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Frequently Asked Questions

Are there prerequisite courses to apply to this program?
Yes, there are prerequisites for the Instructional Leadership masters program.
  • Completion of the application and submission of the application fee
  • Submission of one copy of all official transcripts from all institutions attended
  • Experience Verification Form documenting:
    • Three or more full years of school experience, which must include at least one full year as a full-time classroom teacher, or four full years of school district employment as a library media specialist or school counselor; written recommendation from employing superintendent required
  • Current and valid Alabama (Class B) certificate for teachers or another area of instructional support; evidence of a criminal history background check
  • Satisfactory scores earned on program admission interview and portfolio
  • Interview
  • Portfolio
  • Recommendation from supervisor
  • Two other letters of recommendation
  • Copy of most recent performance appraisal
  • Written essay on leadership potential
  • Written essay on reasons for pursuing instructional leadership certification
  • Written essay on expectations for the programs
Do I need a minimum GPA to enter the program?
No, there is no minimum GPA required for admission to the Instructional Leadership master’s program; however, a minimum GPA of 3.0 is required to be recommended for state certification.
Are there internship opportunities available through this program?
Yes. A three-hour internship course is included in the curriculum of the Instructional Leadership master’s program and is typically completed at the student’s place of employment.
How many credits does it take to finish this program?
The Instructional Leadership master’s program consists of 30 credit hours.
What careers do graduates of this program pursue?

Graduates of the Instructional Leadership master’s program commonly pursue roles such as school principals, assistant principals, heads of school and more.