Earning a master’s degree is an exciting endeavor that can help you build advanced skills and expertise in your chosen field or prepare you for new opportunities. Admissions requirements such as standardized test scores can stop many prospective students from taking the next step, especially if you’ve been away from higher education for an extended time.
Due to growing demand for flexible graduate programs with streamlined admissions processes, many online master’s programs — including those offered at Boise State Online — either no longer require Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores or provide alternate pathways and waivers for qualified applicants.
If you’re looking for an online master’s degree program with no GRE requirements, first, understanding what the GRE is — and why some universities have moved away from it — may help you choose the best graduate program for your future goals.
What is the GRE?
The GRE is a standardized test that measures verbal and quantitative reasoning, critical thinking and analytical writing skills.
For business and management programs, you may also run into the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT), which assesses similar skills but has an added mathematical literacy component.
These tests are used by many graduate programs to determine your eligibility and whether you’re prepared for advanced academic work.
Why do some online master’s degree programs no longer require the GRE?
Many programs are reconsidering whether these standardized test scores are necessary for evaluating applicants. Some have eliminated them as an admission requirement entirely or started to offer waivers based on previous academic performance, professional experience in the field of study or other qualifications.
This process change:
- Reduces barriers for applicants. Preparing for and taking an exam takes time and can be expensive. Removing this requirement makes the graduate application process more accessible.
- Simplifies and speeds up admissions. With fewer steps in the process, applicants can concentrate on preparing transcripts, personal statements, resumes and other program-specific requirements.
- Focuses more on practical experience than test performance. For career-focused programs, GRE test scores don’t carry as much weight as professional and life experience. Boise State’s Online MBA, for example, evaluates applicants based on factors like leadership experience, general motivation and prior academic performance rather than GRE or GMAT scores.
Boise State Online master’s degree programs that don’t require the GRE
Boise State Online offers multiple master’s degree options, with admissions requirements varying by program. Here are examples of programs that don’t require GRE test scores.
Online Master of Science in Cyber Operations and Resilience
The online Master of Science in Cyber Operation and Resilience is designed for working professionals seeking to advance their skills in cybersecurity by learning how to design, protect and maintain secure information systems and networks. The program offers technical and non-technical tracks and has flexible full- or part-time scheduling options.
For admission, applicants need a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution and a minimum 3.00 undergraduate GPA, with additional requirements for the cyber program, including at least two years of documented technology-related professional experience and a personal statement. No GRE or GMAT is required.
Online Master of Business Administration
Boise State’s online Master of Business Administration is another excellent option for professionals from a variety of industries and backgrounds looking to advance toward leadership roles. The Online MBA program emphasizes business knowledge, leadership and management skills that professionals can apply in the workplace.
Applicants are evaluated on academic performance, professional and leadership experience, aptitude for graduate study, writing skills and other factors rather than GRE or GMAT test scores. A bachelor’s degree, qualifying undergraduate GPA and two years of significant full-time management experience are among the listed requirements.
Master of Social Work Online
If you’re interested in moving forward with your social work education, the Master of Social Work Online is an excellent choice that helps you build clinical, organizational and policy skills. Boise State’s MSW Online also connects you with a professional team of field coordinators who will help you secure field work in your area. The program’s commitment to helping secure department-approved field placement for students distinguishes it from similar options.
As for the application process, MSW Online doesn’t require GRE test scores, but rather:
- A personal statement of intent
- A current resume
- A background check
- A signed and notarized disclosure form
The final step in the admissions process is a 30-minute interview conducted by faculty.
Additionally, MSW Online offers two pathways — Regular and Advanced Standing — for students with a background in social work and those entering from other fields.
Online Master of Science in Organizational Performance and Workplace Learning
The online Master of Science in Organizational Performance and Workplace Learning helps students excel in fields such as instructional design, human resources development and performance improvement through hands-on research labs and portfolio development.
For admission, the program requires a resume and statement of purpose, instead of standardized test scores, along with technical computer and software capabilities.
Boise State Online master’s degree programs that do require the GRE
Not every Boise State Online graduate program has the same admissions policy. Boise State’s online Master of Science in Accountancy (MSA), for example, lists a GMAT score of 500 or higher, an LSAT score of at least 150, or GRE scores of at least 152 in both verbal reasoning and quantitative reasoning as an admissions requirement.Â
That said, qualified MSA applicants may be eligible for a GMAT/GRE waiver. Current waiver pathways include meeting specified GPA requirements in undergraduate and upper-division accountancy coursework, having a 3.00 or higher undergraduate GPA plus two years of relevant professional experience, holding a current CPA, CMA or CIA certification, or having earned a qualifying advanced degree with a 3.00 or higher GPA.
This means the MSA is an example of a program where some students may be able to pursue online master’s admissions without a GRE, even though the standardized test is part of the admissions process.
Should you choose a program with or without a GRE requirement?
If you are comparing program requirements, avoiding the stress of standardized testing can be a concern but shouldn’t be the only factor in your decision. When choosing a program:
- Consider your academic background. Review each program’s requirements, prerequisites and other academic expectations. A no-test admissions process doesn’t mean that the program is less selective.
- Evaluate your professional experience. When pursuing career-focused degree programs, relevant work experience should play an important role in your application process. Both Boise State’s Online MBA and Master of Cyber Operations and Resilience list at least two years of professional experience in their admissions requirements.
- Think about your goals. Consider the curriculum, specialization options, faculty, program flexibility and career relevance of a program before factoring in GRE requirements.
In other words, choosing the master’s program that best fits your educational needs is more important than choosing a program that eliminates a test.
Learn more about Boise State Online
Boise State Online offers 100+ online programs and 900+ unique online courses to help you make your educational dreams a reality — and we’re here to support you every step of the way. Whether you’re exploring if an online program is right for you or need help transferring credits, connecting with a student success coach is the perfect first step.
Ready to learn more? Attend one of our online information sessions or contact a student success coach today.