Plan of Study
| Course | Credits |
|---|---|
| Foundations of Leadership Studies | 3 |
| Ethical Issues and Faith-informed Leadership | 3 |
| Organizational Dynamics and Planning | 3 |
| Emerging Trends in Executive Leadership | 3 |
| Negotiation, Conflict and Crisis Management | 3 |
| Research Design | 3 |
| Foundations of Qualitative Inquiry | 3 |
| Quantitative Statistics: Foundations of Quantitative Statistics | 3 |
| Dissertation Seminar I | 3 |
| Dissertation Seminar II | 3 |
| Dissertation Seminar III | 3 |
| Directed Doctoral Study (if needed) | 0 |
| Total Required Credits | 36 |
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, required Praxis test scores and 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
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. Letters of Recommendation
5. Dispositions Form
6. Program-specific Requirements
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
- 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
- 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
- Writing Sample: highlight one problem facing education today
- Professional resume
- Interview with admission committee
- Immunization records (submitted through Med+Proctor)
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, there are prerequisites for the Education & Organizational Leadership doctoral program.
Students must:
- Complete the application and payment of the application fee.
- Complete 30 hours beyond a master’s degree
- Have a receipt of one official transcript from all institutions attended.
- Have satisfactory performance on scholarly writing sample.
- Have one letter of recommendation from an individual who has knowledge of the applicant's academic potential as a researcher and scholar.
- Have a satisfactory interview with the admissions committee.
Graduates of the Education & Organizational Leadership doctoral program pursue leadership roles in organizational leadership, higher education, educational consulting and advocacy, district superintendents, assistant superintendents, other district-level leadership positions, school principals, assistant principals, heads of school and more.
