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Is it Possible to Get a PhD Without a Master’s Degree?
Featured Expert: Dr. Abha Sood, PhD
Do you need a master’s to a get a PhD? No! A master’s degree is not a universal requirement for all PhD programs, and there are some types of programs which waive the master’s degree. If you’re interested in how to get a PhD but you want to shorten the time it takes to graduate, you do have options. While they are not numerous, there are excellent, accredited PhD programs in almost every field which do not require a master’s degree. In this blog, learn how you can get a PhD without a master’s, what your program options are and what you need to do to get accepted.
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Article Contents 8 min read
Do you need a master’s to get a phd.
The short answer: No . It is possible to get a PhD without a master’s degree, as there are programs which accept applicants who have not completed a master’s degree first.
We’ll explore these in more detail below, but first we’ll look at whether a PhD is the right path for you and why you might want to skip the master’s.
If you’re weighing your options for graduate school and deciding between a master’s or PhD , you’re probably wondering which one is the best choice for you and how to complete your studies in the fastest way possible. If your end goal is a PhD, you might be looking at a very long educational commitment. How long does it take to get a PhD? On average, 4-7 years, and this timeline doesn’t include the time it takes to get a master’s degree, another 1 or 2 years.
Chances are, you’ve finished 4 years of an undergraduate degree or you’re still earning your bachelor’s degree and thinking ahead a few years. The idea of 5+ more years of schooling can be a little intimidating, so you may be wondering how to get a PhD without a master’s.
There are few different types of PhD programs that do not require a master’s degree first. Note that all of these programs DO require a complete bachelor’s degree to apply! We’ll explain what your options are for completing a PhD without a master’s below.
1. Direct Entry PhD Programs
Direct Entry PhD programs allow students with a Bachelor’s degree to apply directly for a PhD in their field, without first completing a master’s degree. They are typically 4-5 years long, so they are appealing for students who want to earn a graduate degree and shave a few years off their timeline to graduation. Many of the top colleges in the US and the universities in Canada offer these types of programs. However, these programs are far from the easiest PhD programs to get into ! They are quite competitive and require specific admission requirements you’ll need to meet in order to be considered.
2. Online PhD Programs
Online PhD programs are growing in both number and popularity. Online PhD programs offer students greater flexibility while also shortening the time it takes to get a PhD. Most online PhD programs are between 2 and 3 years, although there are 4-year programs and even 1-year online PhD programs out there. Depending on your area of study, an online PhD may not be an option, but there are fully accredited options out there. And, some online PhD programs don’t require a master’s degree.
Direct Entry PhD Programs
Direct entry PhD programs can be a great option for students who want to jump straight from a bachelor’s degree to a PhD. This type of program is available in almost all disciplines, including business, computer science, education and nursing. These are also sometimes called accelerated PhD programs, designed to be 4-5 years and on your way to graduation sooner. As long as you meet all the admission requirements, you can apply to direct entry PhD programs without a master’s degree.
Universities with Direct Entry PhD Programs
Here are a few examples of top universities with direct entry PhD programs. This is not an exhaustive list, as there are many similar programs across the US and Canada!
Pros and Cons of Direct Entry PhD Programs
Since direct entry PhD programs accept students with a bachelor\u2019s degree only, the admission standards are naturally a little higher. Your academic record needs to be above average, and the minimum GPA to apply is usually 3.0 or even higher in some cases. On top of a stellar GPA, you also need to write the GRE, complete an application package and demonstrate you are ready for intense graduate level study without having completed a master\u2019s degree. ","label":"Cons","title":"Cons"}]' code='tab1' template='BlogArticle'>
Admission Requirements for Direct Entry PhD Programs
Along with the usual PhD admission requirements, direct entry PhD programs may only admit students with only a bachelor’s degree if they demonstrate exceptional academic ability and extensive prior research experience. Here are some of the additional requirements you can expect for direct entry PhD programs:
- 4-year undergraduate degree (minimum GPA may be required)
- GRE (or GMAT, program-dependent)
- Research Experience
- Previous publications
- Excellent letters of recommendation
- Letter of Intent
- Research interest statement
- Grad school career goals statement
- Research Proposal
- Grad school interview
There are dozens of different online PhD programs out there, ranging from 1 to 4 years long. The length of time it takes to complete an online PhD program depends on the discipline. Online PhD programs are more common in fields like nursing, health sciences, business, education, criminology, engineering and computer science, though there are many more.
Many online PhD programs also have a hybrid learning option, where students can learn both online and in-person at the university. This gives you a little more flexibility and allows you to get the best of both worlds from an online PhD and a traditional one.
Online PhDs are also a good option if you want to do a PhD without dissertation or thesis, since a few of them don’t require it.
Universities with Online PhD Programs
Here’s a short list of universities that offer online PhD programs, but keep in mind there are many more out there.
Pros and Cons of Online PhD Programs
Lack of funding and networking : 100% online programs of course, lack the opportunities for in-person interaction and have fewer opportunities for professional networking in your field. There\u2019s also fewer funding options for online PhDs, if the program is not fully funded. ","label":"Cons","title":"Cons"}]' code='tab2' template='BlogArticle'>
Admission Requirements for Online PhD Programs
Online PhD programs, or hybrid programs, will have the same admission requirements as most graduate school programs. On top of these, you will typically need a GPA of 3.0 and above, and you may need to complete specific prerequisite coursework.
The specific admission requirements will vary a little by program, but in general there won’t be anything unexpected.
If you’re thinking of applying to a PhD without a master’s degree, there are pros and cons to this decision. You may be wondering if not having a master’s degree will hurt your chances of getting accepted to a PhD program, or if it affects your chances of finding a job after graduate school.
While you can certainly choose to skip the master’s and still achieve your career goals with a PhD only, you should carefully consider your decision before you start applying to be sure it’s the right path for you.
Before you dive into PhD applications, consider the following things:
1. A PhD might not be necessary
Earning a PhD might not actually be necessary or especially helpful to achieving your career goals. A PhD is a research-focused, academic pursuit, so if your aim is to transition from academia to industry or find an industry job after a PhD , you might benefit more from earning years of work experience rather than years of education. There is always a possibility to pursue a PhD after a few years of working in your field if you change your mind.
In other cases, a master’s degree might give you the better mix of education and skill to achieve your career goals. And, a master’s degree is shorter and less expensive than a PhD, not to mention less competitive to get into.
On the other hand, if you are a true academic and want to find a job in academia , fast-tracking your PhD is a good way to do so!
2. A Master’s degree can give you a competitive edge
Having a master’s degree can actually give you a competitive edge for getting into some PhD programs. For example, even a direct entry PhD program that considers exceptional undergraduate students might give preference to a student with a full master’s degree if there is limited space in a program. Not to mention, not all PhD programs accept you without a master’s degree, and the ones that don’t require one will be more challenging to get into.
Completing your master’s first can also give you better and more funding opportunities for your PhD, if your program is not fully funded, since some scholarships and loans are only open to current graduate students.
3. A PhD is a huge commitment
Getting your PhD is a huge commitment of both your time and money, so you need to be certain it is the right choice for you before you put in the effort of applying and completing a program. Jumping from a bachelor’s right into an advanced graduate program is a big shift in the level of academic rigor and expectations, and not every student will be prepared for it.
Undergraduate students normally will not have the research experience or professional skillset that you would develop throughout the course of a master’s program. So the adjustment to a PhD program may prove to be too big a gap.
A master’s program is a sort of test-drive for graduate school study, introducing you to a higher level of education, research and learning. It’s also shorter and less expensive. So, you may not lose a much from changing your mind and dropping out of a master’s program as you will dropping out of a PhD.
Keep in mind that if you want to pursue advanced study in a new field or change jobs after working as an undergraduate, it will be difficult to find a PhD program that will accept you without a master’s degree.
Do you need a master’s to get a PhD? No, it is not strictly necessary. However, there are some advantages to earning your master’s degree first, and the path from bachelor’s straight to PhD is a little more challenging.
For those who are willing to commit and put in the hard work, the benefits of fast-tracking your PhD are definitely worth it, but you should carefully explore all your options and be sure of what requirements you need to meet first.
No. It is possible to get a PhD without a master’s degree. Some PhD programs accept exceptional students with a bachelor’s degree or allow you to earn a master’s and PhD in a combined, accelerated program.
While it is possible to skip your master’s and go straight to a PhD, you should consider what the options are, what the admission requirements are and whether graduate school is the right choice for you. Earning a PhD is a big commitment, so you need to be sure it’s a worthy pursuit!
Yes, direct entry PhD programs are highly competitive and the admission standards are usually quite high. These types of programs usually accept exceptional students who stand out from the crowd.
The shortest PhD programs are 1-year online degrees. While there are not many available, it is possible to earn a PhD in select fields, completely online, in around 12 to 18-months.
Traditional PhDs take between 4-8 years to complete. Direct entry PhD programs are usually 4-5 years, and online or hybrid PhDs can be between 2-3 years.
Yes, there are dual degree programs that allow you to earn a master’s alongside a PhD, shortening the traditional timeline and saving a bit on tuition costs.
A master’s degree is a graduate program that focuses on teaching you practical, career-related skills and knowledge. It’s designed for you to learn more advanced skills in your field so you can potentially increase your earnings in the workforce and pursue higher-level positions. A PhD is a heavily research-focused graduate degree. PhD students contribute new knowledge to their field through critical research and writing.
It can be tough to decide whether to stop at a master’s degree or go forward and pursue a PhD. The decision will come down to your personal choice, the requirements for your chosen career or position, your budget, timeline, and whether you feel you can and want to commit to extensive graduate studies.
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Do You Need a Master’s to Get a Ph.D.?
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- You do not need a master’s degree to get a Ph.D. at many universities.
- Your professional experience may make a master’s unnecessary.
- Skipping a master’s features many benefits and some potential drawbacks.
- You can earn a Ph.D. in a different field than your master’s by taking extra classes.
It makes sense to think about college degrees as steps. A bachelor’s represents the first, a master’s the second, and a doctorate the third and final. Each new step builds upon the knowledge and skills the previous one introduces.
You certainly need a bachelor’s degree to enter a Ph.D. program , but do you need a master’s to get a Ph.D.? Well, the answer is no for many programs. Some top universities let you start a Ph.D. without a master’s.
Ph.D. programs without a master’s requirement feature a modified curriculum, ensuring you experience the same learning outcomes as degree-seekers who earn a master’s and Ph.D.
Featured Online Doctorate Programs
Can you get a ph.d. without a master’s.
Yes. Fields where you can get a Ph.D. without a master’s include clinical psychology and government. These and other programs combine the master’s and Ph.D. curricula.
Not all universities or academic departments let you earn a Ph.D. without a master’s degree. However, they may let you apply if you hold a master’s in a different field. Some of these programs include healthcare administration , human services , and criminal justice .
College admissions counselors and university websites can help you understand these and other application requirements. Some programs may offer conditional admission based on your professional experience or other factors.
Earning Your Ph.D. Without a Master’s: Pros and Cons
Earning a Ph.D. without a master’s degree features many potential benefits and some drawbacks. Use this information to discover which academic path works best for you.
- Applying to only one graduate program saves time you can dedicate to your studies.
- Moving only once to attend graduate school saves you money on relocation costs .
- Staying at the same university lets you build lifelong relationships with like-minded peers and professors.
- Some schools award a master’s degree if you cannot finish the doctorate.
- You may be able to save some money on application fees and tuition costs by applying to just one program.
- Extra academic requirements mean you may graduate later than your peers.
- You may feel frustrated if your academic or professional goals change in the middle of your program.
- You may feel overwhelmed with taking extra classes, especially if you work while in school.
- You may lack the graduate-level research skills necessary for doctoral classes.
Reasons You Don’t Need a Master’s to Get a Ph.D.
Your personal and professional background may convince universities that you can earn a Ph.D. without a master’s. But keep in mind that policies vary by school and program.
- Reason 1: Many years of professional experience gives you the same knowledge and skills students learn in master’s-level classes.
- Reason 2: You hold industry certifications or received awards in the field you want to study at the doctoral level.
- Reason 3: You can dedicate all of your time to the Ph.D.
- Reason 4: You want to reach your career goals as soon as possible.
Frequently Asked Questions About Getting Your Ph.D. Without a Master’s
How hard is it to earn your ph.d..
A Ph.D.’s difficulty depends entirely on you. You may struggle in a Ph.D. program if you lack the writing and research skills necessary to complete your dissertation. Other challenges include balancing school, work, and family.
Discuss these concerns with colleagues, family, and friends before contacting university admissions departments. Counselors can help you make an informed decision.
How long does it take to earn a Ph.D. without a master’s degree?
Some Ph.D. programs, even those requiring a master’s for admission, take up to eight years to complete. However, remember that many factors impact how long you need to graduate. Receiving graduate credit for life experience, taking more classes each semester, and defending your dissertation successfully on the first try can help you graduate sooner than your peers.
Can you get a Ph.D. in a different field than your master’s?
For some schools and programs, yes. You can fill in the gaps in your academic knowledge and skills by taking more classes than your peers. Review universities’ admission requirements closely and reach out to admissions counselors with questions.
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