Program Requirements

For students applying to the organizational management certificate program, please submit the following to the Graduate School:

Official e-transcript from the institution from which their highest degree was conferred
A Statement of Intent of at most 250 words that describes background experience and future goals

Bioinformatics Certificate

For students applying to the bioinformatics certificate program, please submit the following to the Graduate School:

Official e-transcripts from each institution of higher education attended; and
A statement of intent of at most 250 words that describes background experience and future goals.

This program is designed particularly for students who have a background in biotechnology, biomedical science or the life sciences, either through formal study or professional experience. The program director will advise the student of any prerequisite requirements. A minimum 2.75 undergraduate GPA is required for admission to the Graduate School.

Entrance requirements

This program is designed for students who have a background in biotechnology, biomedical science or the life sciences. Application requirements include one or the following: acceptance into the Biomedical Sciences program at Hood College; a completed Master’s degree (MA or MSc) in a biology-related field; or a completed undergraduate degree in a related field (BA or BSc) with a GPA of 2.75 or higher. Undergraduate coursework must include: microbiology, organic chemistry, pre-calculus, upper level genetics (equivalent to Hood’s BIOL 316) and cell biology (equivalent to Hood’s BIOL 339).

M.S. in Bioinformatics

Candidates for master's program must have completed one of the following:

B.A. or B.S. in a life science or computer science field with a GPA of 2.75 or higher.
Bioinformatics certificate from Hood (or be progressing toward the certificate) with a 3.0 or higher.
M.A. or M.S in a biology-related or computer science-related field with a 3.0 or higher.

Applicants must submit:

A completed online application.
One copy of official transcripts from each institution of higher education attended; submit to the Graduate School.
A statement of intent of no more than 250 words that describes your background, experience and future goals.

GRE or GMAT exams are not required.

We cannot guarantee full-time enrollment for this program at this time.

(International students should contact gofurther@hood.edu for additional options.)

Applicants will be accepted into the program based on selection criteria that include undergraduate coursework, grade point average, area of research interest and experience.
Relevance of the undergraduate degree is considered. Priority is given to students who majored in biology, biochemistry or chemistry.
Undergraduate coursework required includes completion of the following with a grade of B or better: microbiology, organic chemistry, pre-Calculus, upper level genetics (equivalent to Hood's BIOL 316), and cell biology (equivalent to Hood's BIOL 339).
To apply to the Biomedical Science program, please submit the following to the Graduate School:
1. All official e-transcripts from each institution of higher education attended; and
2. An essay that discusses the student’s work experience and future professional goals

For students applying to the MBA program, please submit the following to the Graduate School:

Official e-transcripts from each institution attended
An essay (250 words or less) that includes background experience and future goals

Applicants who have an undergraduate GPA below 3.0, must also submit the following:

A résumé
Two letters of recommendation (letters can be emailed to gofurther@hood.edu)

No GRE or GMAT required

Students entering the program must exempt or complete six foundation courses designed to provide the appropriate prerequisite background for the cross-disciplined major. The program director determines the required foundation courses or exemptions based on a thorough evaluation of transcripts and other supporting documents. The objective is to ensure the student is well prepared and ready to succeed in the program.

For students applying to the computer science program, please submit the following to the Graduate School:

Official e-transcripts from each institution of higher education attended.
A résumé of work experience.

Applicants to the graduate program in computer science are expected to have a strong background in computer science and mathematics.

Four foundation courses introduce students to algorithms and programming, computer organization and design, advanced data structures and discrete mathematics. Students holding a baccalaureate degree in computer science will normally be exempted from all foundation courses. Other students may, upon review by the department, be exempted from some or all of the foundation courses. The program director determines the required foundation courses or exemptions based on a thorough evaluation of transcripts and other supporting documents. The objective is to ensure the student is well prepared and ready to succeed in the program.

Clinical Mental Health

Admission to the clinical mental health counseling specialty master’s program requires a minimum undergraduate GPA. of 3.0. Undergraduate coursework in psychology is strongly recommended.

Individuals applying to the clinical mental health counseling master’s program are required to submit:

The online application
Official e-transcripts from all post-secondary schools attended (should be sent via Parchment to Hood Graduate Admission or emailed to gofurther@hood.edu).
A personal statement describing factors that influenced the decision to apply to Graduate School and how this program will facilitate fulfillment of the applicant’s professional goals (by email to gofurther@hood.edu)
In the counseling profession, a professional is expected to recognize and appreciate individual differences. Write about an experience (or experiences) you have had working with people different than yourself? What strengths and limitations do you see in your ability to recognize and appreciate individuals who hold beliefs and/or values that differ from your own?
A current résumé or curriculum vitae (by email to gofurther@hood.edu)
Two letters of recommendation (one academic and one professional preferably)

All application materials should be submitted by the Counseling application deadlines.

Applicants will be contacted to schedule a virtual interview after the application deadline closes.

School Counseling

Admission to the school counseling specialty master’s program requires a minimum undergraduate GPA. of 3.0. If the GPA. is below 3.0, the applicant may submit GRE scores for possible consideration. Undergraduate coursework in psychology is strongly recommended.

Individuals applying to the school counseling master's program are required to submit:

The online application
Official e-transcripts from all post-secondary schools attended (should be sent via Parchment to Hood Graduate Admission or emailed to gofurther@hood.edu).
A personal statement describing factors that influenced the decision to apply to Graduate School and how this program will facilitate fulfillment of the applicant’s professional goals
In the counseling profession, a professional is expected to recognize and appreciate individual differences. Write about an experience (or experiences) you have had working with people different than yourself? What strengths and limitations do you see in your ability to recognize and appreciate individuals who hold beliefs and/or values that differ from your own?
A résumé or curriculum vitae
Two letters of recommendation (one academic and one professional preferably)

All application materials should be submitted by the Counseling application deadlines.

Applicants will be contacted to schedule a virtual interview after the application deadline closes.

* Please note that a maximum of 9 credits can be transferred into the program.

Complete the online application.
Official copies of all college transcripts.
A 1,000-word essay in response to a book of fiction or poetry published within the last 10 years. The book you choose to write on must correspond to the genre for which you are applying (e.g., poetry applicants should write an essay in response to a poetry collection).
A 500-word personal statement on what you hope to achieve from the program; your reading life and which authors have been especially important or influential to you as a writer; and your current writing projects.
A creative writing sample in the genre for which you are applying.
- Fiction should be no more than 25 double-spaced pages of one or several stories, a portion of a novel, or a combination. If submitting a novel excerpt, please attach a brief plot synopsis.
- Poetry should be no more than 10 single-spaced pages, with no more than one poem per page.

For students applying to the curriculum and instruction program, please submit the following to the Graduate School:

Complete the online application.
Official e-transcripts from the institution where the highest degree was conferred.
Write a short essay (approx. 500 words) describing how you anticipate Hood College’s curriculum and instruction graduate program will benefit you and your professional goals.
Submit a copy of your teaching certificate.

Once these documents have been submitted to the Graduate School, the applicant will interview with the Program Director after which a decision for admittance into the curriculum and instruction graduate program will be made.

An applicant to the graduate program in curriculum and instruction must already hold teacher certification. This program does not issue initial teacher certification.

For students applying to the master's or certificate in cybersecurity program, please submit the following to the Graduate School:

Official e-transcripts from each institution attended.
Résumé/CV that provides educational and professional experience (required only for master's program).

This program is designed for students with a background in computer science or related area that has prepared the students in core computing subjects, such as programming, computer architecture, operating systems, networking, data management systems and applications. Students who do not have the necessary background will be required to complete one or both of the foundation courses to ensure they are well prepared for the required coursework. The determination to take the foundation courses is based on a thorough evaluation of student transcripts and other supporting documents during the application review.

Doctorate in Organizational Leadership (DOL)

To be considered for admission to the program, applicants must:

Submit your resume to demonstrate interest in the program by emailing gofurther@hood.com. The Program Director will review your resume and offer an opportunity for a preliminary meeting to discuss your eligibility.
Complete the online application here.
Have previous institution submit an official e-transcript for a completed master’s degree. Applicants must have completed a master’s degree with a minimum 3.25 GPA and taken at least one course in statistics. E-transcripts should be sent to the Hood Graduate Admissions via Parchment or emailed to gofurther@hood.edu.
Submit a résumé that demonstrates a minimum of 8-10 years of progressive professional work experience (*please note that if you submit your resume upfront to gofurther@hood.edu, the doctoral program director will review it and reach out for a preliminary meeting to discuss your background & the doctoral program).
Submit two letters of recommendation: one from your employer that speaks to your professional work experience and leadership skills, the second from an individual who can attest to your leadership skills.
Submit a 400- to 500-word personal essay that describes what attracts you to this doctorate program.
Submit a 500- to 750-word essay in response to one of the following prompts:
- What is the role of leadership in an organization as it focuses on challenges and issues of the twenty-first century?
- Leadership is often defined as the “art of influence.” What lessons have you learned from a leader you admire?
- Compare and contrast your leadership style with that of a leader you admire and respect.
- Describe how sustainable leadership (economic, social and environmental) fits with your personal paradigm of leadership.
Provide one of the following admission elements:
- Standardized test scores (SLLA, GRE, GMAT or MAT) - OR -
- Evidence of master’s level culminating research experience (capstone project, thesis, field work or action research project).
For International Students: English language test and a NACES or AICE course by course transcript are required. Visit our international admission webpage for more details.

Once applications have been submitted for initial review, eligible applicants will be invited for a virtual interview with the doctoral review committee as part of the application process.

Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA)

To be considered for admission to the program, applicants must:

Submit a resume to demonstrate interest in the program by emailing gofurther@hood.com. The Program Director will review your resume and offer an opportunity for a preliminary meeting to discuss your eligibility.
Complete the online application here.
Have previous institution submit an official e-transcript for a completed MBA degree. Applicants must have completed their MBA with a minimum 3.25 GPA and taken at least one course in statistics. E-transcripts should be sent to the Hood Graduate Admissions via Parchment or emailed to gofurther@hood.edu.
Submit a resume that demonstrates a minimum of 8 years of progressive professional work experience
Submit two letters of recommendation: one from your employer that speaks to your professional work experience and leadership skills, the second from an individual who can attest to your leadership skills.
Submit a 400- to 500-word personal essay that describes what attracts you to this doctorate program.
Submit a 500- to 750-word essay in response to one of the following prompts:
- What is the role of leadership in an organization as it focuses on challenges and issues of the twenty-first century?
- Leadership is often defined as the “art of influence.” What lessons have you learned from a leader you admire?
- Compare and contrast your leadership style with that of a leader you admire and respect.
- Describe how sustainable leadership (economic, social and environmental) fits with your personal paradigm of leadership.
Provide one of the following admission elements:
- Standardized test scores (SLLA, GRE, GMAT or MAT).
- Evidence of master’s level culminating research experience (capstone project, thesis, field work or action research project).
- For international students: English proficiency test report and NACES or AICE course by course transcript evaluation of MBA degree. Click here for more details.

Once applications have been submitted for initial review, eligible applicants will be invited for a virtual interview with the doctoral review committee as part of the application process.

To apply for the educational leadership master’s or certificate programs, a candidate must complete the online application, which includes:

One official e-transcript for the institution where the highest degree was conferred
A copy of the Maryland Educator’s Certificate issued by the Maryland State Department of Education
A letter of recommendation for the current principal or supervisor

Once the application is complete, the program director will contact the candidate to set up a virtual interview.

Note: Applicants for the partnership program with Montgomery County Public Schools are required to have completed five years of tenure with MCPS to be eligible for the in-county cohort program.

For students applying to the elementary STEM education program, please submit the following to the Graduate School:

Complete the online application.
Official e-transcripts from the institution where the highest degree was conferred.
Write a short essay (approx. 500 words) describing how you anticipate Hood College’s STEM certification graduate program will benefit you and your professional goals.
Submit a copy of your teaching certificate.

Once these documents have been submitted to the Graduate School, the applicant will interview with the program director and a decision for admittance into the STEM certification graduate program will be made.

An applicant to the graduate program in elementary STEM education must already hold teacher certification to apply. This program does not issue teacher certification.

Applicants with an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher are preferred. At minimum, all applications must have completed and earned a B or better in the following:

two college-level biology courses (with lab)
two college-level chemistry courses (with lab)
one college-level math course (e.g., statistics, algebra, pre-calculus, calculus)

To apply to the environmental biology master's program, please:

Complete and submit the online application, including an essay of 550 words or less describing background experience and future goals.
Request an official e-transcript be submitted by each institution attended
Two letters of recommendations are suggested, but not required. Letters can be emailed to gofurther@hood.edu.

For students applying to the Certificate in Financial Management program, please submit the following to the Graduate School:

Official e-transcript from the institution from which their highest degree was conferred
A Statement of Intent of at most 250 words that describes background experience and future goals

For students applying to the certificate in geographic information systems (GIS) program, please submit the following to the Graduate School:

Official e-transcripts from each institution attended.
An essay (550 words or less) that includes background experience and future goals.

Two letters of recommendation are suggested but not required (letters can be emailed to gofurther@hood.edu).

Prerequisites for Admission
It is recommended that entering students have completed undergraduate course work in the following:

Biology (Two semesters, with lab)
Chemistry (Two semesters, with lab)
Mathematics (One semester)

Applicants to the health informatics M.S. program must have earned:

B.A. or B.S. in a life science, health science, computer science or information technology with a GPA of 2.75 or higher; or
The health informatics certificate from Hood College (or demonstrating sufficient progress toward the certificate) with a GPA of 3.0 or higher; or
M.A. or M.S in a health, computer science or information technology-related field with a GPA of 3.0 or higher.
Personal Statement of Intent (250 words): How will learning health informatics help you achieve your future goals?
Please respond to one of the following prompts (no more than 600 words) to guide your placement in the appropriate foundational courses:
- From your perspective in computer, health or information sciences, what are the main challenges and opportunities for health informatics in the era of big data and artificial intelligence? How can health informatics leverage these technologies to enhance healthcare delivery and innovation?
- If your background does not include health, computer science or information technology, describe the education and experiences that have prepared you to study health informatics.

To apply to the M.A. humanities program, please submit the following to the Graduate School:

A completed application.
Official e-transcripts from all institutions attended
A formal essay that discusses:
- The applicant's academic and professional interests; and
- How the M.A. humanities program will help the applicant achieve their specific academic, professional and or personal goals.

Given the importance of writing in the humanities, the essay is an important component of the application and should demonstrate the applicant's formal writing skills.

Students applying to the M.S. in information technology program must submit the following to the Graduate School:

Official e-transcripts from each institution attended.
A résumé of work experience.
An essay of background experience and future goals.

Students entering the program must exempt or complete two foundation courses designed to provide the appropriate prerequisite background for the cross-disciplined major. The program director determines the required foundation courses or exemptions based on a thorough evaluation of transcripts and other supporting documents. The objective is to ensure the student is well prepared and ready to succeed in the program.

For students applying to the M.S. in management information systems program, please submit the following to the Graduate School:

Official e-transcripts from each institution attended.
A résumé of work experience.
An essay of background experience and future goals.

For students applying to the M.S. in mathematics education program, please submit the following to the Graduate School:

Official e-transcripts from each institution attended.
A one-page statement describing how the program relates to previous academic and professional experience and to occupational or personal goals.

For students applying to the secondary mathematics education certificate program, please submit the following to the Graduate School:

One copy of official transcripts from each institution attended.

Candidates must be admitted to the Hood College Graduate School. To be considered for admission to graduate study, the applicant must hold a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university with at least a 2.75 cumulative GPA.

The program does not lead to initial teacher certification. Only candidates who meet all program requirements will be eligible for the Maryland Mathematics Instructional Leader endorsement in either Grades PreK-6 or Grades 4-9.

For students applying to the M.S. in mathematics instructional leadership program, please submit the following to the Graduate School:

Official e-transcripts from each institution attended.
A copy of teaching certificate.
A one-page statement describing how the program relates to previous academic and professional experience and to occupational or personal goals.

For students applying to the multidisciplinary studies in education M.S. program, please submit the following to the Graduate School:

Online graduate application.
Official e-transcripts from the institution where the highest degree was conferred.
A short essay (approx. 500 words) describing how you anticipate the multidisciplinary studies in education graduate program will benefit you and your professional goals.
Interview with program director.

Applicant must be a practicing registered nurse with 1 to 2 years of work experience in Nursing. At the discretion of the program advisor, an interview may be required to clarify professional background and training.

Bachelor’s degree with a major in nursing from:

an ACEN- (formally known as NLNAC) or CCNE-accredited college or university

an equivalent degree from a comparable foreign institution

Undergraduate cumulative grade point average of 3.0 minimum
Essay (500-1000 words) answering the following questions:

Why do you want to pursue your MSN?
Why would you be the best candidate for our graduate nursing program?

Current resume/CV
Optional - 1 or 2 letters of recommendations ( not required)

Dietetics Track

Admission requirements to the Hood College nutrition science M.S. program include the following:

A baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or above and a verification statement from an ACEND-accredited Didactic Program in Dietetics.

A baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or above and completion of the following prerequisite courses with a grade of C or better: chemistry, organic chemistry, biochemistry, anatomy and physiology, introduction to nutrition or principles of nutrition, food science or experimental foods, and one of the following—macronutrient metabolism; clinical nutrition; human nutrition; medial nutrition therapy I; vitamin and mineral metabolism; micronutrient metabolism; advanced nutrition; medical nutrition II.

Applicants who have an undergraduate GPA below 3.0 must also submit two letters of recommendation (letters can be emailed to gofurther@hood.edu).

General Nutrition Science Track

1) Statement of Purpose (no greater than 2 pages, double-spaced) that discusses:

Why you chose your field of interest
Why you are prepared for graduate school
Why you feel graduate school is necessary for you
Why you chose this graduate school in particular
What you hope to achieve in your program and with your degree

2) A baccalaureate degree in nutrition from an accredited institution with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or above.

Applicants who have an undergraduate GPA below 3.0, must also submit two letters of recommendation (letters can be emailed to gofurther@hood.edu).

Sustainable Nutrition Track