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Samford University has specific language requirements for international students whose native language is not English. Here are the general language requirements:

1. English Proficiency Test Scores

  • TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language): Samford typically requires a minimum score of 80 (internet-based) or higher.
  • IELTS (International English Language Testing System): A minimum score of 6.5 is generally required.
  • Duolingo English Test: A minimum score of 105 may be accepted in place of TOEFL or IELTS.

2. Exceptions to Language Test Requirements

  • Students may be exempt from submitting English proficiency test scores if they meet one of the following criteria:
    • Completed at least one year of academic study in an English-speaking country (e.g., the U.S., Canada, UK).
    • Completed a degree from an institution where English is the primary language of instruction.

3. Other Language Proficiency Options

  • English Composition Courses: If an international student’s English proficiency is slightly below the required level, Samford may offer conditional admission or suggest taking English composition or ESL (English as a Second Language) courses to improve language skills before starting full-time academic courses.

4. Application Process

  • To apply for admission, non-native English speakers must submit their test scores (TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo) as part of the application.

5. Intensive English Program (IEP)

  • Samford University offers an Intensive English Program (IEP) for students who need to improve their English proficiency before starting their degree programs. This program helps students build academic language skills necessary for success in university courses.

Samford University offers a broad range of specialized academic programs with a strong emphasis on liberal arts, health sciences, business, and law. Below are some of the key course specialties:

1. Health Sciences

  • Cumberland School of Law: Known for its rigorous law programs, including specializations in areas such as health law, business law, and family law.
  • College of Health Sciences: Home to some of the most well-regarded programs in healthcare, including nursing, public health, and physical therapy.
  • School of Pharmacy: Offers a highly respected Doctor of Pharmacy program, with a focus on clinical and translational sciences.
  • School of Public Health: Provides a strong foundation in public health education, policy, and epidemiology.

2. Business & Economics

  • Brock School of Business: Offers undergraduate and MBA programs with specializations in finance, marketing, management, and international business.
  • Known for a hands-on approach to business education, including internships and leadership opportunities.

3. Education

  • School of Education: Specializes in teacher education, with programs that include elementary education, secondary education, special education, and educational leadership. Samford’s education programs are known for producing skilled educators, especially in Alabama and the Southeastern United States.

4. Arts & Humanities

  • College of Arts and Sciences: Offers a broad array of majors, including English, history, philosophy, psychology, and sociology.
  • Known for strong programs in music, theatre, and art, where students can pursue both creative and academic paths.

5. Science & Technology

  • School of the Sciences: Offers programs in fields such as biology, chemistry, computer science, and engineering. Known for a close-knit academic environment and opportunities for undergraduate research.

6. Communication & Journalism

  • Department of Communication and Media: Provides programs in journalism, public relations, and digital media. Students are prepared for careers in media industries, including digital content creation and broadcasting.

7. Religion & Theology

  • Beeson Divinity School: Offers graduate and professional programs in ministry, including a Master of Divinity (M.Div.), Master of Arts in Theological Studies, and Doctor of Ministry.
  • Beeson Divinity is highly respected among Christian theological schools and offers a unique environment that combines rigorous scholarship with faith-based education.

8. Social Sciences

  • Department of Sociology: Specializes in social work, criminology, and sociology, focusing on issues such as justice, social welfare, and community engagement.

9. Interdisciplinary Studies

  • Global and Comparative Studies: Offers interdisciplinary programs focused on global studies, international relations, and cultural studies, preparing students for careers in global affairs, diplomacy, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs).

Samford University has many esteemed professors across various disciplines, although it may not have widely recognized faculty who are as internationally famous as those at some other institutions. However, here are a few areas where Samford's professors are noted for their expertise and influence:

1. Beeson Divinity School

  • Dr. Timothy George: A renowned theologian and scholar, Dr. George has served as the founding dean of Beeson Divinity School. He is known for his work in Church History, Theology, and Evangelical Studies. He has written extensively on historical theology and evangelicalism and is highly respected in Christian academic circles.

2. School of Law

  • Dr. Karen S. McLain: A respected professor in the Cumberland School of Law, Dr. McLain specializes in corporate law, business law, and international law. She has authored various works and has contributed to the legal community through her teaching and research.

3. College of Health Sciences

  • Dr. David A. White: A prominent figure in public health education, Dr. White has been involved in research related to health policy and public health education. He is recognized for his contributions to the healthcare field and his leadership in public health programs at Samford.

4. College of Arts and Sciences

  • Dr. David Beaty: A well-known history professor, Dr. Beaty specializes in American history and historical research methods. His scholarship and teaching focus on U.S. history, and he is respected for his passion for education and mentorship.

5. Brock School of Business

  • Dr. Robert L. Holcomb: A professor at the Brock School of Business, Dr. Holcomb is recognized for his work in management and organizational behavior. He is known for blending theoretical knowledge with practical insights in business education.

Samford University does not have any Nobel Prize winners among its faculty or alumni as of now. While it is known for academic excellence in areas such as health sciences, law, and business, it is not recognized for Nobel Prize achievements.

However, it has produced many accomplished graduates in various fields such as law, business, and theology, and its academic programs are highly regarded in their respective disciplines. The university emphasizes the integration of faith and learning and continues to attract top-tier students and faculty to its programs.

Founded in 1841, the Samford University is a non-profit private higher  education institution located in the suburban setting of the small city of Birmingham (population range of 50,000-249,999 inhabitants), Alabama. Officially accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, Samford University (SU) is a small-sized (uniRank enrollment range: 5,000-5,999 students) coeducational US higher education institution formally affiliated with the Christian-Baptist religion. Samford University (SU) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as bachelor's degrees, master's degrees and doctorate degrees in several areas of study. See the uniRank degree levels and areas of study table below for further details. This 183-year-old US higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations and students' past academic records and grades. The acceptance rate range is 80-89% making this US higher education organization a least selective institution. International students are welcome to apply for enrollment. SU also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, housing, sports facilities, financial aids and/or scholarships, study abroad and exchange programs, online courses and distance learning opportunities, as well as administrative services.

Samford University is well-regarded for its academic excellence, commitment to Christian values, and strong professional programs. Here are several key reasons why Samford University is famous:

1. Strong Reputation in Health Sciences

  • Samford’s College of Health Sciences and Cumberland School of Law are highly respected, offering specialized programs in areas like nursing, pharmacy, public health, physical therapy, and law. The School of Pharmacy is particularly well-known for producing top-tier pharmacists.
  • The university has gained recognition for its innovative programs in healthcare and its commitment to producing skilled healthcare professionals, making it one of the leading institutions for health sciences in the Southeastern U.S.

2. Beeson Divinity School

  • Beeson Divinity School is one of the most renowned seminaries in the country, known for its rigorous theological training. It offers a Master of Divinity (M.Div.) and Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.), attracting students from around the world who seek to integrate faith with professional ministry.
  • It has produced influential leaders in Christian ministries and theological scholarship, contributing significantly to Christian education and outreach.

3. Commitment to Christian Values

  • Samford is a Christian institution that integrates faith and learning in all its programs. The university is affiliated with the Alabama Baptist Convention, and its strong religious foundation sets it apart from other institutions in the region.
  • The university fosters an environment where students are encouraged to grow spiritually, personally, and academically, balancing rigorous academic programs with Christian community life.

4. Excellent Business Programs

  • The Brock School of Business is known for its high-quality undergraduate and MBA programs. Samford’s focus on experiential learning, internships, and leadership development helps prepare students for success in the business world.
  • The school’s emphasis on ethics and integrity in business aligns with the university’s Christian principles, attracting students seeking a faith-based business education.

5. Strong Liberal Arts Programs

  • Samford’s College of Arts and Sciences offers a broad range of disciplines, including English, history, sociology, psychology, and theater. Its programs encourage critical thinking, creativity, and personal development, contributing to a well-rounded education.
  • The university is recognized for its exceptional faculty, rigorous academic standards, and commitment to a holistic educational experience.

6. Attractive Campus and Location

  • Located in Birmingham, Alabama, Samford University boasts a beautiful and expansive campus with state-of-the-art facilities.
  • The campus’s proximity to a major metropolitan area provides students with various professional, cultural, and recreational opportunities, making it a desirable location for students and faculty.

7. High Graduation Rates and Job Placement

  • Samford is known for high graduation rates and excellent job placement records, particularly in its health sciences and business programs.
  • The university’s emphasis on student success and career readiness ensures that students graduate prepared to enter the workforce or pursue advanced studies.

8. Notable Alumni

  • Samford has produced a significant number of notable alumni who have gone on to achieve success in fields such as business, education, law, politics, and ministry.
  • Some alumni have reached high-ranking positions in their careers, enhancing the university’s reputation for producing leaders in various sectors.

9. National Recognition

  • Samford is consistently ranked among the top regional universities in the South by organizations such as U.S. News & World Report. Its commitment to academic excellence, professional training, and Christian values makes it one of the leading private universities in the Southeastern U.S.