Can you earn a Master's without a Bachelor's degree?

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Earning a master's without bachelor's degree [geo-near-name]

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 without bachelor’s program in short often weaves both degrees together. As a result, in these programs, students may not need their bachelor’s degree to apply into the MBA or master’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 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 may not require a bachelor’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 your undergraduate degree plan 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 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

In general, earning a bachelor and master’s degree together typically extends the years spent at school. To clarify, only 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

Then again, need a gap year after graduation? Some schools, 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, students may receive scholarship support in their 5th year for graduate study.

  • Earn your degree from a university with a “Whole Human Education” approach that focuses on assisting you in all aspects of your education: academic, emotional, career, financial, and family.
  • Choose from 75+ programs: Whether you’re starting fresh or seeking advancement, our career-focused programs are designed to help you make an impact in your chosen field.
  • National University is regionally accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC).

#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 a master’s degree in a field other than that of your bachelor’s degree.

For example, some schools may offer 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?

Areas include, but are not limited to:

  • Nursing
  • Engineering
  • Humanities
  • Accounting
  • Finance
  • Education
  • Psychology

Certainly, it is possible to earn an MBA without a bachelor’s degree. In fact, business administration is 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 without bachelor’s programs. 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

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 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. 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
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

Undergraduate/Graduate Degrees

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:

  • Nursing
  • Public Health
  • Health Care Administration
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
  • 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!


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