Masters Programs That Don't Require the GRE 2025

For admission to a graduate program of study, the Graduate Record Exam, or GRE, is usually required.

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GRE Meaning:

The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is a standardized test designed to assess skills in analytical writing, mathematics, and vocabulary, focusing on abstract thinking abilities. Many graduate schools in the U.S. and Canada use the GRE to evaluate applicants' eligibility for their programs.

This standardized test is designed to evaluate a graduate school applicant's potential for success at the Master's or Doctoral level. GRE requirements vary among universities and programs: some institutions require applicants to have taken the exam without specifying a minimum score, while specific programs within a university might demand certain scores for consideration.

In other cases, universities or programs may recommend rather than require the GRE, providing applicants—especially those with lower undergraduate GPAs—the opportunity to strengthen their applications with a high score. If an applicant opts not to submit a GRE score when it is recommended, they should ensure that their other application materials are exceptionally strong. Additionally, some universities and programs do not require the GRE at all for admission consideration.

Grad Schools That Don’t Require the GRE

The university or program may have a general policy against exempting applicants from the GRE requirement, or it may decide on an individual basis. Regarding the latter, universities or programs that do require the GRE may waive the requirement for applicants who meet certain criteria.

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Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

Many universities require the GRE for admission to graduate programs but may offer exemptions under certain circumstances. Applicants who already hold a graduate degree might be waived from submitting GRE scores. Similarly, MFA programs typically prioritize portfolios over test scores, and programs targeting working professionals often value industry experience more than standardized exams. Additionally, a movement toward holistic admissions has led some institutions to drop the GRE requirement altogether, viewing it as an impersonal barrier that could exclude capable candidates.

However, choosing programs without a GRE requirement does not necessarily simplify the admission process. While the GRE can be costly and time-consuming, schools that forgo this requirement—often online institutions—may implement stricter admission criteria to assess applicants. These can include higher undergraduate GPAs, extensive extracurricular or professional experience, and more rigorous evaluations of essays and writing samples. As a result, gaining admission to these programs may be more competitive despite the absence of a GRE score submission.

Master’s Programs That Do Not Require the GRE

Master's degree programs are more likely than doctoral programs not to require the GRE and are widely available online through traditional universities and online-only institutions. Many popular and in-demand fields, such as healthcare and social services, offer online Master's degrees, providing flexibility for students who cannot attend on-campus programs.

When selecting a Master's program, it's crucial to ensure it is accredited by the relevant governing body overseeing education and licensing in that field. This applies to both online and on-campus programs. Enrolling in a non-accredited program can lead to difficulties in obtaining necessary licenses or qualifications upon graduation, potentially requiring students to redo their studies at an accredited institution. Therefore, conducting thorough research before applying is essential, especially since some for-profit online universities may take advantage of eager applicants seeking in-demand careers.

Traditional Master’s Programs That Don’t Require the GRE

Occupational Therapy

An Occupational Therapist supports individuals with disease, injury, or developmental delays that may affect the individual’s independence and overall quality of life. Occupational Therapy is a quickly growing field of study, and you can earn your Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy online. It is imperative to make sure the online program you are interested in pursuing is accredited by the American Occupational Therapy Association. The AOTA accredits several online programs offering Master’s level degrees in Occupational Therapy that don’t require the GRE for admission.

Physician Assistant

Physician Assistants are Master’s level medical professionals, and these professionals are in high demand. Physician Assistants examine, diagnose, and treat patients in clinical settings without having to spend as much time and work as medical school students do. This degree can be earned from several programs accredited by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant, and though it’s less common to find a program of study in a science field that doesn’t require the GRE, such programs are out there.

Psychology

A Master’s degree in Psychology will award you to work a profession in mental health counseling or research or take you one step closer to a PhD or PsyD in the field. Several reputable universities give applicants the opportunity to study psychology at the graduate level without requiring a GRE score as part of the admission criteria.

Online Master’s Programs that Don’t Require the GRE

Psychology

Earning an MS in Psychology online could be a great choice if you have already received your undergraduate degree in psychology or a related social science field. You can further your education and knowledge from your undergraduate studies in addition to working, whether in a related field or somewhere else. This is just one of the many benefits of applying to graduate psychology programs online without taking the GRE.

Master of Public Health

A Master’s degree in Public Health qualifies you to work in the community on initiatives in the prevention of injury, disease, and violence as well as in the overall promotion of citizen health and safety. The Association of Schools and Programs of Public Health identifies programs offering the coursework necessary to lead to an accredited Master of Public Health, or MPH degree in several areas of focus, including epidemiology, minority health, maternal health, environmental health, and health policy. The MPH can be earned online, and the ASPPH accredits several highly reputed universities with programs in public health, including programs not requiring the GRE for admission.

Speech Pathology

Speech pathology is the specialization of speech and communication abnormalities. A Speech Language pathologist is a professional who does research, evaluates, counsels, and treats people with speech and communication disorders. SLPs work with patients of all ages, from newborns with eating difficulties to senior citizens facing hearing loss. Speech-language pathologists are in high demand, so the number of both online and on-campus degree programs is growing. Pursuing your degree online with a program that does not require a GRE score allows you to study accredited coursework at your own pace, though most programs do require students’ physical presence when it comes time for clinical and practicum.

Master of Social Work

Earning your Master of Social Work online is possible, whether or not you have earned your Bachelor of Social Work. Most online Master of Social Work, or MSW, programs offer both the traditional and advanced-standing track, the former geared toward those with undergraduate degrees outside of social work and the latter toward those with a BSW who are presently active in the field. The Council on Social Work Education accredits several online MSW programs. Though both tracks may be pursued online through programs that do not require the GRE for admission, those with a BSW who currently work in the field may benefit the most through flexible coursework relevant to the people, policies, and practices encountered every day on the job.

Family Nurse Practitioner

Those interested in pursuing nursing at an advanced degree may choose to become a Family Nurse Practitioner, a Master’s level registered nurse, or an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN). Family Nurse Practitioners or FNPs perform many of the same tasks as registered nurses or RNs, but with more responsibility and independence. FNPs are qualified to perform physical exams and to diagnose and treat patients under the supervision of a medical doctor. The paths toward becoming an FNP are quite varied, from RN to MSN-FNP to BSN to MSN-FNP to BS/BA to MSN-FNP. Most of these pathways are offered online through programs not requiring the GRE and qualify students to obtain their nursing license at the end of the course of study. Though mostly entirely online, such programs do, however, require in-person clinical and practicum.

Further Reading: 12-Month FNP Programs Online

Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner

Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners or PNPs are master’s level registered nurses, or advanced practice registered nurses who specialize in the treatment of individuals with psychiatric disorders or mental illness. PNPs are licensed to evaluate, treat, and prescribe medication to patients experiencing psychological distress typically in unison with mental health counseling. Most online programs in the field require applicants to have earned their Bachelor of Science in Nursing and to be currently licensed registered nurses, or RNs. The flexibility of the online program allows you to earn your advanced degree while continuing to practice in the field.

PhD Programs That Don’t Require the GRE

It’s rare to find a PhD program that does not require the GRE of its applicants, but such programs do exist. You will find most of these programs offered through online universities. Most brick-and-mortar universities will consider applicants in the absence of GRE scores only if the applicant has earned a previous graduate degree, or has met some standard set by the university. Whether or not an online PhD program requires a GRE score from all its applicants depends on the individual institution and the degree you intend to pursue. A Ph.D.-level degree program intended for applicants coming directly from the undergraduate study will be more likely to require a GRE score as an admission requirement than a program dedicated to working professionals who have spent time in the industry.

Online EdD Programs with no GRE requirements

If you are licensed and working in the profession of education submitting an application to pursue a doctorate in education is required. If you hold a bachelor's degree in education and are presently working as a teacher an online EdD program may be an ideal option for you. Choosing an online school that does not require the GRE gives you the flexibility to complete your degree while maintaining your employment. Another benefit is getting to advance your knowledge and skills in education while you work in the field.

Resources:

• Best Online Graduate Programs
• Affordable Online Masters Programs
• Quickest Online Masters Degrees

Related Programs That Might Interest You

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.