Masters Programs That Don't Require the GRE 2026

by EDsmart Staff

Quick take: The GRE is not universally required for a master’s in 2026—admission is program-specific. Many online and professional master’s tracks are GRE-optional, use waivers for experienced applicants, or do not use the GRE at all; committees still weigh GPA, relevant experience, recommendations, and your statement. Always confirm the exact requirement on each degree’s official page—requirements change and can differ from the graduate school’s general policy.

A no-GRE master’s pathway is any graduate admission process where your target program does not require Graduate Record Examination scores—or treats them as optional—so reviewers focus more on coursework, work history, writing, and references. In 2026, common paths people compare include online MBA tracks with optional GRE/GMAT, MSW programs that emphasize field education, MPH programs that build quantitative skills in the curriculum, and education leadership master’s for licensed teachers—always confirm on the school’s .edu.

These pathways work because graduate programs increasingly use holistic review: prerequisites, portfolios (where relevant), interviews, and writing samples can substitute for a single test score. Programs at accredited universities remain eligible for federal aid when the school participates in Title IV; whether your degree is a fit still depends on institutional and, where required, programmatic accreditation—especially for licensure.

No single article can list every no-GRE program in the country—and rankings or AI answers you see elsewhere can go stale fast. For anything that matters (tests, prerequisites, start dates), rely on the program’s official page, the graduate catalog, and what the admissions office tells you.

Table of contents

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Key takeaways

  • Important: “No GRE” is not a single rule—it can mean not required, optional, waiver-eligible, or not used. Read the line item for your degree code.
  • Master’s programs are more likely than research doctoral programs to offer GRE-optional or no-GRE paths, especially in professional fields (business, education, social work, health administration).
  • Skipping the GRE does not automatically make admission easy; programs may raise expectations for GPA, experience, or writing quality.
  • For licensure fields (teaching, counseling, nursing, social work, etc.), programmatic accreditation and state board rules matter more than whether you took the GRE.
  • When you’re ready to compare cost and pace, use EDsmart’s affordable online colleges, accelerated master’s, and online MBA cost pages alongside this checklist.

What is the GRE?

The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is a standardized test from ETS that measures verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing. Many U.S. graduate programs have historically used GRE scores as one input among transcripts, recommendations, and statements of purpose.

GRE requirements are not uniform: one university may require the GRE for some departments and waive it for others. A program may list the GRE as recommended rather than required, or offer waivers for applicants who already hold a graduate degree, meet GPA thresholds, or have substantial professional experience.

Do you need the GRE for a master’s?

Sometimes—but not by default. Whether you need the GRE for a master’s depends on the individual program’s published requirements, not only the university name. Competitive STEM or quant-heavy degrees may still ask for the GRE or a substitute (such as a strong math background); many professional master’s programs have moved to test-optional or no-test policies.

If you are asking “Do I need to take the GRE for grad school?” start with the program admission page (e.g., “MS in Data Science,” “MSW,” “MBA”) rather than the main graduate school homepage. Requirements for certificates, non-degree, and doctoral tracks can all differ.

GRE required vs optional vs waiver vs not used

Use this comparison to decode admissions language. Phrases like grad schools that don’t require the GRE usually refer to one of the right-hand columns—not necessarily “easier.”

Policy type What it usually means What to verify
GRE requiredYou must submit official scores by the deadline.Minimums, subject GRE (rare), and whether programs accept GMAT/MCAT instead.
GRE optionalYou may submit scores; they can help weaker areas.Whether omitting the GRE puts you at a disadvantage in practice.
GRE waiverA required GRE is waived if you meet stated criteria.Exact waiver rules (GPA, work years, prior degree, military, etc.).
No GRE / not acceptedScores are not part of the review.Whether other tests (GMAT, LSAT for dual programs) still apply.

Online master’s & graduate programs (no GRE)

Online master’s programs with no GRE (or GRE-optional policies) are common in business, education, healthcare administration, information technology, and human services—fields where work experience and prior academic record carry heavy weight. That does not mean admission is automatic: schools may require higher undergraduate GPAs, structured résumés, writing samples, or interviews.

If you’re hunting for online graduate programs that don’t require the GRE, treat search results as starting points only. Confirm (1) institutional accreditation via the U.S. Department of Education’s DAPIP database, (2) any programmatic accreditor your license requires, and (3) whether “online” includes required campus intensives or clinical placements that affect cost and time.

Why requirements keep changing

Research and policy discussions have questioned how strongly GRE scores predict graduate success—many institutions now emphasize broader evidence of readiness. Trends vary by discipline, so always double-check your program’s published rules for the term you apply; they override anything you read in a general overview.

Schools that often advertise no-GRE master’s pathways (official links)

Important: This list names universities that often promote test-optional, waiver-eligible, or no-GRE online master’s options. It is not a ranking, not exhaustive, and not a promise that every graduate program at that school skips the GRE. Policies change by degree. GRE and waiver rules are program-specific—confirm your exact degree on the official graduate or departmental page before you apply.

California Miramar University is not on this list—if you consider it, check current institutional recognition and program rules yourself in DAPIP before you enroll anywhere.

Show alphabetized institutions (72, each linked to official site)
  1. Alcorn State University
  2. American University
  3. Antioch University
  4. Arizona State University
  5. Ashland University
  6. Auburn University
  7. Averett University
  8. Baker College
  9. Barclay College
  10. Baylor University
  11. Belhaven University
  12. Benedictine University
  13. Boston University
  14. Buena Vista University
  15. Capella University
  16. College of William & Mary
  17. Colorado State University
  18. Concordia University Ann Arbor
  19. Concordia University Nebraska
  20. Concordia University Saint Paul
  21. Concordia University Wisconsin
  22. Defiance College
  23. DePaul University
  24. East Carolina University
  25. George Washington University
  26. Gods Bible School and College
  27. Johnson & Wales University
  28. Liberty University
  29. Luther Rice College & Seminary
  30. Maine Maritime Academy
  31. Mississippi State University
  32. New York University (Silver School of Social Work)
  33. North Carolina Wesleyan University
  34. Northcentral University
  35. Nova Southeastern University
  36. Ohio University
  37. Ottawa University (multiple campuses)
  38. The Pennsylvania State University
  39. Pepperdine University
  40. Purdue University Global
  41. Regis College
  42. Sacred Heart University
  43. Saint Joseph's College of Maine
  44. Simmons University
  45. Southern New Hampshire University
  46. Strayer University
  47. Syracuse University
  48. Tiffin University
  49. Tulane University
  50. University of Alabama at Birmingham
  51. University of Alaska Southeast
  52. University of Arizona Global Campus
  53. University of Central Florida
  54. University of Cincinnati
  55. University of Louisville
  56. University of Miami
  57. University of New Hampshire
  58. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
  59. University of North Carolina at Wilmington
  60. University of Northern Alabama
  61. University of Oregon
  62. University of Scranton
  63. University of Southern California
  64. University of Tennessee, Knoxville
  65. University of Texas Permian Basin
  66. Utica University
  67. Vanderbilt University
  68. Walden University
  69. Wayland Baptist University
  70. Webster University
  71. Western Governors University
  72. Winston-Salem State University

Links point to each institution’s main website (or NYU Silver for social work). For graduate program requirements, navigate to the specific degree from that site or use NCES College Navigator to find the unit ID and confirm accreditation.

Example degree + school pairings

These example pairings (degree + school) show common patterns people use when shopping for no-GRE options. They aren’t guarantees—always pull the current requirements from the program’s catalog.

Show example program pairings (13)
  1. Master of Healthcare Administration – SNHU
  2. MBA – Purdue University Global
  3. Master of Human Resource Management – University of Arizona Global Campus (successor to Ashford University)
  4. MS in Education – Walden University
  5. Master of Taxation – Villanova University
  6. MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling – Capella University
  7. Executive MBA – Loyola University
  8. MS in Cybersecurity – Roger Williams University
  9. MSW – Capella University
  10. MFA – Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts
  11. MPH – California Baptist University
  12. MS in Criminal Justice – Capella University
  13. MPA – Seton Hall University

By field: sample programs (links & descriptions)

If you already know your field—MSW, MPH, MBA, nursing, or something else—use the matching section to jump straight to about 10 programs with official links and short descriptions. Each card explains who the program fits and how it’s usually delivered; GRE/GMAT rules change by term, so click through and confirm test policy, prerequisites, and accreditation for your situation (e.g., CSWE for MSW, CEPH for MPH, AACSB context for business, ARC-PA for PA, ACOTE for OT).

MSW (Master of Social Work)

CSWE-accredited MSW programs stress field practicum and ethics. Many online MSW tracks evaluate GPA, experience, and references heavily—still verify GRE optional/waiver language on each program page.

Online MSW — University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Advanced generalist and specialized pathways with field placements; designed for working adults seeking licensure-eligible social work training. Confirm delivery, placement geography, and current admissions tests.

Master of Social Work — Tulane University

Clinical community practice emphasis with field education; online and hybrid options vary by term. Check whether your state’s licensing board accepts the distance format.

Online Master of Social Work — Ohio University

Advanced standing and traditional tracks for BSW and non-BSW backgrounds; strong focus on rural and community practice. Review prerequisite courses and field hour requirements.

Online MSW — Simmons University

Clinical social work preparation with cohort-based online classes and regional field placements. Ask about licensure alignment for your state.

MSW programs — NYU Silver School of Social Work

Multiple pathways including online and accelerated options depending on cohort; heavy emphasis on clinical and policy practice. Admissions criteria are program-specific—read the fine print for standardized tests.

MSW in Social Work — Capella University

Competency-based and course-based formats may be available; field practicum required for licensure alignment. Confirm CSWE accreditation and state board acceptance.

Online MSW — Regis College

Clinical social work focus with field seminars; often structured for working professionals. Verify GRE/GMAT policy and field site expectations.

Master of Social Work (MSW) — Walden University

Traditional and advanced-standing tracks for BSW and non-BSW backgrounds; asynchronous coursework with coordinated field practicum. Confirm CSWE alignment and state authorization for where you will complete hours.

MSW — Nova Southeastern University

Multiple tracks and Florida-focused field partnerships; competitive cohorts. Review GRE/test policy, clinical hour requirements, and licensure prep for your state board.

MSW — Boston University School of Social Work

Multiple concentrations and dual-degree possibilities; Boston-area placements for some tracks—online options vary. Check test requirements for your chosen entry term.

MPH (Master of Public Health)

CEPH-aligned MPH programs often substitute quantitative prerequisites (stats, biology) for GRE scores. Compare concentrations: epidemiology, health policy, community health, global health.

Master of Public Health — UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health

Flagship public health curriculum with online and hybrid delivery for select concentrations; strong research and applied practicum expectations. Confirm GRE policy for your concentration and delivery mode.

Master of Public Health — Tulane University

Community health, epidemiology, and environmental tracks; online MPH options for working professionals. Prerequisite math/stats may apply even when GRE is waived.

Master of Public Health — George Washington University Milken Institute SPH

Washington, D.C.–adjacent networks for policy and global health; multiple formats. Review standardized test rules for each MPH pathway.

Master of Public Health (MPH) — Liberty University

Fully online MPH with emphasis areas such as health promotion and global health; eight-week course formats. Verify CEPH alignment and practicum placement options for your region.

Master of Public Health — Baylor University

Faith-based institution with community health and epidemiology strengths; delivery options vary. Confirm admissions testing and prerequisite science coursework.

Master of Public Health (MPH) — Southern New Hampshire University

Designed for healthcare and human services professionals expanding into population health roles; flexible online pacing. Double-check CEPH accreditation status and any GRE expectations on the program page.

Master of Public Health — Arizona State University

Multiple concentrations and stackable certificates; strong analytics and global health options. Read the graduate admissions bulletin for test and prerequisite rules.

Master of Public Health (MPH) — University of Central Florida

Fully online MPH with applied practice experience; focus areas such as health promotion and behavioral health. Confirm CEPH status, prerequisite math/stats, and GRE waiver language for your cohort.

Master of Public Health — East Carolina University

Community health, epidemiology, and health administration emphases; North Carolina practicum networks. Compare online vs hybrid delivery and admissions testing for your concentration.

Master of Public Health — University of Alabama at Birmingham

Research-intensive school of public health with applied practicum; online and hybrid tracks for select sequences. Confirm GRE waivers vs. course prerequisites.

MBA & specialized business master’s

Many MBA programs waive GMAT/GRE with sufficient work experience or prior graduate coursework. Executive and online cohorts are often the most test-flexible—read the waiver grid. See also affordable online MBA programs.

Online MBA@UNC — UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School

STEM-designated analytics option available; live weekly classes plus immersive experiences. Test waiver policies are published by admissions cycle.

Online MBA — University of Miami

Flexible pacing with Miami’s business faculty; concentrations in areas like finance and marketing. Confirm whether your profile qualifies for GMAT/GRE waiver.

Online MBA — Syracuse University

Whitman School online cohort model with residencies; strong entrepreneurship and supply chain paths. Review standardized test policy for each intake.

Master of Business Administration (MBA) — Purdue University Global

Designed for working adults with multiple start dates; concentrations in IT, finance, health care management, and more. Verify waiver criteria if you are skipping GMAT/GRE.

Master of Business Administration — University of Arizona Global Campus

Asynchronous five- and six-week courses; often marketed to career changers. Confirm accreditation, employer tuition policies, and any entrance exam expectations.

MBA — Western Governors University

Competency-based model with flat tuition per term; best for highly motivated self-starters. Validate employer recognition if you are targeting certain firms.

MS in Financial Management — Boston University Metropolitan College

Quantitative finance and decision-making for professionals; stackable toward CFA-aligned skills. Check MET admissions for GRE/GMAT optional language.

MS in Finance (online) — Auburn University Harbert College of Business

Rigorous corporate finance and investments curriculum for early- and mid-career analysts. Confirm test waiver thresholds and prerequisite coursework.

Master of Business Administration (MBA) — Strayer University

Jack Welch MBA path and other concentrations; built for working adults with frequent starts. Verify whether GMAT/GRE submission is optional or waived for your experience profile.

Master of Business Administration — Webster University

Global network with online and metro-campus options; emphasis on leadership and international business. Read the admissions grid for standardized test expectations.

Computer science & IT

Online MSCS and IT master’s programs increasingly admit on portfolios, prior CS coursework, and work experience. Quant backgrounds may replace GREs—verify each bulletin.

Online MS in Computer Science — University of Tennessee, Knoxville

Theory and systems breadth with remote delivery; check whether you need foundational bridge courses. Admissions often weigh undergraduate CS GPA heavily.

Online MS in Computer Science — University of Louisville

Cybersecurity and data science electives available; suited to IT professionals upskilling. Verify GRE requirement vs. experience waiver each year.

Master of Science in Computer Science (online) — Vanderbilt University

Selective cohort with software and systems depth; synchronous components possible. Read the graduate handbook for test policy.

MS in Computer Science — Arizona State University

Large online catalog with specializations in big data, cybersecurity, and software engineering. Prereq chains matter as much as GRE waivers.

MS in Computer Science — DePaul University

Chicago-connected tech hiring pipeline; evening and online sections. Strong fit if you want software engineering or game programming tracks.

MS in Information Technology — Purdue University Global

Project management, information security, and analytics concentrations for working IT staff. Confirm entrance exam policy for your concentration.

MS Information Technology — Western Governors University

Competency-based IT leadership and security tracks; flat-rate terms reward fast finishers. Validate employer recognition if you are targeting certain firms.

MS in Computer Science — Mississippi State University

Online delivery with coursework in systems, AI, and security; strong regional tech ties. Confirm GRE waivers vs. CS coursework prerequisites.

MS in Computer Science — University of North Texas

Online MSCS with systems, AI, and cybersecurity coursework; Dallas–Fort Worth tech ties. Confirm GRE waiver vs. bridge coursework and residency rules for online delivery.

MS in Computer Science — University of Texas Permian Basin

Affordable public option with regional employer ties; smaller cohorts than mega-online programs. Check GRE waiver language for experienced applicants.

Nursing (MSN & related)

MSN programs prioritize RN licensure, GPA, and clinical clearance; GREs are often optional when ADN/BSN performance is strong. CCNE or ACEN accreditation and state BRN approval matter more than test scores.

Master of Science in Nursing — Sacred Heart University

Multiple APRN and leadership tracks with online coursework and local clinicals. Confirm CCNE status and preceptor requirements in your state.

MSN in Nursing — Capella University

Competency-based and guidedPath options for nurse leaders and educators; heavy documentation of clinical hours. Read admissions for GRE expectations.

MSN programs — Winston-Salem State University

HBCU nursing education with community health emphasis; North Carolina clinical partnerships. Verify online vs. hybrid delivery for your track.

MS in Nursing — Walden University

Broad catalog of nurse practitioner and leadership specializations for RNs; asynchronous format. Triple-check state authorization for clinical placements.

MSN — School of Nursing — Liberty University

Faith-based framing with multiple MSN roles; eight-week courses. Confirm BRN approval for your specialty in your home state.

MS in Nursing — Southern New Hampshire University

Designed for nurses pursuing leadership and education roles; flexible terms. Review whether GRE is requested for your pathway.

MSN programs — University of Alabama at Birmingham

Academic medical center depth for acute care and NP specialties; competitive clinical slots. Admissions may still request exams for select tracks—read carefully.

MSN & graduate nursing programs — University of Central Florida

Large Florida nursing school with nurse leader, nurse educator, and select APRN tracks; online and hybrid options vary. Confirm CCNE status and Florida BRN rules for your role.

Graduate nursing programs (MSN, DNP) — University of Cincinnati

Academic health system partnerships for nurse educator, leadership, and NP pathways; Ohio-focused clinicals. Verify entrance exam and APRN authorization for your state.

Graduate nursing programs — Ohio University

Family nurse practitioner and nurse education options with blended delivery for some tracks. Confirm GRE policy and Ohio BRN coordination.

Education (M.Ed., instructional leadership, teaching)

M.Ed. and licensure-bridge programs often waive GREs for licensed teachers or those with strong undergrad GPAs; CAEP accreditation is the key quality signal.

MS in Education — Walden University

Curriculum, instruction, and leadership specializations for P–12 and higher-ed professionals; mostly asynchronous. Verify CAEP recognition and state certification alignment.

MS in Education — Southern New Hampshire University

Affordable online M.Ed. tracks for licensed educators seeking add-on endorsements. Check whether practicum or portfolio replaces standardized tests.

Master of Education (M.Ed.) — Liberty University

Christian higher-ed context with licensure and leadership concentrations; eight-week courses. Confirm reciprocity if you teach outside Virginia.

Master of Arts in Teaching / M.S. in Education — Purdue University Global

Alternate certification and instructional improvement tracks for career switchers and veterans. Review testing requirements for licensure in your state.

Master of Arts in Education — University of Arizona Global Campus

Generalist and administration-focused sequences for working educators; one-course-at-a-time pacing. Validate CAEP where required for your district.

M.S. in Education — Concordia University Wisconsin

Lutheran higher-ed mission with licensure renewal and leadership tracks; accelerated formats. Confirm GRE waiver for licensed teachers.

M.S. in Education — Instructional Leadership — Johnson & Wales University

Designed for licensed K–12 educators adding endorsements; experiential assignments. Check admissions for standardized test expectations.

Graduate programs in education — East Carolina University

Instructional technology, leadership, and licensure-focused M.Ed. programs for North Carolina educators; blended and online options. Confirm GRE waiver rules for licensed teachers.

Graduate programs in education — University of North Alabama

Affordable Alabama public option for teacher leaders and specialists; online and regional cohorts. Review CAEP alignment and any GRE expectations for your track.

Graduate programs in education — DePaul University

Chicago-area partnerships for ESL, literacy, and leadership; hybrid options common. Read each program’s GRE policy—varies by degree code.

Psychology & mental health counseling

Master’s programs in psychology and clinical mental health counseling frequently emphasize GPA, prerequisite psych courses, and interviews over GRE—especially when licensure prep (LPC/LMHC) is embedded. CACREP accreditation matters for counseling tracks.

MS in Psychology — Arizona State University

Research methods and applied psych foundations; useful for data roles or doctoral prep. Confirm whether the track is licensure-oriented or generalist.

Online Master’s in Psychology — University of Oregon

Research-focused psychology training with flexible pacing for residents of participating states. Verify authorization and any GRE expectations.

MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling — Capella University

CACREP-aligned counseling prep with practicum/internship sequencing; heavy documentation. State licensure rules still govern title use—read carefully.

MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling — Walden University

National cohort model with field experience coordinators; asynchronous coursework. Confirm CACREP status and board exam eligibility for your state.

M.A. in Applied Psychology & Counseling — Liberty University

Integrates faith-informed counseling coursework; licensure pathways vary by state statute. Check whether GRE is listed for your cohort.

Psychology & education graduate programs — Pepperdine University

California coastal placements for therapy-track students; hybrid and online options for select programs. Read each degree’s test policy separately.

MS in Psychology — Nova Southeastern University

General and applied psychology tracks with research methods; useful for doctoral prep or human services roles. Confirm whether your track is licensure-oriented or generalist.

MS in Psychology — University of Cincinnati

Fully online general psychology with applications in industry and human services; confirm whether the track is licensure-oriented or preparatory for doctoral study. Check Ohio authorization if you live out of state.

MS in Psychology — University of Louisville

Applied and generalist tracks for human services and career advancement; useful if you want Kentucky–region employer ties. Confirm whether the program meets your licensure or doctoral goals.

MS in Psychology — Southern New Hampshire University

Generalist psychology foundations for human services and business analytics paths; doctoral prep varies. Verify whether GRE is requested for admission.

Physician assistant & occupational therapy

PA and OT entry-level programs are clinical, cohort-driven, and accreditation-heavy (ARC-PA for PA; ACOTE for OT). Some programs do not require the GRE; others do—or lean on CASPA prerequisites instead. Use each program below as a starting point, then confirm test policy, shadowing hours, and science prerequisites on the school’s official program page.

MS in Physician Assistant Studies — A.T. Still University of Health Sciences

Longstanding PA education with multiple campus and distance-hybrid formats for select cohorts; extremely competitive. Confirm whether GRE is listed for the entry you want.

Master of Medical Science — Physician Assistant Studies — University of Minnesota

Highly selective academic medical center training; Minnesota residency rules may affect clinical rotations. Re-check GRE/CASPA requirements annually.

PA program — Nebraska Methodist College

Private health-sciences college with small cohort PA training; Midwest clinical partnerships. Admissions frequently emphasize science GPA over GRE—verify directly.

MS in Medical Science — PA — Nova Southeastern University

Multiple Florida campuses and distance options for select tracks; large applicant pools. Read CASPA instructions and supplemental essays closely.

Primary Care Physician Assistant Program — University of Southern California

Los Angeles clinical immersion with Keck School of Medicine resources; premium cost and selectivity. Standardized test expectations are spelled out in the bulletin.

Physician Assistant programs — George Washington University

Washington, D.C.–area clinical training with strong health-policy exposure; highly competitive. Review CASPA, supplemental requirements, and GRE policy for the cycle you target.

Physician Assistant programs — University of Kentucky

Academic medical center rotations in Kentucky and the region; cohort model with heavy science prerequisites. Confirm whether GRE is required vs. holistic review.

Occupational Therapy programs — A.T. Still University

Entry-level OTD/MSOT pathways depending on campus; fieldwork across community settings. ACOTE accreditation is mandatory for NBCOT eligibility.

Occupational Therapy (MSOT) — University of Minnesota

Twin Cities clinical education with research ties; limited seats. Confirm whether GRE is required vs. holistic review for the current cycle.

Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD) — Nebraska Methodist College

Doctoral-level OT entry with intensive fieldwork; smaller program size. Double-check science prerequisites and any GRE waiver criteria.

How to vet a no-GRE master’s program

  1. Open the specific degree admission requirements (not only the graduate school FAQ).
  2. Confirm institutional accreditation in DAPIP and any programmatic accreditor your state or profession requires.
  3. Ask how holistic review works if tests are optional: GPA floors, prerequisite courses, portfolios, or interviews.
  4. Map total cost and time: see affordable online programs and your employer’s tuition benefit rules.

Benefits & tradeoffs

Potential benefits

  • Save prep time and test fees when the program truly does not need scores.
  • Lean on work experience and writing if you are a strong non-traditional applicant.
  • Align with programs that value portfolios (MFA) or clinical hours (MSW, MPH fieldwork).

Tradeoffs

  • Other parts of your application may face higher scrutiny (GPA, prerequisites).
  • Some fellowships or dual-degree tracks may still ask for GRE later—read footnotes.
  • Relying on lists from the web risks outdated policies—verify annually.

Important: If a program is “no GRE” but not accredited—or lacks the programmatic approval your license needs—the absence of a test is not worth the credential risk.

Graduate programs that might interest you

Ask these schools about start dates, transfer credit, financial aid, and anything else you need to decide.

Common questions (FAQ)

Here are straight answers to questions like whether the GRE is required for a master’s, online master’s programs with no GRE, and how rules differ by field. Use them as orientation—if anything conflicts with what your target program publishes, trust the program.

Is the GRE required for a master’s?

Not always. Many master’s programs are GRE-optional, offer waivers, or do not use the GRE. Requirements are set per program; the same university can require the GRE for one degree and waive it for another.

Do I need to take the GRE for grad school?

Only if your target program’s current requirements say so. Start with the degree-specific admissions page, then confirm deadlines and whether GMAT or other tests substitute. Generic graduate school pages can be misleading.

Do all graduate schools require the GRE?

No. Large shares of graduate programs have moved away from mandatory GRE policies, but STEM, quant-heavy, and selective degrees may still require scores or equivalents. Doctoral and dual-degree tracks often have different rules than stand-alone master’s.

What does “no GRE required” mean?

Usually that the program will not use GRE scores in admission—distinct from “optional,” where scores may help, and from “waiver,” where a GRE would normally be required but can be skipped if you meet criteria.

Are online master’s programs no GRE common?

Yes, many online professional master’s advertise test-optional or no-GRE pathways, especially for working adults. Verify whether your format is 100% online and whether any intensives or proctored exams replace the GRE.

Do MSW programs require the GRE?

Many CSWE-aligned MSW programs do not require the GRE; they may focus on prerequisites, references, and readiness for field education. Competitive campuses can still be selective without a GRE.

Do MPH programs require the GRE?

Some CEPH-accredited MPH programs waive the GRE if you have strong quantitative preparation or a prior graduate degree; others still request scores. Check each program’s prerequisites and statistics coursework expectations.

For MBA programs, is the GRE or GMAT required?

Often one is optional or waivable with experience. Executive and part-time MBAs frequently emphasize work history. AACSB-accredited schools still vary—read the MBA track you want, not a generic business school statement.

Do PA schools require the GRE?

Policies vary by program. Use ARC-PA’s directory of accredited programs and each school’s CASPA or admissions instructions; some PA programs require the GRE, others do not.

Can I get a GRE waiver?

When waivers exist, they are spelled out by the program—common criteria include years of relevant work, a prior graduate degree, military service, or GPA thresholds. Request instructions from admissions rather than assuming eligibility.

Is a master’s without the GRE easier to get into?

Not necessarily. Programs that drop the GRE often tighten other standards or attract more applicants. Treat “no GRE” as a different bar, not a lower one.

Do PhD programs require the GRE?

Many still do, especially research-intensive fields, but trends mirror master’s-level test-optional movement. If a PhD is your goal, check each department’s current policy on its own—the walkthroughs here are aimed at master’s applicants.

Sources

ETS — GRE official information; U.S. Department of Education DAPIP (institutional accreditation lookup); NCES College Navigator (institution-level data). Field bodies: CSWE (social work), CEPH (public health), AACSB (business—context for MBA), ARC-PA (physician assistant), ACOTE (occupational therapy).

See also: Best online degrees by field and cheap online colleges.

Online master’s programs that might interest you

Contact the schools you’re considering to ask about start dates, transfer credit, financial aid, and other details.

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