Apply as a Graduate student

Graduate admission policy

Mount Holyoke seeks intellectually curious applicants who are driven by a love of learning and understand the role of education in preparing students to respond to the needs and challenges of a global society. As a women's college that is gender diverse, we welcome applications for the graduate programs from female, male, transgender and nonbinary students. Read more about who does their graduate studies at Mount Holyoke.

Program application process

Applicants interested in a degree program or taking a course for credit must complete an online application. Our professional and graduate institutes also offer intensive noncredit course options; for these courses there is not a formal application process, rather students fill out a registration form. Learn what the difference is between a class offered for credit versus a noncredit class.

To have your application reviewed by the admissions committee, students applying to degree programs must submit:

  • Your online application
  • An application fee
  • Official copies of your undergraduate transcripts
  • Other materials as required

Degree seeking applications will also be required to submit:

  • A personal statement.
  • Two recommendations.
  • Résumé or curriculum vitae.

Recommendations

Students seeking admission into one of our graduate programs will need to provide at least two recommendations from people who will be able to reflect on their ability to be successful in graduate school and be an active contributor to our learning community. When requesting a letter of recommendation, please make sure it includes: how long they have known you, in what capacity they worked with you, and their assessment of your academic abilities, communication skills, motivation, creativity, and integrity, as well as any other qualities relevant to the program to which you are applying.