Today’s Top Online Master’s Programs with No GRE Requirement

Graduates with an MPA degree focus on management in nonprofits, government agencies, and other organizations that promote civil service for the common good. Most work in public policy, strategic planning, or a similar field as implementation experts or project managers. Schools like the University of New Hampshire and the University of Central Florida offer online, no-GRE MPAs and some provide special pathways for applicants with relevant professional experience. Specializations include public affairs and finance.

If you’re interested in landing a role as a case manager, social worker, or community counselor, you may want to consider an online MSW with no GRE requirement. Students at Regis College and the University of Northern Alabama often finish their programs in as few as 16 months, gaining key skills in macro– or micro-level practice with specific groups and populations. Working professionals with a background in social work can fast-track their degrees in some cases.

Quality schools like Baylor, the University of North Carolina, and many others offer online MPH programs with no GRE requirement. These programs prepare students for work as epidemiologists and healthcare administrators. Popular concentrations in this field include nutrition, organizational leadership, dietetics, and applied epidemiology. MPH programming often includes applied fieldwork at an approved site. Most programs accommodate online students by furnishing a placement in their home locations.

An SLP master’s degree readies students for work as hearing specialists or certified speech-language pathologists. Online SLP programs with no GRE requirement can be found at colleges like Nova Southeastern and the University of Arizona. SLP programs focus on diagnostic procedures and rehabilitation techniques in audiology and communication science. Typical curricula also include clinical practicum experiences that could lead to employment after graduation. Some programs offer additional certifications in areas like bilingual pediatrics.

A versatile course of study ideal for prospective clinicians, educators, and researchers, an online master’s in psychology develops knowledge foundations in human behavior. Students learn to apply key psychological principles in a range of social, personal, and corporate contexts as counselors, therapists, or consultants. National University and Southern New Hampshire University are two examples of accredited universities that offer no-GRE online master’s in psychology programs. They include concentrations like forensic psychology, developmental psychology, human behavior, and industrial/organizational psychology.

Human resources professionals manage staff for their organizations. Their responsibilities include coordinating employee benefits, overseeing interviewing and onboarding, and maintaining personnel files. An online, no-GRE master’s degree in HR qualifies you for high-level roles and leadership positions that could involve strategic planning and other aspects of corporate governance. Rutgers and Pepperdine both offer affordable and flexible HR master’s programs designed to deepen your skills in business and human resource management.

A special education master’s degree equips schoolteachers for specialized work with students who have physical, mental, or emotional challenges. Institutions like Seton Hill and Salem State University administer their programs through an online, no-GRE format with opportunities for advanced study and integrated classroom experiences. Most schools accept students on a part-time basis, the ideal pathway for those already working in K-12 schools. With few exceptions, applicants must hold an active, unencumbered teaching license.

Therapists, psychologists, and other mental health professionals all need a solid background in counseling basics before they can obtain licensure for practice. Earning an online master’s in counseling with no GRE requirements from schools like the University of Denver and the University of North Dakota makes you an eligible candidate. These programs provide a high-level overview of the counseling field broadly conceived and offer individual specializations in areas like addiction counseling, rehabilitation counseling, and school counseling.

A no-GRE, online MHA gives those already working in healthcare administration the opportunity to advance their skills and qualify for higher-level management and leadership positions. As the healthcare industry continues to grow, demand for contemporary professionals who can help their organizations provide excellent healthcare and run smoothly will also increase. Maryville University and Ohio University are just a few of the colleges that offer online MHA degrees with no GRE requirements.

Professional experience can set you apart, especially if it’s directly relevant to your field of study. If you plan to earn an online no-GRE MBA, for example, highlighting your practical work experience in business settings or the corporate sector could increase your chances for admission. Work experience not only shows you’re already invested in the field but also corroborates the knowledge and skills you’ll draw upon in the program. This is also true in other applied or technical fields like healthcare or information technology. If you have relevant experience, be sure to highlight it in your application.

Without GRE scores, your undergrad GPA becomes one of the easiest ways to objectively quantify your preparedness. Admissions officials may use it to weigh your readiness, especially if you earned a bachelor’s degree in the same field you plan to pursue in grad school, since your success with the material at the entry level is a good indicator of how you’ll perform in a more specialized setting. If you’re still in college, plan ahead by prioritizing your GPA to demonstrate a track record of academic success.

The written essay or personal statement is a key component for any admissions application, especially with online no-GRE master’s programs. The admissions essay is your chance to advocate for yourself as an applicant and speak in your own voice. The best personal statements give the entire application greater cohesion by offering a narrative that not only discusses your qualifications but also shows how they align with the school, program, and your professional goals. Take this essay seriously and closely follow any instructions (e.g., some may include specific questions or writing prompts) provided in the application.

Most no-GRE online graduate programs ask for two or three references or letters of recommendation. Choose these individuals wisely since your references act as outside parties who can speak to your qualifications, academic performance, and readiness for study. The best letters come from teachers, colleagues, and supervisors. Reach out to potential references well in advance and, if you’re able, discuss your intentions and long-term goals with them. This provides additional context and gives them the opportunity to ask any questions. If you’re comfortable, share your essay or personal statement with them as well.

Pertinent volunteer experience demonstrates your familiarity with your discipline and indicates a willingness to go above and beyond when needed. Relevance is key here. Listing every single volunteer opportunity you’ve completed since high school isn’t appropriate. Discussing your experience volunteering at a community health clinic may not improve your standing as an IT applicant, for example, unless you helped with technology while you were there. Showcase the experiences that directly relate to your prospective course of study and illustrate what you bring to the table as an applicant. If you’re still in college, consider locating a few relevant volunteer opportunities you can complete before you apply to graduate school.