Written By - Shannon L.

Edited By Gabriel D.

Review & Contribution By Erik L. Cato

The norm for master’s program applicants is to possess a bachelor’s degree in a related field. But many students apply for a Master’s degree in a non-related field from their bachelor’s, MBA’s are an example. But there are master’s programs that are offered that include bachelor’s programs too. They are called combined programs. And there are master’s programs that do not require any bachelor’s degree at all. In this guide, we will explore all these different Masters Without Bachelors programs. We have also included a list of universities that offer these different types of programs.

Masters Without Bachelors

Table Of Contents

Do you need a bachelors to get a masters?

The simple answer is, not necessarily. Here is a list of universities that offer masters without a requirement of having a bachelors. Some of them offer combined bachelors and masters, some of them offer masters degrees for students that have a bachelors in unrelated field. Some of them offer masters without any bachelors. Read through to find out more.

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Southern New Hampshire University

PROGRAM: Online Masters Degrees

Southern New Hampshire University is a private, nonprofit, accredited institution with more than 3,000 on-campus students and over 60,000 online students, making us one of the fastest-growing universities in the country. 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, over our innovative online platform or at our regional centers in Manchester, Nashua, Portsmouth and Salem, NH, and Brunswick, ME.

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®.

Master’s Without Bachelor’s Programs – Details

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.

2. Brenau University

3. California University of Pennsylvania

4. Central Michigan University

5. Creighton University

6. CUNY School of Professional Studies

7. Dallas Baptist University

Master’s Without Bachelor’s – With Unrelated Bachelor’s

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.

1. Marquette University

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.

2. Stockton University

3. University of Cincinnati

4. Viterbo University

5. William Woods University

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.

1. Grace College

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.

2. Massachusetts Institute of Technology

3. Mary Mount University

4. Monterey College of Law

5. Southern Cross University

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.

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

 FAQs About Masters Without Bachelors Programs

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Do you need a bachelor’s degree to pursue an MBA?

Most MBA programs typically require incoming students to have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. Applicants are usually expected to submit official transcripts as part of the admission process. In general, possessing a bachelor’s degree is a standard prerequisite for admission to MBA programs.

Q. Which master’s programs may not necessarily require a bachelor’s degree?

Q. What is a Bachelor and Master Combined Program?

Q. What types of dual bachelor’s/master’s degrees are available?

Q. Can you pursue an MBA without a bachelor’s degree in business or a related field?

Q. Are their accelerated programs that allow students to earn both degrees faster?

Q. What are the benefits of pursuing a dual bachelor’s/master’s degree program?

Q. Can you pursue a master’s program without a related bachelor’s degree?

Q. Are there professional advantages to earning a bachelor’s and master’s degree in a specific field?

Additional Resources For Students looking for Masters Without Bachelors Programs

Attaining a bachelor’s degree is not always a straightforward journey, and there are various reasons why some individuals may not have one. Financial constraints, personal circumstances, or a shift in priorities can lead to discontinuing formal education. Approximately 40% of students choose to leave college without completing their degree, creating a significant demographic with partial educational backgrounds.

However, not having a bachelor’s degree does not mark the end of one’s educational pursuits. There are alternative pathways to acquiring knowledge and skills. Many individuals opt for professional certificates or diplomas from community colleges, providing practical and targeted education. 

Another option is pursuing an associate degree, a short-cycle program typically completed within two years. This degree benefits individuals juggling work commitments while striving to advance their careers but cannot dedicate the time required for a full bachelor’s degree. An associate degree can serve as a stepping stone, opening doors to further education, including bachelor’s or master’s degrees, depending on the chosen field of study.

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