A master’s without bachelor’s program in short often weaves both degrees together. As a result, in these programs, students may not need their bachelor’s degree to apply into the MBA or master’s program. Nearly all programs may require students to have a high school diploma or the equivalent. It’s definitely possible to earn a master’s without a bachelor’s. However, it is pretty rare, and most universities expect you to get a bachelor’s degree first. Here is a full guide to what you need to know.
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A Guide to Getting a Master’s Without a Bachelor’s Degree
It’s only natural to assume that getting a master’s degree is what comes after already having earned a bachelor’s. But truth be told, in some cases, there are exceptions as some universities will allow you to pursue a master’s degree first. There are schools that offer programs in which an undergraduate degree is not required. We’re going to take you through the ways in which you can get a master’s without a bachelor’s degree. Just note that most universities are still very traditional and getting a bachelor’s first is still a mandatory requirement.
Although it is true that most universities expect graduate school applicants to already have a bachelor’s, there still are some universities that consider other experience, like work experience, instead of an undergraduate degree. Did you know that only 34% of Americans hold a bachelor’s degree? That leaves a large majority who haven’t earned an undergraduate degree. And even less have a master’s , at 9.2%. If you’re among the many who don’t have a bachelor’s but want to get a graduate degree, it is possible. Some universities will take into account your professional experience and certain certificates and/or diplomas you may have. However, it is important for you to do the proper research.
Leveraging Your Professional Experience
One of the best ways to learn is by experience and some universities are beginning to understand that. There are going to be concepts that students typically learn in a master’s program that you may have already experienced first-hand in your professional life. You just might not be aware of them as theories that are taught in curriculums.
But having come from experience and seeing those concepts in action, whether they succeed or fail, gives you great value. That knowledge can easily be equal to, if not greater, than someone who earned a bachelor’s degree and is applying for a master’s directly after graduation.
If you have experience in the field, be it in business, sales, or as a computer programmer, those years on the field are valuable and may be acknowledged in a university application. Whether you were employed or self-employed, you can explain your experience in your application.
Depending on the major, Universities such as Southern Cross University will consider your background when reviewing applications. Typically, if you have five years’ experience in a relevant field or other qualifications (like an associate’s 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.
The University of Essex is another example of a university that will consider your past experience instead of an undergraduate degree. Their online MBA program accepts students without a bachelor’s, as long as they can prove at least five years of relevant managerial experience.
Other Education / Professional Certificates
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 actually drop out of college, leaving a large minority of people with a partial degree. Dropping out of college is clearly a common practice and must happen for a reason. Students may feel as though they have to earn money for the time being, or they started a family, or there are those who simply got bored by their program.
If this is the case for you, University of the People (UoPeople) can be a great option for you. UoPeople is a nonprofit, tuition-free, and US-accredited online university that offers Associate’s and bachelor’s degrees in Business Administration, Computer Science, and Health Science, and master’s programs in Business and Education. Please note, UoPeople’s master’s programs require you to have a bachelor’s first. However, you have the opportunity to pursue a higher education without worrying about financial constraints. Find out more about UoPeople’s degree programs and how they can help you pursue a higher education.
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’s 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 aren’t able to stop everything and earn a full bachelor’s degree. An associate’s degree can either lead to a bachelor’s or master’s, depending on your field of study.
If you have continued to study by getting certificates, this can come in handy when applying for a master’s program. Post-secondary knowledge and experience is what universities are going to be looking at when considering an applicant’s background without having a bachelor’s degree on their transcript.
Transferring Your Degree to Another Field
There is also the dilemma that many students have in which they do have an undergraduate degree but it’s unrelated to the master’s program that they’re aiming to earn. This, however, isn’t always an issue. There are many degrees in which an unrelated bachelor’s degree is totally acceptable.
Being able to earn a graduate degree without a related undergraduate degree can really open doors for tons of students. Maybe you changed your mind as to what you want to study or what career to pursue, or perhaps you know you want to earn an MBA yet don’t want to study business for four years.
Common master’s programs that don’t always require a related bachelor’s include: Master’s in Business (MBA), Master’s in Counseling Psychology, Master’s in Human Resources, Master’s in Social Work, Master’s in Journalism, and Master’s in Nursing, among many others.
Getting a Combined Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree
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.
Integrated Master’s Programs
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 101,000 integrated master’s programs offered in the US as of 2014.
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 in order to apply for the program.
The Pros and Cons of an Integrated Master’s Degree
If you’re thinking of doing a two-in-one program, you might want to consider both the benefits and and limitations of such a degree.
The Pros:
- You accomplish two qualifications in one
- This type of degree can appeal to many employers
- Student loans cover integrated master’s
The Cons:
- Not every subject is offered
- Not always recommended if you want to go on to study a PhD
- A longer course can mean higher costs
Schools that Offer Bachelor/Master Combined Programs
There are a number of universities that offer two-in-one programs in which a bachelor’s is not a requirement. Take the following as examples:
Nursing: South University
- The top choice on Nurse Journal. Highly recommended and 100% online
- Allows a Registered Nurse with an associate’s degree to pursue a master’s in Nursing without a bachelor’s of Science in Nursing
Science: Loyola University
- The Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in Applied Statistics program is five years in duration and is located in Chicago
- The typical master’s program requirement to take the GRE is waived for students applying to this program. The application fee is also waived
Accounting: Penn State University
- The integrated MAcc program (Bachelor of Science in Accounting and MBA program) is five years in duration
- Paid internships are available in the senior year
Get an MIT Master’s Without a Bachelor’s Degree
- MIT’s Department of Economics offers a MicroMasters Program in Data, Economics, and Development Policy
- The program starts with five free online courses, and after passing a proctored exam, students are awarded a MicroMaster’s, and can then apply to MIT’s master’s degree program.
How To Get a Masters Degree Without Bachelors
Today we want to focus on Masters programs without a Bachelors degree. I have reviewed some masters programs offered by certain schools without bachelors, schools that offer these programs, and why you should consider running this type of program.
I once wrote about online MBA without bachelors, but this one is not only about MBA, other programs are reviewed as well and they are mostly on-campus courses not offered online. You need to confirm with individual schools as some of them may still offer the online programs together with these on-campus programs. Please kindly read on…
Types of Master’s Programs That Don’t Require a Bachelor’s Degree
There are several names for master’s without bachelor’s programs. We’ve compiled a list of a some grad schools who may use terms such as;
- Bachelor/Master Combined Programs
- Undergraduate/Graduate Degrees
- Integrated Bachelor/MBA
- BA/BS/MAT-5th Year Master’s Degree
- Accelerated Degree Programs (E.g. 4+1, 3+1)
- Dual Bachelor’s/ Master’s Degrees
Make sure to keep an eye out for university-specific requirements and policies.
List of Grad Schools Offering Master’s without Bachelor’s Programs
- Simmons College
- Brandeis University
- Loyola University
- University of San Francisco
- Boston University
- Pennsylvania State University
- Roger Williams University
- Fairleigh Dickinson University
- Pepperdine University
- University of Delaware
- Johns Hopkins University
What Types of Dual Bachelor’s/Master’s Degrees Are There
Do you wonder if it is possible to earn an MBA without a bachelor’s degree? Business administration is only one of the disciplines where it may be possible to earn a masters without a bachelors.
Other areas include, but are not limited to;
- Nursing
- Engineering
- Humanities
- Accounting
- Finance
- Education
- Psychology
Examples of Bachelor/Master Combined Programs
Explore the list of sponsored programs below that offer combined master’s and bachelor’s degree programs. Many of these options are in different fields, so find the perfect program for you and contact the school directly for more information!
Note; Keep in mind that specific admissions requirements may change without notice and that it’s best to contact the school directly before submitting your application.
1. Penn State University
Integrated BS in Accounting/MBA
At Penn State, academically talented students might pursue a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and MBA concurrently, allowing you the option to stack courses in corporate finance and auditing theory with business strategy.
2. Simmons University
Nursing/Registered Nurse (RN, ASN, BSN, MSN) – Master
Current RNs with an associate’s degree or nursing diploma might earn an MSN without a BSN at Simmons University. This nursing bridge program offers in-depth courses that offer you the ability to earn both degrees in potentially less time than it would take to earn each separately.
3. Brandeis University
Master of Arts in Comparative Humanities
The BA/MACH program is open to current Brandeis students. Applicants work with their primary advisor to choose a tailored course plan that spans 30 program areas.
Prefer the sciences? Brandeis also offers five-year Bachelor’s/ Master’s programs in biotechnology and computer science.
4. Loyola University
Bachelor of Science / Master of Science in Applied Statistics
In addition to some of the other benefits, the MS program requirement to take the GRE is waived for students applying to the BS/MS program in applied statistics at Loyola.
Courses focus on analyzing data with predictive tools to help you make sound decisions.
5. University of San Francisco
4+1 BSN to MSN
Designed to prepare RNs to advance in the field of nursing, the RN to MSN at USF helps you gain experience to develop and manage patient care plans, and to advocate for best practices within the healthcare field.
6. Boston University
Master’s in Mechanical Engineering
At Boston University, students build a base of knowledge in engineering with some undergraduate coursework prior to completing their master’s.
One of the Late Entry Accelerated (LEAP) programs, the master’s in mechanical engineering allows you to gain experience and examine theories and methodology in robotics, acoustics, and fluid dynamics.
7. Roger Williams University
(4+1) MS in Criminal Justice
At Roger Williams University, students can pursue an online Master of Science in Criminal Justice program that combines a bachelor’s and a master’s. Courses expand on areas such as policing, corrections and procedure and courses, curriculum, and assignments focus on conducting research in the justice system.
8. Fairleigh Dickinson University
BA or BS/MA in Teaching (QUEST Five-Year Teacher Preparation Program)
Farleigh Dickinson University offers a Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) for those in your position that doesn’t require a bachelor’s degree, available for those without an undergraduate degree in education.
This graduate teacher education program which may provide a path to teacher licensure. Plus, at FDU there are New Jersey state-approved certification programs in areas not limited to Elementary Education (grades K-6) and Preschool – Grade 3 (Pre-K – 3).
9. Pepperdine University
5-year BSM/MBA
Jumpstart a career in business with a full-time BS/MBA from Pepperdine University in Malibu, California, which eliminates the GMAT requirement.
Plus, there is an option to pursue an International MBA or a dynamic concentration like Digital Innovation and Information Systems or Finance.
10. University of Delaware
Bachelor of Science / Master of Science in Accounting
Students who choose to study full-time may earn the BS/MS in Accounting in as little as five years by combining graduate and undergraduate classes. These courses offer additional preparation and foundation in research and technical skills to pursue a PhD in Accounting.
What is a Bachelor and Master Combined Program
A master’s without bachelor’s program often weaves both degrees together. In these programs, students do not need their bachelor’s degree to apply into the MBA or master’s program.
Reasons to Earn a Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree Together
Like the term “two for one special”, a bachelor and master combined program may yield multiple benefits, including the list below.
- Double Count Credits; Some master’s programs that don’t require a bachelor’s degree, allow you to take master’s level courses and have the credits apply to both bachelor’s and master’s requirements. This may entail some preparatory steps and meetings with an academic advisor, who may review your options, such as; Where in your undergraduate degree plan you might share graduate credits, Confirm which courses are eligible to share, Making sure you select a Bachelor/Master combined program when you apply.
- Potentially Saves Students Money; Dual Bachelor’s / Master’s degree options might allow students to save money on tuition by potentially earning credits that apply to both degrees and by earning your degree in less time.
- Might Accelerate Graduation; Earning a bachelor and master’s degree together typically extends the years spent at school if you look at it from the perspective of an undergrad. However, it often simultaneously accelerates the time that it takes to earn a master’s degree.
- Take Your Time; Need a gap year after graduation? Some schools, such as Villanova, allow students six calendar years to earn their master’s degree once he or she becomes a master’s level student.
- May Make Applying Easier; The application fee, as well as the GRE requirement, may be waived for BS/MS applicants. Several recommendation letters from department faculty may, however, be required, as the specific admissions requirements vary from school to school.
- Scholarship Support; It’s not a given, but at some schools, such as Farleigh Dickinson University, students may receive scholarship support in their 5th year for graduate study.
- Make a Switch; Did you earn an undergraduate arts degree and now lack the background for a master’s in engineering? Some schools make it possible to earn a master’s degree in a field other than that of your bachelor’s degree. For example, Johns Hopkins University is offering a new dual degree program that may allow students to earn a bachelor’s degree in engineering and an MBA within five-years.
Conclusion
We hope we gave you some insights into how you can earn your master’s degree without a bachelor’s. It’s becoming more popular as its being recognized as a real demand in some areas of study. However, make sure you do the appropriate research as to which university offers this kind of education opportunity. If you’re still considering earning a bachelor’s degree, University of the People has degrees in Computer Science, Business Administration, Health Science, and Education. You’re welcome to check them out and see how a tuition-free online degree could be perfect for you!
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