Hood College is a small private college in Frederick, Maryland, about an hour from Washington, DC and Baltimore. It's known for its graduate programmes in cybersecurity, computer science, biomedical science and business, many aimed at working professionals from the region's federal and biotech employers. The historic campus is a short walk from Frederick's old town.
Frederick, Maryland, United States
Official website: hood.edu
1893 in Frederick
NSA-designated Center of Academic Excellence
An hour from Washington, DC
$18,000 – $44,000
International students, master's (lower) and undergraduate (higher) before scholarships
$15,000 – $19,000
Rent, food and local transport
Approximate figures for 2026-27, please verify. Fees change every year and vary by course, so check the latest amount on hood.edu before you apply.
MS Cybersecurity
Masters DegreeDuration
24 Months
Intake
Aug, Jan
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 79
MS Computer Science
Masters DegreeDuration
24 Months
Intake
Aug, Jan
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 79
MS Biomedical Science
Masters DegreeDuration
24 Months
Intake
Aug, Jan
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 79
MBA
Masters DegreeDuration
18 Months
Intake
Aug, Jan
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 79
Cybersecurity close to Fort Detrick and federal agencies.
Biomedical science linked to Frederick's biotech firms.
A walkable historic town.
Graduates join federal contractors, biotech firms and Fort Detrick research labs.
STEM master's graduates can work in the US for up to three years on OPT.
Washington and Baltimore employers are within commuting range.
Undergrad
Rolling
Postgrad
Rolling
Undergrad
Rolling
Postgrad
Rolling
The campus has red-brick buildings around a central green, a short walk from downtown.
Frederick is a historic town with restaurants and a creek walk, and trains run to Washington, DC.
Form I-20 issued by Hood College
Proof of funds for one academic year
SEVIS I-901 fee payment receipt
Completed DS-160 online application
US embassy or consulate interview
Passport valid six months beyond stay
Hood reviews graduate applications on a rolling basis. Apply by June for fall or October for spring.
Graduate programmes start in fall and spring.
You'll need an F-1 visa. Once you accept your offer and send proof of funding, Hood College issues the Form I-20. After that it's the SEVIS fee, the DS-160 form and an interview at a US embassy or consulate.
Cybersecurity, computer science, biomedical science and the MBA are popular. Entry needs a bachelor's degree and IELTS 6.5.
Hood offers scholarships to international undergraduates and some graduate students. Ask admissions.
