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Master’s Degrees That Don’t Require a Bachelor’s Degree

Masters without a bachelors degree [geo-in-name]

Master’s without a Bachelor’s degree

Wondering if you could skip college and earn a master’s degree without a bachelor’s degree? These programs programs make it possible to enroll in an MBA or master’s program without having completed a bachelor’s degree first.

What are some types of Master’s programs that don’t require a Bachelor’s degree?

There are several names for a master’s program that doesn’t require a bachelor’s degree. We’ve compiled a list of a dozen partner grad schools who may use terms such as:

  • Bachelor/Master Combined Programs
  • Undergraduate/Graduate Degrees
  • Integrated Bachelor/MBA
  • BA/BS/MAT-5th Year Master’s Degree
  • Accelerated Degree Programs (E.g. 4+1, 3+1)
  • Dual Bachelor’s/ Master’s Degrees

Make sure to keep an eye out for university-specific requirements and policies along the way.

  1. Simmons College
  2. Brandeis University
  3. Loyola University
  4. University of San Francisco
  5. Boston University
  6. Pennsylvania State University
  7. Roger Williams University
  8. Fairleigh Dickinson University
  9. Pepperdine University
  10. University of Delaware
  11. Johns Hopkins University

Featured Schools

10 Examples of Bachelor/Master Combined Programs

Explore the list of sponsored programs below that offer combined MS and bachelor’s degree programs. Many of these options are in different fields, so find the perfect program for you and click on any of the links to contact the school directly!

Keep in mind that specific admissions requirements may change without notice and that it’s best to contact the school directly before submitting your application.

1

Simmons University

Nursing/Registered Nurse (RN, ASN, BSN, MSN) – Master

Current RNs with an associate’s degree or nursing diploma might earn an MSN without a BSN at Simmons University. This nursing bridge program offers in-depth courses that offer you the ability to earn both degrees in potentially less time than it would take to earn each separately.

Nursing Bridge Program at Simmons:

2

Brandeis University

Master of Arts in Comparative Humanities

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.

Master’s Programs without Bachelor’s at Brandeis:

3

Loyola University

Bachelor of Science / Master of Science in Applied Statistics

In addition to some of the other benefits, the MS program requirement to take the GRE is waived for students applying to the BS/MS program in applied statistics at Loyola. Courses focus on analyzing data with predictive tools to help you make sound decisions.

Master’s Programs without Bachelor’s at Loyola:

4

University of San Francisco

4+1 BSN to MSN

Designed to prepare RNs to advance in the field of nursing, the RN to MSN at USF helps you gain experience to develop and manage patient care plans, and to advocate for best practices within the healthcare field.

Nursing Bridge Program at USF:

5

Boston University

Master’s in Mechanical Engineering

At Boston University, students build a base of knowledge in engineering with some undergraduate coursework prior to completing their master’s. One of the Late Entry Accelerated Program (LEAP) programs, the master’s in mechanical engineering allows you to gain experience and examine theories and methodology in robotics, acoustics, and fluid dynamics.

Master’s without Bachelor’s at BU:

6

Penn State University

Integrated BS in Accounting/MBA

At Penn State, academically talented students might pursue a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and MBA concurrently, allowing you the option to stack courses in corporate finance and auditing theory with business strategy.

Master’s without Bachelor’s at PSU:

7

Roger Williams University

(4+1) MS in Criminal Justice

At Roger Williams University, students can pursue an online Master of Science in Criminal Justice program that combines a bachelor’s and a master’s. Courses expand on areas such as policing, corrections and procedure and courses, curriculum, and assignments focus on conducting research in the justice system.

Master’s without Bachelor’s Programs at RWU:

8

Fairleigh Dickinson University

BA or BS/MA in Teaching (QUEST Five-Year Teacher Preparation Program)

Farleigh Dickinson University offers a Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) for those in your position that doesn’t require a bachelor’s degree, available for those without an undergraduate degree in education. This graduate teacher education program may provide a path to teacher licensure. Plus, at FDU there are New Jersey state-approved certification programs in areas not limited to Elementary Education (grades K-6) and Preschool – Grade 3 (Pre-K – 3).

Master’s without Bachelor’s Programs at FDU:

9

Pepperdine University

5-year BSM/MBA

Jumpstart a career in business with a full-time BS/MBA from Pepperdine University in Malibu, California, which eliminates the GMAT requirement. Plus, there is an option to pursue an International MBA or a dynamic concentration like Digital Innovation and Information Systems or Finance.

Master’s without Bachelor’s at Pepperdine:

10

University of Delaware

Bachelor of Science / Master of Science in Accounting

Students who choose to study full-time may earn the BS/MS in Accounting in as little as five years by combining graduate and undergraduate classes. These courses offer additional preparation and foundation in research and technical skills to pursue a PhD in Accounting.

Master’s without Bachelor’s at UoD:

Sponsored Listings

What is a Bachelor and Master Combined Program?

An MS program without bachelor’s program often weaves both degrees together. In these programs, students do not need their bachelor’s degree to apply into the MBA or master’s program.

7 Reasons to Earn a Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree Together

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

Some master’s programs that don’t require a bachelor’s degree, 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:
  • Where in your undergraduate degree plan you might share graduate credits
  • Confirm which courses are eligible to share
  • Making sure you select a Bachelor/Master combined program when you apply

#2: Potentially Saves Students Money

Dual Bachelor’s / Master’s degree options 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

Earning a bachelor and master’s degree together typically extends the years spent at school if you look at it from the perspective of an undergrad. However, it often simultaneously accelerates the time that it takes to earn a master’s degree.

#4: Take Your Time

Need a gap year after graduation? Some schools, such as Villanova, allow students six calendar years to earn their master’s degree once he or she becomes a master’s level student.

#5: May Make Applying Easier.

The application fee, as well as the GRE requirement, 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, such as Farleigh Dickinson University, students may receive scholarship support in their 5th year for graduate study.

#7: Make a Switch

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 a master’s degree in a field other than that of your bachelor’s degree. For example, Sponsored School, Johns Hopkins University is offering a new dual degree program that may allow students to earn a bachelor’s degree in engineering and an MBA within five-years.

What Types of Dual Bachelor’s/Master’s Degrees Are There?

Do you wonder if it is possible to earn an MBA without a bachelor’s degree? Business administration is only one of the disciplines where it may be possible to earn a master’s degree without a bachelor’s degree. Other areas include, but are not limited to:
  • Nursing
  • Engineering
  • Humanities
  • Accounting
  • Finance
  • Education
  • Psychology

Bachelor’s Without Master’s Programs Near You!

If you’re looking to potentially cut down on the time it takes to earn a graduate degree, plan your education in advance! Click on any of the sponsored listings on this page to find the perfect master’s program that doesn’t require a bachelor’s. Or, complete the form on this page to get matched to programs for free!

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