Admitted Graduate Students

Congratulations on your admission to the Graduate School at Hood College! A rewarding experience awaits you. Please follow these steps once you have been admitted to set yourself up for success.

STEP ONE: Register For Courses

To register for your first semester's classes please visit the Graduate Course Registration webpage and register through the online registration form. After your initial registration is completed, a student login will generate overnight and will be sent by the Graduate School office. You can register on your own for subsequent semesters with the assistance of your academic advisor, who is usually the program director. You can view the course schedule and register for future courses through Self-Service. Instructions for Graduate Registration

STEP TWO: Register for the Relevant Graduate Orientation(s)

Our new graduate student orientation and welcome events are designed to put you on the path for success here at Hood College. Our research shows that students who attend and engage in new-student orientation, regardless of degree level, are more likely to outperform and complete their degree compared to peers who skip this important event.

Please register for the orientation that is offered right before your start date (e.g., register for the May event if you are taking a Summer I course). NOTE: our August orientations are comprehensive and include your program faculty. Thus, if you attend one of the shorter summer events, please plan to attend the August event as well if you are a degree-seeking student.

For new students starting on-campus or hybrid programs during the Fall term (U.S. and permanent residents only), register here for the general orientation on August 12, 2026.
For new students starting on-campus or hybrid programs during the Fall semester (international students only), register here for the international student orientation and general orientation on August 12, 2026.
For new students starting fully online programs during the Fall semester, register here for the online orientation on August 13, 2026.

STEP THREE: Pay Tuition or Set Up a Payment Plan

Accounting Services will issue billing statements through Self Service to students who have registered for coursework. You must log into your Self Service account to view your bill; it will not be mailed. Tuition and fees are due by the following dates:

Jan. 15 for spring semester
Aug. 15 for fall semester
First day of classes for summer terms

Tuition, fees and other expenses can be paid online through the online payment system. Additional information about paying for a graduate education at Hood can be found at funding your education.

STEP FOUR: Complete Your New Grad Student Journey on Blazer Navigate

After orientation, you will automatically be enrolled in the New Graduate Student Journey in Blazer Navigate, Hood College's student success app. This guided experience is designed to help you successfully transition into graduate study by connecting you with important resources, key deadlines, academic support services, and opportunities for engagement throughout your program.

To get started, visit hood.edu/BlazerNavigate and login using your Hood credentials. For the best experience, download the Navigate Student mobile app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store and sign in using your Hood College account. Once logged in, your New Graduate Student Journey will appear automatically in the app.

The New Graduate Student Journey serves as your personalized roadmap to graduate student success. You'll receive timely information and action items to help you navigate enrollment, connect with resources, plan your academic progress, and make the most of your Hood experience. Be sure to enable notifications and check the app regularly for important updates and support throughout your graduate program.

STEP FIVE: Access and Discover These Additional New Student Resources

New Graduate Student Manual
New Graduate Student Checklist
International Graduate Student Handbook
Hood Graduate Policy on Use of Generative Artifical Intelligence (AI)
GradCare (Graduate wellness resources)
Hood Mental Health Resources
Hood College Inclusive Language Guide

STEP SIX: Explore Other Helpful Links Below Program Requirements

All program requirements can be found in the Hood College Catalog. It is also important for students to remain in contact with their academic advisers as they plan their coursework. You can also view information on final thesis projects, capstones, and research.

Requests to Change Graduate Programs

Post-admission requests to change graduate programs must be sent with a brief explanation to GoFurther@hood.edu. Additional application material may be required for the new program. Requests will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis and must be approved by both the Dean of the Graduate School and the new program director.

Program-change requests made within 14 calendar days of the drop/add deadline of the admitted semester will not be accepted. In such cases, the admitted student will be required to remain in their original program of acceptance for the first enrolled semester before requesting a program change.

Purchase Textbooks

Visit the Hood Gear Shop to find out which textbooks are required for your courses.

Library and IT Support

Other useful information can be found under the current students drop-down at the top of the website, under the Information For section at the top right of the page. Other helpful resources include:

Graduate Student Housing

Hood College offers limited on-campus graduate housing options (see below for details). For those exploring commuter living options, the local Frederick area offers a number of rental options. Finding the right fit for you will take some research. Local newspaper classified ads and website listings may be good places to begin your search. The following are some examples of websites which may be helpful:

In addition, there are some nearby apartment complexes which may warrant consideration:

RENT Cafe helps you find a home, based on current listings
The Park at Walnut Ridge Apartments * (2001 Wood Hollow Place) - Will waive the application fee for Hood College students and give back $150 holding fee after sign lease
The Grove at Alban (91 Hill Street)
Applegate Apartments * (1404 Taney Avenue)
Willowdale Crossing * (148 Willowdale Drive) - Hood students are on preferred leasing list - no application fee and half off administration fee

*Those with an asterisk denotes they accept I-20 as evidence for financial backing for international students.

Note that the information in this message is provided as a convenience to students strictly as an informational service. Hood College has not inspected or approved any of the listings for fire, heat, and/or safety conditions and makes no warranties or representations concerning these items. Tenants assume full responsibility for location, condition, and contractual terms of their off-campus rentals. Hood College operates under the assumption that landlords and rental agencies conduct business within the guidelines of the law. All contractual agreements are between students and the landlords or agents.