How to Apply

More than 1,000 students from 25 different nations pursue a wide range of professional aspirations at the Graduate School. These students appreciate the affordable tuition and convenient scheduling that allow them to continue to work during the day. They benefit from the opportunity to learn in small classes taught by caring, dedicated, world-class faculty and adjunct instructors who bring in-depth knowledge and expertise to instruction. And they gain practical skills through unparalleled internship experiences.

Graduate School classes are held on Hood College’s picturesque campus, located in a quiet residential area just a 10-minute walk to downtown Frederick. Hood, consistently ranks among the nation’s best colleges, and the same enduring commitment to high quality education prevails at the graduate level. The school’s Frederick, Maryland, location is a historic and growing center of business and industry, just an hour from both Washington, D.C., and Baltimore.

To be considered for admission to the graduate school, the applicant must meet specific program requirements and hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with at least a 2.75 cumulative grade point average (although some programs require a higher GPA). Based on an applicant’s background, the program director may require registration in specific foundational coursework and/or limit the number of credits for enrollment during the student’s first semester. Please note that GRE and GMAT exam results are not required for our graduate programs.

Due to state regulations for teacher certification, international students are not eligible to apply to the following graduate programs: Educational Leadership (M.S. and 18-credit certification preparation), Reading Specialization, Curriculum and Instruction.

• View international graduate application requirements (if you are applying as an F1 student)
• View application requirements per program 
   

Please note that the graduate degree application fee is non-refundable. Please apply to one graduate program only.

Non-Degree Graduate Badges & Coursework

If you are interested in enrolling in graduate badges or coursework as a non-degree seeking student, meaning you are not interested in pursuing a graduate for-credit certificate or master level program, please visit our non-degree webpage for application guidelines. You will need to complete the non-degree application/registration form.

A list of our winter and spring 2025 non-degree coursework is now available. Non-degree badges and coursework are ideal for those who wish to heighten their knowledge in a specific subject matter, for teachers who require additional credits or working professionals who must fulfill licensure requirements or wish to show professional proficiency in a specific area. Up to twelve credits taken as a non-degree student may apply towards degree requirements for a master’s or certificate program.

You must also submit a copy of an unofficial or official transcript to the registrar’s office at hoodgrad@hood.edu for verification of bachelor’s degree prior to enrollment. Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.50 or above (3.0 for counseling coursework) to register as a non-degree student. 

Search Class Schedule

The class schedule is available in Self Service.  You do not need a login to search the schedule, but you can follow the instructions to see what courses are available in your area of study.

https://selfservice.hood.edu/SelfService/Home/LogIn?ReturnUrl=%2FSelfService%2F

To ensure timely review of applications and enrollment, students are encouraged to apply and submit all required supplemental documents by the deadlines listed below. Any applications that become complete after the deadlines may be reviewed on a space- and time-permitting basis.