Is it possible to skip college and earn a master’s degree without a bachelor’s degree? It is possible. A master’s without bachelor’s program may be possible in some situations. Some may wish to enroll in an MBA without having first completed a bachelor’s degree. That may be possible for many students especially those who meet other qualifications.
What Is a Bachelor and Master Combined Program?
A master’s withoutbachelor’s programin short often weaves both degrees together. As a result, in these programs, students may not need theirbachelor’s degreeto apply into the MBA ormaster’s program.
Some students may work to earn experience on the job. Over time, they may have more skill and insight than a bachelor’s degree could offer. Yet, for enhanced positions, a graduate program may be necessary. This is when skipping a bachelors to enter graduate school may be beneficial.
Availability of programs like this may depend on many factors. There may be prerequisites that need to be met. Some schools may require a set number of years in specific positions for work experience to count. Some may allow students to start with their associate’s degree and take courses they need to meet prerequisites. Nearly all programs may require students to have a high school diploma or the equivalent. Seeking higher education may be worthwhile even without any of these starting points.
An online master may be one route for completing this type of degree. For those seeking an MSC or MSN, an online masters degree may be accessible and an option. These online programs may not apply to call fields. More on that in a moment. First think about the benefits.
7 Reasons to Earn A Bachelor’s AndMaster’s DegreeTogether
Like the term “two for one special”, a bachelor and master combined program may yield multiple benefits, including the list below.
#1: Double Count Credits
Somemaster’s programsmay not require abachelor’s degree. These may 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:
- First, where in yourundergraduate degreeplan you might share graduate credits
- Second, confirm which courses are eligible to share
- Lastly making sure you select a Bachelor/Master combined program when you apply
#2: Potentially Saves Students Money
Dual Bachelor’s /Master’s degreeoptions 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.
#3: Might Accelerate Graduation
In general, earning a bachelor andmaster’s degreetogether typically extends the years spent at school. To clarify, only if you look at it from the perspective of anundergrad. However, it often simultaneously accelerates the time that it takes to earn amaster’s degree.
#4: Take Your Time
Then again, need a gap year after graduation? Some schools, allow students six calendar years to earn theirmaster’s degreeonce he or she becomes a master’s level student.
#5: May Make Applying Easier
The application fee, as well as theGRErequirement, 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.
#6: Scholarship Support
It’s not a given, but at some schools, students may receive scholarship support in their 5th year forgraduate study.
Featured School
- Accredited online university.
- Capella University offers graduate programs designed to take you to the forefront of your profession.
- Competency-based curriculum delivers both foundation knowledge and real-world skills, so that what you’re learning in your courses is immediately applicable to your career goals.
#7: Make a Switch
For example, 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 amaster’s degreein a field other than that of yourbachelor’s degree.
For example, some schools may offer a new dualdegree programthat may allow students to earn abachelor’s degreein engineering and an MBA withinfive-years.
What Types Of Dual Bachelor’s/Master’s DegreesAre There?
Areas include, but are not limited to:
- Nursing
- Engineering
- Humanities
- Accounting
- Finance
- Education
- Psychology
Certainly, it is possible to earn an MBA without abachelor’s degree. In fact,business administrationis only one of the disciplines where it may be possible to earn a masters without a bachelors.
What are the Types of Bachelors/Masters Combined Degree Programs?
There are several names for master’s withoutbachelor’s programs. We’ve compiled a list of a dozen partnergrad schoolswho may use terms such as:
- Bachelor / Master Combined Programs
- Undergraduate/Graduate Degrees
- Integrated Bachelor / MBA
- BA / BS / MAT 5th YearMaster’s Degree
- AcceleratedDegree Programs(E.g. 4+1, 3+1)
- Dual Bachelor’s /Master’s Degrees
Of course, make sure to keep an eye out for university specific requirements and policies along the way.
Bachelor / Master Combined Programs
Explore the list of sponsored programs below since they offer combined master’s andbachelor’sdegreeprograms. Many of these options are indifferent fields, so find the perfect program for you. Then click on any of the links to contact the school directly!
Another key point is that specific admissions requirements may change without notice. It is best to contact the school directly before submitting your application.
24 Programs with Masters Degrees You Could Earn Without a Bachelors Degree
Explore the list of programs below since they offer combined master’s and bachelor’s degree programs. Many of these options are in different fields, so find the perfect program for you. Then click on any of the links to contact the school directly!
Another key point is that specific admissions requirements may change without notice. Therefore it’s best to contact the school directly before submitting your application.
Bachelor / Master Combined Programs
This is a primarily classroom based university that was founded in 1893. They offer a number of programs for students and tend to have a strong focus on the STEM design. The school offers number of combined bachelors and masters programs.
Programs Offered:
- Anthropology
- Art History
- Biology
- Statistics
- Political Science
- Chemistry
The BA/MACH program is open to current Brandeis students. Applicants work with their primary advisor to choose a tailored course plan than spans 30 program areas. Prefer the sciences? Brandeis also offers five-year Bachelor’s/ Master’s programs in biotechnology and computer science.
Programs Offered:
- Biotechnology
- Chemistry
- Economics
- Computer science
- Public Health
- Mathematics
3
California University of Pennsylvania
This school, located in Pennsylvania, has been in operation since 1852. They are accredited and offer a total of three options for combined degrees.
Programs Offered:
- Arabic
- Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- Criminology
Capella University is primarily an online school that was opened in 1993. They offer both classroom and web based programs and are fully accredited. They have a number of options when it comes to combined degree programs.
Programs Offered:
- Cybersecurity
- Psychology
- Health Administration
- Public Health
- Human Resource Management
- Health Care Management
Undergraduate/Graduate Degrees
Regis College was founded in 1877. They are a fully accredited school and offer a number of undergraduate and graduate degree programs. These are accelerated programs and may be available in person or online.
Programs Offered:
- Software Engineering
- Accounting
- Health Services Administration
- Criminology
- Organizational Leadership
- Environmental Biology
Creighton University is a fully accredited school in Nebraska. They offer a number of accelerated masters degree programs. They may be available in person or online.
Programs Offered:
- Accounting
- Organizational Leadership
- Integrative Health and Wellness
- Education
- Emergency Medical Service
- MBA
Lamar University is an accredited school in Texas. They offer multiple options in accelerates masters programs. They are available as online, in person or hybrid depending on the program
Programs Offered:
- MBA
- Education
- Administration
- Nursing
- Criminal Justice
8
Liberty University is an accredited school in Virginia. They offer a number of online and in person programs for an accelerated masters.
Programs Offered:
- Accounting
- Addiction Counseling
- Information Technology
- Psychology
- Marketing
Integrated Bachelor / MBA
Columbia Southern University is an accredited school. They are located in Alabama and offer both online and in person teaching. They do offer an accelerated MBA program.
Programs Offered:
- Accelerated MBA
Walden University is an accredited school that offers an accelerated MBA program. The school offers primarily online learning. The school is based out of Minnesota.
Programs Offered:
- Accelerated MBA
Florida Tech is an accredited school that offers programs in both online and in person format and do offer an accelerated MBA program.
Programs Offered:
- Accelerated MBA
Northcentral offers an accelerated MBA program. This is available as either an online or in person option. The school is accredited and is located in California.
Programs Offered:
- Accelerated MBA
BA / BS / MAT 5th Year Master’s Degree
This is a five year program that allows students to earn their Master of Art in Teaching in a total of five years.
Programs Offered:
- BA/BS/MAT
This is a five year program in which students could earn their bachelors and masters in teaching. This program is available as both a BA or BS followed by the Master’s of Teaching.
Programs Offered:
- BA or BS plus MT
This is a program that allows students to have completed the Master of Art in Teaching program by the summer of their senior year. This program only takes a total of ten semesters to complete.
Programs Offered:
- BA or BS plus MAT
Stony Brook University offers a combined bachelors and masters program in teaching that could be completed in five years. The program allows for students to even specialize in a specific subject of education.
Programs Offered:
- BA or BS plus MAT
Featured School
- Some of the nation’s most affordable tuition rates, from a private, nonprofit, NEASC accredited university
- Qualified students with 2.5 GPA and up may receive up to $20K in grants & scholarships
- Multiple term start dates throughout the year. 24/7 online classroom access
Accelerated Degree Programs (E.g. 4+1, 3+1)
The school was founded in 1885 and is accredited. The school offers a number of accelerated masters degree programs that could be completed in 5 years while also receiving a bachelors. Here are some of the options available:
Programs Offered:
- Global Health
- Accountancy
- Computer Science
- Criminal Justice
- Mathematics
- Public Administration
This a primarily women’s university that is accredited. It was founded in 1852 and offer an accelerated programs for a masters and bachelors degree. They offer it in both online and in person format.
Programs Offered:
- Interior design
Central Michigan University was founded in 1892 and offers accelerated programs for earning a master’s degree in five years. The school is accredited and offers both online and traditional courses.
Programs Offered:
- Administration
- Community Development
- Integrated Leadership Studies
Western Kentucky University was founded in 1906 and is an accredited institution. They offer a number of programs for an accelerated masters. Many of these options are available both online and in person.
Programs Offered:
- Accountancy
- Public Health
- Economics
- Agriculture
- Business Administration
- Geology
Dual Bachelor’s / Master’s Degrees
Excelsior College offers a number of different options in dual degree programs. The school is accredited and offers both online and in person learning. The school was founded in 1971.
Programs Offered:
- Accounting
- Finance
- Business
- Cybersecurity
- Information Technology
- Marketing
- Nuclear Engineering
Grand Valley State is an accredited school that was founded in 1960. They offer a number of programs for a dual bachelors and masters degree. These programs are offered in hybrid or face to face options depending on the program.
Programs Offered:
- Athletic Training
- Computer Information Systems
- Engineering
- Cell and Molecular Biology
- Accounting
Kent State University is an accredited college with multiple campuses in Ohio. They offer number of programs that are dual degree options. These are in an online or in-person format for some.
Programs Offered:
- Business Administration
- Fashion Merchandising
- Nursing
- Speech Pathology
- Public Health
Stockton University was founded in 1969 and is an accredited school. They offer a number of dual degree programs during which you earn a bachelors and masters upon completion. Some of these programs are available in an online format or in person.
Programs Offered:
- Business Administration
- Criminal Justice
- Pharmaceutical Engineering
- Environmental Science
- Physician’s Assistant
Leveraging Your Professional Experience
An online master may be the ideal choice for some students and those in the workforce. If you have experience, view it as the preliminary coursework some programs offer. Seek out schools that offer the type of education you desire. Then, determine if they offer a path for students without a bachelor’s degree.
This is somewhat common in some fields. It may help those seeking a Master of Science degree in areas of nursing, healthcare, or administration. Some business schools value experience, too. Those working in high level positions in companies may be able to use their experience to pursue the online MBA programs. This may open the door for new career opportunities.
Can you skip college and earn a master’s degree without a bachelor’s degree?
Master’s without bachelor’s programs make it possible to enroll in an MBA or master’s program without having completed a bachelor’s degree first.
Bachelor’s Without Master’s Programs Near You!
Given these points, if you’re looking to potentially cut down on the time it takes to earn a graduate degree, plan your education in advance!
For this reason, click on any of the sponsored listings on this page to find the perfect master’s with a bachelor’s program for you.
After all, when you complete the form on this page you get matched to programs for free!
FAQs
Can I get a master's degree without a Bachelors degree? ›
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.
Is it worth doing 1 year Masters? ›If there is a clear goal in your mind and you are content in your field, a one-year Masters programme is a great choice. People with longer work experience and a proven quantitative aptitude tend to prefer this type of programme, because they can handle the intensity of the coursework.
What are the requirements for a master's degree? ›Master's Degree Prerequisites
All master's degrees require the completion of a bachelor's degree and usually require an undergraduate GPA of 3.0. Many schools also require taking entrance exams like the GRE or GMAT.
"There is no denying that a postgraduate course is harder than an undergraduate course. You will have to put in a lot more work than what you have previously. If you expect and prepare to put in a lot of work, you will find it easier when it comes to doing it, which will then be reflected in your results."
Is getting your masters degree hard? ›Master's degrees are difficult, but depending on which type you enroll in, your workload will vary. While each master's program is built differently, at the end of your 2-year studies, you will leave with expert knowledge of your chosen subject.
Can you skip your Masters and get a PhD? ›Although getting a master's degree after completing your undergraduate studies is the conventional route taken towards a PhD, you can in fact bypass your master's degree entirely and go straight into a doctorate programme.
Does a Masters give you a title? ›A Master's is the most popular postgraduate qualification. Master's degrees come with titles such as Master of Arts – MA, Master of Science – MSc, Master of Engineering – MEng, Master of Research – MRes and Master of Laws – LLM.
Is 1 year or 2 year Masters better? ›Unlike the one-year programme, the two-year Master's programmes gives you sufficient time to take all the basic courses you need for completing your degree, plus some extra time which you can use to take advantage of many more electives.
Can you finish Masters in 1 year? ›Typically, earning a master's degree takes two years. But many colleges and universities offer one-year master's degrees in high-demand fields like business, healthcare administration, education, and social work. Earning a master's degree in one year can save you time and money on your degree.
How many years is a master degree? ›Master's degrees typically take two years to complete, but the timeframe can vary from person to person. Depending on your degree program and whether you're going to school full-time or part-time, it could take you less time to get your master's degree – or more.
Can I do any Masters degree? ›
There are a huge range of Masters degrees out there though, so take the time to find the right one for your interests and career plans. Can you get a Masters in any subject? Yes, you can study a Masters in pretty much any subject you can think of.
What's the easiest Masters degree to get? ›- Masters of Fine Arts (MFA)
- Masters of Arts (MA)
- Masters in Mass Communication.
- Masters of Psychology.
- Masters of Finance.
- Masters of Human Resource Management (MHRM)
- Masters of Business Administration (MBA)
- Masters of Science (MSc)
What are the hardest degree subjects? The hardest degree subjects are Chemistry, Medicine, Architecture, Physics, Biomedical Science, Law, Neuroscience, Fine Arts, Electrical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Economics, Education, Computer Science and Philosophy.
How do you survive a Masters degree? ›- Choose the right program and school. ...
- Prepare for the time commitment in advance. ...
- Talk to your family and friends. ...
- Remember why you're in grad school. ...
- Accept that you can't do everything. ...
- Ask for help when you need it. ...
- Some Helpful Resources.
A Merit is equal to a 2:1 and requires you to achieve 60-69% in your degree. A pass is equal to a 2:2 and requires you to achieve 50-59% in your degree. A fail or borderline pass is equal to a Third and requires you to achieve 40-49% in your degree.
Can you have 2 Masters degrees? ›It's entirely possible to earn two master's degrees and there are many reasons to do so. Two master's degrees can help you to pursue more than one academic field, qualify for a position with more responsibility and opportunities and help you to become a top candidate for higher paying jobs.
Is Masters harder than working? ›It's much harder than work, and I'd say it's much harder than my undergrad studies. The difference is the amount of reading you have to do, and perhaps my own desire to really understand everything (I think I'm less content at staying baffled than I was when an undergrad).
How much work is a Masters? ›Taught Master's degrees require 180 credits worth of work, either through modules, projects, assignments and a final dissertation. Typically, a dissertation is worth 60 credits.
How much harder is Masters than Bachelors? ›A bachelor's degree is no more or less challenging than a master's; it is simply a different area of study focus. Both are platforms for networking and professional growth with real-world teaching.
What is the easiest PhD to get? ›Generally, education, humanities, and the social sciences are considered the easiest fields in which to pursue degrees.
Is a PhD worth it? ›
Is it worth the time and cost? The answer depends on your specific career aspirations, personal goals, and financial situation, but a PhD can provide you with the credibility and knowledge to make a positive impact on society—while expanding your professional skills in the process.
Are you a DR with a masters? ›Yes. If you graduate with a BSc or BA, you are a Bachelor of Science or a Bachelor of Arts respectively. Similarly if you graduate with a master's, you are a master, and if you graduate with a doctorate you're a doctor.
What do you put after your name if you have a masters? ›- Your name.
- Comma.
- “Masters post-nominal lettering, e.g. MA or MSc”
| Award Level | Award Type | Abbreviation |
|---|---|---|
| Master's Degrees | Master of Science | MSc |
| Doctorates | Doctor of Engineering | EngD |
| Doctor of Philosophy | PhD | |
| Higher Doctorates | Doctor of Letters | DLitt |
MTech will enable you to specialize under the chosen branch of engineering. On the other hand, MS will be a treat for the ones wanting to learn core scientific knowledge of the field.
Is master's degree important? ›Increased salary and job stability
Depending on your industry, you could earn significantly more with a master's degree. For example, the median salary for a Master of Business Administration (MBA) was $115,000 in 2021 [2]. Higher-paying jobs also tend to prefer or require an advanced degree.
The Bottom Line
If you know you want to pursue a master's degree, especially within your major, accelerated master's programs can save you time and money. However, finishing faster should never mean giving up career exploration opportunities.
A thesis is an academic paper completed near the end of a student's course of study for a master's degree program. Note that most master's degrees require the completion of a thesis for graduation.
Can you finish Masters early? ›Overloading Credits
Some schools will allow you to graduate early if you complete all credits and requirements before the allotted number of semesters. You'll typically have to take a very heavy courseload to do this.
Embarking on a postgraduate degree whilst working full time can be extremely challenging in terms of trying to balance work commitments and personal life, with the demands of academic studies. Full-time employment may appear to be a stumbling block but it does not have to preclude you from taking a postgraduate degree.
How fast can you finish a Masters degree? ›
On average, students take about 18 to 24 months to complete a master's degree. Some programs are geared so that a full-time student can finish in a little over a year. On the other hand, some students prefer to go at a slower pace and choose to take several years to complete their studies.
What is the difference between a degree and a Masters? ›A bachelor's degree and master's degree differ in a few key ways. Assuming full-time enrollment, a bachelor's degree is typically a four-year degree program that is earned at the undergraduate level, while a master's degree is a graduate-level degree that usually takes two years to earn, on average.
How many hours is a Masters program? ›Most Master's degree programs require 40 hours of credit.
Do you need a first to do a Masters? ›One of the most common questions we see is "do I need a Bachelors degree to get a Masters?" The simple answer is yes (most of the time)! The main requirement to apply for a Masters degree is usually a Bachelors in a relevant subject.
Why is it called a Masters degree? ›The original meaning of the master's degree was thus that someone who had been admitted to the rank (degree) of master (i.e. teacher) in one university should be admitted to the same rank in other universities. This gradually became formalised as the licentia docendī (licence to teach).
How many credits is a Masters degree? ›To successfully complete a Masters course, for example, you'll need 180 credits.
Is it hard to fail a master's degree? ›Failing a Masters
A Masters is challenging, but you're still unlikely to fail. For one thing, universities won't admit students who aren't ready and prepared for the course.
What is the fastest way to get a Master's degree? If you would like to earn your Master's degree fast, consider an accelerated degree program; perfect for those already invested in a career and need the extra credentials for a job promotion. Accelerated programs are often available online, too!
Which subject is best for Masters? ›- Information Systems. ...
- Petroleum Engineering. ...
- Marketing. ...
- Finance. ...
- Political Science. ...
- Nurse Anesthesia. ...
- Physician Assistant Studies. ...
- Computer Science.
- Business administration. A Master of Business Administration, or MBA, is one of the most highly sought-after master's degrees globally and a stepping stone to C-suites jobs at big organisations. ...
- Healthcare administration. ...
- Computer science. ...
- Marketing.
Which master degree is best for future? ›
- Marketing.
- Human resources.
- Business ethics.
- Business law.
- Accounting.
- Finance.
- Economics.
- Business policies.
It is believed that a Bachelor of Science in Nursing or BSN is the toughest course in the world as per the Guinness Book of World Records along with courses like MBBS, BCom, IAS, IPS and Engineering, etc.
How do you get a life in grad school? ›...
Acing Academic & Other Demands
- Know how you work. ...
- Read smarter, not harder. ...
- Focus less on grades and more on learning. ...
- Pick opportunities wisely. ...
- Consult others.
Therefore, studying at Masters level can often feel like a significant step up from undergraduate study, especially if you are returning to education after a long break, or coming from a different academic culture. The demanding nature of Masters study requires a process of transition.
How do I succeed in grad school? ›Highly successful grad students tend to:
Set goals and make sure they're challenging and clear, such as publishing a study sometime during their second year of the degree program. Cultivate a deeper interest in psychology by doing outside reading and discussing with professors and classmates.
Is a 2.2 degree good? In short, yes. You can still get a good graduate job with a 2.2 degree. The direction that a lot of employers are moving in is away from viewing a first or 2.1 as the be all and end all.
Is a 2.1 good enough for a Masters? ›It's good enough. Don't worry about the “average between 50 and 60” bit.
Do Masters grades matter for jobs? ›Knowing that a Masters degree could boost your employability and earnings is excellent news. But there's one more thing you'll need to really make the most of postgraduate study. Whatever your subject, you need to know that your extra qualifications and training will matter to a prospective employer.
Can I do a Masters with a diploma? ›No you cant do masters degree after diploma. Diploma is equal to 12 ,you need to complete degree, after degree ,you can do master degree.
Is it better to have a Masters or Bachelors? ›There is no definitive answer as to which degree program is better when it comes to earning a bachelor's vs. master's degree.
What's the easiest Masters degree to get? ›
- Masters of Fine Arts (MFA)
- Masters of Arts (MA)
- Masters in Mass Communication.
- Masters of Psychology.
- Masters of Finance.
- Masters of Human Resource Management (MHRM)
- Masters of Business Administration (MBA)
- Masters of Science (MSc)
A Master's degree is considered academically stronger and can help you pursue further education like a PhD. However, if you wish to pursue a PhD after your PG Diploma then you will have to first complete a Master's program.
How many years does it take to get a Masters degree? ›Master's degrees typically take two years to complete, but the timeframe can vary from person to person. Depending on your degree program and whether you're going to school full-time or part-time, it could take you less time to get your master's degree – or more.
Is two bachelor's better than a Masters? ›Career goals
If you are interested in making a career change or a large shift, a second bachelor's may allow you more opportunities in a new industry. If you want to stay in your current field and earn a promotion or qualify for more positions, a master's might allow you more opportunities.
Master's degree
The earnings increase from the bachelor's level to the master's level is approximately 20%.
After earning a master's degree, the next step is a PhD, which entails both working and performing research at an institution. A PhD is an abbreviation for “Doctor of Philosophy.” It is the highest academic degree one can achieve. As such, it is a time-consuming pursuit that requires a lot of studying and research.