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. 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 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.
