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

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: Dana Mungenast
School of Education
Samford University
800 Lakeshore Drive
Birmingham, AL 35229

4. Letters of Recommendation

Alternative Class A program applicants must upload one letter of recommendation to the online application.

5. Dispositions Form

The dispositions form must be completed by your current supervisor and may not be the same person as the letter of recommendation.

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

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

  • Notarized experience verification form
  • Immunization records (submitted through Med+Proctor)

Doctoral Program

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

  • Writing Sample: highlight one problem facing education today
  • Professional resume
  • Interview with admission committee
  • Immunization records (submitted through Med+Proctor)
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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.