2024 Best Online Masters Degrees That Don’t Require Specific Bachelors

Masters degrees that don’t require specific bachelors make it easier to transition into a new area of study. After graduating from college, some students realize that they want to pursue careers in different fields.

While some master’s degree programs require you to have a specific bachelor’s to apply, others are open to students from various academic backgrounds. In these programs, your undergraduate focus may not matter as long as you meet other admissions requirements.

If you’ve decided to pursue an advanced degree in an unrelated area, you might consider these masters degrees you can get with any bachelor’s degree.

Universities Offering Online Masters Degree Programs That Don’t Require Specific Bachelors

Methodology: The following school list is in alphabetical order. To be included, a college or university must be regionally accredited and offer degree programs online or in a hybrid format.

Cleveland State University

Students who have a bachelor’s degree in any field may apply to earn a Master’s in Social Work through Cleveland State University. The program is fully online, but 900 practicum hours are required. These may be completed locally. Coursework is fully online, and full-time and part-time attendance is offered. Courses follow a semester schedule with three start dates per year.

CSU is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Franklin University

Franklin University offers a Master’s in Computer Science. Accepted applicants without a bachelor’s in computer science may still attend the program but must complete a pathway of 3 courses to develop foundational knowledge in the field. Each of these courses is 12 weeks long. The program is fully online and may be completed in just 24 months. The completion of 36 credit hours is required to graduate.

Franklin University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Marquette University

Those who have a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field may apply for Marquette University’s direct-entry MSN program. The program is conducted in an accelerated format and can potentially be completed in 19 months. Theory courses are online, but labs must be completed on campus. Clinicals are completed in Wisconsin.

Marquette University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

National University

National University offers a Master of Public Health program that accepts qualifying students with bachelor’s degrees in any field. Students must complete a statistics course before applying. Courses are 4 weeks long and fully online. Monthly start dates are offered. The program can potentially be completed in 30 months.

National University is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission.

Northwestern University

Northwestern University offers an MA in Counseling program that any prospective student with a bachelor’s degree may apply to. Students with degrees in psychology or human services are given priority. All courses are fully online, but short, in-person residencies are required. There are four start dates offered each year. A Children and Adolescent specialization may be added.

Northwestern University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Pepperdine University

Pepperdine University offers an MA in Psychology that may be applied to with any bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. Applicants are not required to submit GRE scores. The program is fully online, and its 16 required courses can potentially be completed in just 18 months.

Pepperdine is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges – Senior College and University Commission.

University of Delaware

The University of Delaware’s MBA program may be applied to with any bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. The program is fully online. Courses are 7 weeks long, and there are two required professional development seminars that are each 4 weeks long. There are several concentrations offered, including Finance and Healthcare Management. The program can potentially be completed in 16 months.

The University of Delaware is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

University of Kansas

The University of Kansas offers a Master’s in Education program that is open to applicants with any bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. All coursework is fully online. Several specializations are offered, including Special Education and Science. The program is designed for students who work full time, and many courses are in an asynchronous learning format.

The University of Kansas is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Walden University

Students with a bachelor’s degree may earn an MS in Human Resource Management through Walden University. The program offers two tracks—one for students seeking certification and one for students already working in the field. The program can potentially be completed in 20 months. All coursework is fully online.

Walden is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

William & Mary

William & Mary offers a Master’s in Marketing. The program offers a jump-start program and a short residency to prepare students whose bachelor’s degrees are in other fields. The program requires the completion of 10 courses that may be finished in just 15 months. There are two start dates offered each year.

William & Mary is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Online Masters Degrees That Don’t Require Specific Bachelors

Getting a masters in a different field can open doors to career opportunities that were previously out of reach, but does your masters have to be related to your bachelor’s?

The following degree programs often accept students with bachelor’s degrees from a range of academic majors. Select the program that most interests you to jump to that section of the guide:

• Master of Business Administration (MBA)
• Masters in Computer Science
• Masters in Counseling
• Master of Education (MEd)
• Masters in HR Management
• Masters in Marketing
• Masters in Nursing (MSN)
• Masters in Psychology
• Master of Public Health (MPH)
• Masters in Social Work (MSW)

You may want to explore your options to decide which program is right for you.

Master of Business Administration (MBA)

During an MBA program, you can learn what it takes to succeed as a manager, administrator, or executive in the business world. These programs typically prioritize your passion, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills over your undergraduate major.

MBA students explore subjects such as accounting, human resources, information technology, and marketing. Depending on the focus of your degree, you might go on to work as a manager in finance, marketing, logistics, or sales. An MBA is required for many high-level careers in the private sector. Graduates of MBA programs may also become entrepreneurs who establish their own businesses.

Masters in Computer Science

A love of technology is the most important prerequisite for pursuing a masters degree in computer science. These programs help you develop skills in areas such as cybersecurity, information technology, and network administration. Although a background in basic programming is helpful, computer science programs also accept students with more limited experience.

Over the course of your degree program, you’ll learn about algorithms, software development, machine learning, and data visualization. Once you finish your degree, you may be well positioned to become a computer and information systems manager, database administrator, or software engineer.

Masters in Counseling

Empathy and communication are core requirements for counselors. If you enroll in a masters in counseling program, you’ll learn how to help people cope with everyday challenges, mental health issues, and addiction.

Taking undergraduate courses in psychology might strengthen your application, but it’s not always mandatory. Instead, counseling master’s programs look for students who have integrity and an interest in supporting others.

During a counseling master’s program, you’ll take courses in human growth and development, marriage and family therapy, and assessment and diagnosis. Counselors work in schools, healthcare facilities, and private practices.

Master of Education (MEd)

Some teachers have bachelor’s degrees in education, while others studied their favorite subjects, such as history, science, or mathematics. Master of Education programs are often open to all qualified students with bachelor’s degrees.

While you earn your MEd, you could take courses in subjects such as diversity, equity, educational technology, and learning theory. You may also get to select a degree concentration, such as early childhood education, online learning, or educational leadership.

When you finish your degree, you might pursue work as a school principal, teacher, or curriculum specialist.

Masters in Human Resources

Human resources specialists support new employees, mediate internal conflicts, maintain compliance with regulations, and create a more positive work environment.

A master’s in human resources is a fitting option for human resources managers, compensation and benefits managers, or training specialists. To prepare for these roles, you’ll take courses such as employment law, administration, and human resource development.

Masters programs in human resources sometimes prefer applicants who have taken courses in business or psychology, but students from many other backgrounds are also encouraged to enroll.

Masters in Marketing

A masters degree in marketing helps prepare you to pursue a career as a marketing manager, creative director, social media manager, or content manager. All these jobs involve learning how to connect with customers and make strategic decisions.

During a marketing program, you’ll study topics such as brand strategy, digital marketing, marketing analytics, and buyer behavior. You may also be able to specialize in specific types of marketing. Taking undergraduate business courses could be an advantage when you apply to graduate schools, but marketing students have a wide variety of bachelor’s degrees.

Masters in Nursing (MSN)

If you want to work in healthcare but chose to pursue a bachelor’s degree in a different subject, a masters in nursing is an effective way to shift your career trajectory. This degree can help you qualify to become a licensed or registered nurse or to pursue non-clinical work.

It’s also a valuable credential if you want to advance into roles with more responsibility. Graduates of these programs often work as nurse managers, directors of nursing, nurse practitioners, and clinical nurse educators. To complete your degree, you’ll take courses in theories of nursing and participate in simulations and clinical experiences.

Masters in Psychology

When you pursue an advanced degree in psychology, you can learn about human behavior and mental health conditions.

Your courses will cover topics such as learning and cognition, psychopharmacology, and organizational behavior. These classes can help provide you with the necessary skills to work as a school psychologist, behavioral counselor, industrial-organizational psychologist, or marriage and family therapist.

Some programs offer degree tracks in clinical psychology, school psychology, or rehabilitation counseling. They look for students who excel in communication and critical thinking, and they generally accept applicants with different bachelor’s degrees.

Master of Public Health (MPH)

If you’re dedicated to helping others, a Master of Public Health may be a fitting option. Having a degree in science could be beneficial, but you can often apply regardless of what you studied as an undergraduate.

An MPH program involves coursework in program planning, health policy, and epidemiology. Programs sometimes offer degree concentrations in health management or informatics. This degree is a solid foundation for a career as a health management director, social and community service manager, or epidemiologist. You might work in a healthcare facility, research lab, or government agency.

Masters in Social Work (MSW)

Some of the classes you’ll take during a social work master’s program include cognitive behavioral therapy, social work research, diversity, and human development.

You may also study specific areas of interest, such as child welfare, mental health, or social justice. Professionals with MSW degrees often work as medical or clinical social workers, hospital administrators, or substance abuse counselors. They’re employed by hospitals, government offices, and schools.

Most MSW programs accept students with varied bachelor’s degrees. When evaluating applicants, they prioritize a passion for community engagement and strong communication skills.

Can You Get a Masters in Anything?

Graduate schools offer master’s degrees in many different subjects, and they often accept students who completed bachelor’s degrees in other fields. For instance, a student with a bachelor’s degree in psychology might pursue a master’s in marketing.

If you choose a master’s degree program in a different field, keep in mind that you may be required to complete additional prerequisite courses prior to enrolling. Keep this in mind when planning when to apply for grad school. This is particularly important for students pursuing degrees in mathematics, science, or engineering.

Do You Need a Bachelors to Get a Masters Degree?

Most graduate schools require applicants to have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, but there are exceptions. Some schools offer combined bachelor’s and master’s programs so you can earn both degrees at the same time. This allows you to earn your advanced degree more quickly.

A college may also be willing to accept your professional experience in lieu of a bachelor’s degree. If you’re currently working or have a professional certification in the field that you want to study, you can speak to the admissions office about whether you would qualify.

What’s the Difference Between a Bachelors vs. Masters Degree?

Bachelor’s and master’s degrees are both academic credentials that help you develop practical skills and theoretical knowledge. The differences between them include:

• Scope. A bachelor’s degree provides a broad understanding of the field, while a master’s degree focuses on specialized areas.
• Length. Most bachelor’s programs require 4 years of full-time study, whereas a master’s degree can typically be completed in 2 years or less.
• Career opportunities. Earning a bachelor’s is usually sufficient for entry-level careers, but many advanced positions require a master’s degree.

Both bachelor’s and master’s degrees can help you qualify for job opportunities.

Getting Your Master’s Degree Online

Some students discover that what they envisioned for their future isn’t what they really want to do. When that happens, they often ask, “Can you get a masters in a different field?” The answer is often “yes.”

Choosing a new profession doesn’t mean that your bachelor’s degree wasn’t worthwhile. Many master’s programs accept students with unrelated bachelor degrees.

Whether you want to study a less complex subject and earn the easiest masters degree or want to give yourself an extra challenge like completing a 6 month masters degree online, you can begin by researching quick degrees from accredited grad schools that accept different bachelor’s degrees.