Graduate Programs: How to Apply

REQUIREMENTS For International GRADUATE Students

In addition to the general requirements listed above, international applicants must provide the following documentation:

English Proficiency

All non-native English speakers must complete one of the following: Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS) or Duolingo English Test. Official scores must be forwarded directly to Hollins’ Graduate Studies Office. Minimum score requirements include:

• Duolingo English Test: 110 or higher
• TOEFL: 80 (Internet-based), 213 (computer-based), or 550 (paper-based)
• IELTS: 6.5 or above

Foreign Transcript Evaluation

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 be sent to Hollins University Graduate Studies Office. Hollins strongly recommends using World Education Services, Inc. (WES).

Financial Certification & I-20 Documentation

To clear your enrollment and issue an I-20 visa document, Hollins requires documentation verifying your ability to fund your graduate education:

• A completed Confidential Declaration and Certification of Finances form (PDF, 80 KB).
• An official bank statement supporting the financial declaration.
• A clear copy of your passport photo page and any current U.S. visas.

Contact the Graduate Center

All application materials sent via postal mail should be submitted by your program’s specific deadline to the following address:

Hollins University Graduate Center
Box 9603
7916 Williamson Road
Roanoke, VA 24020

• Email: hugrad@hollins.edu
• Phone: 540-362-6575

Hollins University complies with the Virginia State Police in reporting information to the National Crime Center Registry.

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.
• Screenwriting 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.

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Children’s Literature M.A. or M.F.A.

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

General Admission Requirements

• A bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university.
• Along with your application, submit:
  • Official undergraduate transcripts
  • A manuscript sample of your best writing
  • Two 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.

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Children’s Book Illustration Certificate

Applications are currently being accepted for summer 2026.

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.)

General Admission Requirements

• 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.

General Admission Requirements:

• 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
  • Two 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 2026.

Application deadline:

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

General Admission Requirements:

• A bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university.
• Along with your application, submit:
  • Undergraduate transcripts
  • A current CV
  • 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.

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Dance M.F.A.

Applications are currently being accepted for summer 2027.

Application deadline:

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

General Admission Requirements:

• 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.

General Admission Requirements:

• 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 2026.

Application deadline:

• Summer semester: May 1
• On occasion, circumstances allow a qualified student’s admission after the deadline.

General Admission Requirements:

• 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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Screenwriting M.F.A.

Applications are are accepted on a rolling basis for fall 2026.

Rolling Admission

• Fall semester: August 15
• On occasion, circumstances allow a qualified student’s admission after the deadline.

General Admission Requirements:

• A bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university.
• Along with your application, submit:
  • Undergraduate transcripts
  • 2 Creative writing samples (see categories)
  • 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 at least one original TV pilot or screenplay. Candidates can also submit a theatre play or short story as secondary sample, though film/TV samples are preferred.  All work must be original, no spec episodes.
• Letters of recommendation should be submitted on the recommender’s letterhead. Please don’t use recommendation forms.
• International students whose foreign language is not English must take a foreign language test.

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

Application deadlines

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

General Admission Requirements:

• 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 Reference 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).

General Admission Requirements:

• 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 2026.

Application deadline:

• Summer semester: May 1
• On occasion, circumstances allow a qualified student’s admission after the deadline.

General Admission Requirements:

• 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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Nondegree-Seeking Applicants

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

Prospective students must complete a non-degree application available through the Hollins University Office of Graduate Studies and Continuing Education or through our online Graduate Application Portal. Enrollment in courses is contingent upon approval from the course instructor and the director or chair of the program. This ensures students meet any prerequisites and that the course aligns with their learning objectives. Some program directors may require more documentation, including writing samples, before approving a student for a course. Enrollment in courses is also contingent upon available seats. Once approved by the instructor, students must register for the course through the Office of Graduate Studies and Continuing Education, pending seat availability.

Financial aid is not available for nondegree-seeking students.