How to Apply
Welcome to Hood College
Nursing applicants should apply via the NursingCAS application.
All other applicants, please click below to apply:
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Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.
Please note that the graduate degree application fee is non-refundable.
Application Guidelines
Applicants 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 (some programs require a higher GPA). Based on an applicant’s experience, 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. 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.
- International graduate application requirements (if you are applying as an F1 student).
- Application requirements per program.
Please have your previous institution(s) send us your official e-transcript via Parchment to Hood College Graduate Admission or via email to gofurther@hood.edu. If e-transcripts are not available, please be sure your previous institution(s) mails your official transcript to the attention of Hood College Graduate School, 401 Rosemont Ave., Frederick, MD 21701 to ensure it reaches our office. If an applicant has completed coursework at Hood College, there is no need to make a transcript request, since our office can access all Hood transcripts.
Please note: Applicants with U.S. transcripts may upload one unofficial transcript for each U.S. institution (PDF preferred). Unofficial transcripts can be used for admission considerations, but applicants will be required to submit official e-transcripts if they are admitted.
If your institution(s) is not U.S. based, please have your official transcript evaluated by a NACES organization or an AICE organization and emailed to us at gofurther@hood.edu.
Other Supporting Documentation
Submit any supplemental application documents, such as letters of recommendation and essays, to gofurther@hood.edu.
GRE and GMAT exam results are not required for our graduate programs.
Contact us for more information regarding the documentation requirements or view a list of application requirements per program.
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 completed after the deadlines may be reviewed on a space- and time-permitting basis.
Master of Science in Nursing
Fall semester deadline: August 9
Spring semester deadline: January 9
Master of Science in Counseling
Fall semester deadline: February 1
Spring semester deadline: October 1
Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing
Summer residency application deadline: April 1
Doctorate in Organizational Leadership or Business Administration
Priority application deadline (fall cohort only): June 1
Counselor Education and Supervision Ph.D.
Fall semester deadline: January 10
In-person interviews: February 7
All Other Graduate Programs
Fall semester deadline: August 15 (July 15 for international applicants)
Spring semester deadline: December 1
Summer I deadline: May 20 (April 20 for international applicants)
Summer II deadline: June 30 (May 30 for international applicants)
If you are interested in enrolling in graduate Skill Accelerator badges or coursework as a non-degree seeking student, meaning you are not interested in pursuing a graduate for-credit certificate or master’s-level program, visit our non-degree webpage for application guidelines. You will need to complete the Graduate Non-Degree Registration Form.
A list of our spring 2026 graduate 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 for working professionals who must fulfill licensure requirements and wish to show professional proficiency in a specific area. Up to 12 credits taken as a non-degree student may apply toward degree requirements for a master’s or certificate program.
Applicants 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.
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.
Relevant work experience may count as college credit. If you have completed a leadership training program, hold industry certifications or have military experience, you may qualify for college credit through Prior Learning Assessment (PLA). Complete the PLA form and email it to GradDean@hood.edu.
