Yes, you can get a master's without taking the GRE at many accredited universities in the U.S. and abroad. A significant number of graduate programs—particularly professional master’s degrees—have eliminated the GRE requirement to create more accessible and holistic admissions processes.
Programs in fields like computer science, data analytics, cybersecurity, public administration, nursing, and business often accept applicants based on undergraduate transcripts, work experience, letters of recommendation, and personal statements. Institutions such as Northeastern University, University of Illinois, and Syracuse University offer multiple master’s tracks where you can get a master's without taking the GRE.
However, policies vary by department. While one program may be fully GRE-optional, another within the same university might still require it—especially research-intensive or PhD-prep tracks. Always verify current requirements on the official program webpage, not third-party sites.
When the GRE May Still Be Advisable
Even if you can get a master's without taking the GRE, submitting a strong score can enhance your application. This is especially true if your GPA is below 3.0, your academic background is unrelated to the field, or you’re an international applicant from a less-familiar institution.
Some schools offer conditional waivers—for example, for applicants with two or more years of professional experience or a prior graduate degree. In such cases, you can get a master's without taking the GRE if you meet specific criteria.
Note that waiving the GRE does not exempt you from English proficiency tests like IELTS or TOEFL if you’re a non-native speaker.
To confirm whether you can get a master's without taking the GRE, research each target program directly. Look for phrases like “GRE not required,” “GRE optional,” or “GRE waived for qualified applicants.”
Many students now build competitive profiles without the exam—focusing instead on experience, clarity of purpose, and academic potential.
Your path to graduate study can be GRE-free—if you choose programs aligned with that flexibility.