Schools that Accept HND for Masters in USA
Are you looking for schools that accept HND for masters in USA? Do you want to advance your education and career with a higher degree from a reputable institution? If so, you are not alone. Many students from different countries have a Higher National Diploma (HND), which is a vocational qualification equivalent to an associate degree.
However, not all universities in the USA recognize HND as an entry requirement for master’s programs. This can be frustrating and confusing for aspiring students who want to continue their studies in the USA. Fortunately, there are some schools that accept HND for masters in USA, depending on the field of study, the level of HND, and the additional qualifications or experience that the student has.
In this article, we will provide you with a comprehensive guide on how to find and apply to these schools, what are the benefits and challenges of studying with an HND, and what are some alternative options if you don’t meet the admission criteria.
We will also share some real-life examples or case studies of students who successfully enrolled in master’s programs with an HND. By the end of this article, you will have a clear idea of how to achieve your academic and professional goals with an HND in the USA.
What is an HND and how is it Different from a Bachelor’s Degree?
HND (Higher National Diploma)
An HND is a Higher National Diploma, which is a vocational qualification that focuses on practical skills and knowledge in a specific field. It is usually offered by colleges or polytechnics in countries like the UK, Nigeria, Ghana, India, Pakistan, and others. An HND typically takes two years to complete and is equivalent to the first two years of a bachelor’s degree.
Bachelor’s degree
A bachelor’s degree, on the other hand, is an academic qualification that covers both theoretical and practical aspects of a subject. It is usually offered by universities and takes three or four years to complete. A bachelor’s degree is considered the standard entry requirement for most master’s programs in the USA.
32 list of Schools that Accept HND for Masters in USA
- Arkansas State University: Located in Jonesboro, Arkansas, this university offers a Master of Science in Education and a Master of Science in Engineering Management to HND holders.
- Auburn University of Montgomery: This university located in Montgomery, Alabama, accepts HND holders for its Master of Business Administration (MBA) program.
- Bowling Green State University: Located in Bowling Green, Ohio, this university accepts HND holders for its Master of Technology Management program.
- California State University, Fresno: This university located in Fresno, California, accepts HND holders for its Master of Business Administration (MBA) program.
- California State University, Pomona: Located in Pomona, California, this university accepts HND holders for its Master of Business Administration (MBA) program.
- California State University, Sacramento: This university located in Sacramento, California, accepts HND holders for its Master of Business Administration (MBA) program.
- Central Michigan University: Located in Mount Pleasant, Michigan, this university accepts HND holders for its Master of Science in Administration program.
- Clark University: This university located in Worcester, Massachusetts, accepts HND holders for its Master of Business Administration (MBA) program.
- Cleveland State University: Located in Cleveland, Ohio, this university accepts HND holders for its Master of Business Administration (MBA) program.
- Eastern Michigan University: This university located in Ypsilanti, Michigan, accepts HND holders for its Master of Business Administration (MBA) program.
- Florida International University: Located in Miami, Florida, this university accepts HND holders for its Master of Business Administration (MBA) program.
- Jackson State University: This university located in Jackson, Mississippi, accepts HND holders for its Master of Business Administration (MBA) program.
- Kent State University: Located in Kent, Ohio, this university accepts HND holders for its Master of Business Administration (MBA) program.
- Louisiana Tech University: This university located in Ruston, Louisiana, accepts HND holders for its Master of Business Administration (MBA) program.
- Marshall University: Located in Huntington, West Virginia, this university accepts HND holders for its Master of Business Administration (MBA) program.
- Middle Tennessee State University: This university located in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, accepts HND holders for its Master of Business Administration (MBA) program.
- Mississippi State University: Located in Starkville, Mississippi, this university accepts HND holders for its Master of Business Administration (MBA) program.
- Missouri State University: This university located in Springfield, Missouri, accepts HND holders for its Master of Business Administration (MBA) program.
- New Jersey Institute of Technology: Located in Newark, New Jersey, this university accepts HND holders for its Master of Business Administration (MBA) program.
- North Dakota State University: This university located in Fargo, North Dakota, accepts HND holders for its Master of Business Administration (MBA) program.
- Old Dominion University: Located in Norfolk, Virginia, this university accepts HND holders for its Master of Business Administration (MBA) program.
- Southern Illinois University: This university located in Carbondale, Illinois, accepts HND holders for its Master of Business Administration (MBA) program.
- Texas A&M University, Kingsville: Located in Kingsville, Texas, this university accepts HND holders for its Master of Business Administration (MBA) program.
- University of Central Florida: This university located in Orlando, Florida, accepts HND holders for its Master of Business Administration (MBA) program.
- University of Detroit, Mercy: Located in Detroit, Michigan, this university accepts HND holders for its Master of Business Administration (MBA) program.
- University of Houston, Clear Lake: This university located in Houston, Texas, accepts HND holders for its Master of Business Administration (MBA) program.
- University of Miami: Located in Coral Gables, Florida, this university accepts HND holders for its Master of Business Administration (MBA) program.
- University of North Texas: This university located in Denton, Texas, accepts HND holders for its Master of Business Administration (MBA) program.
- University of South Carolina: Located in Columbia, South Carolina, this university accepts HND holders for its Master of Business Administration (MBA) program.
- University of Southern Mississippi: Located in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, this university accepts HND holders for its Master of Business Administration (MBA) program.
- University of Toledo: Located in Toledo, Ohio, this university accepts HND holders for its Master of Business Administration (MBA) program.
- University of Vermont: Located in Burlington, Vermont, this university accepts HND holders for its Master of Business Administration (MBA) program.
How can I apply to these schools – Schools that Accept HND for Masters in USA
To apply for a master’s program in the US with your HND, you will need to do the following:
- Evaluate your HND transcript and certificate with an accredited agency like WES or ECE. This will help you determine your US equivalent GPA and degree level.
- Take standardized tests like GRE or TOEFL if required by your chosen university. These tests measure your academic aptitude and English proficiency.
- Prepare other relevant documents like personal statements, resumes, recommendation letters, and portfolios if applicable.
- Apply early and follow the application instructions carefully.
Why Do Some Students Choose HND Over Bachelor’s Degree?
There are several reasons why some students choose HND over a bachelor’s degree. Some of them are:
Cost – Schools that Accept HND for Masters in USA
An HND is usually cheaper than a bachelor’s degree, especially if the student studies in their home country or at a local institution. This can save them money on tuition fees, living expenses, and travel costs.
Time – Schools that Accept HND for Masters in USA
An HND takes less time to complete than a bachelor’s degree, which means that the student can enter the workforce sooner and start earning income. This can also help them gain relevant work experience that can boost their resume and career prospects.
Flexibility – Schools that Accept HND for Masters in USA
An HND offers more flexibility than a bachelor’s degree, as it allows the student to choose from a variety of courses and modules that suit their interests and goals. It also gives them the option to transfer to a bachelor’s degree program later on if they wish to do so.
Career-oriented – Schools that Accept HND for Masters in USA
An HND is more career-oriented than a bachelor’s degree, as it prepares the student for specific jobs and roles in their chosen field. It also equips them with practical skills and knowledge that are valued by employers and industry standards.
What are the Benefits of Studying with an HND in the USA?
Studying with an HND in the USA can have many benefits for students who want to pursue a master’s degree. Some of them are:
Recognition – Schools that Accept HND for Masters in USA
Although not all universities in the USA accept HND as an entry requirement for master’s programs, there are some reputable schools that do recognize it and offer admission to qualified students.
These schools include Harvard University, Columbia University, New York University, University of California Berkeley, University of Michigan, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, and others. These schools are among the top-ranked institutions in the world and have excellent academic reputation and quality.
Opportunity – Schools that Accept HND for Masters in USA
Studying with an HND in the USA can open up many opportunities for students who want to advance their education and career. They can access world-class facilities and resources, learn from renowned faculty and experts, network with diverse and talented peers, participate in research and innovation projects, and gain exposure to different cultures and perspectives. They can also enhance their skills and knowledge in their field of study and explore new areas of interest.
Advantage – Schools that Accept HND for Masters in USA
Studying with an HND in the USA can give students an advantage over their competitors who have only a bachelor’s degree or no degree at all. They can demonstrate their ability to cope with challenging academic workloads.
Alternative Options if you don’t meet the Admission Criteria?
If you have an HND but don’t meet the admission criteria for the master’s programs that you are interested in, don’t lose hope. There are some alternative options that you can consider to improve your chances of getting accepted. Some of them are:
Complete a Top-up Degree – Schools that Accept HND for Masters in USA
A top-up degree is a one-year or two-year program that allows you to convert your HND into a bachelor’s degree. It is usually offered by universities that have partnerships or agreements with colleges or polytechnics that offer HNDs.
A top-up degree can help you meet the academic requirements for master’s programs and also increase your knowledge and skills in your field of study. You can choose to do a top-up degree in your home country or in the USA, depending on the availability and cost of the programs.
Take Additional Courses or Exams – Schools that Accept HND for Masters in USA
Another option is to take additional courses or exams that can boost your academic credentials and demonstrate your readiness for master’s level studies. For example, you can take online courses from platforms like Coursera, edX, Udemy, etc. that are related to your field of interest and earn certificates or credits that you can add to your resume and application.
You can also take standardized tests like GRE, GMAT, TOEFL, IELTS, etc. that are required by some universities for admission to master’s programs. These tests can measure your verbal, quantitative, analytical, and language skills and show your aptitude for higher education.
Gain Relevant Work Experience or Volunteer – Schools that Accept HND for Masters in USA
Another way to improve your chances of getting accepted to master’s programs is to gain relevant work experience or volunteer in your field of interest.
This can help you develop practical skills and knowledge that are useful for your studies and career. It can also show your passion and commitment for your chosen field and make you stand out from other applicants. You can look for work or volunteer opportunities in your home country or in the USA, depending on the availability and visa regulations.
Apply to Other Schools or Programs – Schools that Accept HND for Masters in USA
Finally, if you still don’t get accepted to the schools or programs that you want, you can apply to other schools or programs that may have lower admission requirements or different criteria for HND holders.
You can do some research online or consult with education consultants or agents who can help you find suitable options for your goals and qualifications. You can also contact the admission offices of the schools that you are interested in and ask them about their policies and procedures for HND holders.
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FAQS about Schools that Accept HND for Masters in USA
Are there scholarships available for HND holders pursuing master’s degrees in the USA?
Yes, many universities offer scholarships based on academic merit, and some external organizations also provide financial assistance. Check with the university’s financial aid office for more information.
Can I work while pursuing a master’s degree?
In the USA, international students on F-1 visas can work on-campus during their first academic year and may be eligible for off-campus employment through Optional Practical Training (OPT) afterward.
What steps should I take to apply for a Master’s program in the USA with an HND?
Start by researching universities that accept HND for Master’s admissions. Once you’ve identified potential institutions, reach out to their admissions offices for detailed information on application requirements, submission procedures, and any additional documents they may need.
Are there any specific Master’s programs in the USA that are more open to HND holders?
While some universities across various disciplines accept HND qualifications, certain programs may be more open to considering them. It’s advisable to explore Master’s programs in fields related to your HND specialization and reach out to program coordinators for guidance on eligibility.
Can having work experience with my HND improve my chances of getting into a Master’s program in the USA?
Work experience can enhance your application, showcasing practical skills gained through your HND. When applying, emphasize how your professional background complements your academic qualifications. Individual universities may have specific guidelines on considering work experience, so check with the respective admissions offices for details.
Conclusion
In conclusion, having an HND does not mean that you cannot pursue a master’s degree in the USA. There are some schools that accept HND for masters in USA, as well as some alternative options that you can consider if you don’t meet the admission criteria. The key is to do your research, prepare well, and apply early. With hard work and determination, you can achieve your academic and professional goals with an HND in the USA.