While graduate programs and institutions have numerous differences in their graduate studies and admissions requirements one thing remains consistent, GRE exam requirement. For decades GRE exams have been a standard expectation for anyone desiring to enter graduate school to advance their education. Applicants would need to submit letters of recommendation, scholarly writing sample, a minimum GPA, and oftentimes their Graduate Record Examination score, or GRE. The GRE serves as an assessment to identify the individual’s readiness for graduate studies.
Unfortunately for some, the GRE creates an obstacle for students to pursue their graduate studies, whether it is a lack of time to adequately prepare for the test, students being poor test-takers, or just the anxiety that the GRE may be what keeps them from being admitted into their program of choice. Fortunately, many institutions are no longer looking at the GRE as the main means to admitting students into their graduate programs. Institutions are looking at other factors such as their undergraduate GPA, Accomplishments and qualities of applicants, letters of recommendation and their writing samples.
Top 5 Online Master’s Programs No GRE
| Rank | School | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Northcentral University | San Diego, California |
| 2 | Boston University | Boston, Massachusetts |
| 3 | Colorado State University Global Campus | Fort Collins, Colorado |
| 4 | University of Wisconsin | Madison, Wisconsin |
| 5 | University of Arkansas | Fayetteville, Arkansas |
GRE tests score is slowly becoming more and more obsolete as an admission requirement, especially today when so many students are choosing online master’s programs. Many online programs are structured in a way that the GRE test does not count in prospective student’s favor. Online courses are conducted differently than the traditional school format which leads to student learning and taking exams in a whole new way.
Our list of Online Master’s Programs no GRE required will help students desiring to begin their graduate studies sooner find a program that works for them. With every one of these programs being entirely online students can pursue their graduate studies and have the flexibility they need to meet personal obligations. With no GRE required for admission, students can begin sooner and graduate faster.
Here Are The Best 25 Online Master’s Programs No GRE!
Northcentral University
An accredited institution, Northcentral University offers flexible online Master’s Programs that no do not require a GRE for admissions. In an online delivery method students have more control over how fast or slow they take to complete their advanced degree. With many options available online students can be completing a Master’s degree in as little as one year. A sampling of the degrees offer include a Master of Science in Nursing, Health Psychology, Accounting, Data Science, Master of Arts in Teaching and many more. Students can be admitted weekly and begin their courses any week during the year, with no set semester start date, students have more control over their schedules than ever before.
School Overview
Boston University
With a wide array of online programs, Boston University provides options for students seeking to advance their education online with a flexible format from an accredited institution. The programs that do not require a GRE score are offered through the Metropolitan College Online, so students need to review each program carefully to determine what programs waive the GRE. Students will still need to submit their resume, letters of recommendation, and current transcript. A few of the online master programs that do not require GRE include Art Education, Applied Business Analytics, Computer Information, Criminal Justice, and many more.
School Overview
Colorado State University Global Campus
Colorado State University Global Campus is one of the top ranking online institutions in the nation that is fully accredited and affordable. Advanced degree seekers have never had a more accessible option with many of the online Master’s Programs no longer requiring a GRE to be admitted. While a GRE is not required, students will need to provide documentation of their bachelor’s degree and educational experiences as well as meet the requirements to qualify them for the program they are applying for. A sampling of online Master’s programs that do not require a GRE include criminal justice, healthcare administration, finance, and more. With a fixed tuition rate, students can make the most of their education by accelerating it or slowing it down to meet their personal needs.
School Overview
University of Wisconsin
The University of Wisconsin Graduate School does not require a GRE for admittance but some programs do. Locate your desired program here and see if that particular program requires the GRE. With the recent complications made by COVID, many programs are no longer requiring the GRE to begin. The high-quality, top ranking Master of Engineering program does not require a GRE, but applicants will need to submit undergraduate GPA and other documentation. Students learn first-hand from award winning professors and experienced professionals. With a hands-on approach in the engaging curriculum students are better prepared to meet the demands of a fast-paced, evolving career.
School Overview
University of Arkansas
The University of Arkansas offers a GRE exemption for the Master in Education Program for those that qualify. Students must meet qualifications such as minimum GPA requirement of a 3.0 and letters of recommendation. Through this online advanced degree program, students will network with other professionals in the field of education. Graduates are able to advance their career as an educator or in a leadership role within the education system. Along with a GRE exemption are opportunities for scholarships to help students with their journey on advancing their career. With a flexible online format students can earn their degree while maintaining their employment as an educator.
School Overview
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University of Miami
A public institution that focuses on holistic learning, The University of Miami offers an online Master’s of Public Administration Program that waives the GRE requirement under certain conditions. If students meet the work experience criteria they do not need to submit a GRE score to be admitted to the program. Students who do not have work experience will still need to submit a GRE score. The online degree encourages students to explore more than just the required core courses to become more well-rounded professionals that can understand various perspectives on key issues. Since the program is entirely online, students can complete the program form home and meet their personal obligations.
School Overview
American University
American University provides a unique online Master of Science in International Relations and Business. This degree program does not require a GRE or GMAT for admittance but students will still need to submit transcripts, and letters of recommendations. Students will need to meet the minimum GPA requirement for entrance. As an online program, American University offers a global immersion experience that students learn how to navigate different international and global cultures. This ensures they can better serve as international relations specialists in business or other enterprises. Students gain hands-on experience learning how to navigate the challenges unique to this degree and profession. There is also an accelerated program that allows students to graduate in less than 18 months.
School Overview
St. Joseph’s University
St. Joseph’s University does not require a GRE score to be admitted to their graduate school. With 16 graduate programs available at St Joseph’s University students can focus on their long term career goals and pursue the program of their choice. A sample of the online master programs available include Healthcare Marketing, Secondary Education, Financial, Marketing, and more. One thing that sets St. Joseph apart is their unique online master degree programs that are offered through their online format such as food marketing. These degrees focus on specific areas of education that help students with their career goals. There are also several online certifications that students can earn to enrich and enhance their educational experience.
School Overview
Gonzaga University
Providing strong ethical leaders, Gonzaga University educates the next generation of graduate students of Organizational Leadership. This online master of arts program does not require students to provide a GRE to be admitted but prospective students will need to provide transcripts with their GPA and letters of recommendation. Students have the option to select a concentration that allows them to gain and enhance skills in specific areas of organizational leadership, making them more specialized. Students can focus on specific areas of their career goals and take corresponding courses to reach those goals while earning their advanced degree from an accredited institution. Gonzaga also offers unique study abroad opportunities for students of the organizational leadership degree.
School Overview
University of San Francisco
The University of San Francisco offers three online master degree programs that do not require a GRE for admittance. Currently the three online master programs are Public Health, Nursing, and Public Administration. With innovative and current learning opportunities students learn skills and increase their foundational knowledge that will help them advance within their field of study. Utilizing the most up to date technology, students can expect an immersive and engaging online experience. With small class sizes students are able to interact directly with professors to receive the help and guidance they might encounter while earning their online degree.
School Overview
Louisiana State University
Those seeking a Master’s of Science in Leadership can have their GRE requirement waived at Louisiana State University if they meet the criteria to do so. Students with work experience or other experience that meets the schools criteria can waive their GRE score and be admitted to the program with their transcripts, letters of recommendation and resumes. Students learn from top-tier professors that are experts in their fields that are known to provide quality education. These are the same professors that teach on campus, giving online students the same opportunities to learn from top leaders with real-life experience.
School Overview
Florida International University
Florida International University provides quality online programs that allow professionals to advance their education and careers in a manner that helps them maintain flexibility and meet personal obligations while pursuing their goals. There are Master;s programs that do not require a GRE score to be admitted such as the Master of Science in HIgher Education, Engineering Management, and Criminal Justice. These programs do require prospective students to submit letters of recommendation, transcripts, and resumes. Students must meet the criteria for GPA and grades for upper division courses. Programs are designed to be accelerated to meet the demands of fast paced careers and working professionals.
School Overview
University of Vermont
The University of Vermont offers a high-quality online Master of Public Health program that does not require students to submit a GRE score to be admitted. Prospective students will need to submit letters of recommendation, Resume, and transcripts. The focus of this degree is twofold, first students will gain research skills which are necessary for their career. Second, they learn how public policy impacts the health of groups of people within the community. Graduates are prepared to participate in the research studies their career will require. With the online format students have flexibility to attend their courses and work on research when it fits into their schedule allowing them to meet obligations that they may already have.
School Overview
West Texas A&M University
Established as a teacher training normal school in 1910, West Texas A&M University has expanded to online programs and degrees that are fully accredited. West Texas offers a variety of online master degrees that help professionals advance their career opportunities. None of the online degrees require a GRE for admissions. Some of the advanced degrees offered include a Master of Science in Nursing, Educational Leadership, Social Work, English, and many more. Students enjoy a flexible schedule where they can set their own schedule while earning an advanced degree and meet personal obligations.
School Overview
Ohio University
Ohio University offers many online master degree programs that have been recognized by U.S. News and World Report to be among the top online programs in the nation. While Ohio University offers a few different master programs that do not require a GRE score for entrance into the programs one of the top programs that stands out are the advanced degrees in Engineering. With an engaging online curriculum, all of the online programs offer flexibility and convenience that many working professionals need as they advance their education and careers through an online program. Ohio University also holds the distinction as an institution of higher education chartered by the United States Congress.
School Overview
Ball State University
Ball State University has been providing higher education for over a century and has expanded to providing online programs that are fully accredited. Many master degree level programs offered by Ball State University do not require a GRE score, many have requirements that allow students to waive the GRE score. Be sure to review each program’s specific requirements for admissions. Some of the programs include Master of Arts in Elementary Education, Journalism, and Interior Design. These online programs have been recognized by U.S. News and World Report as some of the top in the Midwest region. Each program is entirely online and allows students to complete courses and coursework on their schedule enabling them to meet personal obligations.
School Overview
Regis University
A private institution affiliated with the Roman Catholic Church, Regis University has been providing distance learning and high-quality online programs for years. Among those programs are Master level programs that students can apply for without submitting a GRE score. The College of Business and Economics provides a number of programs that do not require a GRE score to apply. One such program is the Master of Science in Organizational Leadership. This particular degree is only 30 credits and will prepare students for logic and critical analysis as well as strategic leadership.
School Overview
University of Cincinnati
Those seeking a Master in Science in Health Administration or Education Leadership can apply for either program at The University of Cincinnati without needing to submit a GRE score. Each of these advanced programs can be completed entirely online. The Health Administration degree requires 40 credit hours or course work, students can work at their own pace and complete it as quickly or slowly as they choose. The Educational Leadership degree is only 30 credit hours long and allows students to continue working as professional instructors while they advance their education and in turn advance their career opportunities upon completing the program.
School Overview
Maryville University
Maryville University was established in 1872 as a private institution for higher learning but it has since expanded to offer a large accredited assortment of online degrees for distance learning as well. With a reputation as an affordable institution that provides quality instruction in a flexible format, more students are turning to Maryville University for their advanced degrees. Maryville offers many online master’s programs that do not require a GRE score to be admitted to the program. Areas of study include accounting, MBA, analytics, cyber security, and more. Many online programs have a dedicated faculty to serve the online students with the more up to date and innovative teaching methods to prepare students for their fast paced careers.
School Overview
Wilkes University
A private institution for higher learning, Wilkes University offers a rigorous online MSN degree, Master of Science in Nursing that is accredited. Students can apply for this program without submitting a GRE score, they will need to meet the other requirements for the MSN program though (a current RN and or BSN). There is an option for an RN to MSN program as well as a BSN to MSN program. Students with a BSN will complete the MSN degree much faster and have the required field experience, but for those ambitious students that want to earn an MSN that are current RN’s can still be admitted into this rigorous program. The online program offers areas of specialization such as Nurse Practitioners, Nursing Informatics, Family Nurse Practitioner, Nurse Execution, and more.
School Overview
Grand Canyon University
A private, non-profit institution, Grand Canyon University is affiliated with the Evangelical Christian Church. WIth both on-campus students and online students, Grand Canyon University is recognized as the world’s largest Christian University. Grand Canyon University offers many online master degree programs that do not require students to submit a GRE score for admission. A sampling of these programs include Communication, Health Care, Criminal Justice, Business, Engineering, and more. With competitive tuition rates and flexible courses that are asynchronous many students have found a program to help them reach their goals and meet their personal obligations simultaneously.
School Overview
Southern New Hampshire University
Southern New Hampshire University removes many barriers that prevent students from pursuing an advanced degree, such as providing accredited flexible online programs, and not requiring a GRE or GMAT for admissions to their graduate programs. Each master’s program is regionally accredited and meets the high-quality standards necessary for accreditation. Students learn from qualified expert faculty that have current knowledge of their field. With flexibility and online support, students have the necessary tools to succeed. A sampling of programs offered include accounting, criminal justice, communication, english, history, human resources, and many, many more.
School Overview
Western Governors University
Western Governors University was the brain child of 19 western state governors to provide flexible online education to working professionals. No GRE score is required for admissions to any of the online graduate programs, instead prospective students meet with an Enrollment Counselor as part of the enrollment process. Every program follows the Competency Based Education model that allows students to move as quick or as slow as needed through their degree. Once they show competency in their courses they can move ahead to the next courses required for the degree. Currently Western Governors University offers 12 online master’s programs including MBA, Healthcare, Data Analytics, Elementary Education, and more
School Overview
Fort Hays State University
Educating students since 1902, Fort Hays State University continues to graduate prepared professionals in a variety of disciplines. There are many online graduate programs that are offered asynchronously allowing for flexibility. Students can choose to study art history, political leadership, global leadership, public service, and more. Students will not need a GRE score for admissions to these programs but they will need to provide letters of recommendation, transcripts, and writing samples. Students have the option of culminating their degree program with either a thesis or an internship.
School Overview
Wilmington University
Wilmington University’s admission process makes enrolling into a graduate program work for busy professionals. GRE scores and GMAT scores are not required for admissions to Wilmington University’s online programs. There are program specific admission requirements, see here to know what those are. Wilmington is designated as a Military friendly institution and is well known for its career focused programs. There are options to accelerate programs if students are able to take more courses and have previous graduate level courses from previous degrees. Many programs also have various electives that allow students to specialize their degree to fit their personal career goals.
School Overview
Methodology
With so many online Master’s Programs, No GRE scores or GMAT scores required, it is now easier than ever to pursue an advanced degree and open the door to many career opportunities. Now is the time to explore all the options that await in many disciplines, there is something for everyone. Every institution on this list is accredited and offers anywhere from one to many online master programs that do not require the standardized GRE exam to gain admittance. However, every program does require some items for admission such as transcripts, letters of recommendation, and perhaps writing samples or other program specific items.
Please contact us if you have any questions related to the information above.
What is the Graduate Record Examinations?
So what is a GRE test score? The GRE or Graduate Record Examinations is a test that is given to college students that are preparing to enter a graduate program. This score is said to be designed in a way that can determine whether or a student is likely to be successful in a graduate program.
The reason colleges are becoming more apt to dismiss the need for a GRE is because these tests are solely based on specific areas that have very little to nothing to do with a lot of the master’s program, and determining who is qualified to complete the classes. Some schools view them as unnecessary testing and are dropping requirements like this for their programs.
What Does the GRE Test for?
The GRE test is a computer given test that is given to students all over the world in private testing facilities. The exam pattern measure students’ skills in three basic areas.
- Verbal Reasoning- Understanding the levels of reasoning such as the author’s intent, distinguish the difference between major and minor points, and understanding the meaning of words, languages, and texts.
- Quantitative Reasoning- Solving mathematic equations, able to use basic mathematic skills to solve mathematic problems such as algebra, geometry, and arithmetic.
- Analytical writing- The ability to understand and support claims through proper verbal communication and articulate writing.
How the Test is Structured
As stated there are 3 parts of the test. The analytics portion of the test is divided into two 30 min tests one is to analyze an issue and the other is to analyze a solution. The verbal reasoning portion is composed of 2 sections, each section has 20 questions and is 30 min per section. The last section is quantitative reasoning where you are given 2 sections containing 20 questions and you are given 35 min to answer each section.
These tests are then scored through a computer program and also a human scorer. You are then given a grade based on these scores. For years schools used these scores to determine if a person would be able to fully comprehend and complete a graduates program.
Benefits of Completing an Online Master’s Degree with No GRE Requirements
Not being held back from attending your dream graduate school because of a low GRE exam score is the biggest benefit of colleges it as an admission requirement. It seems more schools are hopping on this train simply because they need the admissions.
Another benefit of being able to get into an online Master’s Program without taking the exam allows students to focus on meeting other school criteria. Deciding which courses or subject you want to take are the first steps to focusing on what you need to gain entrance into the programs available. There are so many options to choose from, like an MPH program, online MA, computer science, MSW program or social work program, and a criminal justice program. Who needs the extra stress of worrying about an exam score?
Without having to worry about what your GRE score looked like you can focus on your chosen programs requirements such as admissions essays, collecting your transcripts and other materials like ACT/SAT scores., and focusing on what you could be requested to submit in replace of the GRE for your specific topic.
A popular replacement for the GRE score is work history. This can be a benefit to many students applying for graduate school because most people will start to work in their field once their Bachelor’s Degree is complete.
How to Find out if an Online Master’s Program Requires the GRE
To find out if the Master’s program you are interested in taking requires a GRE score, you simply look into what is required for admissions. If the GRE score is necessary it will state it under that section. It will also let you know if the GRE score can be waived if you have a higher GPA or other criteria that shows you are capable of taking and completing the course.
Why Do Some Schools Require a GRE Score?
GRE scores are usually required by colleges simply because it is an easy way to quickly compare a bunch of student applications and choose which ones are more likely able to take specific programs and pass them.
These scores show how well a person can articulate and reason in verbal and written communication along with having a good understanding of basic mathematical equations. This helps specific programs decide who already has a good understanding of how to deal with specific situations and their capabilities of making decisions before they enter the course.
How do you prepare for the GRE?
Because the GRE is not based on fact questions but your understanding of them you cannot necessarily prepare for the GRE test. However, you can take practice tests available online and find where you are lacking and where you would like to be.
Each Master’s program will look at different parts of the GRE test to see if you meet the specific requirements for that class. Preparing yourself by seeing what the requirements are and where your score matches up may be a good way to decide where you need to focus most of your energy.
Remember to pace yourself and answer the questions truthfully and in a way that best fits how you think. Remember you can always retake the exam if you do not like the results the first time around.
Are GRE scores Important Anymore?
As far as many online Universitys are concerned, the GRE is no longer their main form of choosing who gets into their graduate programs and those who do not. These days that information is usually determined on a student’s average GPA, their admissions statements and essays, their work experience, and recommendations.
It seems that the specific areas the GRE tests in do not apply to all courses and programs available to students, especially now with a large number of courses offered online and on campus.
It does not seem to make much sense that a low score in the quantitive section should have any impact on someone who is taking courses in the health field or art, music, theatre, English, etc.
To add to that theory, even if your score in that section is not taken into account when applying for any program, that means you wasted time even taking that portion of the exam in the first place.
Another reason many schools are starting to stray from the once very important college exam is that the test itself is not given anyone information into the problem solving that would go on in real-time. Look at the ANalytic portion of the test. When someone is addressed with a conflict, most cannot come up with a rash and responsible solution in such a short amount of time.
In a real-life situation, you would not want a person to only put 30 minutes of critical thinking into their idea of resolution. Chances are in a situation that requires those types of skills it would only be logical if someone were to use their decision-making skills and take their time to come up with a plan to successfully resolve any issue.
Now for the language portion of the test. Although, yes, it is important to understand the English vocabulary and speak it just as well. Technology has given us full proof resources to maintain good communication skills even if your vocabulary is not the best. You can write an informative and professional email to a colleague with the grammar and spelling of a 6th grader, but with computer programs and applications this will be corrected for you within minutes.
Finally the reading portion of the test. That will take us back up to the analytical part of the GRE. Not everyone can read at the same pace, and this surely does not separate the strong from the weak in most cases. Some people just need a little extra time to read and comprehend, being given a small window of time to read a passage and then answer questions is not going to be an exact depiction of a single person’s abilities.
For these reasons and probably many others, the idea of having high or low GRE scores doesn’t give the best idea of who is fit for each graduate program.
That is not to say the exam is not good to get an idea of a student’s weaknesses or an area where they may need a little extra work, but it should be the reason someone misses out on being able to attend a program they need to obtain the career they want.
What to Consider When Choosing an Online Masters Program That Doesn’t Require a GRE
Now that you no longer have few choices to decide from, it is important to find an online Master’s program that is right for you. First, you need to decide which field you are most interested in and passionate about. Then find the program that fits the demands of your schedule. Is it flexible, are there deadlines, do you have a set graduation day?
Then create a budget, figure out how much you can afford and whether or not you are eligible for any type of financial aid, grants, or scholarships.
Finally, choose the school that looks the most appealing to you. Read the student’s comments and reviews, take free trial classes, compare and contrast positives and negatives.
No matter which school you decide to attend it is going to be a long, hard, and costly journey, make sure you are taking that path somewhere you will be happy.
Our Take Away
These days the GRE scores are being waived by many universities due to the advances in technology and the old way is no longer the best way in determining who is fit for a program and degree. That said, you should be sure to look at each progam you’re interested as they may have a GMAT requirement or some other type of admission requirement. Getting a good education with no GRE required is possible. It is time for you to find the right online degree program that is right for you.
