Yes, you can absolutely get a master’s degree in the U.S. without taking the GRE. An increasing number of graduate programs—across diverse fields—have made the GRE optional or eliminated it entirely. You do not need to take the GRE to earn a master’s degree if you apply to one of these programs.
Why More Programs Are Dropping the GRE
Many universities have moved away from requiring the GRE due to concerns about equity, access, and predictive validity. Research shows that undergraduate GPA, work experience, letters of recommendation, and personal statements often better predict graduate success than GRE scores. As a result, hundreds of accredited U.S. institutions now offer master’s without taking the GRE.
Fields Commonly Offering Master’s Without Taking the GRE
- Education: M.Ed., MAT, Educational Leadership
- Social Work: MSW
- Counseling & Psychology: MA in Clinical Mental Health, Counseling
- Nursing: MSN, DNP (many programs waive GRE)
- Public Health: MPH (some schools)
- Business: MBA (many programs accept GMAT or waive both)
- Library Science: MLS/MLIS
- Creative Arts: MFA, MA in Communications
- Information Technology & Data Science: Some online or professional master’s programs
How to Find Master’s Programs Without Taking the GRE
- Search for “GRE optional” or “GRE waived” on university admissions pages.
- Look for programs targeting working professionals or non-traditional students.
- Check graduate school rankings that filter for test-optional schools.
- Contact admissions offices directly—policies can vary by specialization, even within the same university.
What You’ll Need Instead
Even if you’re applying for a master’s without taking the GRE, you still need:
- A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
- Official transcripts
- Letters of recommendation
- A personal statement or statement of purpose
- Resume or CV
- Proof of English proficiency (if applicable: TOEFL/IELTS)
- Application fee
Bottom Line
Yes—you can earn a respected, accredited master’s degree in the U.S. without taking the GRE. The trend away from standardized testing is strong, growing, and here to stay. Focus on building a strong overall application, and you’ll find many high-quality programs that value your experience and potential over a test score. If you’re looking to advance your career, a master’s without the GRE is not only possible—it’s increasingly common.