The Classical Christian Education Certificate equips educators, school leaders, and ministry professionals with a thorough understanding of the philosophical, historical, and pedagogical foundations of classical Christian education rooted in the Western intellectual tradition and a distinctly Christian worldview. The program emphasizes the integration of faith and learning through engagement with classical texts and the liberal arts, including both the trivium—grammar, logic, and rhetoric—and the quadrivium—arithmetic, geometry, music, and astronomy—as complementary disciplines that cultivate intellectual virtue, ordered knowledge, and a holistic vision of truth, goodness, and beauty. Coursework explores the historical development and theological foundations of classical Christian education while developing effective instructional practices with an emphasis on reflective teaching, moral formation, and education as an act of Christian discipleship.

Admission to Samford University is required for enrollment in the Classical Christian Education Certificate program. View admission requirements. To enroll, applicants should choose the Undergraduate Application and within the form, select that they are seeking a certificate.

The certificate contains the following courses which are taken in sequence according to the course calendar schedule linked below. As credit-bearing coursework, students may utilize all 18 credit hours as general electives towards the bachelor’s degree in Organizational Leadership or Interdisciplinary Studies.

Tuition and Fees for the certificate are charged at the undergraduate program rate.

View Calendar of Course Schedule

Foundations of Classical Christian Education (1 credit hour)

This gateway course offers an introduction to the intellectual tradition, pedagogical commitments, and lived practices of Classical Christian Education while orienting students to Samford University’s Certificate in Classical Christian Education. Offered: Fall, Spring, and Summer.

ECCL 302 - Theological Foundations for Classical Christian Education (3 credit hours)

This course will introduce students to the theological commitments undergirding Christian education by attending to key historical developments within the Christian tradition and to the doctrinal commitments that undergird the concepts and practices of education. Offered: Summer.

ECCL 304 - Classical Ideas and Ideals through the Medieval Period (3 credits)

This course examines the foundations of classical education as expressed in the ancient world, and it traces the development of these intellectual and pedagogical ideas through the medieval period. The course will emphasize the effects of Christian thought on shaping our understanding of how to approach and teach the classics. Offered: Summer.

ECCL 306 - Classical Ideas and Ideals in the Modern Era (3 credits)

This course examines readings from the Renaissance to the Twentieth Century that describe the tradition of the liberal arts and the formation of the whole person. The course will emphasize a Christian understanding of classical education in current settings. Offered: Summer.

ECCL 402 - The Trivium in Theory and Practice (3 credits)

This course introduces the Trivium—Grammar, Logic, and Rhetoric—and provides students with the theoretical background in Formal Logic that is needed to implement the Trivium in the classroom. Offered: Summer.

ECCL 404 - The Quadrivium in Theory and Practice (3 credits)

This course surveys topics and readings in the philosophy, history, and content of the Quadrivium—Mathematics, Geometry, Astronomy, and Music — and its development in the contemporary Classical School curriculum. Offered: Summer.

ECCL 499 - The Practice of Classical Christian Education (3 credits)

This practicum course provides an intensive immersion in a classical Christian school setting. Students will complete structured observations and limited participation in an approved classical Christian school under the supervision of a mentor teacher or school administrator. Through guided reflection, analysis of instructional practices, and professional documentation of their experience, students will deepen their understanding of the philosophy and pedagogy of classical Christian education. Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer.