How to Earn Your Master’s Degree Without Your Bachelor’s Degree

How to Earn Your Master’s Degree Without Your Bachelor’s Degree
By Dave Tomar
Reviewed By Jenn Finley
Published:
Updated:

Key Takeaways

  • You might be surprised to learn that it is possible to earn a master’s degree without a bachelor’s degree.

  • You may be able to get into a master’s program with work experience and professional credentials, even if you don’t have a bachelor’s degree.

  • Some graduate school programs may also combine bachelor’s and master’s degrees into a single program.

The 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 a graduate degree program. There are a number of unique master’s degrees that provide direct pathways into a graduate education.

But how can you seize these unique educational opportunities? And what steps can you take now so that you can start a graduate program without an undergraduate degree?

If your top priority is affordability, you could get started with a look at the most affordable online master’s degrees.

Otherwise, read on to find out how you can skip the bachelor’s program and jump right into nearly any graduate degree...

Is it possible to get into a master’s program without a bachelor’s degree?

First and foremost, it is possible to get into a master’s program without a bachelor’s degree, though you’ll need a strong professional resume and/or professional credentials to do so. There are several different graduate programs that are designed to facilitate this unique approach to receiving an advanced education.

Some graduate programs may recognize a combination of credentials that could include an associate’s degree, professional certification, relevant experience, or even partial degree credits that satisfy important prerequisite coursework.

Other master’s degree programs may be designed to merge both undergraduate degree studies and graduate degree studies. These programs can take a variety of different forms including integrated master’s programs, combined programs, and the master’s five year program.

Each of these degree programs is uniquely structured to incorporate both the bachelor’s degree and master’s degree into a single program. Most programs that merge undergraduate and postgraduate studies will grant entry to eligible students with a high school diploma. That said, students must typically display elite academic excellence to be eligible.

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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 bachelor’s degrees. Often, these are advanced professional degrees. For instance, a nursing professional may be able to advance into a master’s program with professional experience and proper licensing as a registered nurse.

Other fields where certification and experience may lead to a master’s program include computer science, criminal justice, and more.

In other fields, you would more likely be able to earn a master’s without a bachelor’s degree by merging the two separate qualifications into a single program. For instance, it may be possible to enroll in a 5 year MBA program directly out of high school. Though this is a longer program than the traditional bachelor’s degree in business administration, taking this two in one approach would allow you to complete your graduate level education a year ahead of schedule.

While not every university offers this specialized type of program, those that do have such programs employ a wide range of models from integrated programs, post experience master’s programs, and advanced standing degree programs.

In each case, while the structure may be unique, the basic premise is that you can roll your undergraduate studies directly into your graduate studies. This, in essence, serves as an accelerated program for students pursuing a master’s degree.

If speed is really what you are interested in, take a look at some of the best colleges that offer accelerated degree programs.

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5 Ways to Get a Master’s Without a Bachelor’s Degree

Students may utilize a variety of strategies to earn a master’s degree without a bachelor’s. Below you will find 5 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 degree is to enroll in a two-year undergraduate program first.

It is true that most accredited master’s degree programs will not accept the associate’s degree by itself. However, working directly in a relevant field after earning your associate’s degree may actually make you eligible for a master’s program.

For instance, an associate degree with about seven years of relevant managerial experience may qualify you to enter certain MBA programs under what is called “advanced standing.”

For this reason, starting your pursuit of a master’s degree at a community college in an associate program may be a great way to save money and get a jumpstart on doing actual work in the field.

2. Combine a Professional Certificate With Professional Experience

Some master’s degree programs will enroll students who have relevant professional experience alongside an additional qualification such as a professional certification.

This may be possible in fields like physical therapy, human resources, counseling psychology, and more. In many cases, the online master will be structured for those who are already working in the field.

For this reason, many programs 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 an integrated or combined degree. Applicants may be able to earn college degrees and master’s degrees in a single bundled program.

This option is generally better suited to students 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 and courses with the eventual pursuit of a postgraduate project or thesis.

Students will depart this program with a bachelor’s diploma, a highly regarded postgraduate qualification, and specialized knowledge in their field.

4. Choose a Field That Does Not Require An Undergraduate Degree

You may be able to get a master’s degree in a specific professional area without a bachelor’s degree.

Certain fields offer advanced training and graduate education specifically meant for those who are already working in the field. This means that you may be able to jump directly from real-world work to an advanced degree in a technical field like computer science, healthcare informatics, or information technology.

Likewise, students in skill-based professions like nursing and physical therapy may be eligible for certain graduate 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 School Without Traditional Accreditation

If 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 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 a master’s 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, students 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.

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9 Master’s Programs That Don’t Require a Bachelor’s Degree

  1. #1

    Boston University

    Boston , MA
    #19 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2024 #21 50 Best Graduate Schools Ranked for Prospective Students in 2024 #3 Best Colleges in Massachusetts 2024 #3 Best Grad Schools in Massachusetts 2024
    Other Rankings

    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: $61,924
    Expenses: $20,400
    Starting Salary: $75,900
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    What do we love about Boston University?

    Boston University is a private university located in Boston, Massachusetts. BU is especially noted for its high level of research activity. In fact, Alexander Graham Bell was a BU professor in 1876 when he used the school’s laboratory to invent the telephone.

    Boston University was founded in 1838 and, today, serves more than 33,000 students at both the undergraduate and postgraduate levels. For students 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.

    • Boston University is great for students who:

      Are seeking a postgraduate education. Roughly half of the school’s student body is made up of graduate students.

    • Boston University might not be the best fit for students who:

      Prefer a small, intimate campus. Boston University reflects the hustle and bustle of a metropolitan campus.

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  2. #2

    Brandeis University

    Waltham , MA
    #21 50 Best Research Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2024 #24 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2024 #25 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2024 #5 Best Colleges in Massachusetts 2024
    Other Rankings

    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: $55,224
    Expenses: $19,592
    Starting Salary: $69,000
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    What do we love about Brandeis University?

    Brandeis University is a private university based in Waltham, Massachusetts. The research school was founded in 1948, and is noteworthy today for its highly regarded liberal arts programs.

    Brandeis University serves more than 5000 students and shares a cross-registration agreement that allows students to attend courses 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
    • 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 education. Brandeis University is highly reputable but also comparatively expensive.

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  3. #3

    Stony Brook University

    Stony Brook , NY
    #25 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2024 #1 Best Public Colleges in New York 2024 #1 Most Affordable Colleges in New York 2024 #6 Best Research Universities in New York 2024
    Other Rankings

    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: $13,943
    Expenses: $19,958
    Starting Salary: $62,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 7 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    What do we love about Stony Brook University?

    Stony Brook University is a public university based in Stony Brook, New York. Stony Brook began its history as the State University College of Long Island in 1957. This makes it the flagship university of the SUNY system, alongside the University of Buffalo.

    Stony Brook University is home to more than 26,000 students and, with more than 15,000 employees, is the largest single-site employer in Long Island.

    For those seeking to enter a combined degree program, students must complete at least 60 credits of undergraduate studies before applying. The school has a number of combined degrees in areas such as:

    • Business Administration:
    • Public Health
    • Engineering
    • Education
    • The Sciences
    • Political Science
    • Stony Brook University is great for students who:

      Are pursuing graduate degrees. More than a third of students at Stony Brook are enrolled in post-graduate degree programs.

    • Stony Brook University might not be the best fit for students who:

      Prefer an intimate campus environment.

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  4. #4

    American University

    Washington , DC
    #7 50 Best Christian Colleges and Universities 2024 #2 Best Christian Colleges in DC 2024 #3 Best Research Universities in DC 2024 #3 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
    Other Rankings

    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: $39,126
    Expenses: $17,814
    Starting Salary: $67,700
    Cost Recoup Time: 9 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    What do we love about American University?

    American University is a private research university located in Washington D.C. American University was actually formed by an act of Congress in 1893. Today, American University is home to more than 8000 undergraduates and more than 6000 graduate students.

    Those wishing to pursue American’s combined degree program can save up to $22,000 in tuition costs as common courses can apply towards both degrees. To be eligible to apply for a master’s program at American University, students must have 75 credits completed toward their bachelor’s degree and a GPA of 3.0 or higher.

    Bachelor’s and master’s combined degree programs are available in:

    • The College of Arts and Sciences
    • The School of International Service
    • The School of Communication
    • The Kogod School of Business
    • The School of Public Affairs
    • 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 American University a feeder school for many government opportunities.

    • American University might not be the best fit for students who:

      Are seeking a more affordable degree program. American University provides generous student amenities but these expenses are reflected in the cost of attendance.

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  5. #5

    Creighton University

    Omaha , NE
    #5 The Best Catholic Colleges and Universities Ranked for 2024 #7 Best Online Christian Colleges and Universities for Doctoral Degrees #1 Best Christian Colleges in Nebraska 2024 #1 Best Private Colleges in Nebraska 2024
    Other Rankings

    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: $19,402
    Expenses: $15,830
    Starting Salary: $70,100
    Cost Recoup Time: 6 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    What do we love about Creighton University?

    Creighton University is a private research university located in Omaha, Nebraska. Creighton was founded in 1878 by the Society of Jesus and maintains its affiliation with the Jesuit church to date.

    Today, Creighton University serves roughly 9,000 students and is divided almost evenly between undergraduate and graduate students. The university offers a number of accelerated bachelor’s to master’s program options in areas like business, communications, education, and nursing, among others, providing a wide range of options for students.

    • Creighton University is great for students who:

      Enjoy the middle-ground between a small town and big city. Students often describe Omaha as the perfect balance.

    • Creighton University might not be the best fit for students who:

      Prefer a more selective university. Creighton boasts a friendly admission rate.

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  7. #6

    Liberty University

    Lynchburg , VA
    #4 Top 20 Best Military Friendly Online Colleges Ranked for 2024 #6 15 Best Self-paced Online Colleges Ranked for 2024 #8 Top 15 Best Online Colleges for Transfer Students in 2024 #13 Best Online Christian Colleges and Universities for Doctoral Degrees
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $23K

    Acceptance

    99%

    Graduation

    66%

    Student body

    131K

    Career Outlook for degree at Liberty University

    Cost of Degree: $8,405
    Expenses: $19,987
    Starting Salary: $41,400
    Cost Recoup Time: 8 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    What do we love about Liberty University?

    Liberty University is one of the largest Christian universities in the world 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 enrolls roughly 15,000 residential students across its 17 colleges, and an additional 80,000 through its extensive online course and degree offerings.

    Liberty offers a 3 Plus 1 Accelerated Business sequence. This program allows students to complete a bachelor’s degree in three years and complete a master’s degree in the fourth year of study.

    • Liberty University is great for students who:

      Wish to attend the world’s largest seminary—Liberty University’s Rawlings School of Divinity.

    • Liberty University might not be the best fit for:

      Students who do not identify with Evangelical Christianity.

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  8. #7

    Regis University

    Denver , CO
    #11 The Best Catholic Colleges and Universities Ranked for 2024 #20 Best Online Christian Colleges and Universities for Doctoral Degrees #1 Best Christian Colleges in Colorado 2024 #4 Best Private Colleges in Colorado 2024
    Other Rankings

    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: $15,791
    Expenses: $18,134
    Starting Salary: $62,700
    Cost Recoup Time: 7 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    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. The private university is located in Denver Colorado.

    Regis University actually began history as a small college in Las Vegas, New Mexico. Making the move to Denver in 1887, Regis serves roughly 7000 students today.

    Through Regis’s FastForward Program, students could save around $9,210 in tuition fees and graduate with both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in as little as five years. Degree programs are available in the following areas:

    • Business and Computing
    • Health Care
    • Science
    • Liberal Arts and Humanities
    • 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.

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    9. Female student holding books
  9. #8

    Walden University

    Minneapolis , MN
    #3 Most Affordable Colleges in Minnesota 2024 #1 Top 10 Fastest Accelerated Online PhD in Criminal Justice (Doctorates) #1 Top 15 Most Affordable Online Social Work PhDs (Doctorates) #1 Most Affordable Online Criminal Justice PhDs (Doctorates)
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $12K

    Student body

    74K

    Career Outlook for degree at Walden University

    Cost of Degree: $10,381
    Starting Salary: $62,500

    What do we love about Walden University?

    Walden University is a private online school with headquarters in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Walden operates on a for-profit business model.

    Walden University was established in 1970 with the goal of helping working adults—specifically those in education—earn their doctoral degree. Today, Walden serves nearly 50,000 students in countless areas of study.

    The school has an Accelerated into Master’s (AIM) program that allows students to take master’s-level classes as a bachelor’s student. Degree options include:

    • MS in Criminal Justice
    • MS in Criminal Justice Leadership and Executive Management
    • MS in Developmental Psychology
    • MS in Forensic Psychology
    • MS in Health Education and Promotion
    • MS in Human Services
    • MS in Industrial and Organizational Psychology
    • MS in Nonprofit Management and Leadership
    • Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
    • MS in Psychology
    • MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CACREP Accredited)
    • Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA)
    • Master of Public Administration (MPA)
    • Walden University is great for students who:

      Are studying nursing, public health, and healthcare administration. Walden is one of the nation’s top degree providers in these fields.

    • 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).

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  11. #9

    Brenau University

    Gainesville , GA
    #2 Best Online Associate Degrees in Georgia 2024 #3 Best Online Associate in Education #7 Best Online MBA Programs in Georgia #14 Best Online Master's Programs in Georgia 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $33K

    Acceptance

    87%

    Graduation

    46%

    Student body

    3K

    Career Outlook for degree at Brenau University

    Cost of Degree: $14,481
    Expenses: $16,730
    Starting Salary: $45,400
    Cost Recoup Time: 8 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    What do we love about Brenau University?

    Brenau University is a private university based in Gainesville, Georgia. Founded in 1878 as a women’s college, Brenau is coeducational today.

    With more than half of its students pursuing advanced degrees, Brenau University is home to the rapidly growing Sidney O. Smith Jr. Graduate School. The school offers a number of combined bachelor’s and master’s degree programs in areas such as business, nursing, and occupational therapy, among others.

    • Brenau University is great for students who:

      Enjoy small classes. Brenau boasts 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.

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Student Submitted Questions About Earning a Master’s Degree Without a Bachelor’s Degree

Are there any majors that are more likely to offer combined bachelor’s and master’s degree programs?

Many colleges offer a bachelor’s in a business-related major combined with an MBA. For example:

  • Bachelor’s in Accounting + MBA
  • Bachelor’s in Finance + MBA
  • Bachelor’s in Human Resources Management + MBA
  • Bachelor’s in Information Technology + MBA
  • Bachelor’s in Marketing + MBA

The sciences and healthcare fields also frequently offer combined degrees. Examples include:

  • Bachelor’s in Biology + Master’s in Biochemistry
  • Bachelor’s in Public Health + Master’s in Public Health
  • Bachelor’s in Social Work + Master’s 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 students must get a master’s degree in the same field as their bachelor’s. However, be sure to check the graduate program’s admissions requirements. Some programs might require certain courses to be completed before applying or starting the program.

These master’s programs commonly allow students with unrelated bachelor’s degree to enroll in their programs:

  • MBA
  • Computer Science
  • Education
  • Finance
  • Marketing
  • Nursing
  • Psychology
  • Public Health
  • Social Work

Can I start my master’s degree while in my undergraduate program?

Yes! For integrated programs, students work on completing courses for a bachelor’s and master’s program simultaneously. Even if you are not enrolled in a graduate program, many universities allow students in undergraduate programs to take graduate-level courses. There are, however, some masters programs that require students to complete their bachelor’s degree before being accepted into their master’s program of choice.

Is a master’s program harder than a bachelor’s program?

Every person has a unique experience when pursuing higher education. Some say that a master’s is easier because a student knows how to study at that point in their academic career.

Additionally, a master’s program is typically more focused than a bachelor’s degree, allowing a student to hone in on topics that they enjoy and are subsequently better at. However, others say that master’s are more difficult as they are building on concepts learned earlier on, which means that students will move into deeper and more complex theories and concepts.

Check out our Guide to Life for Grad Students for more tips and insights on choosing the right advanced degree for you.

Or get valuable study tips, advice on adjusting to campus life, and much more at our student resource homepage.

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