The GRE is no longer a gate many psychology programs require applicants to pass through. A growing number of accredited universities have dropped the exam entirely, evaluating candidates on GPA, experience, and professional goals instead. This guide covers top programs that have eliminated the requirement, why the shift has happened, what these programs actually cost, and what the degree can do for your career — whether you’re just starting out or already working in a related field.
Author: Michael Hoffman, JD, MA
Expertise: Graduate Ed.Online LearningStudent SuccessEditor: Jordan Cosselman
- Right for You?
Reflective questions to help me determine if this degree aligns with my goals and readiness…
Read more - Degree Benefits
What the benefits of this type of degree are, how it’ll help me succeed, and why I should enroll…
Read more - Inside Real Programs
An inside look at actual online programs, exploring their structure, curriculum, costs, admission criteria, and more…
Read more - FAQs
Insightful and guiding answers to common questions prospective students like myself have about earning this degree…
Read more - Top Programs
A list of today’s best online and hybrid programs based on quality, affordability, and student support…
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Is a No-GRE Psychology Master’s Right for You?
Before applying, it’s worth being honest about a few things that matter more than whether the GRE is required:
- Admissions Criteria Still Matter: No-GRE programs typically put more weight on GPA, professional experience, and personal statements. A strong undergraduate record or relevant work history carries real weight in holistic review.
- Online Learning Requires Self-Direction: Asynchronous formats offer flexibility, but they demand consistent follow-through without the structure of in-person classes. If you’ve struggled with self-paced learning before, that’s worth factoring in.
- Know What the Degree Leads to: Most no-GRE psychology programs are non-clinical and won’t qualify you for licensure as a therapist or psychologist. If licensure is the goal, verify that the program meets your state’s requirements or look at dedicated clinical psychology or counseling programs instead.
- Doctoral Programs May Still Require GRE Scores: If a Ph.D. or Psy.D. is the long-term goal, check your target programs’ requirements before choosing a master’s that doesn’t include GRE prep. Many doctoral programs have also dropped the requirement, but not all.
Why Choose a No-GRE Psychology Master’s?
Lower Barrier to Entry
No GRE means less stress and cost during the application process. Instead of months spent on test prep and fees, you can channel your energy into your personal statement or gaining relevant experience. Schools sometimes explicitly evaluate applicants on their “experiences and interests” rather than a test score, making admission more holistic and accessible.
This inclusive approach improves the student experience by valuing real-world background over exam performance.
Faster, More Flexible Admissions
Without needing to schedule a GRE, you can often apply on shorter notice and multiple times a year. Many online psychology programs offer several start dates annually. This flexibility lets you jump into your studies sooner, keeping your career momentum going.
It also benefits working professionals who can align a program start with their schedule, rather than around test dates.
Focus on Experience and Academics
No-GRE programs tend to do a holistic review of applicants. They often put weight on GPA, letters of recommendation, and relevant work or volunteer experience. Cohorts will include people from varied backgrounds—enhancing class discussions, group projects, and your overall learning experience.
Students benefit from peers who bring diverse professional and academic perspectives, rather than just strong test-taking skills.
Expert Insight
As you progress through your studies in psychology, you’ll also come to recognize that clinical acumen is not always associated with high test scores. Providing meaningful care or research is the ultimate goal here!
Details of Three Popular No-GRE Online Psychology Programs
Pepperdine University
Pepperdine’s online MA in Psychology stands out for how little it asks of applicants at the front door: no entrance exams, no letters of recommendation, just a completed application and transcripts. The program runs 36–48 units, covers psychological theory and clinical principles, and offers multiple start dates per year through the Graduate School of Education and Psychology.
Graduates go on to roles in human services and related fields, and the curriculum is designed to prepare students for doctoral applications as well. The per-unit cost is on the higher end of this group, so it’s worth weighing against financial aid availability.
Duration: 18–24 months
Mode: Online
Cost: $1,945 per unit
Admissions Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree (any discipline)
- Completed online application
- Official transcripts
- Application fee (waivers available for early applicants)
- No GRE, no letters of recommendation required
Nova Southeastern University
Nova Southeastern’s MS in General Psychology offers something the other two programs here don’t: a choice of track. Students select either a General Psychology path or an Applied Health Science concentration, making it a better fit for those with a specific direction in mind. At $925 per credit across 30 credits, it’s also the most affordable of the three programs.
The program is non-clinical and doesn’t lead to licensure on its own, but it covers foundational research and theory that supports doctoral applications and advances careers in education, criminal justice, or human resources. Three start terms per year (August, January, May) and both full- and part-time enrollment options add flexibility.
Duration: 1–2 years
Mode: Online
Cost: $925 per credit
Admissions Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution (psychology major not required)
- Minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA
- Two letters of recommendation
- 500-word statement of professional goals
- Official transcripts
University of Southern California
USC’s MS in Applied Psychology takes a distinctly business-facing approach: the 34-unit curriculum blends organizational and consumer psychology to prepare graduates for people-focused roles in HR, organizational development, market research, and UX. The program is project-based throughout, with professional-level group work that translates directly to workplace scenarios.
Delivered online through USC’s Dornsife College, the program completes in 16 months at full-time pace. The per-credit cost is the highest of the three programs here, but USC’s name recognition in business and applied fields carries weight with employers in those sectors.
Duration: 16 months (full-time)
Mode: Online
Cost: $2,354 per credit
Admissions Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree (any field; social science background beneficial)
- Official transcripts
- Personal statement detailing goals and fit for applied psychology
- 3 letters of recommendation, including at least one professional reference
- Resume
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do no-GRE online psychology master’s programs cost?
Tuition for online psychology master’s programs varies widely. Public universities tend to have lower per-credit rates, whereas private institutions cost more. Below is a comparison of three program examples to give you an idea of the costs you can expect for your program:
| School | Credits | Cost per Credit | Total Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pepperdine University (M.A. Psychology) | 36 – 48 | $1,945 | $70,020 – $93,360 |
| Nova Southeastern University (M.S. General Psych) | 30 | $925 | $27,750 |
| Univ. of Southern California (USC) (M.S. Applied Psych) | 34 | $2,354 | $80,036 |
Do I need a bachelor’s degree in psychology to get into a master’s program?
Not necessarily, as many no-GRE psychology master’s programs accept students from a variety of academic backgrounds. The key requirement is usually a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution (in any field). Some programs do prefer or recommend prior coursework in social science, but it’s often not mandatory.
Overall, as long as you meet the GPA and other admission criteria, you can transition into psychology at the master’s level even if your first degree was in another field.
Are no-GRE psychology master’s programs accredited and respected?
Yes, as long as you choose an accredited university, the program’s credibility and rigor should be on par with those that require the GRE.
Accreditation ensures the curriculum meets quality standards. Employers and doctoral programs primarily care that your degree comes from a reputable, accredited school and that you gained relevant knowledge and skills. To be safe, verify each program’s accreditation (regional accreditation is the gold standard in the U.S.).
If the program is intended to lead to licensure, also ensure it has the proper specialized accreditation or state approval.
Will an online no-GRE master’s in psychology prepare me for a PhD or PsyD program later?
Often, yes. A master’s in psychology (GRE or no GRE) can be a stepping stone to doctoral programs, especially if it includes research training.
If your goal is a PhD or PsyD, look for a master’s curriculum that offers research methods, statistics, and possibly a thesis or capstone project. Engaging in any optional research opportunities or faculty projects during your master’s will strengthen your doctoral applications.
Keep in mind that while your master’s program may waive the GRE, some doctoral programs might still require GRE scores (though an increasing number are waiving it too).
Can I work full-time while pursuing an online psychology master’s?
Yes, many students in online no-GRE programs are working professionals. These programs are built with flexibility in mind. Online courses often allow you to attend lectures asynchronously (on your own schedule) and are designed for part-time enrollment.
It’s wise to start with a lighter course load (maybe one course in your first term) to gauge the workload. It’s about finding the right pace and communicating with both your employer and professors when life gets busy.