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
2. Application Fee
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.
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
- 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
- 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
Frequently Asked Questions
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 2.50 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
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.
- Elementary Education (grades 1-6)
- Special Education (grades K-6 or grades 6-12)
- Secondary Education (grades 6-12) in each of the following content areas:
- Biology
- English
- General Science
- General Social Science
- Math
- Music (grades K-12)
- Physical Education (grades P-12)
- Spanish
