How to Earn Your Master’s Degree Without Your Bachelor’s Degree
Many students find themselves lost and overwhelmed by the traditional educational pathways, unaware of the numerous alternative routes to getting a higher education. Learn how to earn a masters degree without a bachelors to help you leverage professional skills for career advancement and personal growth.
Top 10 Master's Programs with No Bachelor's Requirement in 2025
How to Earn a Masters Degree Without a Bachelors
Earning a master’s degree through alternative methods involves combining associate degrees with work experience, integrating professional certificates, enrolling in integrated master’s programs, choosing flexible fields, and utilizing online platforms that value practical skills and professional competencies. These strategic approaches provide innovative paths for students without an undergraduate diploma.
How can you seize these unique educational opportunities? Interested applicants may utilize a variety of strategies to earn a master’s without a bachelor’s. Below you will find five of the best strategies for doing so.
1. Combine an Associate’s Degree With Professional Experience
One way to save money on your master’s is to enroll in a two-year undergraduate program first. Most accredited master’s programs will not accept the associate’s degree by itself. However, working directly in a relevant field after earning your associate’s diploma may actually make you eligible for a master’s program.
For example, an associate degree with about five years of relevant managerial experience may qualify you to enter under what is called “advanced standing”. For this reason, starting at a community college in an associate program may be a great way to save money and get a jump start on doing actual work in the field.
2. Combine a Professional Certificate With Professional Work Experience
Some MS/MA programs will enroll working professionals who have relevant professional experience and skills alongside an additional qualification such as a professional certification.
For example, the subjects will be structured for those who are already working in the field. This may be possible in fields like physical therapy, human resources, counseling psychology, and more.
For this reason, many institutions will prioritize personal and professional experience as part of both their eligibility requirements and the structure of the postgraduate degree itself.
3. Enroll in an Integrated Master’s Degree Program
Some universities offer integrated or combined degree programs. Applicants may be able to earn college and MS/MA degrees in a single bundled program. Learners will depart this program with an undergraduate diploma, a highly regarded postgraduate qualification, and specialized knowledge in their field.
This option is generally better suited to professionals who have already selected an undergraduate major. That’s because your integrated master’s program generally is constructed from the very beginning around a specific subject area.
Rather than completing a full bachelor’s degree, participants will experience a unique higher education track that incorporates introductory learning with the eventual pursuit of a postgraduate project or thesis.
4. Choose a Field That Does Not Require An Undergraduate Degree
You may be able to get an MS/MA diploma in a specific professional area without a bachelor’s degree. Certain fields offer advanced training and MA/MS education specifically meant for those who are already working in the field.
One example is that you may be able to jump directly from real-life work to an advanced degree in a technical field like computer science, data science, healthcare informatics, or information technology.
Likewise, applicants in skill-based professions like nursing and physical therapy may be eligible for certain MA/MS programs in their field with professional experience alone.
In some cases, it may help to complete a number of undergraduate degree credits even if you haven’t earned a full bachelor’s degree.
5. Consider an Online Institution Without Traditional Accreditation
When your top priority is to receive advanced practical education in your field, you may be able to jump directly into a for-profit, vocational, or unaccredited master’s degree without a bachelor’s degree.
Of course, you should only consider this type of program if accreditation is not relevant to your educational or professional goals.
For instance, if you’re interested in an MBA degree in business administration as a way to advance your practical knowledge as a small business owner, accreditation may not be a factor for you. If this is the case, simply be sure that you are considering only reputable programs with a strong history of producing successful graduates and delivering positive educational results.
By contrast, professionals who anticipate leveraging their master’s degree in the open job market or who plan to apply these credits toward other educational credentials should prioritize accreditation.
10 Schools With Master’s Programs That Don’t Require a Bachelor’s Degree
A bachelor’s degree is typically required for entry into most master’s programs. However, it may be possible under certain unique circumstances to jump right into an MA/MS program.
When your top priority is affordability, you could get started by looking at the most affordable online master’s degrees. If speed is really what you are interested in, take a look at some of the best colleges that offer accelerated degree programs.
Otherwise, read on to find out where you can skip an undergraduate and jump right into nearly any MS/MA degree.
- #19 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2025 #3 Best Grad Schools in Massachusetts 2025 #3 Best Research Universities in Massachusetts 2025 #3 Best Colleges in Massachusetts 2025
Tuition + fees
$62K
Acceptance
14%
Graduation
89%
Student body
44K
Median SAT/ACT
1425/32
Career Outlook for degree at Boston University
Cost of Degree: $64,712Expenses: $21,195Starting Salary: $75,900Cost Recoup Time: 11 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryOverview of Boston University
- Acceptance Rate: 11%
- In-State Tuition: $65,168
- Out-of-State Tuition: $65,168
What Do We Love About Boston University?
Boston University is one of our top options for universities that offer a flexible master’s degree without a bachelor’s degree. It considers substantial work experience as an alternative to a traditional bachelor’s degree. This lets you leverage your extensive professional background for advanced academic opportunities.
- Boston University is great for students who: Are seeking rigorous academics and innovative coursework.
- Boston University might not be the best fit for students who: Prefer a small, intimate campus. BU reflects the hustle and bustle of a metropolitan campus.
For learners wishing to enter a combined BA/MA or BA/MS program, the College of Arts & Sciences (CAS) and the Graduate School of Arts & Sciences (GRS) jointly offer a number of Bachelor of Arts/Master of Arts (BA/MA) and Bachelor of Arts/Master of Science (BA/MS) programs. You may look into their MA, MS, and certifications in the following fields:
- English
- Mathematics
- Earth and Environment
- Biogeoscience
- Museum Studies
- Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies
- #21 50 Best Research Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2024 #23 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2025 #25 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2025 #4 Best Grad Schools in Massachusetts 2025
Tuition + fees
$62K
Acceptance
39%
Graduation
87%
Student body
6K
Median SAT/ACT
1450/32
Career Outlook for degree at Brandeis University
Cost of Degree: $61,578Expenses: $21,296Starting Salary: $69,000Cost Recoup Time: 12 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryOverview of Brandeis University
- Acceptance Rate: 35%
- In-State Tuition: $64,946
- Out-of-State Tuition: $64,946
What Do We Love About Brandeis University?
Brandeis University provides innovative MS/MA programs that evaluate candidates based on college credit, transferable skills, and professional achievements. This creates accessible routes for non-traditional learners.
- Brandeis University is great for students who: Enjoy diversity. Brandeis has one of the highest shares of international students in the U.S.
- Brandeis University might not be the best fit for students who: Are seeking a more affordable cost of attendance. Brandeis is highly reputable yet also comparatively expensive.
Brandeis University shares a cross-registration agreement that will let you attend classes at Boston College, Boston University, and Tufts University. Brandeis has a number of four- and five-year BA/MA programs in a variety of majors, including:
- Biotechnology
- Computational Linguistics
- Computer Science
- Hornstein: Jewish Professional Leadership
- Near Eastern and Judaic Studies
- Philosophy
- #1 Best Public Colleges in New York 2024 #4 Most Affordable Colleges in New York 2025 #6 Best Colleges in New York 2024 #8 Best Grad Schools in New York 2025
Tuition + fees
$11K
Acceptance
49%
Graduation
78%
Student body
33K
Median SAT/ACT
1410/31
Career Outlook for degree at Stony Brook University
Cost of Degree: $13,943Expenses: $21,810Starting Salary: $62,600Cost Recoup Time: 7 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryOverview of Stony Brook University
- Acceptance Rate: 49%
- In-State Tuition: $10,560
- Out-of-State Tuition: $30,350
What Do We Love About Stony Brook University?
Stony Brook University supports advanced standing for learners and professionals with significant work experience. This will allow you to enter a master’s program through a comprehensive evaluation of prior advanced coursework and professional accomplishments.
- Stony Brook University is great for students who: Are looking for lower tuition fees, especially for international applications.
- Stony Brook University might not be the best fit for students who: Prefer an intimate campus environment.
For those seeking to get a combined degree, you must complete at least 60 credits of undergraduate studies before applying. Stony Brook has a number of combined degrees in areas such as:
- Business Administration
- Public Health
- Engineering
- Education
- Public Policy
- Sciences
- #7 50 Best Christian Colleges and Universities 2024 #2 Best Christian Colleges in DC 2025 #3 Best Private Colleges in DC 2024 #3 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
Tuition + fees
$54K
Acceptance
41%
Graduation
79%
Student body
17K
Median SAT/ACT
1360/30
Career Outlook for degree at American University
Cost of Degree: $33,239Expenses: $19,632Starting Salary: $67,700Cost Recoup Time: 9 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryOverview of the American University
- Acceptance Rate: 47%
- In-State Tuition: $56,543
- Out-of-State Tuition: $56,543
What Do We Love About the American University?
American University is a private research institution located in Washington D.C. It’s one of the schools that emphasize robust networking opportunities and practical skill development. It provides master’s pathways that value work experience and individual skill sets beyond traditional academic credentials.
- American University is great for students who: Have an interest in public service, political affairs, and government work. Its location in the nation’s capital makes it a feeder institution for many government opportunities.
- American University might not be the best fit for students who: Are seeking a more affordable degree program. The institution provides generous student amenities although these expenses are reflected in the cost of attendance.
Those wishing to pursue combined degree programs can save up to $22,000 in tuition costs. Bachelor’s and master’s combined degree programs are available in:
- Arts and Sciences
- International Service
- Communication
- Business
- Public Affairs
- #6 15 Best Self-Paced Online Colleges Ranked for 2025 #9 Top 20 Best Military Friendly Online Colleges Ranked for 2025 #10 Best Online Christian Colleges and Universities for Doctoral Degrees 2025 #11 Top 15 Best Online Colleges for Transfer Students in 2025
Tuition + fees
$23K
Acceptance
99%
Graduation
66%
Student body
131K
Career Outlook for degree at Liberty University
Cost of Degree: $8,340Expenses: $21,458Starting Salary: $41,400Cost Recoup Time: 8 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryOverview of Liberty University
- Acceptance Rate: 99%
- In-State Tuition: $21,222
- Out-of-State Tuition: $21,222
What Do We Love About Liberty University?
Liberty University is one of the largest Christian universities as well as one of the largest private non-profit universities in the U.S. Much of this size is based on its online enrollment.
- Liberty University is great for students who: Wish to attend an institution with a Christian environment, affordable tuition costs, and access to outdoor activities.
- Liberty University might not be the best fit for: Students who do not identify with Evangelical Christianity.
It’s one of the best universities that offer specialized master’s program tracks specifically designed for registered nurses seeking advanced education without a traditional bachelor’s degree. They will recognize your professional expertise and healthcare background in:
- Community Health
- Health Policy
- Nursing Administration
- Nurse Educator
- Nursing Informatics
- Nursing and Healthcare Administration
- #5 The Best Catholic Colleges and Universities Ranked for 2024 #11 Best Online Christian Colleges and Universities for Doctoral Degrees 2025 #1 Best Christian Colleges in Nebraska 2025 #1 Best Private Colleges in Nebraska 2025
Tuition + fees
$46K
Acceptance
76%
Graduation
78%
Student body
10K
Median SAT/ACT
1313/29
Career Outlook for degree at Creighton University
Cost of Degree: $19,676Expenses: $16,790Starting Salary: $70,100Cost Recoup Time: 6 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryOverview of Creighton University
- Acceptance Rate: 72%
- In-State Tuition: $47,000
- Out-of-State Tuition: $47,000
What Do We Love About Creighton University?
Creighton University is a private research institution located in Omaha, Nebraska. Creighton was founded in 1878 by the Society of Jesus and maintains its affiliation with the Jesuit church to date.
- Creighton University is great for students who: Enjoy the middle ground between a small town and a big city.
- Creighton University might not be the best fit for students who: Prefer a more selective institution. Creighton has a friendly admission rate.
Creighton will help you build strong degree applications through additional credits, portfolio development, and recognition of professional and life experiences that demonstrate academic potential. The university offers a number of accelerated bachelor’s to master’s options in areas like:
- Business
- Communications
- Education
- Nursing
- Health and Wellness
- Leadership
- #11 The Best Catholic Colleges and Universities Ranked for 2024 #18 Best Online Christian Colleges and Universities for Doctoral Degrees 2025 #1 Best Christian Colleges in Colorado 2025 #4 Best Private Colleges in Colorado 2025
Tuition + fees
$42K
Acceptance
76%
Graduation
67%
Student body
7K
Median SAT/ACT
1120/23
Career Outlook for degree at Regis University
Cost of Degree: $16,193Expenses: $19,428Starting Salary: $62,700Cost Recoup Time: 7 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryOverview of Regis University
- Acceptance Rate: 76%
- In-State Tuition: $43,980
- Out-of-State Tuition: $43,980
What Do We Love About Regis University?
Regis University was founded in 1877 by the Society of Jesus and still retains its affiliation with the Jesuit church. It acknowledges extensive work experience as a critical component for a Master of Arts or Master of Science admission at Regis. This admission process gives you a chance to highlight your professional achievements while achieving career-driven learning.
- Regis University is great for students who: Are interested in fields like nursing, physical therapy, and pharmacy. Regis is nationally recognized in these disciplines.
- Regis University might not be the best fit for students who: Prefer an entirely secular educational experience. Regis emphasizes the Jesuit tradition of faith-based service.
Through Regis’s FastForward, students could save around $9,210 in tuition fees and successfully finish a bachelor’s and master’s degree in as little as five years. You can explore the following options:
- Business and Computing
- Health Care
- Science
- Liberal Arts and Humanities
- #3 Most Affordable Colleges in Minnesota 2024 #4 Accelerated Online Business Administration PhD Programs (Doctorates) 2025 #5 Top 10 Fastest Accelerated Online PhD in Criminal Justice (Doctorates) #5 Best Online Sociology PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates) 2025
Tuition + fees
$12K
Student body
74K
Career Outlook for degree at Walden University
Cost of Degree: $10,657Starting Salary: $62,500Overview of Walden University
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- In-State Tuition: $12,483
- Out-of-State Tuition: $12,483
What Do We Love About Walden University?
Walden University is a private online institution with headquarters in Minneapolis, Minnesota. It was established in 1970 with the goal of helping working adults earn their doctoral.
- Walden University is great for students who: Are military veterans and those who can transfer credits from the military.
- Walden University might not be the best fit for students who: Plan to earn PhDs in psychology. Walden’s PhDs do not have accreditation from the American Psychological Association (APA).
Walden provides learning opportunities with subjects that accommodate professionals from varied educational and professional backgrounds. The institution has an Accelerated Into Master’s (AIM) program that will let you take master’s-level classes as a bachelor’s degree student. Options include:
- Criminal Justice
- Health Education and Promotion
- Industrial and Organizational Psychology
- Public Administration
- Human Services
- Health Education and Promotion
- #3 Best Online Associate in Education #5 Best Online Associate Degrees in Georgia 2025 #7 Best Online MBA Programs in Georgia #16 Best Online Master's Programs in Georgia 2025
Tuition + fees
$33K
Acceptance
87%
Graduation
46%
Student body
3K
Career Outlook for degree at Brenau University
Cost of Degree: $14,552Expenses: $16,740Starting Salary: $45,400Cost Recoup Time: 8 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryOverview of Brenau University
- Acceptance Rate: 87%
- In-State Tuition: $33,757
- Out-of-State Tuition: $33,275
Founded in 1878 as a women’s college, Brenau University is coeducational today. It supports non-traditional learners to get a master’s degree without a bachelor’s degree by carefully evaluating prior coursework, professional experiences, and individual learning achievements.
- Brenau University is great for students who: Enjoy small classes. Brenau has an excellent student-faculty ratio of 9:1.
- Brenau University might not be the best fit for students who: Prefer a big city experience. Brenau is located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, some 50 miles outside of Atlanta.
With more than half of its student population pursuing advanced degrees, Brenau is home to the rapidly growing Sidney O. Smith Jr. Graduate School. The institution offers a number of combined bachelor’s and master’s programs in areas such as:
- Business
- Mass Communication
- Education
- Fine Arts and Humanities
- Health Sciences
- #1 Best Colleges in Colorado 2025 #1 Best Research Universities in Colorado 2024 #1 Best Grad Schools in Colorado 2025 #1 Best Public Colleges in Colorado 2025
Tuition + fees
$13K
Acceptance
81%
Graduation
75%
Student body
44K
Median SAT/ACT
1275/29
Career Outlook for degree at University of Colorado Boulder
Cost of Degree: $17,462Expenses: $21,254Starting Salary: $59,700Cost Recoup Time: 7 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryOverview of the University of Colorado Boulder
- Acceptance Rate: 80%
- In-State Tuition: $14,002
- Out-of-State Tuition: $43,622
What Do We Love About the University of Colorado Boulder?
Open doors to career advancement at the University of Colorado Boulder through innovative pathways, even without a traditional bachelor’s degree. Here, you can take advantage of the performance-based admission and alternative credit accumulation strategies to get a Master of Arts or Master of Science.
- University of Colorado Boulder is great for students who: :Are thinkers, learners, and leaders, particularly for licensed professionals, like registered nurses, seeking transformative educational experiences.
- University of Colorado Boulder might not be the best fit for students who::Are sensitive to the high cost of living compared to other college towns, with challenging housing, transportation, and other living expenses.
CU Boulder offers unique opportunities like the Bachelor’s-Accelerated Master’s (BAM) which you can finish in five years. This will let you strategically earn college credit across multiple subjects through online programs and semester-based coursework. An average student can gain full admission by passing the required courses and developing a strong portfolio.
- Data Science
- Nursing and Health Sciences
- Engineering Management
- Electrical Engineering
- Interdisciplinary Studies
Back to Top Related Questions
Are There Majors More Likely to Offer Combined Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree Programs?
Many colleges offer a bachelor’s degree in a business-related major combined with an MBA. For example, Bachelor’s in Accounting + MBA and Bachelor’s in Information Technology + MBA. The sciences and healthcare fields also frequently offer combined degrees, including a BS in Biology + MS in Biochemistry and a BS in Social Work + MS in Social Work.
Can I Get a Master’s Degree Without a Bachelor’s Degree in the Same Field?
There are no rules that say that you must get an MS/MA in the same field as your undergraduate. However, be sure to check the program’s admissions requirements. Some might require certain classes to be completed before applying or starting.
Can I Start My MS/MA Degree While in My Undergraduate Program?
Yes! For integrated programs, you can work on completing classes for bachelor’s and master’s programs simultaneously. Even if you are not enrolled in an MA/MS program, many universities will let you take MA/MS-level classes.
What Kinds of Master’s Degrees Can You Get Without a Bachelor’s Degree?
There are several specific master’s degrees that you can earn without a bachelor’s degree. For instance, a nursing professional may be able to advance into a master’s program with professional work experience and proper licensing as a registered nurse. Other fields where certification and experience may lead to an MS include computer science and criminal justice.
Are Master’s Harder Than a Bachelor’s?
Master’s are generally considered more challenging than bachelor’s degrees due to advanced coursework, deeper subject specialization, and higher academic expectations. The increased difficulty stems from more rigorous required courses and an expectation that you bring significant work experience to enhance your academic and theoretical understanding of your chosen field.
Conclusion
With these pathways, you can achieve your professional goals while attaining a higher education degree. Earning a graduate degree through non-traditional routes can transform your educational and professional landscape, opening doors to exciting career opportunities across many industries.
Check out our Guide to Life for Grad Students for more tips and insights on choosing the right advanced degree for you. Get valuable study tips, advice on adjusting to campus life, and much more at our student resource homepage.
