Getting a master’s program without a bachelor’s degree opens up possibilities organized into four distinct sections. This section will delve into each category, providing comprehensive insights into the nuances of pursuing a master’s without a traditional bachelor’s qualification.
Master’s Without Bachelor’s – Combined Programs
An integrated master’s, often known as a “two-in-one” degree, combines a master’s program with an additional qualification, usually at the bachelor’s level. Rather than pursuing these degrees separately, this approach involves a single, extended program.
The popularity of integrated master’s programs is rising, with over 100,000 such programs available in the US. These programs typically confer the more advanced degree, such as a master’s, upon completion, and interestingly, a bachelor’s degree is not a prerequisite for application.
Boston University (BU) is a prestigious private university renowned for teaching and research. Established in 1839, BU is one of Boston’s most prominent universities and the fourth-largest in the United States, hosting over 35,000 students from 130+ countries. Recognized for its global impact, BU’s graduates are highly employable, ranking 5th in the US and 6th worldwide.
Brenau University, founded in 1878, is a private university in Gainesville, Georgia. With over 3,500 students from 48 states and 17 countries, Brenau offers degrees from associate to doctoral levels. The main campus includes the Brenau Women’s College, and the university has additional campuses in Augusta, Norcross, Fairburn (metro Atlanta), and Jacksonville, Florida.
California University of Pennsylvania (Cal U) is a public university in California, Pennsylvania. It was founded in 1852 and is a member of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE). The university offers bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees. It is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Central Michigan University (CMU) is a public research university in Mount Pleasant, Michigan, established in 1892. With over 20,000 students on its main campus and 7,000 online enrollees at 60 global locations, CMU provides a diverse range of academic programs at various levels, including entrepreneurship, journalism, music, audiology, teacher education, psychology, and physician assistant.
The School of Engineering and Technology offers ABET-accredited programs, and CMU boasts a College of Medicine that began operations in fall 2013.
Creighton University, a private Jesuit institution in Omaha, Nebraska, was established by the Society of Jesus in 1878. Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, the university’s 140-acre campus enrolled 8,393 students in 2015.
They were initially founded as Creighton College through a generous gift from Mary Lucretia Creighton; the institution later divided in 1958 into Creighton Preparatory Schools and the current Creighton University, with early growth and endowment credited to Edward Creighton’s brother, John A. Creighton.
The CUNY School of Professional Studies (CUNY SPS) offers acclaimed online programs catering to adults seeking to complete degrees, advance in education, or pursue specialized certificates. Leveraging CUNY’s distinguished faculty and industry partners, the programs facilitate personal growth, career advancement, and civic engagement.
Since 2006, CUNY SPS has launched 24 degrees, experiencing a 30% enrollment increase in the past four years, with over 4,000 students in credit-bearing programs. The institution also serves non-degree and workforce development program enrollees, supported by an active alum network and the CUNY SPS Foundation, providing multiple scholarship opportunities.
Established in 1898, DBU is dedicated to transforming lives for the glory of God. Offering diverse educational opportunities, including undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral programs, as well as continuing education, DBU integrates faith and learning. As a globally recognized Christ-centered university, it fosters servant leaders, welcoming over 4,300 students from 60+ countries worldwide.
Drexel University, founded in 1891, is a private research university based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. With over 24,000 students, it provides diverse programs, including 70 undergraduate and 100 graduate options. The university is known for its cooperative education program (co-op), allowing students to gain up to 18 months of paid, full-time work experience related to their major before graduating.
If you’re considering a field change for your master’s degree and are curious about subjects that align with various undergraduate majors, several areas offer versatile pathways. These include liberal arts and humanities, education, physical therapy, business, design, and counseling.
To provide a more comprehensive overview of your academic possibilities, we have curated a list of specific master’s degrees that can be pursued with any bachelor’s degree.
Marquette University boasts 11 colleges and schools renowned for delivering nationally recognized programs catering to undergraduates, graduate, and professional students and working professionals. Prospective undergraduate students can choose from 83 majors, 80 minors, and pre-professional dentistry, law, and medicine programs. Postgraduate offerings include 66 doctoral and master’s degree programs, 18 graduate certificate programs, and prestigious schools in Dentistry and Law.
Stockton University stands tall among the premier public universities in the Northeast, presenting over 160 undergraduate and graduate programs alongside continuing education options. Situated one hour from Philadelphia and two hours from New York City, the university provides distinctive living and learning settings in southern New Jersey. This includes the expansive 1,600-acre Galloway campus in the Pinelands National Reserve and Stockton University Atlantic City, strategically placed in the University District, mere steps from the beach and the iconic Atlantic City Boardwalk.
UC, a prominent public research university boasting an enrollment surpassing 46,000 students, has earned the distinction of being among the top tier of the Best National Universities, as recognized by U.S. News & World Report. With a vast alum network exceeding 300,000 individuals, Bearcats share a bond forged through allegiance to renowned sports teams and a collective appreciation for the university’s environment, community, and intellectual pursuits.
Viterbo University, a private Catholic institution in La Crosse, Wisconsin, was established in 1890 by the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration. Comprising three colleges with nine schools, Viterbo offers 48 academic programs spanning associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels. As one of 23 Franciscan universities in the U.S., Viterbo boasts a student body of 2,521 and an extensive alum network exceeding 23,000.
William Woods University, located in Fulton, Missouri, is a vibrant learning community with over 3,500 students and faculty. The campus spans 225 acres and hosts a diverse student body, including more than 1,100 traditional undergraduates from 35 U.S. states and 24 countries. Offering distinctive undergraduate programs such as internationally recognized equestrian studies, a four-year American Sign Language interpreting program, and a criminal justice degree with a homeland security emphasis, William Woods University prioritizes a service-learning model for hands-on experience.
With a network of over 20,000 successful alums, including an Olympic gold medalist and professionals in various fields, the university notably impacts industries like medicine, business, law, and education. Graduates hold positions at renowned companies such as Disney, 3M, Coca-Cola, UPS, and Hewlett-Packard.
Master’s Without Bachelor’s – Without Any Bachelor’s
Universities evaluate applications for postgraduate degrees based on various factors, including relevant experience and qualifications. Suppose you possess five years of experience in a pertinent field or hold alternative certifications like an associate degree. In that case, some universities may consider you for a postgraduate program without an undergraduate degree.
Additionally, extensive professional experience, typically exceeding seven years, may contribute to receiving credit or ‘Advanced Standing’ toward a postgraduate qualification. Online MBA programs also admit candidates without a bachelor’s degree, emphasizing at least five years of relevant managerial experience.
While applying for a master’s program without a bachelor’s degree is an option, there’s also the opportunity to pursue a combined degree.
Grace College and Grace Theological Seminary share a robust history as collaborative institutions in higher education. Grace Theological Seminary, established as a leading hub for master’s and doctoral programs in evangelical ministry and theology, attracts students globally.
Similarly, Grace College Indiana, a Christian liberal arts college, has evolved into an academic powerhouse, providing over 90 majors and minors across various disciplines, including arts and sciences, behavioral sciences, business, education, and ministry studies.
MIT, a private land-grant research university in Cambridge, Massachusetts, was established in 1861 and has been instrumental in advancing modern technology and science. Globally recognized, it consistently ranks among the top academic institutions. As of June 2023, MIT boasts affiliations with 98 Nobel laureates, 26 Turing Award winners, and 8 Fields Medalists, among other distinguished individuals.
The university’s entrepreneurial spirit is evident in the notable companies founded or co-founded by MIT alums. A member of the Association of American Universities (AAU), MIT is a higher education and innovation leader.
Founded in 1950, Marymount University is the inaugural Catholic college in Virginia. Originally a two-year college for women, it has transformed into a coeducational Catholic university with around 3,500 students. Despite significant growth and expanded programs, Marymount University remains rooted in its core values and unwavering mission.
Established in 1972, Monterey College of Law (MCL) is a private, non-profit institution in Monterey, California. Accredited by the Committee of Bar Examiners of the State Bar of California, MCL allows its graduates to take the California Bar Exam and practice law in the state.
However, as it lacks American Bar Association accreditation, practicing in other states typically requires passing the California bar exam first. MCL offers part-time evening programs for J.D., Master of Legal Studies (M.L.S.), and LL.M. degrees.
Southern Cross University (SCU) is a public university in Australia, with campuses in Lismore and Coffs Harbour in northern New South Wales and Coolangatta, the southernmost suburb of the Gold Coast in Queensland. According to the Times Higher Education World University Rankings, it is among the top 100 young universities globally.
Master’s Without Bachelor’s – Subject-Specific Programs
It may surprise many that several prestigious universities do not mandate a bachelor’s degree in computer science for applicants seeking admission to their Master of Science in Computer Science programs.
Similarly, various schools of Engineering encourage applications from professionals interested in pursuing a master’s in computer science, even without an undergraduate degree in CS. Another illustration is the Master of Science in Forensic and Legal Psychology, where a related bachelor’s degree is not a prerequisite for admission to the program.
The BA/MS program in Computer Science usually finished in four-and-a-half to five years, caters to highly qualified students. Participants will develop skills in analyzing computational problems, crafting efficient solutions, and gaining comprehensive expertise in computer science, covering theory, software, systems, and applications.
In the initial semester of their junior year, students can seek admission to a program that enables them to fulfill the BA and MA requirements by the end of the academic year following their senior year. Program specifics and application details are available on the department’s website, including the Regular Application for Admission.
The astrophysics & space physics BA/MA program caters to highly prepared students aspiring to earn a master’s degree through an additional year of focused study. This program collaborates between the College of Arts & Sciences (CAS) and the Graduate School of Arts & Sciences (GRS).
Boston University’s combined BA/MA program in physics, jointly offered by the College of Arts & Sciences (CAS) and the Graduate School of Arts & Sciences (GRS), provides a solid foundation for knowledge and problem-solving skills.
Designed as a five-year program, it caters to students aiming to pursue graduate-level education in physics or deepen their physics understanding before entering the workforce. Enrollment is open until the end of the sophomore year, with no admissions accepted after the conclusion of the junior year.
The BSBA to MAC Accelerated program is tailored for highly motivated students, enabling them to achieve an accounting undergraduate degree and a master’s of accountancy degree within four years. Students, often entering Creighton with advanced placement and dual credit courses (ranging from 10 to 50 credit hours), benefit from increased flexibility in their schedules. This flexibility allows them to complete master ‘s-level courses during their fourth year at Creighton.
The Accelerated MAC program aligns with the educational requirements for the CPA exam while providing a graduate degree. Its curriculum mirrors that of Creighton’s traditional MAC program.
Drexel LeBow’s BS/MBA program allows academically qualified undergraduates to earn a bachelor’s degree and an MBA in five years. Graduates gain a competitive advantage in the job market without the usual time constraints of separate degree pursuits.
Open to all business administration students and select undergraduates across the university, this program offers a streamlined path to advanced education and career readiness.
The BS/MS Interior Design and Interior Architecture program provides a comprehensive path for students seeking both a first-professional degree and a post-professional graduate degree in interior design. The BS Interior Design component covers diverse aspects of the field, including behavioral, technological, environmental, and aesthetic considerations. Through a 6-month professional co-op and a core of interior design courses, students are well-prepared to enter the industry.
The MS Interior Architecture program builds on design fundamentals, enhances technical skills, allows specialization in health/wellness or technology/representation, and concludes with a thesis research and design project. Students can tailor their program with studio, seminar, and elective courses to align with their professional interests.
Our Direct Entry MSN program for non-nurses accelerates your path to a master’s in nursing education using your existing bachelor’s degree. This intensive 19–21-month second-degree nursing program equips you with the academic foundation and clinical skills needed for the NCLEX-RN licensure exam. To qualify, you must hold a non-nursing bachelor’s degree, fulfill prerequisites, and maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 in your conferred Baccalaureate Degree.
Viterbo’s new direct entry MSN is an accelerated 18-month program for students with a prior non-nursing bachelor’s degree. Aligned with AACN expectations, it focuses on organizational thinking, quality improvement, care coordination, communication, and leadership competencies. Suitable for those with a science-related degree or non-science degree with prerequisite coursework, the program combines online learning with in-person clinicals and labs.
The program readies nurses to design curricula for evolving healthcare systems, employ teaching strategies for diverse learners, create evaluation methods for clinical and classroom settings, and implement evidence-based practices in academic and clinical healthcare environments.
The online RN to BS-MS in Nursing Informatics program helps nursing professionals evaluate institutional data requirements, proficiently manage data and enhance patient care quality. Students also engage in a six-credit practicum, gaining hands-on experience in compliance, accreditation, staff education, and developing innovative data management systems.
The online RN to BS-MS in Nursing Organizational Leadership program empowers nurses for health, education, and community leadership roles. It fosters the ability to drive innovative change, implement evidence-based practices, build collaborative healthcare teams, and advocate for healthcare policy influence. Eligibility requires a non-nursing bachelor’s degree, completion of prerequisites, and a minimum GPA of 3.0 in the conferred Baccalaureate Degree.
Source – Integrated Post Secondary Education Data System & University Data
*Tuition rates are for in-state and per year. Program-specific rates may apply.
**NA – data not available