General Education
Samford Commons
The Foundation That Shapes How You Think, Learn and Live
A Connected Journey from Day One
The Samford Commons is a pathway that brings together shared experiences, global engagement and interdisciplinary exploration to support students from their first year through graduation.
Through a carefully connected set of shared academic experiences, students develop the intellectual, spiritual and practical skills that shape how they approach every class, every challenge and every opportunity ahead. Rather than existing apart from a student’s major, General Education strengthens it by shaping how learning is applied across fields of study. These courses sharpen critical thinking, deepen faith and help students connect ideas across disciplines so that everything learned at Samford works together to form a strong, lasting foundation for college and beyond.
Start Strong with a Shared First-Year Experience.
Your first year at Samford sets the tone for everything that follows. Through a shared First-Year Experience, students are welcomed into the academic and spiritual life of the university while learning how to navigate college with confidence and purpose. This experience helps students build meaningful connections, reflect on who they are becoming and understand how their education fits into a bigger story. Students begin developing habits of learning, wellness and self-direction that support success throughout college and beyond, grounding their Samford journey from the very beginning.
Sharpen Analytical Skills & Expand Your Perspective.
The most important questions in life do not have simple answers. In Core Texts, students explore powerful ideas that have shaped human thought across history by engaging great works of literature, philosophy, history and theology. Through guided discussion and close reading with expert faculty, students learn how to analyze complex arguments, think deeply about meaning and ideas that still influence the world today. These courses sharpen critical thinking, strengthen reasoning skills and help students see the big picture, skills that prepare them for every major and every career.
Think Clearly. Write Powerfully. Speak with Confidence.
Strong communication sets great students and leaders apart. In Core Writing and Speech, students develop the ability to think critically, write clearly and speak with confidence in academic, professional and real-world settings. Students learn how to research effectively, build persuasive arguments and communicate ideas to different audiences using multiple formats. These skills are essential for success in college and are among the most valued abilities employers look for long after graduation.
Engage Faith Thoughtfully & Live with Purpose.
Biblical Foundations invites students to explore Christian Scripture with depth, curiosity and care. Rather than memorizing facts, students examine the Bible’s historical context, literary forms and lasting influence on faith, culture and ethical decision-making. Through thoughtful discussion and reflection, students learn how Scripture speaks to modern questions and challenges. These courses help students grow spiritually while developing wisdom that shapes how they think, lead and serve throughout their lives.
Build Habits for a Healthy & Flourishing Life.
Success in college and beyond depends on more than academics alone. Concepts of Fitness and Health helps students understand how physical health, mental well-being and personal responsibility work together to support a balanced, meaningful life. Students learn practical principles related to fitness, wellness, nutrition and healthy decision-making while developing habits that promote long-term well-being. These courses equip students to care for themselves and others so they can thrive during college and for years to come.
Strengthen Problem-Solving Skills and Make Sense of Data.
In a world driven by data, strong problem-solving skills matter in every field. Samford’s mathematics requirement helps students develop quantitative reasoning skills that support clear thinking, informed decision-making and real-world problem solving. Rather than focusing on abstract formulas alone, these courses help students learn how to interpret information, recognize patterns and use numbers to evaluate evidence and solve practical problems. Students build confidence working with data and develop skills that support success in majors ranging from business and health sciences to the humanities and social sciences. This foundation prepares students to navigate complex information with clarity and confidence—both in college and in life.
Engage the World Beyond Campus.
A meaningful education prepares students to engage thoughtfully with a diverse and interconnected world. Samford’s global component invites students to broaden their perspective by encountering cultures, ideas and experiences beyond their own. Whether through language study, globally focused coursework or study-away opportunities, students develop cultural awareness, empathy and the ability to navigate differences with wisdom and respect. These experiences prepare graduates to lead and serve faithfully in local communities and around the world.
Explore the World Through Interdisciplinary Inquiry
Samford’s General Education program encourages students to explore the world through multiple lenses. Courses within the General Education Areas challenge students to ask meaningful questions, analyze evidence and apply knowledge across disciplines. These areas help students develop a broad understanding of the human experience while strengthening skills that support every major and career path.
Understanding the Human Experience
Students explore how people make meaning through history, literature, philosophy and culture. These courses deepen empathy, sharpen interpretation skills and help students better understand themselves and others.
Exploring the Social World
Courses in this area examine how individuals and communities interact, how societies function and how decisions shape collective life. Students learn to analyze social systems and consider how they can contribute thoughtfully and responsibly.
Investigating the Natural World
Students study the natural world through scientific inquiry, developing curiosity, problem-solving skills and an appreciation for evidence-based reasoning. These courses help students understand creation and humanity’s responsibility as faithful stewards.
Engaging Creative Expression
Creative expression courses invite students to think imaginatively and engage artistic works with insight and reflection. Students learn how creativity shapes culture and how artistic expression helps communicate truth, beauty and meaning.“As part of Core Texts London, we read about specific events, and afterward, we toured the real-life locations where those events took place. You cannot get that experience with any typical history-related course.” —Jose Ocampo '25
“Students learn that communication is more than sharing information—it’s about shaping communities, fostering understanding and leading with integrity, empathy, and purpose.” —Jennifer Ellis West, Director of Core Writing
“Biblical Foundations is central to who we are at Samford. We want graduates who can engage thoughtfully and faithfully with the complexities of life, and this course is a vital part of preparing them to do so.” —Dawn McCormack, Dean, Howard College of Arts and Sciences