Applying for the HND master’s degree at schools abroad is much more complicated than the bachelor’s degree application process. Some countries may demand that HND holders undergo a pre-master program before being admitted into the postgraduate program. It’s not the same procedure in every country, and the U.S. in particular is a special case. In this article, you will find some of the US schools accepting HND for master’s degree and a few tips on how to do so.

Interestingly, among the countries that approve HND for master’s programs is the United States. This gives hope to aspiring HND holders who want to pursue a Master’s with an HND degree abroad. Nevertheless, there are tricks to this…

Tips on How to Apply: US schools accepting HND for master’s

Just like having a first-class or a second-class upper (2:1) grade gives students an edge over candidates with lower grades to be offered admission for masters abroad, if you have upper credit or distinction, you will get the opportunity to pursue a postgraduate studies in the USA; however, you still need to meet other prerequisites of the school and department.

If you are planning to apply for a master’s abroad with HND, you will need to evaluate your transcripts. Assessing your HND and OND transcripts and declarations either with WES or other assessing bodies.

You need to send your transcripts to World Evaluation Services (WES) through your school. There are commonly two sorts of assessments, which include the following:

1. Course by Course

The course-by-course qualification assessment report displays a qualification type of certification and reflects it about the US standard. It evaluates factors such as courses, credit hours, grades, and degrees, as well as the general education system similar to the educational system in the United States (or your host nation).

It is necessary to highlight that the United States uses semester credits and an evaluation point standard, or GPA, on a 4.0 scale.

2. Evaluation Based on Documents

The report of the Certified Record by Archives & Assessment is the best way to bring forth and mention your academic background, i.e., schools and colleges obtained from foreign countries as well as those acquired in the United States through the Document Evaluation Report Division. Note that not all US universities and colleges accept this evaluation exercise.

US schools accepting HND for Master’s Degree And Admission Requirements

1. West Virginia University

Set up in 1867, West Virginia University (WVU), despite being a public institution, is still one of the leading and most famous universities to accept students with HND diplomas for their master’s program. The academic calendar of this institution is semester-based. The admittance rate is approximately 77 percent.

The Admission requirements

You must have a bachelor’s degree from a properly recognized institution.

The minimum cumulative grade-point average (GPA) is 2.75 on a 4.0 scale. Some programs have higher minimum GPA requirements. Please consult with a representative from your program for details.

Take note:

• WVU considers Higher National Diplomas (HNDs) from Nigeria or Ghana to be comparable to US bachelor’s degrees under the following conditions: the HND is a 2-year program that follows a 2-year National Diploma (ND) or Ordinary National Diploma (OND) program, for a total of at least 4 years of post-secondary study. 
• WVU doesn’t require external credential evaluations. We can convert your GPA based on your academic records.

How to apply

1. Research the admission requirements for WVU and your program.
2. Establish English language proficiency( Nigerians are exempted).
3. Create an account and complete the graduate application.
4. Upload unofficial transcripts and supplemental materials.
5. Pay the non-refundable $60 application fee to apply.
6. Check your checklist and provide any required items.
7. After application approval, send an official transcript for admission.

• The application runs best in the Google Chrome browser. 

2. Western Illinois University

Western Illinois University features student-centered graduate programs distinguished by innovation in teaching, research, and service with interdisciplinary, regional, and global dimensions.

Applicants who have already earned a national diploma and a higher national diploma (a combined total of 4-5 years of study) or a higher national diploma (3-year HND) and at least one additional year of certificate, diploma, or master’s degree training will be eligible to apply to graduate programs.

This is considered equivalent to a bachelor’s degree. Candidates have to apply for the field that is related to their current HND course.

WIU at present provides 2 doctoral degrees, 2 specialist degrees, 40 master’s degrees, and 16 post-baccalaureate certificates.

Admission Requirements

1. Hold a degree comparable to a recognized U.S. bachelor’s degree.
2. Have a combined GPA of at least 2.75 on a 4.0 scale for all college courses attempted, or have a 3.0 or higher GPA for the last two years of undergraduate work attempted.
3. All marks and scores will be converted to a 4.0 grading scale. Some departments have a higher GPA requirement, so please refer to the Departmental Admission Requirements.

International Graduate Commitment Scholarship

Award:

$4,000 per year, available for the for the fall and spring semesters

Criteria:

• Must be a newly admitted graduate, non-sponsored international student enrolling at WIU for the first time.
• Minimum cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale (confirmed by WIU)
• Scholarship eligibility is determined at the time of evaluation for admission.

3. Florida State University

Florida State University (FSU), founded in 1851, is a well-known public research university based in Tallahassee, Florida. Adept at hosting robust academic programs and featuring dynamic student life, this is among the US schools accepting HND for master’s degree, and it offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate courses that cut across various fields of study.

As a university with an excellent reputation for research and innovation, FSU is placed among the most successful universities in the country. The university follows the semester system for its academic calendar and has an acceptance rate of 36%.

Admission to graduate study is a two-fold assessment procedure. Eligibility for admission to the university is decided by the Office of Admissions. Admittance to the degree program depends on the academic department or college.

Final admission to the university is subject to approval by the Office of Admissions. Please contact your department for program requirements.

Admission Requirements

1. A bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited U.S. institution, or a comparable degree from an international institution, with a minimum 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) grade point average (GPA) in all coursework attempted while registered as an upper-division undergraduate student working towards a bachelor’s degree; OR
2. A graduate degree from a regionally accredited U.S. institution or a comparable degree from an international institution; AND test scores.
3. Once you have decided on a desired start term and program, complete and submit your application online here.
4. The application fee is $30.00. You will be able to pay by credit card, debit card, or e-check.

4. East Tennessee State University

East Tennessee State University (ETSU), a prestigious public university, welcomes HND graduates for its master’s program. Known for its rather inclusive nature, ETSU provides educational opportunities for HND graduates who are ready to advance their education.

The university adopts a semester system of academic schedule, and it offers an encouraging setting for the growth and success of students.

Admission Requirements

1. Have the minimum equivalent of a four-year bachelor’s degree with at least a “B” average based on the home country’s grading scale.
2. Other grading systems will be evaluated upon receipt of official transcripts. Please note that the ETSU Graduate School provides this general GPA converter as a free service to convert specific grades to a 4.0 scale. Applicants whose transcripts come from a country with multiple grading systems may wish to pursue a more specific GPA converter (such as that offered by WES).
3. Applicants must meet the following GPA requirements:
4. 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
5. A completed admissions application
6. Application fee of $70
7. Letters of Recommendation
8. GRE: The English proficiency test score requirement is waived for applicants from Nigeria.
9. Statement of Purpose

Note that some of these Universities require WES evaluation.

What is WES Evaluation?

WES evaluation is the evaluation of your academic credentials and transcripts that is performed by World Education Services (WES), a non-profit agency based in the United States.

WES provides evaluation and verification of international academic credentials, including degrees, diplomas, and transcripts, resulting in an Equivalency Report that is widely accepted in North America.

Through this assessment, those who have studied abroad and outside these countries may have an opportunity to have their academic qualifications evaluated to fit in with the North American structure of further education, employment, and professional licensing.

Read also: Masters Degree: US Universities Accepting 2.2 Graduates

Masters Degree: US Universities Accepting 2.2 Graduates

Conclusion

You can apply for a direct master’s program at any of these listed schools. While this is possible, you should take note that some of these schools might require WES evaluation and require additional documents.

The interesting part is that this shift gives people without a bachelor’s degree the possibility to receive advanced academic degrees and make valuable contributions to their professions.

Eventually, the acceptance of HND qualifications symbolizes a constructive way of meeting educational standards and equality in the United States.

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