Best Online MEd Programs with No GRE Requirement

Western Governors University (WGU) – M.S. in Education Programs

WGU offers more than a dozen education master’s programs in a fully online, competency-based format through its CAEP-accredited Teachers College. Specializations include curriculum and instruction, educational leadership, instructional design, and multiple subject-specific teaching areas. 

The self-paced model lets students accelerate through content they’ve already mastered, and flat-rate tuition of approximately $4,125 per six-month term makes WGU one of the most affordable paths to an MEd available anywhere.

Admissions Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
• No GRE, GMAT, or any entrance exam required
• Current teaching license required for most MEd programs (MAT programs have separate pathways for those seeking initial licensure)
• Official transcripts from all prior institutions
• No minimum GPA stated; admissions are competency-based and holistic
• Background check required for licensure-track programs

Accreditation:NWCCU (regional); CAEP (programmatic for education)

Good For: Licensed teachers looking for the most affordable, self-paced option with no scheduling constraints.

Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) – MEd in Curriculum and Instruction

SNHU’s online MEd in Curriculum and Instruction offers six concentration options, including educational leadership and technology integration, all delivered asynchronously with no GRE requirement and no application fee. 

With five term start dates per year and rolling admissions, SNHU makes it easy to begin on your own timeline. The program is designed for working educators and does not lead to initial licensure.

Admissions Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
• No GRE or GMAT required
• Official transcripts from all prior institutions
• No minimum GPA required (applications are reviewed holistically)
• Resume with at least six months of relevant K–12 instructional or curriculum development experience
• No letters of recommendation required
• No application fee

Accreditation: NECHE (regional)

Good For: Teachers and curriculum specialists who want maximum flexibility, multiple concentration options, and the lowest possible barrier to entry.

Arizona State University (ASU) – Online MEd Programs

ASU’s Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College offers several fully online MEd programs — including curriculum and instruction, educational leadership, and applied behavior analysis — none of which require GRE scores. 

ASU combines a large research-university infrastructure with personalized online student support and strong career services.

Admissions Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution
• No GRE required
• Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 in the last 60 hours of undergraduate coursework (or across a completed graduate degree)
• Official transcripts from all prior institutions
• Statement of purpose or personal statement
• Current resume or CV
• Two to three letters of recommendation (varies by specialization)
• Some specializations require a current teaching certificate or relevant professional experience

Accreditation: HLC (regional); CAEP (programmatic for education)

Good For: Educators who want a nationally ranked, research-university credential with strong name recognition and multiple specialization paths.

University of Cincinnati – Online MEd in Curriculum and Instruction

The University of Cincinnati’s online MEd in Curriculum and Instruction is a 30-credit program with three concentration options: STEM and sustainability education, gifted education, and general studies. 

The program is designed for practicing teachers and other education professionals, and GRE scores are not required for applicants with at least a 3.0 undergraduate GPA. Those with a GPA below 3.0 may optionally submit GRE scores to strengthen their application, but it is not mandatory.

Admissions Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution
• No GRE required for applicants with a 3.0+ cumulative undergraduate GPA (GRE optional for GPAs below 3.0)
• Unofficial transcripts at the time of application; official transcripts required after acceptance
• Two letters of professional recommendation
• Goal statement describing professional objectives
• Current resume or CV
• This program does not lead to initial teaching licensure

Accreditation: HLC (regional)

Good For: Practicing teachers who want a public-university MEd with concentration options in gifted education or STEM at a competitive price point.

George Mason University – MEd in Curriculum and Instruction

George Mason’s College of Education and Human Development offers an MEd in Curriculum and Instruction with multiple concentration areas. The program does not require GRE scores and emphasizes research-based instruction, equity-centered teaching, and professional inquiry. 

As Virginia’s largest public university, George Mason offers strong connections to school districts throughout the D.C. metro area and beyond.

Admissions Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution
• No GRE required
• Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 (applicants below 3.0 are encouraged to apply and address academic history in their goal statement)
• Official transcripts from all prior institutions
• Goal statement describing professional objectives and fit with the program
• Two letters of professional recommendation
• Current resume or CV
• Teaching experience preferred but not always required (varies by concentration)

Accreditation: SACSCOC (regional); CAEP (programmatic for education)

Good For: Mid-Atlantic educators and those nationwide who want a respected public-university MEd with an equity-focused curriculum and extensive specialization options.

Why Education Programs Are Dropping the GRE

The GRE was designed as a general academic aptitude test, not a measure of teaching ability or instructional leadership. A growing body of research has found weak correlations between GRE scores and success in graduate education programs, prompting organizations like the Council of Graduate Schools to question its predictive value. 

Beyond the academic argument, the GRE creates practical barriers: 

• The exam costs over $220
• Test prep consumes weeks or months
• Studies have shown that standardized tests disproportionately disadvantage working adults, first-generation students, and educators of color

For experienced teachers who demonstrate their competence every day in the classroom, an entrance exam adds cost and stress without a meaningful signal.

What Programs Evaluate Instead of GRE Scores

Without the GRE, admissions committees shift their focus to indicators that more directly reflect an applicant’s readiness for graduate work in education. The most common factors include: 

• Undergraduate GPA (typically a 2.7-3.0 minimum)
• Professional experience, such as years in the classroom or curriculum development work
• Personal or goal statement
• 2-3 letters of recommendation from principals, colleagues, or supervisors

Some programs also consider leadership activities, mentoring experience, and professional development records.

Understand Admissions for Non-Traditional Applicants

The phrase “no prerequisites required” can mean different things at different schools. Some programs genuinely have zero entry barriers for career changers; others include built-in foundation courses that add a semester to your timeline; still others require you to complete leveling coursework on your own before starting. 

Ask each program directly how they handle non-traditional applicants. GRE-optional and test-free policies have expanded significantly, with many of the fields above having moved away from standardized testing entirely. 

For a broader view, see our guide to online master’s programs with no GRE required.

Tips for a Stronger No-GRE Application

Without GRE scores, the other elements of your application hold more weight. To give yourself the best shot of being admitted, take the time to make those other elements strong.

1. Make sure your resume reflects not just job titles but specific leadership activities, mentoring, curriculum projects, and professional development. Admissions committees want evidence of initiative beyond the classroom.
2. Write a specific, goal-oriented personal statement. Don’t just say you want to advance your career — explain what you plan to do with the degree, why this program is the right fit, and what you bring to the cohort.
3. Choose recommenders who know your classroom practice or professional work, not just your character.
4. If your GPA is below 3.0, address it directly. Explain the circumstances, point to your professional accomplishments since graduation, and highlight any recent academic work (graduate certificates, professional development courses) that shows you’re ready for graduate-level rigor.