Admissions

Howard University Graduate School attracts top caliber students who are highly motivated to succeed, along with those who need extra incentive and encouragement to meet their full potential. The school’s location in the nation’s capital, Washington, D.C., is an added attraction to students who will like the proximity of Capitol Hill, and the national historical and educational research resources, museums, and art galleries.

The level of research preparedness and the ability to define how the applicants’ research aligns with the ongoing research climate in their prospective department are significant factors.

Several programs require formal interviews as part of their vetting process (clinical and counseling psychology) while others routinely meet with candidates online via Skype or Facetime to become better acquainted with the goals and aspirations of prospective students. Prior work experience is reviewed as a positive element if relevant to their field of study.

The number of application rounds/reviews varies by program based on the number of faculty evaluators, as well as the number of applicants.

The recruitment and enrollment of students at the graduate level involves a series of interdependent activities. These activities include long-range planning and evaluation, academic program development, marketing, competitive financial packaging, orientation exposure, and registration guidance. The key component that distinguishes undergraduate and graduate admissions is effective faculty buy-in and engagement. 

Currently, our Graduate School houses 31 academic programs, including 8 MD/Ph.D. collaborations with the College of Medicine. It facilitates this process with intense faculty engagement and decision-making efforts. Each department enforces local practices and academic performance indicators to evaluate potential candidates for graduate study.

The graduate admissions team works cooperatively with rotating faculty groups in each department to achieve these goals. Moreover, the pursuit of a graduate degree is a research-oriented enterprise. Therefore, the graduate admissions process involves identifying candidates’ potential to conduct original research projects and to make contributions to the existing research climate.

Admission Policy

The mission of Howard University includes the provision of quality education for any student, but with emphasis upon the provision of educational opportunities for those students who may not otherwise have an opportunity to acquire an education of the type provided at Howard. In fulfilling its mission, the University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin, sex, marital status, religion, or handicap in the administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and other University administered programs and employment. 

Howard University is committed to equal opportunity in all aspects of its relations with faculty, students, and staff members, without regard to race, color, national and ethnic origin, sex, marital status, religion, age, or handicap. The requirement not to discriminate in education programs and activities extends to employment therein and admission therein.

The application requirements for each student category of student below are different. Please review the appropriate student classification.

For additional information, please contact the Office of Admission:

Phone: 202-806-2748
Email: hugsadmission@howard.edu