No GRE, No Problem: Unveiling the Best MS Programmes

The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is a standardised test for admission to graduate programmes. Many globally-ranked universities are removing the once obligatory GRE requirement for master’s programme admissions. Many suggest that GRE scores are not a predictor of graduation success. In response to recent research showing little correlation between GRE scores and graduate school success and concerns that the test disadvantages minority groups, many programmes exclude the GRE from their application requirements. Let’s look at some of the best MS programmes without GRE scores.

Is GRE Required for Master's?

The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is a standardised test that examines students’ cognitive skills, analytical writing, verbal reasoning, and numerical performance. Despite its widespread use, the GRE’s relevance for master admissions is increasingly being questioned. As a result, many universities no longer require GRE scores for MS programs. The universities accept applicants based on essays, letters of recommendation, undergraduate transcripts, higher GPAs, extracurricular activities, and work experience instead of the GRE.

Types of Graduate School Waivers for GRE

For Indian students, the GRE burden poses an extra barrier beyond just academic credentials. Thankfully, many globally esteemed universities now offer GRE test waivers. While waiver eligibility criteria vary across colleges, some common grounds include:

1. Previous Earned Graduate Degree

If you have a degree in a similar field, some colleges will waive the GRE requirement based on your experience. The Doctor of Nursing Practice is an example of such a degree. For example, Marquette University and Yale University require additional graduate degrees instead of GRE.

2. Work Experience

Many reputable colleges and universities allow you to substitute work experience for admission procedures instead of the GRE. Applicants exhibiting leadership, technical prowess, research, or academic excellence through work profiles gain favourable consideration, especially for programmes focused on applied learning. University of Chicago, Duke University, and the University of Pennsylvania are some of the best-known universities.

3. Undergraduate GPA Range:

You’ll be happy to know that many colleges don’t require students to take the GRE if their GPA falls within a specific range. A notable example of a GRE waiver is the Illinois Institute of Technology, which allows students with a minimum 3.0/4.0 GPA to be admitted to professional graduate programmes without submitting a GRE score.

4. No GRE Policy

Many graduate programmes do not require applicants to take the GRE test. This policy is generally followed by higher education institutions that emphasise your research work and previous experience. You can always find a school with a “No GRE” policy.

You can unlock global academic opportunities with Career Launcher‘s expert guidance on studying abroad without a GRE.

Universities without GRE requirement – By Programmes

Here is the list of top universities that offer some MS programmes without GRE scores:

Field of Study	Colleges/Universities	Other Popular Fields of Study	Key Strengths/Unique Offerings
Accounting	University of California-Irvine	MAS in Criminology, Law & Society, MA in Urban & Regional Planning, MA in Legal & Forensic Psychology	No GRE required for certain programmes, strong in Legal & Forensic Psychology
	University of Washington-Seattle Campus	MBA & MA in Business Analytics	Emphasis on Business Analytics, no GRE for select programmes
	The University of Idaho	MS Geology, MS Computer Science, MS Engineering, MS Architecture, MS Philosophy, MS Metallurgy & MS Biological Engineering	Diverse engineering programmes, strong in Geology and Biological Engineering
	California State University-Fullerton	MS in Chemistry, MS in Civil Engineering & MS in Mechanical Engineering	Well-known for Engineering and Chemistry, comprehensive MS programmes
Business	Temple University	MS in Computer Science	No GRE for CS programme, strong industry connections
	American University	MS in Data Science	Data Science programme with strong industry ties, no GRE required
	Colorado State University	Executive MBA – Global Business & the Executive MBA – Management Technology	Global and Technology-focused MBA programmes, strong business network
	Georgia Institute of Technology		Notable for its engineering and business integration
Communications	George Washington University	MS in Public Health	Public Health with a strong focus on policy and management
	Colorado State University-Fort Collins	Civil Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Environmental Engineering (ONLINE) & Mechanical Engineering	Wide range of engineering disciplines, strong in Environmental Engineering
	California State University-Chico	MA in Public Relations	Reputed in Public Relations and Communications
Computer Science and Technology	Florida Institute of Technology	Biostatistics, Data Science, Cell and Molecular Biology and Health and Bioinformatics	Diverse STEM programmes, focus on Health and Bioinformatics
	Grand Valley State University	MS in Civil & Infrastructure Engineering, MS in Health Informatics, MS in Applied and Physical Engineering	Strong in Health Informatics and Civil Engineering
	George Mason University	MS in Accounting	Accounting programme with practical industry applications
	Illinois Institute of Technology	MS in Data Science	Notable Data Science programme, strong research focus
	Johns Hopkins University		Renowned for its engineering and technology programmes
Psychology	Sacred Heart University	MPH Programme	Public Health programme with a community focus
	North Chung-Ang University	MS in English Literature	Strong in English Literature, diverse humanities programmes
	The avant-garde university	MS in Arts, History, Criticism & Conservation	Unique offerings in Arts and History, focus on conservation
	Grand Canyon University	MBA	MBA with a strong emphasis on practical business skills
	University of Southern California	MS in Computer Science & the MS in Electrical Engineering	Electrical Engineering and Computer Science with cutting-edge research

Final Thoughts

Top overseas universities are expanding STEM graduate programmes open to talented Indian applicants without rigid GRE score requirements. Research your options thoroughly as you begin your journey to MS programmes without GRE scores. Choose a path that aligns with your career goals and leverages your unique strengths.

Shaifali Bhardwaj
Content Writer

About Author

A people- and story-person, Shaifali enjoys crafting narratives inspired by the life of people she meets. She likes to read autobiographies and fiction, indulge in some YRF drama, and even spin stories inspired by everyday objects (like her work desk). Stories being her oxygen, she began her career with HT Media, where she wrote health and entertainment news stories, and later started helping students write and edit essential application documents like statements of purpose. This fulfilled her desire to uncover unique stories and articulate them in the most compelling manner, while forming lasting bonds with her students. Presently with Career Launcher Study Abroad, she’s expanding her skills in website content and copywriting to advance in her field. On weekends, you may find her at a dance workshop or requesting weekday leaves for trekking adventures.