800 Lakeshore Drive
Birmingham, Alabama 35229


Beeson Divinity School was founded in 1988 by the Board of Trustees of Samford University. The school was given its name in honor of Ralph Waldo Beeson and his late father, John Wesley Beeson. Ralph Beeson gave the largest gift from a living individual in Samford's history for the establishment of the first divinity school at a Baptist college or university in the United States. The school's mission is to provide graduate theological education and to prepare those called by God to be ministers.

Beeson Divinity School offers Master of Divinity, Master of Theological Studies, and Doctor of Ministry degrees. The Master of Divinity is Beeson's flagship degree. The program combines academic and practical training to prepare pastors for full-time ministry. The curriculum includes Biblical studies, historical and theological studies, spiritual formation, and ministry leadership development. The Master of Theological Studies is a general academic degree for lay people who want to broaden and deepen their understanding of Christian faith. An admission to this degree program is very selective and limited to 15 percent of the student body. The Doctor of Ministry degree is the highest degree that can be earned for practicing Christian ministry. The degree enhances understanding and improves the skills of the minister in local congregation or a related field. This program is open to those who have earned their degree in Master of Divinity or its equivalent from Beeson or another accredited school with a minimum of three years experience in a pastoral or other professional ministry.

Beeson Divinity School also offers joint degree programs in conjunction with other Samford University schools. These joint degrees include Master of Divinity/Master of business Administration, Master of Divinity/Master of Science in Education, Master of Divinity/Doctor of Jurisprudence, Master of Theological Studies/Doctor of Jurisprudence, and Master of Divinity/Master of Music. In addition, Beeson offers a church music track with the Master of Divinity in conjunction with the School of Music.

Quick Facts

Beeson Divinity School is accredited by the Association of Theological Schools in the United States and Canada.

Beeson Divinity School opened in fall 1988 with an entering class of 32 full-time students.

In 1995, Beeson Divinity School moved to its current location in Divinity Hall, just off the campus Quadrangle.

The chapel was dedicated in November 1995, and named after Andrew Gerow Hodges, a long time friend and advisor of Ralph Beeson in 2002.

The average age of Beeson Divinity School students is 30, but the age range spans from 21 to 72 years old.

The divinity school's enrollment is limited to 180 full-time students to ensure small class sizes and the availability of scholarship funds for all deserving students.

This school profile has been compiled and updated by The CollegeBound Network. The school is not affiliated with The CollegeBound Network and shall not be considered a sponsor of this program.