Yes, you can do masters in the USA without GRE—and an increasing number of universities now offer GRE-waived or GRE-optional policies. The trend accelerated after 2020, and as of 2025, many reputable institutions accept applicants based on academic records, statements of purpose, letters of recommendation, and work experience instead of a GRE for masters .
Programs most likely to waive the GRE for masters include those in computer science, data science, engineering, public health, and business (especially professional master’s like MS or MPS degrees). Schools such as New York University, University of Southern California, Northeastern University, and Arizona State University explicitly state that the GRE for masters is not required for certain departments.
However, the policy varies by university and even by department within the same institution. For example, the same school may require the GRE for masters in economics but waive it for applied analytics. Always check the specific program’s admissions page—not the general graduate school site.
Conditions and Alternatives
Even when the GRE for masters is optional, submitting a strong score can strengthen your application, especially if your undergraduate GPA is below 3.0 or your degree is from a less-known institution. Some programs offer automatic waivers for applicants with relevant work experience (typically 2+ years), a prior graduate degree, or a high undergraduate GPA.
Importantly, waiving the GRE for masters in the USA does not eliminate other requirements. International students still need to prove English proficiency through IELTS, TOEFL, or Duolingo unless exempt.
You can do masters without GRE, but you must research each program thoroughly. Focus on schools with clear GRE-waived policies aligned with your profile. When in doubt, contact the admissions office directly to confirm current requirements.
Doing a masters in the USA without GRE is not only possible—it is increasingly common for well-prepared applicants.