Do you have a Higher National Diploma (HND) and want to pursue a master’s degree in the United States? There are many Universities that accept HND for Masters in the USA, from international students applying for Masters or Ph.D. studies in the country.
Students with Higher National Diploma (HND) degrees from polytechnics have valuable practical skills that can complement those with Bachelor’s degrees from universities in various fields. However, they often face challenges and discrimination in the job market.
However, HND holders can still pursue graduate scholarships in the USA, and sometimes have better chances than BSc students. The USA welcomes many students with HND from different countries.
If so, you might be wondering which universities accept HND for Masters and what are the benefits of studying in the US. In this blog post, we will answer these questions and provide you with a full list of universities that accept HND for Masters in the US.
HND is a vocational qualification that focuses on practical skills for a specific field. It is usually offered by polytechnics or colleges in countries like Nigeria, Ghana, India, and Pakistan. However, not all universities in the US recognize HND as equivalent to a bachelor’s degree, which is the minimum requirement for most master’s programs.
Fortunately, there are some universities that accept HND for Masters, either directly or through a bridging program. A bridging program is a short course that helps you upgrade your academic skills and prepare you for graduate studies. Some bridging programs also award you a bachelor’s degree upon completion.
What You Need To Know and Do
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.
List of Schools That Accept HND for Masters in The USA
- Arkansas State University
- Auburn University of Montgomery
- Bowling Green State University
- California State University, Sacramento
- California State University, Fresno
- California State University, Ponoma
- Central Michigan University
- Clark University
- Cleveland State University
- Eastern Illinois University
- East Tennessee State University
- Georgia College
- Georgia State University
- Humboldt State University
- Illinois State University
List of Universities that accept HND for Masters in the US:
- Arkansas State University: This university offers a Master of Professional Science (MPS) program that accepts HND holders with at least an upper second class or distinction. The MPS program is designed for professionals who want to advance their careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. You can complete the program in 12 to 18 months with 30 credits.
- Auburn University of Montgomery: This university offers a Master of Business Administration (MBA) program that accepts HND holders with at least an upper second class or distinction. The MBA program covers topics like accounting, finance, marketing, operations, and strategy. You can complete the program in 12 to 18 months with 30 credits.
- Bowling Green State University: This university offers a Master of Science (MS) program in Applied Statistics and Operations Research that accepts HND holders with at least an upper second class or distinction. The MS program focuses on developing skills in data analysis, optimization, simulation, and decision-making. You can complete the program in 18 to 24 months with 33 credits.
- California State University, Sacramento: This university offers a Master of Science (MS) program in Computer Science that accepts HND holders with at least an upper second class or distinction. The MS program covers topics like software engineering, artificial intelligence, data science, and cybersecurity. You can complete the program in 18 to 24 months with 36 credits.
- California State University, Fresno: This university offers a Master of Science (MS) program in Engineering that accepts HND holders with at least an upper second class or distinction. The MS program offers concentrations in civil engineering, computer engineering, electrical engineering, geomatics engineering, mechanical engineering, and water resources engineering. You can complete the program in 12 to 18 months with 30 credits.
- California State University, Ponoma: This university offers a Master of Science (MS) program in Engineering Management that accepts HND holders with at least an upper second class or distinction. The MS program focuses on developing skills in project management, quality management, systems engineering, and innovation management. You can complete the program in 18 to 24 months with 36 credits.
- Central Michigan University: This university offers a Master of Science (MS) program in Information Systems that accept HND holders with at least an upper second class or distinction. The MS program focuses on developing skills in information technology management, business analytics, project management, and system design. You can complete the program in 12 to 18 months with 33 credits. Additionally, they provide scholarship opportunities for students. Find detailed instructions on how to apply by clicking here.
- Clark University: This university offers a Master of Science (MS) program in Geographic Information Science that accepts HND holders with at least an upper second class or distinction. The MS program covers topics like spatial analysis, remote sensing, cartography, and geovisualization. You can complete the program in 12 to 18 months with 30 credits.
- Cleveland State University: This university offers a Master of Science (MS) program in Computer Information Systems that accept HND holders with at least an upper second class or distinction. The MS program covers topics like database systems, web development, software engineering, and network security. You can complete the program in 18 to 24 months with 33 credits.
- Eastern Illinois University: This university offers a Master of Science (MS) program in Technology that accepts HND holders with at least an upper second class or distinction. The MS program offers concentrations in applied engineering technology management, computer technology education, cybersecurity, sustainable energy, and training & development technology. You can complete the program in 12 to 18 months with 32 credits.
- East Tennessee State University: This university offers a Master of Science (MS) program in Technology that accepts HND holders with at least an upper second class or distinction. The MS program offers concentrations in digital media, engineering technology, occupational training & development, and technology management. The program consists of 30 credits and can be completed in 12 to 18 months.
- Georgia College: This university offers a Master of Management Information Systems (MMIS) program that accepts HND holders with at least an upper second class or distinction. The MMIS program covers topics like business intelligence, data analytics, information security, and IT project management. You can complete the program in 18 to 24 months with 30 credits.
- Georgia State University: This university offers a Master of Science (MS) program in Information Systems that accepts HND holders with at least an upper second class or distinction. The MS program covers topics like enterprise systems, business intelligence, cybersecurity, and IT innovation & entrepreneurship. You can complete the program in 18 to 24 months with 36 credits.
- Humboldt State University: This university offers a Master of Arts (MA) program in Applied Anthropology that accepts HND holders with at least an upper second class or distinction. The MA program focuses on applying anthropological methods and theories to address real-world problems in areas like cultural resource management, environmental anthropology, forensic anthropology, and medical anthropology. The program consists of 30 credits and can be completed in 12 to 18 months.
- Illinois State University: This university offers a Master of Science (MS) program in Applied Computer Science that accepts HND holders with at least an upper second class or distinction. The MS program covers topics like software development, database systems, networking, and artificial intelligence. The program consists of 32 credits and can be completed in 18 to 24 months.
And, that’s the list of Universities in the USA that accept HND for Masters and Graduate Studies. You can visit each university for their full admission requirements.
Studying in the US with your HND can be a rewarding experience that opens up new opportunities for you. You can benefit from the high-quality education, diverse culture, and global network that the US offers. You can also apply for scholarships and financial aid to support your studies.
If you are interested in pursuing a master’s degree in the US with your HND, don’t let anything stop you from achieving your dreams. Start preparing now and take advantage of the opportunities that await you.