In realistic terms, most universities expect applicants for master’s studies to have an undergraduate degree in a related field. In most cases, a master’s without a bachelor’s program often weaves both degrees together. In these programs, students do not need their bachelor’s degree to apply to the MBA or master’s program. In some extreme cases and yes, they do exist, you may be able to apply without a Bachelor’s if you can demonstrate relevant experience and your overall postgraduate application is very strong.
Here is a list of the universities that offer Masters Without Bachelors Programs
Doing a master’s without bachelors can primarily be categorized in four sections as below. We will deep dive and discuss them in detail.
An integrated master’s, also called a “two-in-one” degree, is a program that combines a master’s degree with an additional qualification at a different level of study, most commonly with a bachelor’s. Instead of taking the two as separate degrees, this is studying one single, longer program. These types of degrees are getting more popular. There were more than 100,000 integrated master’s programs offered in the US.
When it comes to certifications, there are integrated programs that offer two separate qualifications, however most programs of this kind award the more advanced of the degrees. That means you would earn a master’s instead of a bachelor’s upon completion. It also means that you don’t need a bachelor’s to apply for the program.
Boston University, also called BU, as BU is a private teaching and non-profit research university with more than 35,000 students from more than 130 countries. Established in 1839, the university counts as one of the largest in Boston and the fourth largest in the United States. As per the Times Higher Education, Boston University’s graduates are the most employable in the US and in the world by placing the university at 5th and 6th spot respectively. BU is a member of the prestigious Association of American Universities, a group of 62 of North America’s most respectable research universities. BU is also a member of the Boston Consortium for Higher Education.
The university ranked 42nd when it comes to UG programs at countrywide universities and 51st in global universities according to the U.S. News & World Report. With more than 3,00,000 graduates, BU has produced notable alumni in every field from finance, politics, law, academia, science, business to technology, and also produced influential thinkers to leaders. BU’s alumni include Nobel Laureates, Rhodes Scholars, Marshall Scholars, Sloan Fellows, Pulitzer Prize winners, Academy Award winners, and numerous Emmy Award winners. Julianne Moore, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. 7 United States senators and 11 current or former governors of US states are counted among its alumni.
If one is changing fields for a master’s degree and is wondering what subject’s students can study with their undergraduate major, there are a few areas that can translate into nearly any graduate degree, including the liberal arts and humanities, education, physical therapy, business, design, and counseling. Below, we have taken this one step further and have compiled a list of specific master’s degrees you can get with any bachelor’s degree to help give you a better sense of your academic options.
Marquette University’s 11 colleges and schools deliver nationally recognized programs for undergraduates, graduate and professional students, and working professionals. For prospective undergraduate students, Marquette offers 83 majors and 80 minors, as well as pre-professional programs in dentistry, law and medicine. For postgraduate students, Marquette offers 66 doctoral and master’s degree programs, 18 graduate certificate programs, and a School of Dentistry and Law School.
Depending on the major, Universities will consider your background when reviewing applications. Typically, if you have five years’ experience in a relevant field or other qualifications (like an associate degree or other certification) they will consider you for a postgraduate degree without coming from an undergraduate degree. They also weigh in your professional experience, which is about seven years and over, for the possibility to receive credit or ‘Advanced Standing’ towards a postgraduate qualification.
Other online MBA programs accept students without a bachelor’s, as long as they can prove at least five years of relevant managerial experience.
Applying for a master’s program without a bachelor’s and banking on your personal and professional experience is one way of going about it as we went through above. But there’s also the option of earning a combined degree.
Grace College and Grace Theological Seminary both have a rich history as partners in higher education. Since its founding, Grace Theological Seminary has become a prominent center for master’s and doctoral study in evangelical ministry and theology for students from around the world. Likewise, Grace College Indiana, a liberal arts Christian College, has grown to its current position of academic prominence, offering more than 90 majors and minors in the arts and sciences, behavioral sciences, business, education and ministry studies.
Many people are surprised to discover that quite a few highly regarded universities don’t require that Master of Science in Computer Science applicants have bachelor’s degrees in computer science, or CS, to apply. Many universities or schools of Engineering welcome applications from professionals who want to pursue a master’s in computer science without a CS undergrad degree. Another example would be a Master of Science in Forensic and Legal Psychology where students would not require a related bachelor’s to get into the master’s program.
The Computer Science BA/MS program, typically completed in four-and-a-half to five years, is designed for highly qualified students. Students will learn to analyze problems that require computation, and design and implement appropriate problem solutions that are efficient and effective. Students will possess a broad mastery of in-depth knowledge of computer science, across 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
Nearly all MBA programs require that incoming students hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, and applicants typically submit official transcripts to prove it. … In general, though, MBA programs require a bachelor’s degree for admission.
There are many reasons why someone might not have a bachelor’s degree. Maybe you didn’t have the financial means to pay for four years of schooling or perhaps you started but weren’t able to finish the degree. About 40% of students dropout of college, leaving a large minority of people with a partial degree. Dropping out of college is a common practice and must happen for a reason. Students may feel as though they must earn money for the time being, or they started a family, or some simply got bored by their program.
All reasons aside, not earning a bachelor’s isn’t the end of the road by any means. There are other ways to get an education. Many people choose to earn a professional certificate or diploma from a community college. You can also consider an associate degree which is typically completed within two years. It’s a short-cycle degree program that is beneficial for working students on the path of developing their careers but can’t stop everything and earn a full bachelor’s degree. An associate degree can either lead to a bachelor’s or master’s, depending on your field of study.
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