Is it possible to enroll in an online master’s program without the GRE? Yes. It’s now possible. Explore this guide to discover universities offering Online Master Degree No GRE programs.
Pursuing a master’s degree has become essential for professionals aiming to advance their careers or transition into new roles. While many programs traditionally require the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) for admission, numerous accredited universities now offer online master’s programs that waive this requirement. These programs provide a flexible and accessible pathway for individuals who prefer to avoid standardized testing. Removing the GRE as a prerequisite ensures that talented candidates with diverse qualifications and experiences can pursue advanced education without unnecessary barriers. Whether focusing on business, healthcare, technology, or education, these programs cater to professionals looking to balance academic goals with work and personal commitments. Explore this guide to discover options emphasizing skills and expertise, eliminating the hurdle of GRE scores. Find Online Master’s Programs with No GRE requirements from esteemed universities.
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Featured Online Degree Programs
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National University
PROGRAM: Best & Affordable Online Masters Programs
National University, headquartered in San Diego, California, was founded in 1971 to provide educational opportunities for adult learners and working professionals. It offers over 190 degree programs, including bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees, with flexible online and on-campus courses. Serving around 40,000 students and over 240,000 alumni, the university is recognized for its support of U.S. military members. Accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC), National University is committed to accessible and transformative higher education.
FindBestDegrees.com is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.
Southern New Hampshire University
PROGRAM: Best & Affordable Online Masters Programs
Southern New Hampshire University is a private, nonprofit, accredited institution with more than 3,000 on campus students, over 170,000 online students, making it one of the fastest growing universities in the nation. Founded in 1932, we’ve been relentlessly reinventing higher education ever since and have gained national recognition for our dedication to helping students transform their lives and the lives of those around them.
We’re proud to provide affordable, accessible education that students can pursue on our 300-acre campus in Manchester, NH, or via our innovative online platform.
SNHU has earned the GetEducated.com Best Buy and Best of Business – Best Online Degree awards and is consistently ranked as a top Military Friendly® School by G.I Jobs®.
Which Universities Offer Online Master Degree Programs No GRE Programs
Here is a list of universities that offer master’s programs with no GRE:
- Boston University
- Purdue University Global
- Southern New Hampshire University
- University of Wisconsin-Madison
- Rutgers University
- Harvard University
- Northeastern University
- Northcentral University
- Maryville University
- Lamar University
- Southern Arkansas University
- Western Governors University
- Ball State University
- Ohio University
- Saint Joseph’s University
- Marshall University
- Columbia Southern University
- East Carolina University
- Liberty University
- University of Phoenix
- Capella University
- Franklin University
- University of Miami
- University of Denver
- University of Louisville
Why Do Some Universities No Longer Require GRE for Master’s Programs?
Many universities have moved away from requiring GRE scores for master’s programs due to evolving academic and industry needs. This shift prioritizes a holistic review of applicants’ qualifications, focusing on professional experience, academic performance, and skills rather than standardized test results. It aligns with efforts to create a more inclusive and equitable admissions process, removing barriers that may disadvantage certain groups. Here are the key reasons driving this change:
- Enhancing Diversity and Equity: Eliminating the GRE helps ensure admissions processes are more inclusive and equitable, benefiting underrepresented groups.
- Addressing Financial Barriers: Removing GRE requirements reduces costs related to test preparation, registration, and travel for applicants.
- Limited Test Predictability: Research highlights minimal correlation between GRE scores and graduate school success.
- Recognition of Experience: Professional experience and hands-on skills are increasingly valued over standardized test results.
- Pandemic Adaptations: COVID-19 prompted temporary waivers that evolved into permanent policy changes.
- Broadening Applicant Pools: By removing GRE prerequisites, universities attract more diverse and talented candidates.
- Relevance to Specific Fields: Some disciplines prioritize portfolios, work samples, or practical expertise over test scores.
- Aligning with Industry Standards: Admissions now reflect real-world professional expectations, not standardized metrics.
- Emphasis on Holistic Evaluation: Broader criteria, including academic history and personal achievements, drive admissions decisions.
- Data-Driven Insights: Institutions analyze outcomes, finding GRE scores often do not impact graduate success.
What Subjects Are Offered Under Online Master Degree Programs No GRE
Here is a list of subjects that most universities do not require a GRE score:
Business Administration (MBA)
The GRE is often waived for MBA programs to prioritize professional experience, academic achievements, and leadership potential over standardized test scores. Admissions focus on work history, management skills, and career accomplishments, reflecting a candidate’s ability to succeed in business environments better than traditional testing metrics.
Education
The GRE is waived for master’s in education programs to emphasize teaching experience, academic background, and a commitment to educational practice. Admissions prioritize practical skills, classroom experience, and dedication to learning outcomes, which are more relevant to success in the field than standardized test scores.
Nursing (MSN)
For nursing (MSN) programs, admissions often focus on clinical experience, professional licensure, and academic achievements rather than GRE scores. These criteria better assess a candidate’s readiness for advanced practice roles and leadership in healthcare, reflecting the practical demands and expertise required in the nursing profession.
Social Work (MSW)
Social work (MSW) programs emphasize prior experience in human services, academic performance, and a commitment to community engagement over GRE scores. These criteria better evaluate a candidate’s readiness to address social challenges, advocate for marginalized populations, and excel in practical, client-centered roles within the social work field.
Public Health (MPH)
Public health (MPH) programs often prioritize professional experience, academic background, and a demonstrated commitment to public health initiatives over GRE scores. These factors provide a more accurate assessment of a candidate’s ability to address real-world health challenges and contribute effectively to community health and policy development.
Psychology
Master’s programs in psychology often focus on academic performance, relevant experience, and research interests rather than GRE scores. These factors provide a clearer picture of a candidate’s ability to excel in understanding human behavior, conducting research, and applying psychological principles in clinical or applied settings.
Counseling
Master’s in Counseling online programs typically do not require GRE scores as they emphasize professional experience, interpersonal skills, and academic background. These criteria better reflect a candidate’s ability to support clients, navigate complex emotional challenges, and succeed in hands-on, therapeutic environments compared to standardized test results.
Information Technology
Master’s in Information Technology programs often waive GRE scores, focusing instead on technical skills, professional experience, and prior academic achievements. These factors more accurately assess a candidate’s ability to tackle real-world IT challenges, implement innovative solutions, and succeed in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.
Library and Information Science
Master’s in Library and Information Science programs often prioritize academic background, professional experience, and a passion for information management over GRE scores. These criteria better evaluate a candidate’s ability to organize, preserve, and provide access to information resources, aligning with the practical demands of modern library and information science roles.
Environmental Science
The GRE may not be mandatory for master’s programs in Environmental Science, as admissions often emphasize academic performance, fieldwork experience, and a commitment to sustainability. These factors better assess a candidate’s ability to address environmental challenges, conduct research, and develop solutions for ecological and conservation issues.
Online Master Degree Programs No GRE – Details
These are 25 universities offering online master’s programs without GRE requirements, providing flexible admissions options. These institutions focus on holistic evaluations and consider academic performance, work experience, and professional goals. Details include graduation rates, tuition fees, and program specifics, ensuring accessibility and affordability for diverse learners. Considering these important factors, the teams at FBD have identified these 25 universities that offer master’s programs with No GRE requirement.
Boston University (BU), established in 1839, is a prestigious private research institution in Boston, Massachusetts. With over 4,000 faculty members and nearly 38,000 students, it offers diverse undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs across three urban campuses through 17 schools and colleges. Recognized for its high research activity, BU has produced notable alumni and faculty, including Nobel Laureates and Pulitzer Prize winners. Alexander Graham Bell’s invention of the telephone in a BU lab highlights its historical and academic significance.
- In-State Average Tuition fees – $63,798/year
- Graduation Rate: 90%
- Online Master Degree Programs No GRE – Yes
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| Boston University |
Universities and programs are ranked by various factors, such as affordability, curriculum and coursework, reputation and availability, program length, statistics, the potential of employment, and return on investment for the students. For a more in-depth analysis, please read about our rankings methodology page.
FAQs About Online Master Degree Programs No GRE Programs
What is an online master degree programs with no GRE requirement?
An online master’s program with no GRE requirement allows students to apply and be admitted without submitting GRE scores. These programs often focus on academic performance, work experience, and other qualifications, offering a more accessible path to graduate education without the need for standardized test results.