Samford University
Birmingham, AL
Birmingham, AL
Birmingham, AL
Answer your calling to educate, lead and serve.
Samford University is a premier, nationally ranked private university deeply rooted in its Christian mission. We champion a liberal arts education and are committed to providing a well-rounded educational experience. With more than 5,600 students from 47 states and 28 countries and a global network of over 52,000 alumni, Samford is the #1 most recommended university in the nation, according to The Wall Street Journal/Times Higher Education College Rankings 2020.
Whether your dream is to inspire others with your words, crunch numbers in the boardroom, or lead people in the hope you share, Samford is committed to fostering your aspirations and helping you reach your goals. We offer more than 180 majors, minors, and concentrations and is committed to providing an excellent education that prepares students to make a positive impact on the world. We’re here to equip you with the skills you need for the excellence we know you’re capable of achieving.
Located in the quaint suburban community of Homewood, Alabama, Samford’s close access to downtown Birmingham gives students an energetic urban hub filled with more than one million residents, 1,300 churches, and hundreds of restaurants. Here, students find opportunities to pursue their individual passions and learn along the way. From landing your dream internship to tubing down the Cahaba River with your best friends, your college years will be full of moments that will shape the person you’re meant to become.
We know that the college experience is about more than the memorization of facts and figures—that’s why we seek connection in all that we do. Our 166 student organizations aren’t just a statistic we put on a page to impress you. These clubs, intramural teams, and honors programs are your opportunity to become known and develop friendships that will prepare you for the future.
|
#1 in the Nation for Student Engagement | The Wall Street Journal, 2022 (Student engagement assesses how challenged and inspired students feel inside and outside the classroom, as well as the breadth of courses their schools offer.) |
|
|
#66 in the nation and #1 in Alabama for "Best Undergraduate Teaching" | U.S. News & World Report, 2022 |
|
|
Ranked #32 and #1 in Alabama among "The Best Colleges for Financial Aid" | LendEdu, 2023 |
|
|
97% of undergraduate alumni employed or in further study within six months of graduation, 2022 |
Orlean Beeson School of Education provides students of all levels with the tools and skills necessary to enter the field of education fully prepared. Our programs are rigorous, but Samford’s close-knit community enables you to learn and grow. Students research, study and volunteer together inside and outside the classroom.
Degree programs are offered at the bachelor's, master's, specialist and doctoral levels. By completing one of our degree programs, you will be eligible for certification through the Alabama State Department of Education. Students graduate equipped and eager to make a positive impact in the community through education.
Human Development and Family Science
The Department of Human Development and Family Science focuses on enriching the lives of families through education, service and advocacy. Jobs in this field take courage and stamina. With unmatched field experience, community support and a strong reputation, candidates leave Samford ready to conquer any challenge. Candidates who declare a human development and family science major can select from six different program options should they desire.
Early Childhood, Special Education, Elementary, Elementary Collaborative (ESEC)
The nationally recognized ESEC program is designed to meet the needs of candidates interested in teaching children birth through sixth grade. Candidates pursuing this degree earn Alabama teaching certificates in four areas. This qualifies graduates for numerous job opportunities.
Elementary Education with a concentration in Christian Education and Missions
This program is designed for candidates who desire the flexibility and opportunity to integrate service and teaching in an educational mission setting. The Christian education and missions concentration is open to students throughout the university.
Secondary Education
The secondary education program is for candidates who wish to teach at the middle or high school level (6th-12th grade). By pairing Samford's renowned and rigorous content classes with solid pedagogy and teaching strategies, we aim to equip graduates to be highly skilled and innovative educators.
“Study abroad with Samford was more than just a line on my resume—it was a rich experience that helped me grow as a person. If you have a dream to go somewhere, the people at Samford do all they can to make it work."
“People at Samford accept you as you are and love you enough to keep pushing you to grow. We’re always challenging each other to live up to Christ’s example and supporting each other’s dreams.”
“Samford is what college is supposed to be. I was challenged not just to learn new ideas but to understand them. Here, we’re invited to an education that calls us, in the words of Micah 6:8, “to seek justice, love mercy, and walk humbly.””
“Samford gave me the confidence to know I may not have all the answers, but I can get them—and with that mindset, I can learn to do anything.”
“I left Samford with more than an education. I left with wisdom. Character can get you in doors that your achievements never will.”
“I graduated in May and began working for an NFL team the next week. I couldn’t have done that without the real-world training of my Samford practicum and the inspiration of my professors.”
“My professors at Samford believed in me before I believed in myself.”