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.
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#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
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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
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
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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.
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.
- 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)
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.
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.
What title do you get with a Masters? ›Master's degree – Level 7
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.
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.
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.
A master's degree can be a true differentiator when it comes to career advancement. Whether you're competing for a promotion at your current organization or looking for new opportunities, a master's degree will help you stand out from other candidates. A master's degree is more than a line on your resume.
What are the 2 most common master's degrees called? ›
The fields where master's degrees are most commonly awarded include business, education, health and medical fields, engineering, public administration and social services. The most common academic master's degrees are the Master of Arts (MA or AM) and Master of Science (MS or SM).
Do you need a 2.1 to do a Masters? ›MA/MSc/MRes/MPhil – You will normally need at least a 2:2 in a relevant degree. Subject requirements vary depending on the course. Some courses require a degree in a science related subject, while others have more flexible requirements.
Can I do Masters after 3 years 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.
Can Second class Lower do Masters? ›Can Second Class Lower Graduates Go For Masters Degree. As earlier answer, yes 2.2 graduates can do masters degree in Nigeria and there are a lot of universities that do accept. Some universities will require students with a 2.2 to go for Post Graduate Diploma (PGD) to be eligible to apply for a masters program.
Can I get a Masters with a diploma? ›Completion of a postgraduate diploma meets the minimum entry requirement for admission to a cognate master's degree, usually in the area of specialisation of the postgraduate diploma. A qualification may not be awarded for early exit from a postgraduate diploma.