A higher national diploma (HND) is considered an equivalent of a BSC degree in most countries. The certification has been in existence since 1920 and is mostly offered in countries with close ties with the British government.
There’s a misconception in society that HND degree holders are restricted from seeking a postgraduate degree in developing countries. The good news is that the certificate can be accepted by several universities including the University of Texas, and the University of Central Florida in the USA, such as.
Universities That Accept HND For Masters in the USA
- Western Washington University.
- Central Michigan University.
- Western Kentucky University.
- University of Miami.
- University of South Carolina.
- The University of South Dakota.
- Marshall University.
- University of Detroit, Mercy.
- University of North Carolina, Charlotte.
- University of Houston, Clear Lake.
- California State University, Sacramento.
- Georgia College and State University.
- The University of Central Florida.
- North Dakota State University.
- Cleveland State University.
- Fort Hays State University
- Texas A&M University
- Auburn University at Montgomery
- University of Memphis
- University of North Carolina Charlotte
- Southern New Hampshire University
- University of Minnesota Duluth
- Georgia Institute of Technology
- The University of Maine
- Albany State University
- Jacksonville State University
- University of Vermont
- Full Sail University
- Virginia University of Lynchburg
- University of Central Missouri
- Western Illinois University
- University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa
- Wichita State University
- University of Massachusetts
Can I apply for Masters (MS) with HND in The USA?
Yes, you can! Students should not pay attention to the rumors flying around about HND degree holders being restricted to only studying in their country of residence.
The benefits attached to studying in the USA include access to modern technology and inventions, access to research facilities, and networking opportunities, which includes getting to meet top business or academic experts.
However, if you want to study in these schools like the top-ranking University of California in the USA, you are expected to have a minimum of a 3.0 GPA or a distinction in order to qualify for admission processes. Some schools in the USA will consider students with lower credit degrees for admission but do note that having an upper-class GPA or a distinction will boost your chances of being selected.
What are the Requirements to Study Masters in the Usa?
If you have the ambition of studying for a master’s degree in the USA, where you can find top universities like Harvard, the first step will be to have your bachelor’s degree transcript ready for review.
Students are presented with multiple choice of Universities in the United States but how students are selected may differ. For example, some Universities in the US accept students with good CGPA, while some may accept grades starting from 2:1.
Students may also need to undergo other tests before they are considered eligible for a master’s program in the United States.
After passing all set tests and meeting the minimum GPA acceptable by your choice of University, you are expected to have a sufficient amount of money usually referred to as living expenses if you do not qualify for a scholarship program.
Your financial history will be reviewed after you apply, and this may be used as a basis for selecting master’s students who are capable of fully funding themselves without having to incur debts.
Do Masters Students need English Proficiency Test in the USA
Students looking to pursue a master’s degree with a BSC or HND may have to undertake a series of oral and written tests/ exams. However, an English proficiency test is mandatory for all international students looking to advance their course of study in the United States, and this is because courses are taught in English; it will be difficult for any student to understand what they’re being taught if they are not well vast in the English language.
Students are obligated to test their knowledge of the English language by performing excellently in one of the available English proficiency tests approved by the United States, such as the International English language testing system exam (IELTS).
You can take any of these tests in your country of residence, where the certification will prove that you can interact with your professors, colleagues, and people around you.
Which Exam is required to Study Masters in the USA?
English proficiency tests are considered generally acceptable by all universities in the United States. Before advancing to pursue a master’s degree, you may need to undergo other types of tests or examinations.
Students should research the type of tests that is mandated for their preferable course of study, and make further preparation for them. Examples of other tests are TOEFL, PTE, IELTS, MCAT, GMAT, LSAT, and GRE.
GRE Testing
This type of test is designed for social science students who are looking to advance their knowledge in a course of study. Your choice of University may not require students to undergo this test, and it is best you check your chosen school’s official website for more validation.
However, if your selected school of study views this type of test as a basis for accepting master students, you will need to demonstrate a good sense of reasoning, and a high level of proficiency in the English language, alongside some mathematical knowledge.
LSAT Testing
Popularly known as the law school admission test (LSAT) examines students’ legal knowledge, logical thinking, analytical writing as well as comprehensive knowledge of a study.
The test features a theoretical writing section and an objective section where students are presented with a multi-choice question. You can visit the official website for more information, such as the duration of the exam and the date.
In summary, there are other types of tests designed for master’s students, but your chosen school of study or course of study may exempt you from taking any extra test aside from the English proficiency test. You are further advised to check your selected University for more information, clarification, etc.
What Other Documents Do You Need To Apply In USA?
After passing all necessary tests and examinations set by your chosen University, students are obligated to back up their application with other documents such as:
Purpose Statement
This document helps students express their reason for choosing to study their preferable course of study in any US university of their choice.
Your purpose statement should enclose where you see yourself in 5 years to come; this may include your career goals. However, ensure you take note of the word count in order to avoid writing over the set limit. For example, if you are asked to write a 500 words purpose statement, ensure you don’t exceed writing over 500+ words.
Letters of Recommendation
This letter is considered important and should only be written by individuals who know you so well, especially your traits, life experiences, skills, etc. This is because they are to make references to what traits make you stand out, and the letter is not expected to be written by a family member.
A letter of recommendation assures the review committee and gives them an insight into your personality. Having a past professor or teacher write your recommendation letter helps the review committee gain a better understanding of your academic performance as well as your challenges.
Curriculum Vitae
This document should enclose your previous work experiences after completion of your bachelor’s degree program or other activities you were actively involved in.
Some courses of study may not require you to have working experience before you’re offered admission to study for an advanced degree. However, courses like office management, marketing, etc may require you to have 1 to 2 years of experience practicing what you have been taught.
All of the aforementioned additional documents may vary from University to University in the US, and they are demanded in order to help the academic review committee have more idea about your background, personality, and skills.
