Graduate Programs: How to Apply

Instructions for All Graduate Applicants

1. Apply online by setting up your Hollins account and submitting the application form. Or, you may download and mail a paper application, if you choose.
2. You’re required to pay a nonrefundable processing fee of $40 (for each program).
3. Request that your undergraduate and any graduate transcripts be sent to the following address. Electronic certified copies are acceptable and may be emailed to hugrad@hollins.edu.
   Hollins University Graduate Center
   Box 9603
   7916 Williamson Road
   Roanoke, VA 24020
4. Letters of recommendation may be emailed to hugrad@hollins.edu on recommender’s letterhead or mailed to the above address.
5. Statement of educational objectives should be submitted for application to all programs.
6. All application materials sent through postal mail should be submitted by the program’s due date to Hollins University Graduate Center (address above). Any application materials sent electronically should be emailed to hugrad@hollins.edu.
7. If you wish to apply for financial aid, please complete a FAFSA and a Graduate Application for Financial Assistance Form (PDF).

For International Students

(IN ADDITION TO THE REQUIREMENTS FOR ALL APPLICANTS AS INDICATED ABOVE)

1. All non-native English speakers must complete the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS) or Duolingo English Test and have your scores forwarded to Hollins’ Graduate Studies Office.

• Hollins requires a minimum TOEFL score of 550 (paper-based total), 213 (computer-based total), or 80 (Internet-based total).
• Hollins requires a minimum score of 6.5 or above on the IELTS.
• Hollins requires a 110 or higher on the Duolingo English Test

2. Certification of your ability to fund your graduate education is also required.

• Confidential Declaration and Certification of Finances form (An official copy of your bank statement to support your Certification of Finances is required in order to issue your I-20 at the time of admission.)

3. In addition to an official transcript of your college or university course work, an evaluation of your transcript completed by a foreign credential evaluation service must sent to Hollins University Graduate Studies Office. Hollins recommends that the evaluation be done by World Education Services, Inc.

4. Copy of Passport Photo Page as well as a copy of any current U.S. visa.

• A copy of your official passport photo page is required in order to issue your I-20 at the time of admission.

Additional Application Information by Program

• Children’s Literature M.A. or M.F.A.
• Children’s Book Illustration Certificate
• Children’s Book Writing & Illustration M.F.A.
• Creative Writing M.F.A.
• Dance M.F.A.
• Masters in Liberal Arts Studies (M.A.L.S.)
• Playwriting M.F.A.
• Certificate in New Play Directing
• Certificate in New Play Dramaturgy
• Certificate in New Play Performance
• Screenwriting & Film Studies M.A. and M.F.A.
• Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.)
• Master of Arts in Teaching and Learning (M.A.T.L.)
• Theatre and New Play Development M.A.
• Certificate in Advanced Studies
• Non-Degree Seeking Applicants

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Children’s Literature M.A. or M.F.A.

Applications are currently being accepted for summer 2025.
Current members of SCBWI, contact us at hugrad@hollins.edu regarding program application benefits. (Proof of membership will be required.)

Submission deadline: February 15
On occasion, circumstances allow a qualified student’s admission after the deadline.

Summer term only

• You must have a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university.
• Along with your application, submit:
  • Undergraduate transcripts
  • A manuscript sample of your best writing
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • The GRE isn’t required, but you may submit scores to support your application
• The writing sample for an M.F.A. must be a creative work.
• 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.

Children’s Book Illustration Certificate

Applications are currently being accepted for summer 2025.

Submission deadline: April 15
On occasion, circumstances allow a qualified student’s admission after the deadline.

You must print the certificate program application and mail it to Hollins.
Children’s Book Illustration Certificate Application (PDF)

Current members of SCBWI, contact us at hugrad@hollins.edu regarding program application benefits. (Proof of membership will be required.)

• Candidates must have a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university.
• Along with your application, submit:
  • Undergraduate transcripts
  • A portfolio
  • Two letters of recommendation

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Children’s Book Writing & Illustrating M.F.A.

Applications are currently being accepted for summer 2025.

Submission deadline: February 15
On occasion, circumstances allow a qualified student’s admission after the deadline.

Summer term and year-round options available

• You must have a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university.
• Along with your application, submit:
  • Undergraduate transcripts
  • A manuscript sample of your best writing
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • The GRE isn’t required, but you may submit scores to support your application
• If you’re applying for the M.F.A. in Children’s Book Writing & Illustrating, you must also present a digital portfolio of 6-10 images representing your best work.
• The writing sample for an M.F.A. must be creative.
• Letters of recommendation should be submitted on the recommender’s letterhead. Please do not use recommendation forms.

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Creative Writing M.F.A.

Applications are currently being accepted for fall 2025.

Submission deadline: January 6
On occasion, circumstances allow a qualified student’s admission after the deadline.

• You must have a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university.
• Along with your application, submit:
  • Undergraduate transcripts
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Creative writing manuscript (writing sample)
  • The GRE isn’t required, but you may submit scores to support your application
• Recommenders can email their recommendations to the graduate studies office at hugrad@hollins.edu. They must be sent as an attachment and on the recommender’s letterhead.

Stipends and scholarships are available to qualified students. Interested applicants should fill out the Application for Stipend or Scholarship (Word document). This form can be emailed to hugrad@hollins.edu.

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Dance M.F.A.

Applications are currently being accepted for summer 2025.

Submission deadline: December 1
On occasion, circumstances allow a qualified student’s admission after the deadline.

• You must have a bachelor’s degree with an undergraduate major in dance or equivalent dance experience.
• Along with your application, submit:
  • Transcripts
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Resume of experience
  • Artist’s statement
  • Application for Fellowship (PDF)
  • A submission of selected works (12 minutes max. length)

Selected Works Requirements

Selected works may be submitted via a DVD, USB drive, or a video link (video links must be live links. Please upload work to Vimeo or YouTube.) Submission must include a content page listing:

• Title of work
• Choreographer name
• Name of music and composer (if applicable)
• List of performers.
  • If the applicant is a performer in a group work, please scribe designation in some way.

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Master of Arts in Liberal Studies (M.A.L.S.)

Rolling Admission

You may apply before any of the three terms offered (fall, spring, and summer). The university admits applicants to the program with the director’s approval. Candidacy for the degree begins upon completion of your first two courses with a grade of “B” or better.

• You must have a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university.
• Along with your application, submit:
  • Undergraduate transcripts
  • Statement of educational objectives
  • Three letters of recommendation
• Once accepted, you’re required to have an admission interview with the program advisor.

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Playwriting M.F.A.

Applications are currently being accepted for summer 2025.

Submission deadline: February 15
On occasion, circumstances allow a qualified student’s admission after the deadline.

Summer Term Only

• You must have a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university.
• Along with your application, submit:
  • Undergraduate transcripts
  • Manuscripts
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • The GRE isn’t required, but you may submit scores to support your application
• Letters of recommendation should be submitted on the recommender’s letterhead. Please do not use recommendation forms.

Certificate in New Play Directing

Applications are currently being accepted for summer 2025.

Submission deadline: February 15
On occasion, circumstances allow a qualified student’s admission after the deadline.

You must print the certificate program application and mail it to Hollins.
Certificate in New Play Directing application (PDF)

• You must have a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university.
  • Your degree doesn’t have to be in the dramatic arts, but you must show prior experience in this field.
• Along with your application, submit:
  • Undergraduate transcripts
  • Artistic portfolio, including reviews
  • A resume with optional supporting materials
  • A letter of intent stating how you anticipate the certificate program will be of benefit to your profession
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • The GRE isn’t required, but you may submit scores to support your application
• Letters of recommendation should be submitted on the recommender’s letterhead. Please do not use recommendation forms.
• A nonrefundable application fee of $40 must be submitted with the application.

Certificate in New Play Dramaturgy

Applications are currently being accepted for summer 2025.

Submission deadline: February 15
On occasion, circumstances allow a qualified student’s admission after the deadline.

You must print the certificate program application and mail it to Hollins.
Certificate in New Play Dramaturgy application (PDF)

• You must have a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university.
  • Your degree doesn’t have to be in the dramatic arts, but you must show prior experience in this field.
• Along with your application, submit:
  • Undergraduate transcripts
  • Artistic portfolio, including reviews
  • A resume with optional supporting materials
  • A letter of intent stating how you anticipate the certificate program will be of benefit to your profession
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • The GRE isn’t required, but you may submit scores to support your application
• Letters of recommendation should be submitted on the recommender’s letterhead. Please do not use recommendation forms.
• A nonrefundable application fee of $40 must be submitted with the application.

Certificate in New Play Performance

Applications are currently being accepted for summer 2025.

Submission deadline: February 15
On occasion, circumstances allow a qualified student’s admission after the deadline.

You must print the certificate program application and mail it to Hollins.
Certificate in New Play Performance application (PDF)

• You must have a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university.
  • Your degree doesn’t have to be in the dramatic arts, but you must show prior experience in this field.
• Along with your application, submit:
  • Undergraduate transcripts
  • Artistic portfolio, including reviews
  • A resume with optional supporting materials
  • A letter of intent stating how you anticipate the certificate program will be of benefit to your profession
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • The GRE isn’t required, but you may submit scores to support your application
• Letters of recommendation should be submitted on the recommender’s letterhead. Please do not use recommendation forms.
• A nonrefundable application fee of $40 must be submitted with the application.

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Screenwriting & Film Studies M.A. or M.F.A.

Applications are currently being accepted for summer 2025.

Submission deadline: February 15
On occasion, circumstances allow a qualified student’s admission after the deadline.

Summer term only

• You must have a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university.
• Along with your application, submit:
  • Undergraduate transcripts
  • Manuscripts and writing samples
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • The GRE isn’t required, but you may submit scores to support your application
• 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 don’t use recommendation forms.

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Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.)

Application deadlines

• Fall: August 1
• Spring: December 1
• Summer: May 1

• You must have a bachelor’s degree in a liberal arts or sciences discipline (or the equivalent) from a regionally accredited college or university.
• Along with your application, submit:
  • Undergraduate transcripts
  • Three recommendation forms – recommenders should submit a completed and signed recommendation form (PDF). If possible, please have the recommender email the completed form to hugrad@hollins.edu or fax it to the graduate studies office at (540) 362-6288.
• An admission interview is required prior to acceptance into the program.
• Teacher licensure without obtaining the master’s is also available at Hollins.

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Teaching and Learning M.A.

Rolling Admission

You may apply before any of the three terms offered (fall, spring, and summer).

• You must have a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university.
• Along with your application, submit:
  • Undergraduate transcripts
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Statement of educational objectives

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Theatre and New Play Development M.A.

Applications are currently being accepted for summer 2025.

Submission deadline: February 15
On occasion, circumstances allow a qualified student’s admission after the deadline.

Summer Term Only

• You must have a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university.
• Along with your application, submit:
  • Undergraduate transcripts
  • Manuscripts
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • The GRE isn’t required, but you may submit scores to support your application
• Letters of recommendation should be submitted on the recommender’s letterhead. Please do not use recommendation forms.

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Certificate of Advanced Studies (C.A.S)

Rolling Admission

You may apply before any of the three terms offered (fall, spring, and summer). The university admits applicants to the program with the director’s approval. Candidacy for the degree begins upon completion of your first two courses with a grade of “B” or better.

• You must have a master’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university.
• Along with your application, submit:
  • Graduate transcripts
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • A statement of educational objectives
• An admission interview is required upon acceptance to the program.

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Nondegree-Seeking Applicants

Individuals wanting to take classes without formal admission may apply as a nondegree-seeking student.

Courses may be taken from:

• The Master of Arts in Liberal Studies
• Master of Arts in Teaching (limited to two classes)
• Undergraduate classes

Applicants must still submit the application for admission (or apply online), $40 processing fee, and undergraduate transcript(s). In courses with limited enrollment, we give priority to degree-seeking students.

Financial aid is not available for nondegree-seeking students.