Continuing Studies

Academic Administration

Cameron Barnes, Director, Student Success; Graduate and Continuing Studies

Undergraduate Programs and Requirements

Majors
Human Development and Family Science Major (BA) (Online, 4-Year)
Human Development and Family Science Major (BA) (Online, Degree-Completer)
Interdisciplinary Studies Major (BA) (4-Year & Degree-Completer)
Nursing Major (RN to BSN Online Program) (BSN)
Organizational Leadership Major (BA) (4-Year & Degree-Completer)
Public Health Major (BS) (Online) (4-Year & Degree-Completer)

Certificates
Project Management Certificate (CRC)
Social Media Management Certificate (CRC)

Accelerated Bachelor-to-Graduate Pathway Programs*
Fast-Track Master of Public Health (BS/M.P.H.) with a BS in Public Health (Online, 4-Year; Online, Degree-Completer)
Fast-Track Master of Social Work w/BA in Human Development & Family Science (BA/MSW) (Online, 4-Year)
Fast-Track Master of Social Work w/BA in Human Development & Family Science (BA/MSW) (Online, Degree-Completer)
——
*At this time, some of these fast-track tables are not yet represented in the catalog. See the department for program requirements.
_______________________________________________________
Samford University’s Continuing Studies provides opportunities for personal and professional growth through rigorous academic programs and relationships in a Christian community. The program acts as a bridge between the community and Samford University, identifying and addressing the educational needs of the local workforce and introducing the values and meaning of the university to those with whom we connect.

Through Continuing Studies, the following degrees are awarded: the bachelor of arts (BA), with majors in human development and family science (online version), interdisciplinary studies, and organizational leadership; the bachelor of science (BS), with a major in public health (online version); and the bachelor of science in nursing (BSN), with a major in nursing (RN to BSN Online). The online human development and family science major is offered in cooperation with the School of Education, the online public health major is offered in cooperation School of Public Health, and the online nursing major is offered in cooperation with the School of Nursing.

Fast-track versions are also available for students pursuing the BA in human development and family science with the master of social work (MSW) as well as the BS in public health with the master of public health (MPH) or the master of social work (MSW).

A minimum of 30-32 credits must be taken at Samford University in order to meet residency requirements for the 120-128 credit bachelor’s degree.

All but one program offered through Continuing Studies have two options for completion: 1) as a four-year program, with most, if not all, of the degree requirements (general education, major, and general electives) being taken at Samford, or 2) as a degree-completer program, where a student who has previously earned an associate of arts (AA) or associate of science (AS) can bypass the general education requirements and need only take the 60-68 hours within the major. The one exception is the RN to BSN Online Nursing program, which is exclusively offered as a degree-completer program for students who have already earned an associate of applied science (AAS) degree at another school.

These programs are the most flexible of all awarded by the university and are designed specifically for non-traditional students. The responsibility for determining the suitability of these majors and their applicability to particular conditions rests with the individual student.

Students planning to pursue post-baccalaureate studies should review the requirements of the targeted graduate program to determine whether undergraduate-level prerequisites exist.

Continuing Studies also offers two certificates: project management and social media management. Each 12-credit program can be taken as a stand-alone certificate or in tandem with one of the bachelor’s degrees offered by the department.

Courses for all programs are conveniently offered online. Students may be admitted to begin courses in the fall, spring, or summer semester. The program faculty is composed of members chosen from the full-time Samford faculty and practitioners who are experts in their fields.

College-Level Examination Program (CLEP)

College-level credit is awarded for scores of 50 or higher in most subject areas; however, students should consult with their advisors or the Office of the Registrar before scheduling any CLEP examinations. See the CLEP table for more information.

Credit Limitations

The aggregate of credit earned through portfolio and CLEP may not exceed 30 credits. At least 25% of the credit in each degree program must be earned from Samford, with none of the credit mentioned above counting toward the residency requirement. Also, a minimum of 15 credits in the major field (with nine at the 300-400 level) must be taken at Samford.

Academic Regulations

Unless stated otherwise, Continuing Studies students are bound by the same academic regulations as other undergraduates; these regulations are found in the Academic Policies and Regulations section of this catalog.

Admission Procedures for Continuing Studies

It is expected that students who enter this program have been out of high school for at least three years or are unable to enroll in the day program due to work schedules, family concerns or other reasons. Continuing Studies is the administrative office that serves these programs and students. Applications for admission are accepted each term.

Please complete the following steps to apply for admission to the Continuing Studies.

Please visit https://undergradadmission.samford.edu/apply to apply online. All application materials should be addressed to Continuing Studies, Samford University, Birmingham, AL, 35229.

Admission application, completed in full, including reference forms and essay.
One official transcript from each college that you attended. Transcripts must be mailed directly from your former institution’s records office to the Continuing Studies office.
One reference. See guidelines below.
Admission essay. See guidelines below.
Résumé.
If you earned fewer than 24 semester or 36 quarter hours of credit at other institutions, you must also provide the Continuing Studies Office with an official copy of your high school transcript.* This must be mailed from the high school directly to the Continuing Studies Office.

———-
*If you have a GED, please review the High School Equivalency information in the Admission Procedures and Policies section of this catalog.

Reference Considerations

The reference form should be completed by a nonfamily member well acquainted with your capabilities, motivation, and initiative. Employers, former employers, or former instructors are recommended.

Essay Considerations

Student essays should answer the following questions:

Why do you want to attend Samford University?
What is your goal once you graduate from Samford?
If you could have lunch with one historical figure, who would it be and why?

Each answer should be between 200-250 words and typed in a Word document.

Tuition, Fees, and Financial Aid

Because Continuing Studies students take primarily online classes, do not receive meal plans, and do not have access to the full range of degrees designed for traditional day students, the tuition fee is substantially below the day rates. Courses taken during the day carry the full-tuition rate.

Although university scholarships are not generally available to Continuing Studies students, they should apply for non-university scholarships. Also, residents of the state of Alabama are eligible to receive the Alabama Student Grant if they meet the eligibility requirements. Continuing Studies students may also apply for other types of federal financial aid programs such as Pell grants and student loans. Financial Aid Applications may be requested by calling the Office of Financial Aid at (205) 726-2905.

There are few additional fees associated with Continuing Studies classes aside from the cost of textbooks. Most major credit cards are accepted. (See the General Miscellaneous Fees chart for a list of additional fees that may apply.)

Class Registration and Policies

A normal class load for undergraduate Continuing Studies students during fall and spring semesters (A and B terms combined) is 15 undergraduate credits. Permission from the Continuing Studies director must be secured to register for more than 18 credits. Under no circumstances may an undergraduate Continuing Studies student register for more than 21 credits in any semester, regardless of session length, location, or method of delivery.

The normal class load in each summer term is two courses. The maximum credit allowable in any summer term is eight. The maximum credit allowable for two summer terms is 16.

Nursing (RN to BSN Online)

Admission Requirements for the RN to BSN Online Program

Must meet the following Continuing Studies/Samford Online requirements and MSSON requirements:

Admission to the School of Nursing
Unencumbered nursing license* with NCLEX
Evidence of passing NCLEX
Associate Degree of Nursing
General Education - Transfer Credit with AAS degree which must include:
- Anatomy & Physiology with lab
- Developmental Psychology or equivalent
- Microbiology with lab
- Statistics (can take while enrolled in program during first semester)
Essay: Your essay should answer the following questions:
- Why do you want to attend Samford University?
- What is your goal once you graduate from Samford?
- Each answer should be between 200-250 words typed in a word document.
Letter of Recommendation
- Request one letter of recommendation from a non-family member who is preferably a pastor, supervisor, employer, mentor, or co-worker. Requests will be generated within the application form.
Professional Résumé - Optional
- Submit an updated professional résumé with your educational and employment history. Résumés should not exceed two pages in length.
Academic Transcripts
- Official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended are required. If you have earned less than 24 college credits, you must also submit your high school transcript. Official transcripts can be obtained by contacting the respective institution and are only considered official when they bear the issuing institution’s seal and arrive with the seal intact. Have official electronic transcripts emailed to admission@samford.edu or sent by postal mail.
English Proficiency
- English proficiency tests required if your high school courses were not taught in English.
- Favorable admission will be offered to students with the following recommended scores:
  - TOEFL/TOEFL iBT: Samford’s test code for TOEFL is R1302.
  - iBT: 90 or above
  - Computer: 232 or above
  - Paper: 575 or above
  - IELTS: 6.5 or above
  - Duolingo: 120 or above

Progression Policies for the RN to BSN Online Program

In order to progress in the undergraduate program in the School of Nursing, the student must:

Have a signed Confidentiality Statement on file.
Make a grade of C (2.0) or better in each required course in the School of Nursing curriculum. Note: A grade of D or F constitutes failure in any required course. The nursing school accepts a C- in any required general education course in the nursing curriculum with the exception of the required science courses.
Achieve a grade of C or better in all required science courses (anatomy, physiology, microbiology, and chemistry). Students can repeat no more than one of the required science courses once.
Satisfy all prerequisites as prescribed in this catalog.
Adhere to the following limitation: Students are allowed to enroll in the same nursing course a maximum of two times.
The course repeat policy published in the Samford University Catalog will be followed.

Any student who fails to meet progression standards may continue as a Samford student but will be terminated from the School of Nursing.

Policies Regarding Course Failures

A student who fails one nursing course in which a grade of D or F was received may repeat the course the following semester, if space is available. If the student fails a clinical nursing course the student may not enroll in another clinical nursing course until the failed course is successfully completed.
Any student who fails two nursing courses with grades of D or F will be terminated from the School of Nursing and is eligible to be considered for readmission.
Any student desiring readmission, who has been terminated from the School of Nursing due to failure and is eligible to be considered for readmission, is responsible for submitting a formal, written letter (no email) to the associate dean of the undergraduate program asking to be considered for readmission. Students seeking readmission must meet current admission criteria and readmission is contingent upon approval from the Undergraduate Admission/Progression Committee, the associate dean, and space availability.
After readmission due to academic failure, one failure in a required nursing course results in permanent termination from the School of Nursing. Termination from the School of Nursing does not change the status of the student’s admission or progression at Samford University.
Any student who fails three or more nursing courses or who fails the same nursing course twice with grades of D or F will be permanently terminated from the School of Nursing and is not eligible to be considered for readmission.
All students must adhere to the Code of Ethical/Professional Conduct as specified in this catalog, School of Nursing section.
The student with an incomplete (INC) in any nursing course may not progress in the nursing curriculum until the incomplete is removed. All prerequisites must be satisfied as prescribed in this catalog.

Public Health (BS) (Online Version)

Admission Requirements for the Online Public Health Program

Students interested in transferring into the program must have a cumulative GPA of 2.75, meet with the undergraduate program director, and meet with the academic advisor before declaring the major. Students transferring into the program who do not meet the minimum GPA of 2.75 will be placed on probation.

Progression Policies for the Online Public Health Program

In order to progress in the public health program, students must:

Maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.75 or above on all course work.
Make a grade of C or better in each required public health course. If a student fails to earn a grade of C or better, the student must take the same course again and earn a grade of C or better to remain in the program. Students who fail to earn a grade of C or better after two course attempts in any required public health course will be dismissed from the program.
Students who fall below the minimum GPA requirement of 2.75 will be placed on probation for the next academic semester. Students must bring their GPA to 2.75 or above during that semester of academic probation or they will be dismissed from the program.

Bachelor’s Degree Requirements

General Education Requirements

All bachelor degree programs require a minimum of 120-128 total credits. Specific requirements for each major are outlined in the following tables. Credits within the degree are divided as follows: 36 credits fall under General Education, 12 credits under the Continuing Studies Common Courses group, 48-51 credits fall within the chosen major, and 29-32 credits of General Electives, based on major, round out the overall 128 credits required. ECWC 101 and ECWC 102 should be taken as part of a student’s first 18 credits at Samford. Unless otherwise specified, credits that have been used to satisfy general education requirements may not be counted as part of any major.

Continuing Studies - Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science

Required Courses	Course Credits	Total Required Credits
General Education - Distribution Areas OR Transfer Credit with AA or AS degree*		36 or 60
Natural & Computational Sciences	7
Social Science	6
Mathematics	3
Fine Arts	3
Humanities	6
Speaking and Writing	9
Health	2
Major:**		42-72
Continuing Studies Core Courses (see note)	12
Human Development and Family Science (online version)	48-60
Interdisciplinary Studies	48
Nursing (RN to BSN Online)	30
Organizational Leadership	54
Public Health (online version)	55
General Electives* (directed by advisor) OR If Transfer Credit with AA or AS degree awarded*		20-32 or 0-25
Total Required Credits		120-128

*Students who have earned a transferable two-year degree from a state institution may apply 60 hours of credit toward the 120-128 hour requirement for the award of a bachelor’s degree. This transferable degree will satisfy all General Education requirements. See the General Education Requirements table for required/applicable courses.
**See individual major tables for required/applicable courses.
***General Electives (if required) may be chosen from available credit (Samford or transfer) if the course(s) did not apply towards completion of a prior degree program. Students in the degree-completer version must complete ALL General Elective credits in residence at Samford.
NOTE: Students in the Nursing (RN to BSN Online) program are only required to take nine credits of Continuing Studies Core Courses.