25 Psychology Graduate Programs that Don’t Require the GRE

Check out the latest psychology graduate programs that don’t require the GRE for 2026. Explore in-demand graduate programs offered by schools with no GRE.

How people think directly influences how they act. If you’re fascinated by human thought and behavior, then it may be time to apply to a graduate program in psychology.

Jobs for psychologists are expected to increase 3 percent in the next ten years (Bureau of Labor Statistics), and a grad degree can help prepare you for success in those positions.

Universities Offering Psychology Graduate Programs Without a GRE Requirement

The following universities are regionally accredited and offer psychology graduate programs online. In addition, the universities either offer a GRE waiver to qualified students or have no GRE requirement at all for admission.

1. Alliant International University

Alliant International University’s online PsyD in Educational Psychology is a 50-credit program that can be completed in 2 years. It focuses on leadership, consultation, and social justice in educational settings. 

The curriculum covers neuropsychology, developmental psychopathology, and multicultural counseling. Designed for licensed professionals, it prepares graduates for roles in educational research, program evaluation, and university teaching.

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

2. American International College

American International College offers an online, 36-credit Master’s in Forensic Psychology. 

The curriculum explores criminal behavior, counseling theories, ethical issues, and forensic assessment. It offers preparation for careers in law enforcement, corrections, and social services or further doctoral studies.

AIC is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.

3. Ball State University

Ball State University offers two online psychology master’s programs. The MA in Educational Psychology requires 30 credits and can be completed in 18 months. It focuses on learning and development. The MS in Quantitative Psychology requires 33 credits and emphasizes data analysis. 

Both programs provide flexible specialization options and prepare students for diverse career paths in education, research, and related fields.

BSU is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

4. Capella University

Capella University provides a range of online master’s programs in psychology, all of which waive the GRE requirement. These include an MS in Psychology, an MS in Clinical Psychology, and an MS in School Psychology. 

Various specializations are available within these programs, allowing students to tailor their education to specific career goals or areas of interest in the field of psychology.

Capella is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

5. Florida International University

Florida International University offers an MS in Professional Counseling Psychology that can be completed in a hybrid or fully online format. This 60-credit program prepares students for Licensed Mental Health Counselor certification in Florida. 

The curriculum covers counseling theories, psychopathology, and ethical standards. Students are required to complete 1,000 hours of supervised clinical experience through practicum and internship placements, culminating in an advanced case conceptualization project.

Florida International University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

6. George Mason University

George Mason University offers an online Master of Professional Studies in Applied Industrial and Organizational Psychology. This program equips HR and business professionals with research-backed methods and data analytics skills to foster workplace innovation. 

The curriculum explores evidence-based practices, research methods, and organizational systems. It focuses on improving hiring, motivation, evaluation, and training processes within organizations.

George Mason is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

7. Grand Canyon University

Grand Canyon University offers an online MS in Psychology. Several concentrations are offered: Forensic Psychology, Geropsychology, Health Psychology, Life Coaching, Industrial and Organizational Psychology, Human Factors Psychology, and General Psychology. 

The curriculum explores social and cultural psychology, ethical issues related to psychotherapy and research, transitions through life stages, and research methods and statistics. The program culminates in a capstone project. 

Notably, GRE and GMAT scores are not required for admission if applicants meet the 2.8 GPA requirement from an accredited undergraduate program.

GCU is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

8. Liberty University

Liberty University offers an online Master of Arts in Applied Psychology with specializations in General, Developmental, Industrial-Organizational, and Public Mental Health Psychology. 

This 36-credit program features 8-week courses and can be completed entirely online. Applicants need to be in good standing at the their prior universities and have a bachelor’s degree with a minimum 2.5 GPA for admission.

Liberty University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

9. Lynn University

Lynn University offers an online MS in Psychology with two tracks: General and Industrial-Organizational psychology. 

This 36-credit program focuses on research, leadership, and advanced psychology concepts. The program features expert faculty and can be completed entirely online. The curriculum prepares graduates for careers in research, education, and organizational settings.

Lynn University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

10. National University

National University offers a variety of Master’s in Psychology programs that can be completed online or on campus at several locations in CA. These programs are designed with busy adults in mind. 

Fields of study offered include mental health counseling, forensic psychology, marriage and family therapy, and human behavior.

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

11. Northeastern University

Northeastern University offers an MS in Counseling Psychology on campus and, for those seeking more flexibility, an online MS in Applied Behavior Analysis online. The online program features an optional practicum. 

Both programs focus on developing practical skills. The online program requires part-time commitment and can be completed in 18 to 24 months. The on-campus program has part-time and full-time options available and can be completed in 2 to 3 years.

Northeastern University is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Inc.

12. Nova Southeastern University

Florida’s Nova Southeastern University has two online master’s in psychology programs: an MS in Forensic Psychology and an MS in General Psychology. These non-licensure programs can be useful pathways to doctoral programs or be put into practice in the workforce. 

Coursework covers topics like cognitive psychology, human growth and development, and human sexuality.

NSU is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

13. Pennsylvania State University

Pennsylvania State University, through its Penn State World Campus, offers an entirely online Master of Professional Studies in Psychology of Leadership. 

This 33-credit program focuses on developing leadership skills through psychological principles. The curriculum emphasizes real-world application and covers topics like ethical decision-making, team leadership, and organizational effectiveness.

Penn State World Campus is regionally accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools.

14. Pepperdine University

Pepperdine University offers three online psychology master’s programs: an MA in Psychology, an MA in Clinical Psychology with MFT emphasis, and an MS in Applied Behavior Analysis. These programs range from 36 to 68 units and can be completed in 1 to 3 years. 

All feature online coursework with practical experience components. The ABA program prepares students for BCBA exam eligibility.

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

15. Purdue University Global

Purdue offers three online psychology master’s programs: Educational Psychology, General Psychology with four concentration options, and Applied Behavior Analysis. These programs range from 45 to 75 quarter credits and can be completed in 1 to 2 years. 

The ABA program offers preparation for BCBA certification.

Purdue University Global is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

16. Sacred Heart University

Sacred Heart University offers a 1-year MS in Industrial-Organizational Psychology. This STEM-designated program combines evening classes and online work in a cohort model. 

The curriculum focuses on applying psychological principles to workplace settings, focusing on employee satisfaction and organizational efficiency. Real-world experience and training can be gained through an applied project and optional faculty research opportunities.

SHU is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE).

17. Southern New Hampshire University

Southern New Hampshire University offers an online MS in Psychology with optional concentrations in Child and Developmental Psychology, Forensic Psychology, and Industrial-Organizational Psychology. 

This 36-credit program can be completed in 1 to 2 years. The curriculum focuses on research methods, cognitive psychology, and ethical practice. The program offers preparation for human services careers or doctoral studies.

SNHU is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.

18. The Chicago School of Professional Psychology

The Chicago School offers several online master’s programs in psychology, including Applied Psychology, Forensic Psychology, and International Psychology. 

These programs can be completed in 1 to 2 years and feature various concentrations, including Public Health, Child and Adolescent Psychology, and Organizational Leadership. Most tracks are non-licensure, but the MA in Forensic Psychology offers a licensure option.

The Chicago School is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC).

19. Touro University Worldwide

Touro University Worldwide offers an online MA in Psychology with five specializations: Health Psychology, Forensic Psychology, Media Psychology, Educational Psychology, and Child and Adolescent Development. 

This 36-credit program can be completed in 12 to 18 months. It features 8-week courses and six annual start dates. The curriculum emphasizes practical skills and offers preparation for doctoral studies or human services careers.

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

20. University of Hartford

The University of Hartford offers an MS in Organizational Psychology and a dual MS in Organizational Psychology and MBA program. 

Both have STEM designations, focus on organizational behavior, research methods, and data analysis, and emphasize practical skills for enhancing workplace effectiveness and leadership. The MS requires 36 credits and can be completed in 18 months, while the dual degree requires 60 credits and can be completed in 3 years.

UHart is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.

21. University of North Dakota

The University of North Dakota offers a Master’s in Forensic Psychology program that can be completed for an MA or MS. It is available on campus and online. 

This 30-credit program can be completed in 2 years and requires no GRE for admission. The curriculum focuses on the intersection of psychology and law, offering preparation for careers in correctional psychology and related fields.

UND is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission since.

22. University of Northern Colorado

The University of Northern Colorado offers an online MA in Educational Psychology with a Teaching Applications concentration. 

This 30-credit program designed for teachers can be completed in 19 months (5 terms). The curriculum focuses on applying psychological principles to education, covering topics like brain function, student motivation, and learning processes.

UNC is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

23. University of Tennessee – Knoxville

The University of Tennessee – Knoxville offers an online MS in Educational Psychology with a concentration in Applied Educational Psychology. 

This 36-credit program can be completed in six consecutive semesters using a hybrid pedagogy of synchronous and asynchronous learning. Classes are held on weekday evenings. The curriculum focuses on learning theories, motivation, and assessment.

The University of Tennessee – Knoxville is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

24. Walden University

Walden University’s online PhD in Psychology features specializations like Educational, Health, and Social Psychology. 

The program can be completed in 4 to 8 years. It emphasizes research skills and practical application offers a choice between Teaching or Research focuses. The flexible format accommodates working professionals, and no GRE is required for admission.

Walden is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission.

25. William James College

William James College’s MA in Organizational Psychology is an 11-month accelerated program available online or through weekend residencies. 

The curriculum combines theory with practical skills, focusing on organizational development and change management. With hands-on experience and flexible options, it’s designed for working professionals aiming to advance in high-demand fields without job relocation.

William James College is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.

A graduate degree in psychology may help you take your career to the next level. Thanks to the many no-GRE programs that are available, you may be able to get started without delay. Whether you are interested in counseling psychology or another specialty, there may be a no-GRE program that meets your needs.

Psychology Master’s Programs

Click on the field that most interests you to see a list of programs:

• Applied Behavior Analysis
• Counseling
• Forensic Psychology
• General Psychology
• Industrial Organizational Psychology

Psychology Doctoral Programs

Possible specializations outside of a Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) include:

• Cognition and Instruction
• Counseling
• Counselor Education
• Educational Psychology
• General Psychology
• Industrial Organizational Psychology
• Marriage and Family Therapy

Master’s in Psychology – Applied Behavior Analysis

Focusing your studies on the field of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) can help you obtain the skills to help people modify their choices and actions. ABA skills can be useful with many populations, including children, the elderly and people with mental illnesses.

This concentration may help to prepare you for the licensure examination that will allow you to become a Board Certified Behavior Analyst; however, at some schools, you may need to take additional classes as well.

Master’s in Counseling

If you want to work one-on-one with people who could use direction and guidance, consider pursuing a career in counseling.

During your studies for a Counseling concentration, you may study individual and group therapies, addictions, tests and assessments, mental health disorders and life coaching. Your school’s program may prepare you for certification as a Licensed Professional Counselor in your state.

You may be able to select a concentration like Trauma Intervention or Health Psychology.

Master’s in Forensic Psychology

A master’s degree with an emphasis in Forensic Psychology can help students develop needed skills in various criminal justice and rehabilitation settings.

You might consider a career in prisons, juvenile homes, schools, rehab centers or courtrooms. The classes that you’ll take may cover mental illnesses, crisis negotiations, correctional systems and communications.

This degree program may prepare you for Licensed Professional Counselor status in your state.

Master’s in Psychology – General

A generalist master’s degree can give you the opportunity to explore many aspects of psychology.

Your studies may cover personality theories, group psychology, human development and mental health. A generalist concentration may allow you to enroll in several different electives so you can tailor your education to your various interests.

This online psychology degree can be useful in fields like human services, education, child development, business leadership, marketing and sales.

Master’s in Industrial Organizational Psychology

For a psychology degree that can help you become a better workplace leader, consider a concentration in Industrial Organizational Psychology.

Students in this concentration study the ways that people think and act in order to become more effective at motivating employees and encouraging exemplary performance. Your classes may cover topics like recruitment, productivity, conflict management and interpersonal relationships.

Many graduates apply their skills in management positions or as leaders in HR departments.

PhD in Psychology – Cognition and Instruction

When you pursue a concentration in Cognition and Instruction, you won’t just have the opportunity to gain a comprehensive education in cognitive psychology.

It can also help you learn how to teach others and effectively motivate learners. You might choose to teach college students or become a business trainer.

In preparation, your classes may cover topics like perception, attention, behavior theory, testing, mental health and social cognition.

PhD in Counseling

As a counseling psychologist, you can help people better their own lives and their interpersonal relationships.

Coursework for a doctorate in counseling concentration may encompass family dynamics, lifespan development, diversity and behavioral science. After completing this doctoral degree, you may be eligible to become licensed as a psychologist; your program may need to be licensed by the American Psychological Association.

Some schools require that you hold a master’s degree in this field before you can begin a PhD psychology program.

PhD in Counselor Education

Becoming experienced or licensed in counseling requires that students spend a good deal of time in supervised practice.

Earning a concentration in Counselor Education can help prepare you to be a professional who supervises others. This specialization may also help you earn a faculty position in a university’s psychology program.

In addition to increasing your knowledge about mental health, diagnostic criteria and various treatments, this concentration can also help you learn more about conducting research and teaching others.

PhD in Educational Psychology

If you want to use your psychology skills in academic setting, then a concentration in Educational Psychology may provide invaluable training.

Your doctoral classes will probably cover topics like memory, motivation, test scores, curriculum and organizational leadership. Educational Psychology programs may equip you to work with young students or adult learners.

You may be able to pursue licensure as a School Psychologist after completing this degree.

PhD in Psychology

To learn about many facets of psychology at the doctoral level, you may want to consider pursuing a generalist Ph.D. in this field.

Your studies can help you learn more about topics like psychology theories, client assessments, counseling ethics, behavior science, research and teaching. A general psychology program may offer you a chance to select multiple electives so you can pursue in-depth study in several areas.

A PhD in Psychology will typically also require a dissertation. However, a Doctor of Psychology may not require a dissertation since it’s a professional doctorate.

PhD in Industrial Organizational Psychology

An Industrial Organizational Psychology concentration can help prepare you for leadership positions in nonprofit agencies, corporations and other organizations.

The coursework will likely focus heavily on team leadership, group dynamics and organizational improvement. You may serve an internship with a company’s human resources, training or workplace safety team.

In some schools, this concentration may be known as Business Psychology, or I/O Psychology may be a subset of the Business Psychology program.

PhD in Marriage and Family Therapy

If helping people improve their closest relationships is important to you, then you might be a successful in the field of family therapy.

Pursuing a concentration in Marriage and Family Therapy can give you opportunities to study interpersonal relationships, refine your clinical skills, practice writing grants for family supports and conduct research in the field.

With a clinical internship experience, your degree program may prepare you to become a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist.

Applying to Psychology Graduate Programs

Although the application process can differ from one university to the next, most schools have a have some common requirements.

You may be required to submit:

• An application — this is often done online
• A personal resume that outlines your professional and volunteer experience
• School transcripts for your undergraduate and graduate degrees
• A letter or essay that states your personal goals and reasons for applying
• Your GRE or other test scores
• Letters of recommendation
• An application fee

When you think of applying to grad school, submitting test scores may be one of the first things that come to mind. However, that’s a less standard requirement than you might think. Some schools do not require any applicants to send in GRE scores for admission to their psychology programs, or they offer waivers.

Prerequisites

To be admitted to a master’s-level program in psychology, you must have earned a bachelor’s degree, such as a psychology bachelors degree online. Some schools stipulate that your undergraduate studies must be in psychology or a related field. Others do not have such a requirement.

Previous educational requirements for a doctorate can vary greatly. Most schools expect you to first hold a master’s degree, but others provide fast psychology degree programs in which you can earn your master’s while on your way to completing your doctorate. Don’t let the length of a doctorate in psychology program deter you away as it is normally an extra year or two and can be very rewarding.

Professional Requirements

Some schools consider only applicants with work experience. The workforce equips students with skills and knowledge beyond what is learned in the classroom, so having held a psychology-related position can help to set grad students up for success.

The exact length of time required can vary greatly among schools, but it’s common for programs to require applicants to have at least a few years of professional experience in the field.

5 Common GRE Waivers

Many universities look at GRE scores during the application process, but they’re willing to make exceptions for students who meet various waiver requirements, such as those listed below. Keep in mind that waivers are granted on a case-by-case basis, so you’ll have to discuss your eligibility with your university’s admissions department.

1. GPA

A strong undergraduate GPA may be enough to exempt you from testing. At some schools, a standard GPA minimum, such as 3.0, applies to all programs. Others set a different standard for each of their grad programs.

2. Professional Experience

If you’ve been working in the field for a certain length of time, some universities believe that is enough to demonstrate your competence and knowledge. Professional certifications may increase the likelihood of an exemption. Military service may also help you earn a waiver.

3. Graduate Degree

The GRE is intended to demonstrate your readiness for graduate-level work. If you have already earned another graduate degree, then it’s clear that you can perform at the post-baccalaureate level. Therefore, the GRE may not be necessary when applying for your second or third graduate program.

4. GMAT or GRE

Some schools want to receive test scores from you, but they may be flexible about which ones. The GMAT is an exam that is typically used for admission to business school. If you’ve taken the GMAT but not the GRE, you may be able to send your GMAT results in place of GRE scores.

5. No GRE Required for Specific Graduate Programs

Often, a school’s admissions requirements are different for each department. Just because GRE scores are mandatory for some programs, that doesn’t mean that every department will insist on them. Before sending in your application for grad school, look into the psychology department’s specific requirements.

What is the GRE?

The GRE, officially titled the Graduate Record Examination, is a rigorous test that some schools rely on as a measure of your readiness for grad school. The test covers topics like vocabulary, mathematics, reasoning and critical thinking.

If you take the GRE, you’ll receive three different scores. These three scores reflect the results of your:

• Two Verbal Reasoning sections
• Two Quantitative Reasoning sections
• One Analytical Writing section

What is a GRE Waiver?

Even if a school lists GRE scores as one of its requirements for admission to grad school, there’s a chance that you’ll be able to send in your application without them. If you meet other criteria, the school may be willing to assess your suitability for their graduate programs without GRE requirements.

Waivers may be granted for:

• Work history
• High undergraduate GPA
• Prior graduate degrees

The requirements vary among schools, so yours might grant other exceptions as well.

Is the GRE Exam Required for Graduate School?

For years, the GRE was considered the gold standard for grad school admissions. These days, more and more universities are opting not to require GRE scores as part of the application package. The same is true with psychology master’s programs not requiring the GRE.

The trend away from GRE testing is based on a mix of factors:

• Testing requirements may reduce schools’ diversity
• Exams don’t always predict grad school success
• Other criteria can do a better job of showing whether students are a good fit for a program

What master’s programs don’t require the GRE?

Each university sets its own admissions requirements, so there isn’t a set list of masters programs that don’t require the GRE. Because there has been a growing movement away from mandatory GRE testing in recent years, there’s a good chance that you will be able to find at least a few no-GRE universities that offer your desired master’s program.

Whether you are interested in psychology or another field, getting into grad school without the GRE may be possible.

What PhD programs do not require GRE?

There are many fields in which you can earn a doctoral degree without ever sitting for the GRE. Each university or doctoral program makes its own decisions about whether GRE scores are an essential part of the application process. From theology to psychology to mathematics, you may be able to find no-GRE doctoral programs that appeal to your interests, including some online EdD no GRE options.

To learn more about whether your top programs require GRE scores, contact the schools’ admission departments.

Does every graduate school require GRE?

No, only some graduate schools ask applicants to submit GRE scores with their applications for master’s or doctoral programs. Business schools often rely on the GMAT, and there are many schools that require no test scores at all.

Instead, they evaluate applicants based on other criteria, such as school transcripts and personal essays.

Is the GRE required for a PhD?

No, many successful doctoral students have earned their degrees without ever taking the GRE. If you are interested in a doctorate but don’t want to spend time or money on test preparation, you may be able to find programs that don’t require GRE scores as part of the application process.