50 Best Universities Without GRE Requirements [2024 Guide]
By Joy Miller
Updated on October 4, 2024
Looking for universities that don’t require GRE scores? Check out Universities Without GRE Score Requirements and skip the exam!
More and more colleges are waiving GRE requirements for qualified students. In fact, a growing number of schools don’t even require GRE scores as part of the admissions process.
Earning a master’s degree (even without taking the GRE) can demonstrate your commitment to gaining knowledge and becoming a professional leader.
Through a master’s program, you can obtain a level of education that many people don’t achieve, and that can help set you apart from many of your colleagues. More importantly, it can help you obtain the skills needed for excelling in your field and making an important contribution to the world.
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Methodology: The following school list is in alphabetical order. To be included, a college or university must be regionally accredited and offer degree programs online or in a hybrid format. In addition, the included schools offer GRE waivers to qualified students or do not require the GRE for admission.
Located on Long Island, Adelphi University’s founding dates back to 1896. The school is relatively small with an enrollment of about 5,266 students. As a private school, Adelphi is highly awarded and focuses on humanities, social sciences, and STEM programs.
Students can attend several different colleges and schools at this school, including those for dentistry, education, engineering, environmental studies, nursing, optometry, physical therapy, advanced psychology, and social work.
Adelphi is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Founded in 1946, Anna Maria College is a private Catholic university with an undergraduate class of 1,120.
Located in Paxton, Massachusetts, Anna Maria provides students with a faith-based education, offering majors in business administration, criminal justice, education, forensic criminology, health sciences, music and art therapy, nursing, social work, and sports management.
The school has switched campuses in the past, moving from Marlborough to Paxton. The campus spans over 192 acres and offers several colleges to students seeking undergraduate and graduate degrees.
Anna Maria College is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Inc. through its Commission on Institutions of Higher Education (CIHE).
One of Ohio’s smaller colleges, Antioch was founded in 1988 and has a small enrollment of only 41 students. Known for its rural, private setting, Antioch University is located in Yellow Springs, Ohio.
Popular programs include business management, education, and healthcare. Antioch also has several campuses across the country, including locations in New England, Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, the Midwest, and Seattle.
The school also has a nationwide school called the Graduate School of Leadership and Change.
Antioch University has had continuous accreditation by the Higher Learning Commission since 1927.
With campuses throughout Arizona, ASU is one of the oldest schools in the state. It is a public metropolitan research university with many campuses located in the state’s capital of Phoenix. It’s also rated as one of the largest public universities in the US.
There are 17 different colleges for students to attend, offering over 350 programs for undergraduate degrees, along with 400 graduate degree programs and certifications available.
Some of the most popular degrees at the school include business law, design and arts, education engineering, liberal arts and sciences, nursing, public policy, sustainability, and technology.
ASU has been continuously accredited by the Higher Learning Commission since 1931.
Named after its coastal location in California, Azusa Pacific University is a private school founded in 1899. With an enrollment of only 5,671, it is a faith-based institution affiliated with the Evangelical Christian church.
Arts and professional programs are available and taught with strong ties to religion.
APU is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC).
With over 23,000 students in more than 100 programs, Baker College is Michigan’s largest independent college. This not-for-profit institution aims to provide premium higher education and training in preparation for career success.
Baker College is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission.
Founded in 1845, Baylor University is a private Christian college located in Waco, Texas. Ranked highly by U.S. News & World Report for its business, engineering, and research programs, students at Baylor typically volunteer 12,000 hours collectively each year.
The Baylor Bears are a part of the NCAA division.
The university is largely active in aquatic and anthropological research. There are several colleges at this school, including the College of Arts and Sciences, the Diana R. Garland School of Social Work, the George W. Truett Theological Seminary, Hankamar School of Business, the Law School, the Louise Herrington School of Nursing, and the Robbins College of Health and Human Sciences.
Baylor University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
As a private school, Benedictine University has an incredible reputation from its founding in 1887. With undergraduate and graduate programs, students can choose from a hundred different majors, including arts, business, communication, and healthcare.
Benedictine University is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA).
Named for its location in the same city, this public Idaho university was founded in 1932 and provides hundreds of different majors to choose from. Most well-known for its business and engineering programs, the school was listed in the top 50 most innovative colleges by U.S. News & World Report.
Boise State University is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU).
Located in Sioux City, Iowa, Briar Cliff University is a private institution with a total enrollment of 945 year-round.
Founded in 1930, Briar Cliff is one of the top schools in the Midwest (U.S. News & World Report) and well-known for its programs for military veterans.
Since 1945, the Higher Learning Commission has granted Briar Cliff University full accreditation as a degree-granting institution.
Minneapolis is the hometown of Capella University, a proprietary institution with online programs available for over a hundred majors. Most students enroll in the online business and entrepreneurship programs.
Capella University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Known as a private university in Seattle, this university has several programs in arts and sciences, applied leadership, technology, and the academy of languages.
The School of Management and the Albright School of Education offer popular undergraduate and graduate programs.
City University of Seattle holds regional institutional accreditation from the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU).
Also called Colorado State, this university is located in Fort Collins and offers popular programs due to its status as a research university. With over 33,000 students enrolled, the school offers over 65 fields of study with undergraduate and graduate programs available.
Colorado State is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission.
This private institution is located in Omaha, Nebraska. With close ties to the Jesuit religion, Creighton University was established in 1878 by the Society of Jesus. The school offers programs in arts and sciences, business, nursing, dentistry, medicine, law, and pharmacy.
Creighton University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
This public university is the fourth largest in the southern state and offers programs in research, public service, education, business, and healthcare. Graduates can choose from over 70 fields of study, and it’s well-known for its athletics as well.
East Tennessee State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
This public school was founded in 1883 and is one of the oldest schools in Kansas. Located in Emporia, the university offers several programs, including award-winning degrees from the School of Business, the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Library and Information Management, and the Teachers College.
Emporia State is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
For students in Albany, New York, Excelsior College is a historic school that offers programs in business, technology, health sciences, liberal arts, nursing, and public service. As a private school, this college has both undergraduate and graduate programs available.
Excelsior College is accredited by the Commission on Higher Education of the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools.
One of the oldest public universities in Massachusetts, Fitchburg State has just over 3,500 undergraduate students and over 1,600 graduate students. The most popular majors at this school include business administration, industrial technology, communications, nursing, video production, and education.
Fitchburg State University is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC).
This public university is located in Maryland and has an enrollment of over 5,000 students with 47 different majors. There are also 16 graduate programs, including a doctorate for education. Most students enroll in business, education, or in a liberal arts program.
Frostburg State University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Graceland is known for its campuses in Independence, Missouri and Lamoni, Iowa. There are several different degree programs in the college of liberal arts and sciences, nursing, education, and business. Many students also enroll at the Community of Christ Seminary.
Graceland University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
Johns Hopkins University is a private research college located in Baltimore with a long history dating back to 1876. It’s named after the American abolitionist, philanthropist, and entrepreneur Johns Hopkins. There are several colleges here with over 50 different undergraduate majors and several graduate programs available.
The Johns Hopkins University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Located in Kimberlin Heights, Tennessee, Johnson University has two physical campuses and an online, virtual campus. The school’s history is tied in with the Evangelical faith.
With over 50 different majors, there are 10 different schools including Bible and theology, business, public leadership, education, social sciences, and creative arts.
Johnson University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
As one of the biggest Christian universities, Liberty University is a private Evangelical Christian college located in Lynchburg, Virginia. The school has 110,000 students and offers tons of online programs. There are degrees within 17 colleges at this school, including law and medicine.
Liberty University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Located in St. Louis, Maryville University was originally founded in 1872 by the Christian Society of the Sacred Heart. There are more than 90 undergraduate degree problems, as well as graduate and doctoral programs available at this school. The John E. Simon School of Business is well-known for its programs in business administration and entrepreneurship.
Maryville University of Saint Louis is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
For a Midwest university, Minot State, or MISU, is one of the top public schools in the area (U.S. News & World Report). Located in Minot, North Dakota, MISU is actually the third largest college in North Dakota.
Offering undergraduate and graduate programs, students can enroll in online courses in over 50 programs.
Minot State University is fully accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
National University is a network of nonprofit educational institutions headquartered in San Diego, California. Founded in 1971, it is dedicated to providing flexible, quality education for busy adults.
It offers many bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs that can be completed online in a wide variety of fields of study, including psychology, business, technology, management, education, and marriage therapy.
National University is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.
Famous for its basketball team and research programs, North Carolina State University is a space-grant institution located in Raleigh, North Carolina. Founded in 1887, the school’s most popular programs are in agriculture, engineering, life sciences, statistics, and textiles.
North Carolina State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
This public research school is located in DeKalb, Illinois and had an early founding date going back to 1895. Students here enroll in all types of programs for business, health, nursing, performing arts, research, science, and visual arts.
Known as the NIU Huskies, the school competes in the National Collegiate Athletic Association and Mid-American Conference.
Northern Illinois University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
As a private university founded in 1913, Northwest Nazarene University is located in Nampa, Idaho. It was originally known as the Idaho Holiness School.
The school offers only two colleges, including the College of Arts and Sciences. There are undergraduate and graduate programs available at this school, and it has about 600 online students. You can find bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs at this school.
NNU is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU).
Located in Kirkland, Washington, Northwest University is a private Christian liberal arts school that offers bachelor’s programs as well as graduate degrees.
Students can enroll in online programs for business management, education, ministry, nursing, and social and behavioral sciences. Originally founded in 1928 as a Bible school, Northwest University continues its faith-based experience for students.
Northwest University is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (regional).
Norwich University is a private school located in Northfield, Vermont. It is also a military college, and it is well-known for its history. As the oldest military university, dating back to 1819, the university offers over 25 different majors within six different fields of study.
Students can choose to go into architecture, business administration, civil engineering, criminal justice, cybersecurity, information security, and public administration. There are 12 different online degree programs, including graduate programs.
Norwich University is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE).
Located in Indiana, Oakland City University, or OCU, is a General Baptist Church college. Established in 1885, the school has only about 120 students. The school still participates in the NCCAA and NCAA Division II athletics.
Academic programs include business, education, public administration, and theology. Students can also study for seminary and religious studies.
Oakland City University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, a commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
Located in Athens, Ohio, this university is a public research college and was the first school commissioned by an Act of Congress.
It was originally established in 1787 and has a very selective admissions process. The Heritage College of Medicine is also well-known for its highly selective criteria.
There are 250 areas of undergraduate study, and the university has several master and doctoral degrees. Known as the Bobcats, the school competes in the NCAA as part of Division 1 athletics.
Ohio University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
For those who want to go to a historical public research university, Purdue is located in West Lafayette, Indiana and offers undergraduate, masters, and doctoral degrees.
The school was founded in 1869, but its first classes were held in 1874. Purdue is also in the Big Ten Conference, and it has a foreign student population that is higher than any other school in the United States.
Students can enroll in agriculture, education, engineering, health, management, pharmacy, science, and veterinary medicine.
Purdue University Global is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
Rutgers is a well-known university, also called the State University of New Jersey. It was originally called the Queen’s College and was founded in 1766.
As one of the oldest schools in the United States, it is a public research university with a huge online degree program. With over 100 fields of study, Rutgers is well known for its business programs, liberal arts, medicine programs, nursing, and research.
The school also has several museums and collections, including the Rutgers University Geology Museum and the Jane Voorhees Zimmerli Art Museum.
Rutgers is accredited by the Commission on Higher Education of the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools.
Simmons University recently changed its name. Once known as Simmons College until 2018, the school was originally founded in 1899. It continues to be a private, predominantly women’s college with undergraduate and graduate school programs.
Located in Boston, Massachusetts, students can choose between arts and sciences, health sciences, information science, management, and social work studies. The school also has an extensive online school with several degrees.
Simmons University is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE).
With an undergraduate class of 5,237, Southeastern Oklahoma State University, or SOSU, is a public research university with its main campus in Durant, Oklahoma.
There are several undergraduate and graduate degrees to earn at this school, including associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs. Students can go into aviation, biology, elementary education, health and physiology, occupational therapy, and psychology.
Southeastern Oklahoma State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
As a private school located in New Hampshire, Southern New Hampshire University has its main campus located between Hooksett and Manchester.
With physical and online programs, students can earn a degree in several different fields of study. The university has several colleges, including College for America; College of Engineering, Technology & Aeronautics; the School of Arts & Sciences; the School of Business; the School of Education; and the College of Online Education.
Many students choose this school for engineering, but students can also major in criminal justice and creative writing as part of arts and sciences programs.
SNHU is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE).
Located in Albany in upstate New York, St. Bonaventure University is one of the only private Franciscan schools in the country.
St. Bonaventure has a class of over 2,300 students. There are a variety of programs available, and there are 50 fields to choose from, including health and medical programs.
The school is well-known for its medical school and offers interdisciplinary research programs as well as online programs.
St. Bonaventure is accredited by the Commission on Higher Education of the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools.
Texas Woman’s University is a historical college located in Denton, Texas. While it is a co-educational school now, it was originally founded as a woman-only school. The school also has branches in Houston and Dallas.
The student body became co-educational in 1994, but it is the biggest state-supported university with women primarily enrolled. There are 6 different schools with over 60 different fields of study.
Students can attend the College of Arts and Sciences, the College of Business, the College of Health Sciences, the College of Nursing, the College of Professional Education, and a graduate school. You can attend most of the courses online through their virtual school.
Texas Woman’s University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Located in Trenton, New Jersey, Thomas Edison State University has a mostly online student body with several programs in different schools.
The Heavin School of Arts and Sciences offers degrees in human services, humanities, liberal arts, natural sciences, and social sciences. The School of Applied Science and Technology offers multiple applied science degrees.
The most popular school is the W. Cary Edwards School of Nursing, which provides students with degrees and certifications to become licensed registered nurses. Some of the other schools include the School of Business and Management and the John S. Watson School of Public Service and Continuing Studies.
TESU is regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
This non-profit university is located in Los Alamitos, California and has a highly rated faculty. There are several programs to choose from within undergraduate and graduate fields of study.
Their online degrees are also extensive with many programs in business administration, criminal justice, healthcare, and public administration. The most popular majors include accounting, education, health professions, and psychology.
While the student population is just over 300, many students have a highly successful career placement rate after graduation.
Touro University Worldwide is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC).
Known as UC, the University of Cincinnati is a public research college founded in 1819. It is the oldest institution in the state and has a yearly enrollment of over 43,000 students. It is also the second-largest collegiate school in Ohio.
The school has a long history and is well-known as a public liberal arts university. Students can enroll at three different campuses in addition to online programs.
Art, business, design, engineering, healthcare, and research are the most popular fields of study at UC. The school has also been awarded for its sustainability and conservation efforts.
The University of Cincinnati and all regional campuses are accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Founded as the Hartford Art School, the school combined with another campus to become the University of Hartford.
Since 1877, the school has provided incredible art and design courses, and it has one of the oldest public art museums. In fact, the Atheneum was the first public art museum in the country.
There are over 6,000 students enrolled in undergraduate and graduate programs at the school. Students can choose between accounting, biology, business, chemistry, drama, English, health, history, mathematics, music, nursing, painting, photography, sculpture, and visual arts.
The Hartt School is a famous music school known for its academic and contemporary music degrees.
UHart is officially accredited and/or recognized by the Commission on Institutions of Higher Education of the New England Association of Schools and Colleges.
This public research university is located in Iowa City near the Iowa River and was originally established in 1847. It is the oldest and second biggest school in the state of Iowa with over 200 fields of study.
You can choose between seven professional degree programs at the graduate level. It is a highly rated research university by U.S. News & World Report, best known for fine arts, health care, and law programs. It is also home to a highly rated hospital and clinic and the Stead Family Children’s Hospital.
Students can enroll in over 5,000 courses, as well as online programs.
The Higher Learning Commission has reaffirmed the accreditation of the University of Iowa following their March 2019 site visit.
Located in Lexington, Kentucky, the University of Kentucky was once known as the Agricultural and Mechanical College of Kentucky. Established in 1865, it is the largest university in the state and has over 30,000 students.
There are 16 colleges at the school, including a graduate school and over 90 different undergraduate programs. Students can also enroll in nearly 100 master’s programs and 66 doctoral programs.
Some of the most popular programs include agricultural, business, dentistry, design, economics, engineering, fine arts, law, medicine, nursing, public health, and social work.
The University of Kentucky is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
The University of Massachusetts is a historical college with many campuses. The Lowell campus is home to the public research university and offers programs to over 18,000 students per year.
The campus is home to the College of Fine Arts, the Francis College of Engineering, Lowell State College, the Lowell Technological Institute, the William J. and John F. Kennedy College of Sciences, and the Zuckerberg College of Health Sciences.
Students can earn an undergraduate or graduate degree in several fields, including business, education, engineering, healthcare, nursing, sciences, and social sciences. STEM fields are especially popular at the New England school.
The University of Massachusetts Lowell is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) and has been continuously since 1975.
The University of North Dakota was founded in 1883 and has a main campus located in Grand Forks. While it was founded before the actual state, it is one of the oldest schools in the Midwest.
Students can enroll in aviation and aerospace programs, and there are several national research schools located at the main campus. This includes the Energy and Environmental Research Center, the USDA Human Nutrition Research Center, and the School of Medicine and Health Sciences.
Some of the programs involve applied research, energy conservation, environmental protection, health sciences, and nutrition. There are multiple online programs available, making it easy for working professionals to earn a degree.
UND as a whole has been regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission since 1913, when the Association was first organized.
This public national university is located in Mobile, Alabama. Originally founded by the Alabama Legislature in 1963, it has a state-supported medical school. The school has over 14,000 students.
There are also several colleges located at the main campus, including the College of Arts and Sciences, the College of Education and Professional Studies, the College of Engineering, the College of Medicine, the College of Nursing, the Doctor of Pharmacy Program, the Mitchell College of Business, the Pat Capps Covey College of Allied Health Professions, and the School of Computing.
The University of South Alabama is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges.
Established in 1997 by the Western Governors Association, this private non-profit university is completely online-based. Though its headquarters are located in Salt Lake City, most students choose this school for its extensive online programs.
Western Governors University is also affiliated with several other WGU campuses, including those in Indiana, Missouri, Nevada, North Carolina, Ohio, Tennessee, Texas, and Washington. There are several colleges available for study, but students commonly enroll in business, education, and technology programs. You can also enroll in healthcare and information technology programs.
Western Governors University is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU).
Located in Bowling Green, Western Kentucky University, or WKU, is a historical college founded in 1906. The school, however, dates back to more than a century earlier.
It has an enrollment of over 20,000 students, and its main campus is beautiful sitting atop a hill located over the Barren River.
There are several academic programs to choose from, and students can enroll in bachelor, master, and doctoral degree programs. Some of the most popular degrees are in accounting, arts, fine arts, health administration, music, nursing, public administration, sciences, and social work.
Western Kentucky University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Founded in 1968, Wilmington University is a private research school located in New Castle, Delaware. There are over 20,000 undergraduate and graduate-level students at the school. There are also six different campuses located around the state.
Some of the most popular degrees are offered at the College of Arts and Sciences, the College of Business, the College of Education, and the College of Health Professions. The College of Online and Experiential Learning provides programs to 41% of the students enrolled at Wilmington University.
Wilmington University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Visit each college or university’s website for more information on their online platform and curriculum.
The following master’s programs do not require GRE score for admission. Click on the area you’re most interested in to jump to that section.
If you’re looking for a doctoral program, check out our PhD Programs Without GRE Guide.
A graduate degree in accounting can help you step into the business world or work independently as a certified public accountant (CPA) for individuals or companies.
The master’s coursework may prepare you to take the CPA exam so that you can become licensed in your state and prove your capability to potential employers.
Online classes for a master’s in accounting program may include Financial Reporting, Business Transactions, Cost Accounting, Business Law, and Statement Auditing.
A Master of Business Administration (MBA) may be your ticket into the business world, or it may help you advance your current business career. As you study key business concepts, you may take online MBA courses like Financial Management, Data Analytics, Ethics in Business, and Strategic Operations.
Concentration options may include Entrepreneurship, Healthcare Management, Corporate Finance, and Data Analytics.
This degree may help you start a business or land a leadership position at an established company.
To better understand the power of clear communication, consider earning a master’s degree in communication. This program often focuses largely on the social sciences and may include classes like Mass Communication, Social Media and Culture, Persuasive Communication and Public Relations.
Because this degree is typically designed to help students develop their abilities to communicate clearly and effectively, your studies will likely include numerous writing projects, regular online discussions, and a final thesis or portfolio.
As long as technology’s role in daily life continues to grow, the demand for qualified computer experts will remain high. Earning a master’s degree in computer science can help prepare you for an advanced position in this field.
In an online computer science graduate program, you can expect to study topics like networks, cloud computing, data mining, robotics, and machine learning.
Your classes may include Data Visualization, Virtual Reality, Digital Leadership, and Parallel Computing.
Do you want to help others live satisfying lives? A master’s in counseling program can help you acquire the skills you’ll need for providing a listening ear and helpful guidance to others.
This graduate program can help prepare you for a career in various types of counseling, including family, addiction, career, school or mental health.
Counseling Theories, Human Development, and Psychopathology are some of the classes you may take, and many programs require practicum hours.
A master’s degree in criminal justice may help you fast-track your career in law enforcement so that you earn a promotion or qualify for a job with a federal agency.
In your program, you’ll likely study corrections, the court system, criminal behavior, juvenile offenders and forensics. You may also discuss ways that issues of race and gender relate to the criminal justice system.
Cybercrime, Forensics, Homeland Security, and Behavior Analysis may be possible concentration options.
A master’s in education can help you advance your classroom skills or become a leader among teachers. Earning this degree may also qualify you to become a National Board Certified Teacher.
In an education master’s program, you could focus on an area of specialization such as Special Education, Literacy, Curriculum and Instruction, or Educational Leadership.
Your graduate courses may include Educational Psychology, Classroom Technology, and Differentiated Instruction, but your curriculum will depend greatly on your concentration area.
A Master of Finance is a specialized business degree that can help you advance your corporate or finance career. It may be particularly useful for those who are interested in working in fields like banking, investment, wealth management, or real estate.
Courses like Capital Markets, Business Communications, and Corporate Valuation can give you the opportunity to study topics such as securities, mergers, tax law, and financial analysis.
Consider focusing your studies on a concentration like Real Estate or Global Business.
A master’s program in healthcare management can help get you ready to assume a leadership position in a healthcare or insurance organization. Potential employment settings include hospitals and nursing homes.
To give you a solid foundation for leadership and management in these settings, your coursework may include classes like Business Communications, Health Law, Health Insurance and Finance, and Marketing for Healthcare Organizations.
These classes can help you obtain industry-specific knowledge and develop essential critical-thinking skills.
A graduate program in human resources can give you opportunities to explore concepts like leadership, creativity, and talent development. The knowledge that you gain can help you use your human resources position to fuel company growth and increase employee satisfaction.
Data Analytics, Talent Acquisition, Employment Law and Employee Development are some of the classes that you might take.
After graduation, you might head up a company’s HR department or work as a consultant.
Becoming an expert in human services can help you learn how to administer programs and resources for people in need. You may take classes about mental health, behavioral science, diversity and multiculturalism, and statistics, and you may complete internship experiences to earn practicum hours.
Concentration options might include Organizational Leadership and Social Services.
After graduation, your job role might involve working one-on-one with clients, heading up programs, or helping create new policies.
Earn an advanced degree in information technology can help you learn how to manage companies’ digital information and network systems.
Common courses in this program are System Design, Project Management, and Computer Operating Systems and typically cover topics like programming, databases, network architecture, cybersecurity, and analytics.
Specializations may include Business Analytics, Healthcare Informatics, and System Security.
Once you complete your degree, you might work as a systems analyst, a computer manager, a network administrator, or a network architect.
If you have a strong interest in political science and the negotiations that take place between countries, consider earning your master’s degree in international relations and government.
Your specialization for this graduate program might be Economics, Diplomacy, or National Security. The classes may include Quantitative Analysis, International Law, and Geopolitics.
Many schools require their international relations students to gain proficiency in a foreign language, and some require participation in overseas experiences or cultural immersion programs.
Do you have natural leadership abilities? A master’s degree in leadership or organizational leadership can help you hone those skills so that you can take your career to the next level.
The courses in this degree program typically address topics such as human resources, change management, leadership theories, ethics, and communications.
To help you learn practical applications for the knowledge you are acquiring, you and your classmates will probably analyze a variety of case studies.
For a master’s degree that is applicable to many industries, consider choosing a program in liberal arts. Your program may include a few core classes, such as Cultural Analysis, but most of your course schedule may be composed of electives that will give you the opportunity to tailor your studies to your areas of interest.
The available courses can vary greatly among schools, but your options may include classes on ethics, literature, history, art, philosophy, religion, and politics.
Are you ready for a career switch? A master’s program in management can help equip you with the skills you need to break into the business world.
To earn this degree, you’ll likely study topics like group dynamics, marketing, and finance. Other topics may include accounting, economics, project management, and organizational change.
Many students choose to pursue a concentration, such as Human Resources, Strategy, Entrepreneurship, or Data Analytics.
Your program may require a capstone project or a practicum experience.
Earning a master’s in marketing can help you become a top contender for marketing management positions. Your classes, which may include Product Development, Consumer Insights, Data Analytics for Marketing, and Professional Marketing Practices, will likely address topics like supply and demand, advertising, persuasion, communication, and branding.
Students often complete marketing internships to gain hands-on experience.
After graduation, you might become a brand manager, a social media specialist or a marketing researcher.
To become an advanced practice nurse (APN), consider earning your Master of Nursing (MSN) degree. With the required education and licensure, you can pursue work as a nurse-midwife, a nurse practitioner or a nurse anesthetist.
Holding this degree may give you opportunities to supervise other nurses in a practice. Also, some MSN tracks can help you enter the nursing field for the first time.
You may take classes like Physiology, Healthcare Informatics, and Nursing Ethics.
If you’re fascinated by the topics of human thought and behavior, then you may enjoy the curriculum for a master’s in psychology program.
Your new knowledge may benefit your current career, or the master’s program may be a stepping stone toward the doctoral degree that is necessary for independent clinical practice.
You may choose a concentration area like Sports Psychology or Forensic Psychology, and you’ll probably take classes like Personality Theory, Social Psychology, and Human Development.
Whether your area of focus is government work, public agencies, or nonprofit organizations, a master’s in public policy and administration program can help you enhance your leadership abilities.
You’ll likely learn about budgeting, ethics, organizational theory, and policy evaluation. You may be able to choose a concentration in Global Policy, Emergency Management, or Public Administration.
After graduation, you might work in advocacy, lead municipal programs, or serve on a political figure’s staff.
Studying public health at the graduate level can help you pursue opportunities to improve the health of entire populations. Through the work that you do as a leader in this field, you may educate people, advance healthcare research, or administer programs.
Online public health classes often include Epidemiology Research, Biostatistics, Public Health Policy, and Program Administration.
After graduation, you might work in healthcare administration or provide leadership for a public health department.
Multiple career paths are available to people interested in social work. You might pursue a Master’s of Social Work (MSW) so that you can work directly with people in need of social services, maintain a leadership role among direct-care providers, or see patients one-on-one in a clinical setting.
You may study human services, family dynamics, and substance abuse. Keep in mind that clinical social work will likely require you to enroll in a specific program track and seek licensure.
If you sense a calling to a religious vocation, you may need to pursue a master’s degree in divinity or theology.
In many denominations, a Master of Divinity degree is required for becoming a member of the clergy. A Master of Theology degree often focuses on doctrine, sacred texts, and biblical languages, and it can be an appropriate course of study for those interested in an academic career.
Either an MDiv or a ThM path can help prepare you for doctoral studies.
Successfully completing a master’s degree program requires a commitment to hard work and an aptitude for scholarship. Therefore, some schools require that applicants take the GRE as an evaluation of their readiness for grad school.
The standardized test helps to weed out people who aren’t serious about their education as it provides an evaluation tool to measure your abstract thinking skills and level of general knowledge. Test prep can be quite stressful and time-consuming, so it’s enough to scare many people off from even thinking about going back to school.
Don’t let that be you! There’s no need to let GRE scares make you give up your dream of higher education. Many online master’s programs do not require GRE testing as a prerequisite for admission.
Some universities realize the limitations of this generalized test, so they don’t ever ask for GRE scores. Instead, they consider other criteria, such as your previous educational endeavors, your professional experience, and your letters of recommendation.
Other schools do look at GRE scores, but that doesn’t mean that they’re a must for all applicants. GRE waivers may be available for people with a high bachelor’s GPA, professional certifications, or several years of work experience.
| No GRE? |
| Previous Education |
| Work Experience |
| Letters of Recommendation |
Applying to no-GRE online master’s programs can help you get started with your graduate education as soon as possible.
When you start to apply for graduate schools, you’ll see that some that don’t require GRE scores do include the option for you to include your scores. Some even recommend doing so.
If you’ve taken the test and are proud of your score, it doesn’t hurt to include the results. If, however, you’d rather not show your score to a potential admissions department, don’t. If it’s not required, it’s not required, so tip the chances in your favor by relying on other factors, such as your work history and previously earned degrees.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Master’s holders earn on average approximately $12,950 more per year than Bachelor’s holders. And if you have a Doctorate, you could potentially be earning an average of $33,000 more than you are with your undergrad degree.
| Degree | Annual Median Salary |
| Bachelor | $64,896 |
| Master | $77,844 |
| Doctor | $97,916 |
Of course, your earning potential also depends on your industry, years of work experience, and individual company. Still, the data shows that many employers are willing to pay more for those who have the education to improve their skills.
Just to give an example, a recent NACE survey showed that people graduating with a Bachelor’s in Business Administration might earn a starting salary of $57,133. Not bad. But if you earn your MBA, that figure might jump to $84,580.
And the earning potential is even similar in the technical field, with Computer Science majors earning an average of $68,103 upon graduation but $82,275 with a master’s.
The most important factor in ensuring that future employers or educational institutions recognize your education is the accreditation of the university you attend. Schools can receive accreditation on the Regional, Industry, or Format level.
You can find accreditation information on every U.S. college or university on the Department of Education’s website. Simply type in the name of the institution you’re interested in and click on the results to see the various accreditations it’s earned.
Online postgrad programs are often more affordable than moving to a university and taking classes in person, but this is still an expense that many could use help with.
As you apply to schools you’re interested in, take the time to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to see what financial aid you might qualify for. A grant or a loan from the government could provide the funding you need to earn your degree and increase your income upon graduation.
You should also look into state-level financial aid and the scholarships that each school might be able to offer to you. Many organizations also offer grants to students going into their fields of interest or those of a certain demographic. Leave no stone unturned in your quest to secure funding! The opportunities are numerous.
Note that many of the professions these degrees prepare you for also require you to earn a professional license. You may need to take a standardized test or meet additional requirements besides earning your degree. Check if your field of interest normally requires licensing and what the stipulations are for acquiring and maintaining your license.
If you want to achieve the highest level of education in your chosen field, then your goal should be to earn a doctoral degree. Achieving this level of education may equip you to be a leader among others in your field or to facilitate important changes or advances.
There are two main types of online doctoral degrees: PhD and professional doctorates. PhD is the abbreviated name for a Doctor of Philosophy degree. A wide variety of specialties are available, including a PhD in Education or a PhD in Public Health.
People who pursue PhD programs learn to conduct original research. This is often the educational approach that people take if they know they want to work in academia or become researchers.
A professional doctorate, such a Doctor of Education or a Doctor of Public Health, is an alternative approach in which the focus is on taking others’ research and putting it to use in practical applications.
This type of doctoral degree is often suggested instead of a PhD for those who want to hold leadership positions in their field, but it could lead to academic posts as well.
Both types of doctoral degrees are available online and are likely to include a dissertation, unless a capstone project is offered as an alternative. No dissertation doctorates are most often professional doctorates rather than Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) programs.
Choosing online education for your doctoral program can allow you a level of flexibility that you can’t get with classroom-based education. If you want to take your knowledge and your career to the next level, an online PhD program may be the place to start.
If you’re involved in the world of education, earning an online Doctor of Education degree can help refine the skills that you use in your work with students of all ages, their families, and your fellow education professionals. Your options for an EdD degree concentration might include administration, curriculum, special education, English language learning, or higher education.
Courses, which are usually designed with current teachers and other education professionals in mind, may cover topics like diversity, child development, motivation, and organizational leadership.
Graduates work not only in K-12 classrooms and schools but also in early childhood centers, corporate settings, community service organizations, and institutions of higher education.
Wherever you go with this degree, it can empower you to help others learn well.
Becoming a physician’s assistant requires completing a certified PA master’s program. Admission to a program can be a competitive process and may require an assortment of science-based undergraduate courses and several years of professional experience.
Classes are likely to cover topics like the human body, biology, the diagnostic process, medication, and ethics.
You will also be required to participate in clinical rotations that will expose you to a variety of medical settings and specialties. After graduation from an accredited program, you’ll have additional requirements that you must pass before you can begin your professional practice.
You must take the Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam and receive licensure in your state; continuing education and certification are essential as well.
Have you decided that you’d like to leave your current career and become a nurse instead? Are you already working in the nursing field, but you don’t have a related bachelor’s degree? In either of those situations, pursuing a direct-entry Master’s in Nursing degree may be the ticket to securing advanced nursing positions.
Completing the MSN program can help qualify you to take the NCLEX to become licensed as an RN and become ready to lead a team or pursue advanced specialties. At many schools, students graduate ready to become certified as a nurse practitioner.
Whether you’re interested in working in an office, hospital, community, or school setting, achieving your direct-entry MSN can help you begin your dream career.
Library science is about more than just books!
Expert librarians help others acquire information, organize data, interact with technology and develop a passion for literacy. If you want to be a leader in this field, becoming a Master of Library Science can help. You may study literature for various age groups, learn how to preserve historic documents, and gain experience with digital information systems.
Some online MLS programs have received accreditation from the American Library Association. Depending on what you’d like to do after graduation, you might decide to look for a concentration in archival science, youth literature, or informatics. With your MLS, you might find work in a museum or in a public, private, university, or historical library.
Occupational therapists help children or adults use their bodies and their skills to the best of their abilities. Practitioners often perform evaluations and implement interventions for children, older adults, and people who have sustained injuries.
To work as an occupational therapist, you must pass the NBCOT exam and become licensed. To sit for the test, you must first earn a relevant post-graduate degree, such as a Master’s of Occupational Therapy. It’s important to look for a school that has received national certification from the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education.
Many schools offer entry-level MOT programs that allow students to enter the occupational therapy field without prior studies or professional experience in the area.
There are a number of accredited graduate schools that don’t require GRE scores for admission. See the list above!
With no GRE to take, you may be ready to apply to schools! Review the list of which schools offer the degree you’re interested in and research their admission requirements, the costs involved, and the financial aid that might be available to you. Then, apply and wait for those acceptance letters!
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