Schools in the U.S. that allow entry to a master's program without a bachelor's

[soupbone]

This is a curious question. I have been seeing universities outside of the U.S. allowing entry into master's level programs without a bachelor's. These universities usually require major documentation of experience in the field before entry is even considered such as a resume, letters of reference,etc. So the question is do they exist inside the U.S.? I searched all the forums I go to and google and could not find much information. I am very interested in finding out if they even exist.

[MaieJaie]

This is a curious question. I have been seeing universities outside of the U.S. allowing entry into master's level programs without a bachelor's. These universities usually require major documentation of experience in the field before entry is even considered such as a resume, letters of reference,etc. So the question is do they exist inside the U.S.? I searched all the forums I go to and google and could not find much information. I am very interested in finding out if they even exist.

From what I've seen, the type of masters program to which you're referring is a masters program where the entire degree is earned through research, not through coursework. It's common in many other countries for graduate study to be completed by a dissertation with little to no actual classroom study. Also, some other countries have multiple different academic qualifications, so the bachelor's degree isn't necessarily the expected credential of an undergraduate education. Some of the schools I've seen in Australia, for example, do not require a bachelor's degree for graduate program admissions, but do require an undergraduate diploma in the discipline. The diploma is an academic credential falling somewhere between an associate's degree and a bachelor's degree...typically the diplomas can be completed in three years if studying full-time.

As far as universities in the US, I don't know of any that will completely admit a student into a masters program who doesn't have a bachelor's degree. I've seen some graduate certificates, though, that didn't require a bachelor's degree for admission. That being said, countless students apply to the graduate programs and receive admissions descisions prior to their undergraduate degree conferral, so that in that sense one could say that people are admitted to graduate programs without bachelor's degrees. Other options that are common are combination bachelor-master programs, where the student is admitted to graduate study to begin work toward the masters while still completed requirements for the bachelor's degree, but these are generally at the same institution, or at least within the same academic consortium. Plus, a lot of graduate schools will let students take classes without being formally enrolled.

I don't know of any regionally accredited programs that will admit a student into a masters program who doesn't have any postsecondary preparation. I don't recall seeing any Distance Education & Training Council nationally accredited programs that will admit students into a masters program without an undergraduate degree, either.

I suppose, though, that some seminary institutions would have this option. I don't know of any programs, but I wouldn't be surprised if some seminaries admit clergy and laypeople directly into graduate programs if they have substantial experience as leaders within the associated faith community.

[soupbone]

From what I've seen, the type of masters program to which you're referring is a masters program where the entire degree is earned through research, not through coursework. It's common in many other countries for graduate study to be completed by a dissertation with little to no actual classroom study. Also, some other countries have multiple different academic qualifications, so the bachelor's degree isn't necessarily the expected credential of an undergraduate education. Some of the schools I've seen in Australia, for example, do not require a bachelor's degree for graduate program admissions, but do require an undergraduate diploma in the discipline. The diploma is an academic credential falling somewhere between an associate's degree and a bachelor's degree...typically the diplomas can be completed in three years if studying full-time.

As far as universities in the US, I don't know of any that will completely admit a student into a masters program who doesn't have a bachelor's degree. I've seen some graduate certificates, though, that didn't require a bachelor's degree for admission. That being said, countless students apply to the graduate programs and receive admissions descisions prior to their undergraduate degree conferral, so that in that sense one could say that people are admitted to graduate programs without bachelor's degrees. Other options that are common are combination bachelor-master programs, where the student is admitted to graduate study to begin work toward the masters while still completed requirements for the bachelor's degree, but these are generally at the same institution, or at least within the same academic consortium. Plus, a lot of graduate schools will let students take classes without being formally enrolled.

I don't know of any regionally accredited programs that will admit a student into a masters program who doesn't have any postsecondary preparation. I don't recall seeing any Distance Education & Training Council nationally accredited programs that will admit students into a masters program without an undergraduate degree, either.

I suppose, though, that some seminary institutions would have this option. I don't know of any programs, but I wouldn't be surprised if some seminaries admit clergy and laypeople directly into graduate programs if they have substantial experience as leaders within the associated faith community.

Thanks for the thorough reply. I had the feeling that they simply didn't exist in the U.S. but I was trying to make sure. I've seen an Australian program similar to what you explained. It did not explain the length of the certificate that is needed prior to admittance but it was required.

The specific program I was asking about in a different thread was University College Dublin's MSc in Cybercrime and Forensic Computing (Online MSc Programme in Forensic Computing and Cybercrime Investigation | UCD Centre for Cybercrime Investigation).

Here is what makes me interested in this degree. From their website: Entry Requirements
Students entering this course will be expected to have an employment contract with a law enforcement agency and to either have at least a second class bachelor's degree in Computer Science or a cognitive discipline or, alternatively, a signifiant amount of training or practical experience in forensic computing/cybercrime investigation. Each application will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.

Unfortunately I only have my associate's degree but I do meet the alternate degree requirements. This is a very appealing option at this point but the only drawback is some required travel. Twice during the program you must travel to Dublin to take examinations. Now I'm not against travel but I hate flying. This is why I was curious if a degree program like this existed outside of Europe. I also wonder about the utility of such a degree within the U.S. This program is endorsed by both Microsoft and Interpol so it also has some pretty impressive backing. Thanks for your information. I hope to make a decision this week and I was just trying to see if there was an equivalent program here in the states. Thanks!

[malcs]

This is a curious question. I have been seeing universities outside of the U.S. allowing entry into master's level programs without a bachelor's. These universities usually require major documentation of experience in the field before entry is even considered such as a resume, letters of reference,etc. So the question is do they exist inside the U.S.? I searched all the forums I go to and google and could not find much information. I am very interested in finding out if they even exist.

Soupbone,
If you have an associates degree your best bet might be to put the pedal to the metal and get a BS before you get the masters. By doing so you will have many choices when it comes to your masters. You could do this realistically in less than six months if you put a lot of time into it. In addition, you will have your BS degree for any job situations that come up during the time you are working on your masters.

One way to go would be to enroll in Excelsior's BSLS program, and test out of all of the business and psych courses that you can find. That would give you most of the credits you need, and give you lots of necessary background for cybercrime studies. You will find that you get on a roll with these tests, and there is lots of overlap.

If you do find some school that accepts your associates for entry into a masters program, and that school does not work out for you half way through the program, you will have no transfer options and lots of lost money. Shortcuts always sound good in the beginning, but rarely work out the way you want them to.

Best of luck!

[soupbone]

Soupbone,
If you have an associates degree your best bet might be to put the pedal to the metal and get a BS before you get the masters. By doing so you will have many choices when it comes to your masters. You could do this realistically in less than six months if you put a lot of time into it. In addition, you will have your BS degree for any job situations that come up during the time you are working on your masters.

One way to go would be to enroll in Excelsior's BSLS program, and test out of all of the business and psych courses that you can find. That would give you most of the credits you need, and give you lots of necessary background for cybercrime studies. You will find that you get on a roll with these tests, and there is lots of overlap.

If you do find some school that accepts your associates for entry into a masters program, and that school does not work out for you half way through the program, you will have no transfer options and lots of lost money. Shortcuts always sound good in the beginning, but rarely work out the way you want them to.

Best of luck!

I'm actually already enrolled in a bachelor's program and taking classes but it's interesting that I could also start a master's while completing the bachelor's. I am interested in some of the U.S. programs such as Champlain College's MS in Digital Forensic Management ( Master of Science in Digital Investigation Management ) but it's just very appealing to be able to start the master's now rather than fall of 2010. Thanks for the reply!

[malcs]

I'm actually already enrolled in a bachelor's program and taking classes but it's interesting that I could also start a master's while completing the bachelor's. I am interested in some of the U.S. programs such as Champlain College's MS in Digital Forensic Management ( Master of Science in Digital Investigation Management ) but it's just very appealing to be able to start the master's now rather than fall of 2010. Thanks for the reply!

That sounds like a great plan.

[HawkGuy]

You don't need a bachelors to get a MBA from Harvard.