Application Instructions

Thank you for your interest in graduate study at Hollins University. To ensure timely processing of your application, read and follow the general instructions below as well as those required for the specific program to which you are applying. You may apply to more than one program; however, a separate application form and processing fee are required for each.

Instructions for all applicants:

1. Complete all items on the application form. Mandatory fields are indicated by the symbol (*). If you apply online, you need only mail the supporting documents.
2. All applicants are required to pay a nonrefundable processing fee of $40 (for each program).
3. Request that your undergraduate and any graduate transcripts be sent to:
   Hollins University Graduate Center
   P.O. Box 9603
   Roanoke, VA 24020-1603
4. Read the instructions below pertaining to the particular program to which you are applying.
5. A PDF application is also available. Those who are applying using the PDF (paper) application should mail a check in the amount of $40, made payable to Hollins University. This payment must accompany the paper application.
6. Be sure all application materials are submitted by the due date indicated for the program to which you are applying.
7. International students only: If your native language is not English, you must take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and have your scores forwarded to the Graduate Studies Office. Certification of your ability to fund your graduate education and expenses associated with it is required as well. You must complete the Confidential Declaration and Certification of Finances form and submit a Report on Proficiency in English form.

Children's Literature M.A. or M.F.A. (summer term only):

Candidates must have a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university. They must give evidence, by undergraduate record, submission of manuscripts (a sample of the candidate's best writing), and letters of recommendation, of their capacity to undertake the program. They may submit scores from the Graduate Record Examination to support their application, but the GRE is not required. The writing sample for an M.F.A. must be creative. The sample submitted for an M.A. application may be either scholarly or creative. (Letters of recommendation should be submitted on the recommender's letterhead. Please do not use recommendation forms.)
    The deadline for receipt of all materials is February 15, although circumstances will occasionally allow the admission of a qualified student after the deadline.

Creative Writing M.F.A. (two-year program begins each fall)

Candidates must have a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university. They may submit scores from the Graduate Record Examination, but the GRE is not required. They must give evidence, by undergraduate record, submission of manuscripts, and letters of recommendation, of their capacity to undertake the program. (Letters of recommendation should be submitted on the recommender's letterhead. Please do not use recommendation forms.)
   Stipends and scholarships are available to qualified students. Interested applicants should fill out the Application for Stipend or Scholarship which is available as a PDF.
   The deadline for receipt of all materials is January 6, although circumstances will occasionally allow the admission of a qualified student after the deadline.

Dance M.F.A. and Post-Baccalaureate Certificate

Track I: Year Residency
Track II: Low Residency (for mid-career artists, teachers, and professionals only)

This program is ideal for recent graduates with an eye on the professional world. Candidates must have a bachelor’s degree with an undergraduate major in dance or equivalent dance experience. They must submit transcripts, a videotape of selected works in NTSC format (a maximum of 12 minutes of selected works), three letters of recommendation, resume of experience, and an artist’s statement.
   The deadline for receipt of all materials for the M.F.A. is December 1, although circumstances will occasionally allow the admission of a qualified student after the deadline.

Post-Baccalaureate Certificate
The Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in dance is designed for serious, professional-minded students. It is a good choice for students who want to prepare for advanced-level work (either M.F.A. programs or professional work in the field). The deadline for receipt of all materials for the Post-Baccalaureate Certificate is April 30.

Liberal Studies

Candidates must have a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university. They must provide evidence, by undergraduate record, autobiographical letter, and three letters of recommendation, of their capacity to undertake the program. Applicants are required to have an admission interview with the program advisor upon acceptance into the program.
    Rolling admissions make application possible prior to any of the three terms offered (fall, spring, and summer). The university admits applicants to the Master of Arts in Liberal Studies program upon approval of the director and to candidacy for the degree upon successful completion of their first two courses with a grade of "B" or better.

Playwriting M.F.A. (summer term only)

Candidates must have a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university. They must give evidence, by undergraduate record, submission of manuscripts, and letters of recommendation, of their capacity to undertake the program. They may submit scores from the Graduate Record Examination, but the GRE is not required. (Letters of recommendation should be submitted on the recommender's letterhead. Please do not use recommendation forms.)
    The deadline for receipt of all materials is March 31, although circumstances may allow us to consider a qualified candidate after the deadline.

Screenwriting and Film Studies M.A. or M.F.A. (summer term only)

Candidates must have a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university. They must provide evidence, by undergraduate record, submission of manuscripts, and letters of recommendation, of their capacity to undertake the program. They may submit scores from the Graduate Record Examination, but the GRE is not required. The writing sample for the M.F.A. program must be creative. The sample for the M.A. program may be either creative or scholarly. (Letters of recommendation should be submitted on the recommender's letterhead. Please do not use recommendation forms.)
    The deadline for receipt of all materials is February 15, although circumstances will occasionally allow the admission of a qualified student after the deadline.

Teaching:

Track 1: For current teachers
Candidates must have a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university. They must provide evidence by undergraduate record, proof of successful teaching experience, three letters of recommendation (one from a current supervisor), and personal statement of their capacity to undertake the program. An admissions interview is required prior to acceptance into the program.
    An individual program will be developed to meet candidates' educational needs. Rolling admission makes application possible prior to any of the three terms offered (fall, spring, and summer).

Track 2: For initial licensure
Candidates must have completed a bachelor's degree in a liberal arts or sciences discipline (or the equivalent) from a regionally accredited college or university. They must provide evidence of their capacity to undertake the program by submission of their undergraduate transcripts, three letters of recommendation, successful completion of PRAXIS I* (or sufficient scores on the SATs or ACTs), and a personal statement regarding the qualities they would bring to the teaching profession. An admissions interview is required prior to acceptance into the program. (Teacher licensure without obtaining the master's is also available at Hollins.)
    Admission is possible for fall, spring and summer terms. Application deadlines are July 1, December 1, and May 1, respectively.

* PRAXIS I is an academic skills assessment designed to be taken early in your college career to measure your reading, writing and mathematical skills. The assessments are available in two formats (paper-based and computer-based), each measuring the basic academic skills vital to all teacher candidates. Successful completion of the three components is required prior to admission to the Master of Arts in Teaching program leading to initial licensure. In order to substitute SAT or ACT scores, sufficient numbers must be achieved; detailed information regarding these numbers are available from the education department.

Certificate of Advanced Studies (C.A.S.)

Candidates must have completed a master’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university. They must provide transcripts as evidence of their graduate degree, three letters of recommendation, and an autobiographical letter indicating their desire in pursuing the degree. An admissions interview is required upon acceptance to the program.
   Rolling admissions make application possible prior to any of the three terms offered (fall, spring, and summer). The university admits applicants to the certificate of advanced studies program upon approval of the director and to candidacy for the degree upon successful completion of their first two courses with a grad of “B” or better

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