phd without masters online

2024 Best Universities That Offer PhD Without Masters

It may sound like a dream, but universities that offer PhD without a masters do exist.

Imagine fast-tracking your way to becoming a doctor in your field, skipping the traditional master’s step, and diving straight into deep, meaningful research. This article is your guide to understanding this unconventional yet rewarding path.

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We’ll explore the ins and outs of taking this leap to help you decide if this bold academic journey aligns with your aspirations and goals.

Universities That Offer PhD without a Masters Degree

Can you get a doctorate without a masters? For some, the answer is yes. In PhD programs without masters requirements, you can start working on your PhD right after earning your bachelor’s degree. This means you can focus on intensive research and specialized studies sooner.

It’s a path that may suit you if you’re keen on deepening your knowledge and expertise without the intermediate step of a master’s program. Typical eligibility criteria for these programs include:

• Strong undergraduate academic record
• Research experience
• Recommendation letters
• Well-crafted statement of purpose
• Standardized test scores (if required)

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) , higher education often leads to better job prospects and higher earnings. This route not only saves time but can potentially set you up for promising career opportunities.

You’ll be expected to start your research early. This could be a great fit if you’re already clear about your academic interests and ready to commit to a rigorous research schedule.

Advantages of Fast-Tracking to PhD

Deciding to go straight for a PhD without a master’s degree can be a big step toward your future goals. Here are some potential benefits for considering PhD online programs without masters requirements:

• Speed up your journey : By skipping a master’s program, you may get to your career goals faster.
• Save money : Like any college program, earning a master’s degree can be expensive.
• Immediately deep dive into your interests : Passionate about your field? You may jump straight into advanced studies and research.
• Unique opportunities : These programs can help open doors to rare and exciting research chances, placing you at the forefront of innovation early in your career.
• Stand out : Earning a PhD is a powerful statement about your ambition and skills.

Stepping directly into a PhD program may allow you to fast-track your ambitions and pave the way to a fulfilling future.

Disadvantages and Challenges of Direct PhD Programs

Jumping into a PhD without a master’s degree takes courage. It’s crucial to know the hurdles that might pop up before you start researching PhD programs online without masters requirements.

These are some challenges you may encounter:

• Rapid pace : You’ll likely face a steep learning curve without the preparation a master’s program can provide.
• Immediate research pressure : You’re expected to start producing original research right away.
• Fewer networking opportunities : Skipping a master’s program means missing out on making those crucial academic connections that may be valuable down the line.
• Tougher funding : Funding opportunities often lean toward those with master’s degrees, so securing financial support might be more challenging.
• Self-doubt : Without the stepping stone of a master’s, you might question if you’re ready for this big leap.

According to the NSCRC , with more people pursuing advanced degrees, the academic world is getting more competitive. Navigating these challenges requires resilience and a clear vision of your goals. Choosing a direct PhD route is about weighing these hurdles against your determination and passion for your field.

How to Choose a Doctorate without a Masters Degree

Choosing the right PhD program is key. Here are some important factors to consider:

• Accreditation : Accreditation is like a quality stamp for the program, ensuring that it meets certain academic standards. You can find more information at the S. Department of Education – Accreditation .
• Financial aid and scholarships : Cost can be a big factor, and having financial aid or scholarships can make a huge difference. You can visit the FAFSA website for more information.
• Faculty expertise : You want to learn from the best and ensure they have experience in your area of interest.
• Research opportunities : This is your chance to get hands-on experience in your field.
• Program structure and flexibility : It’s important to consider class schedules, online vs. in-person options, and the balance between coursework and research.

Choosing the right doctorate program is a personal decision that will shape your academic journey. Taking the time to weigh these factors carefully can help you find the best choice to fit your goals and needs.

Applying to Universities That Offer PhD without a Master’s Degree

Applying for a PhD program is like presenting your academic story. Here are some tips to help make each part of your application a testament to your passion and potential:

• Your research proposal : This is a window into your interests. Show your enthusiasm and readiness for the field by making it clear, engaging, and indicative of your ability to bring fresh ideas.
• Letters of recommendation : These are your personal champions, so choose mentors or professors who know your strengths intimately and can confidently vouch for your PhD readiness.
• Showcase your research journey : Research experience is a crucial part of your narrative. Highlight your involvement in projects, papers, or presentations.
• Ace the interview : Be prepared to discuss your motivations, research interests, and how you envision your growth in the program.

Your application is a holistic reflection of your academic identity. It should showcase your achievements and excitement for research and knowledge.

Do You Need a Masters to Get a PhD?

While many paths to a PhD traditionally start with a master’s, there’s a growing trend of programs allowing students to jump straight into doctoral studies from their bachelor’s programs.

This option may be perfect for those who are clear about their research interests and ready to dive into academic exploration. If you’re passionate, determined, and have a clear vision for your research, a direct route to a PhD may be your path forward.

Universities Offering Online PhD Without Masters Degree Programs

Methodology: The following school list is in alphabetical order. To be included, a college or university must be regionally accredited and offer degree programs online or in a hybrid format.

Capitol Technology University offers a PhD in Technology with two pathways for students who may not hold a master’s degree. Applicants may either already hold a doctoral degree or earn an MS in Research Methods while earning their PhD. CapTech’s program is fully online, and residencies are not required.

Capitol Technology University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Clemson University offers a PhD in Healthcare Genetics and Genomics. Applicants must hold at least a bachelor’s degree in a related field with a 3.0 cumulative GPA. Applicants who hold a master’s in the field may be given preference. The program is fully online, and courses are in a synchronous format.

Clemson University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Indiana University offers a PhD in Music Therapy through the Purdue School of Engineering and Technology at IUPUI. Students who do not already hold a master’s degree can earn a Master’s in Music Therapy through the program. The program requires the completion of 90 credit hours, including a dissertation, and is fully online.

Indiana University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Students who do not hold a master’s degree may apply for a PhD in Computer Science through Mississippi State University. The program is fully online and does not require campus visits. Courses follow a semester schedule, and there are start dates in the fall and spring. Applicants are not required to submit GRE or GMAT scores.

Mississippi State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Students who do not hold a master’s may earn a PhD in Computer Science through Nova Southeastern University’s bachelor’s track. The program requires the completion of 66 credits and is available fully online or on campus. The program has start dates in August, January, and May and follows a semester schedule. NSU is an NSA-designated school.

Nova Southeastern University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Saybrook University offers a PhD in Clinical Psychology program that is fully online. Students who do not hold a master’s degree must complete 103 to 109 credits to graduate, while those who do have a master’s in a related field must complete 100 to 106 credits.

The program can typically be completed in 5 years. It offers several specializations that may be declared, including Applied Psychophysiology, Creativity Studies, and Jungian Studies.

Saybrook University is accredited by the Senior Commission of Western Association of Schools and Colleges.

The University of Arizona offers a PhD in Nursing to students who hold a BSN through its BSN-to-PhD program. The program is mostly online, but short residencies are required. The program can potentially be finished in 4 years when attended full-time. Courses follow a semester schedule, and the completion of 79 credits is required to graduate.

The University of Arizona is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission.

The University of Central Florida offers a BSN-to-PhD in Nursing program for those who do not hold a master’s degree in nursing. All coursework is online, but short intensives on campus are required throughout the program. Applicants are not required to submit GRE scores.

The University of Central Florida is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

The University of Oklahoma offers a PhD in Nursing with a fast-track to PhD option for students who have a BSN but not a master’s degree. All coursework is fully online. The program can potentially be finished in 36 months, and there are start dates in the fall, spring, and summer. The completion of 78 credits is required to graduate.

The University of Oklahoma is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

The University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee offers a fully online program for a PhD in Nursing. Students with only a BSN may apply but must complete 15 additional credits before entering the program. The program starts every other year during the summer semester. It can potentially be completed in 3 years.

UWM is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Advance Your Career: Starting Your PhD without a Masters Degree

Starting your PhD journey without a master’s degree can be a bold step forward in advancing your career, particularly if you pursue some of the highest paying doctorate degrees . It’s a path that speaks to those ready to dive into deep academic waters, driven by passion and a clear vision for their future, with the added potential of high financial rewards in cutting-edge and high-demand areas.

If this resonates with you, you can start exploring accredited universities that offer this opportunity, including those providing online PhD programs for working professionals . These flexible programs are designed to accommodate your busy schedule, allowing you to balance your professional responsibilities with your academic pursuits. Your aspirations and determination may fast-track you on your way to becoming an expert in your field!

Can You Get a PhD without a Masters?

• Applying to a PhD

Yes, it’s possible to get a PhD without first having a Masters degree .

The conventional route for someone who earns a PhD is to pursue a Bachelor’s degree, followed by a Masters degree and then a PhD. However, several students opt to bypass a Master’s degree by enrolling onto a doctoral programme as soon as they complete their undergraduate degree.

Before we discuss how this can be done, it is worth mentioning the advantages and disadvantages of this route.

Advantages of Applying to a PhD without A Masters

The motivations for undertaking a PhD immediately after an undergraduate course are largely in saving money and time. This is because you will essentially eliminate a year of study. Another advantage of immediately enrolling onto a doctorate degree is project availability. If you find a project that you’re really interested in, it’s unlikely that it will still be available in a years’ time. Therefore, bypassing a Masters and enrolling directly into a PhD will increase your chances of securing the research project before it becomes unavailable.

Disadvantages of Applying to a PhD without A Masters

Although a Masters degree will add a year onto your academic journey, it can be incredibility helpful for your development and can help prepare you for a doctoral degree.

Not having a Master’s degree may prove to be a hindrance during your application process. This is because many other students will also apply to the same research projects, and it’s likely that the majority will hold a Masters. This will put you at a disadvantage to them.

Besides this, the dissertation project you’ll be required to undertake on a Master’s programme will provide you with a taste of what it is like to work on a research-based project. In addition to this, it’s likely that you’ll be able to select your own dissertation topic. As such, you can explore a specific field you’re interested in in further detail. This is a great way to confirm that both research-based work and the specific field you’re interested in are right for you before committing the next few years to it via a PhD.

Another advantage to the dissertation project associated with a Masters degree is the opportunity it provides you with to work closely with a project supervisor. This will help you understand the PhD student-supervisor relationship and communication frequency that works best for you. You can then use this knowledge to find supervisors who would compliment you when it comes time to find a PhD project to apply to. For tips on how to find a great PhD supervisor, check out our supervisor guide .

PhD without a Masters – How Does It Work?

To be considered for a PhD without a Master’s, at a minimum you will be expected to have a Bachelors degree. For students looking to enrol onto a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) PhD, a relevant Bachelors in a 3-year undergraduate course is usually expected. However, this is not the case for students looking to apply to non-STEM PhDs. Rather, students looking to apply to doctorates in subjects such as those surrounding Arts and Humanities are usually expected to have a relevant Bachelors from a 4-year course.

In addition to this, you will need to have demonstrated strong academic performance during your undergraduate course. This means that your Bachelors will need to be at least a UK Upper Second-Class Honours (2.1) for nearly all institutions to consider you.

Should you be accepted into a PhD programme without a Masters, the usual process will be to first register you as an MPhil student. You will then have a year to prepare and submit a thesis. Your thesis will need to detail the research you have carried out within that year and outline how you intend to continue it into a full PhD study. There are three outcomes of this MPhil thesis review:

• Failure and you’re not awarded anything.
• You pass, however, the supervisor doesn’t believe you’ve demonstrated strong research skills. You’re awarded an MPhil but they do not upgrade your course to a PhD programme.
• You pass and the supervisor believes you have proven yourself as a capable researcher. Your course is upgraded to a PhD as opposed to you being awarding an MPhil.

For more information on these outcomes, read the outcomes section of our PhD Viva guide .

Integrated PhD

Some universities offer Integrated PhD degree programmes (also known as an Integrated Masters degree). These are four-year programmes comprising of a one-year Masters degree immediately followed by a three-year PhD degree. These can prove a great option for graduate students who are looking to undertake a PhD without a Masters but are struggling to meet the eligibility requirements. You can read about the many benefits of  integrated degrees here .

Finding a PhD has never been this easy – search for a PhD by keyword, location or academic area of interest.

PhD without a Bachelors – Is It Possible?

Yes, it is possible to get a PhD without a Bachelor’s, however, this is extremely uncommon.

When this occurs, it is almost always reserved for very mature individuals. For example, an individual may not be in active academia but still may have significantly contributed to their field. This contribution could be through the work they have undertaken as part of their career, or as part of a long-term study project, they have undertaken out of self-interest.

In either case, the individual would need to prove that they have extensive experience in their field and have directly contributed to new knowledge within it. The key factor here is that their work has pushed the boundaries of existing knowledge. It is not enough for an individual to be regarded as an expert in their field – they must have contributed something new and meaningful. It’s common for individuals awarded a PhD through this means to have produced several publications within their lifetime. It’s also common for the individual to have gained several professional accreditations within their field before even being considered suitable for a PhD research degree.

Universities Offering PhD without a Masters

Unfortunately, there is not a centralised list of universities which offer PhDs without a Master’s degree. The reason for this is that the edibility requirements differ from PhD to PhD and from department to department.

Therefore, you will need to check the guidelines for each individual university and the requirements for each specific PhD you’re interested in.

Should you find a PhD programme you can apply to with a Bachelors, make every effort to make your application as strong as possible. This is because you will be competing against other candidates, most of who will have a Master’s degree.

Not only can you strengthen your application by having a Bachelors with a First-Class Honours (1st), but you can also do so by showing the traits of a successful researcher. This includes showing a genuine interest in the project, a high work ethic, and exceptional communication skills.

Additionally, a strong letter of recommendation from a respected university lecturer will prove very beneficial. This is especially true if the lecturer supervisors his or her own PhD students. This is because the lecturer will understand the skills required for an adept research student.

For more advice on how to apply to a PhD degree, check out our Application Process Guide.

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15 Best Online Doctoral Programs/PhD Programs – 2024

April 24, 2024

If you’re looking to attain a terminal degree but want to skip the commute to campus, an online doctoral program might be a great option for you. As our world becomes increasingly digital, many top universities have branched out into online learning, offering online PhD and doctoral programs that are just as rigorous as their in-person counterparts. Online graduate education can offer aspiring doctoral students flexibility, a high-quality education, and the option to continue working while pursuing a degree.

Many of the universities below in our round-up of the best online doctoral programs offer degrees in education—a common track for teachers looking to advance their careers. But universities across the country offer a wide range of degrees in everything from engineering management to library science. Read on for everything you need to know as you consider applying.

The Best Online Doctoral Programs – How Long Does It Take to Get a Doctoral Degree Online?

Online doctoral programs are often designed with full-time professionals in mind, prioritizing flexibility so that you can complete your degree at your own pace. Program lengths will vary, but most will take four to seven years. For students who need to take things slower, many programs offer options to spread degree requirements out over time. When applying, here are a few good questions to ask your admissions officer:

• How long do most graduate students take to complete their degrees?
• Are there flexible options for how many courses you’ll take per term?
• Will you pay tuition per semester or per credit hour? If paying by credit hour, will you able to choose how many classes you take each semester?
• Will you be required to write a dissertation? If so, how long do students usually take to write them?

The Best Online Doctoral Programs – Is an Online PhD Program a Good Fit for Me?

There’s no denying it: online doctoral programs are different than traditional ones. Many traditional PhD programs are designed for future academics, aka for graduate students who intend to apply for jobs as university professors after graduation. Traditional PhD programs are full-time, research-focused, in-person, and often offer graduate students funding in exchange for teaching or research assistant responsibilities. Online doctoral programs do also involve research, but most online graduate students are not full-time students. Rather, many students enrolled in online doctoral programs are working professionals who attend classes in the evenings or asynchronously. With that in mind, an online program can be a fantastic opportunity to further your current career.

An online doctorate program could be a great fit for you if:

• You want to advance your career. A doctorate can lead to further opportunities for promotion and certain fields offer automatic pay increases for people with advanced degrees.
• You love research and want to develop expertise in a topic that fascinates you.
• You learn well in online settings, including asynchronous classes.
• You plan to continue working while you study.

Online doctoral programs typically do not offer their students funding, though there may be scholarships and grants available to you.

The Best Online Doctoral Programs – What to Consider When Choosing an Online Doctorate Program

Since a doctorate can take 4-7 years or more to complete, choosing the right school for you is a huge decision. Our list below dives into many details you’ll need to know like acceptance rate, retention rate, and cost of tuition. It’s important to consider big-picture factors such as:

• Time to complete degree
• Professors and mentors—you’ll want to make sure you can study with faculty who have expertise in your academic interests
• Flexibility—does the program fit with your schedule? Do they require any in-person meetings?
• Graduation rate—ask your admissions officer for the most recent figures

You’ll also want to consider whether you want to pursue a PhD or a doctorate degree. If you’re pursuing a PhD, you can expect to focus more significantly on academic research and you’ll need to complete a dissertation. A doctorate is an equivalent degree that is less focused on academic research and may not require a dissertation. Doctorates can often involve more career development or hands-on practicum experience.

The Best Online Doctoral Programs – Are Online PhDs Respected?

Yes, online doctoral programs are just as rigorous and respected as their in-person counterparts. If you hope to earn a tenure-track faculty position at a university, it’s likely a traditional PhD program will be a better route. However, if you’re seeking a doctorate for career advancement and further learning, an online doctoral program can be a great fit. Many of the most prestigious universities offer online programs, and your diploma will likely not specify whether you completed an online or traditional degree.

The Best Online Doctoral Programs – What Do I Need to Apply?

Application requirements will vary depending on the program you’re applying to. All programs will require your academic transcripts, many require letters of recommendation, and some require GRE scores. On top of that, some programs will require a personal statement or writing portfolio. Contrary to what you might think, Master’s degrees are not always required for admission to online doctoral programs.

The Best Online Doctoral Programs/PhD Programs

1) university of florida.

Located in Gainesville, the University of Florida offers 10 different online doctoral programs . Well known for its graduate programs in education, educators can pursue PhDs in educational leadership, special education, computer science education, among other options. UF also offers online programs in nursing, Latin and Roman studies, microbiology, and a few other fields. Established in 1853, UF is a flagship state university with a strong reputation.

• Graduation Rate: 89%
• Acceptance Rate: 31%
• In State Tuition: $6,380
• Out of State Tuition: $28,658
• Application Requirements: Application portfolio (sample essays or projects), GRE scores, minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.4 or graduate GPA of 3.5, letters of recommendation

2) George Washington University

George Washington University ’s Department of Engineering Management and Systems Engineering leads the way with the university’s most comprehensive online PhD offerings . Through them, students can pursue doctoral degrees in cybersecurity analytics, engineering in artificial intelligence, systems engineering, or engineering management. Educators can also pursue well-respected degrees in education leadership and human and organizational learning.

• Graduation Rate: 85%
• Acceptance Rate: 43%
• Tuition: $31,770
• Application Requirements: GRE scores, personal statement, letters of recommendation, academic records

3) Johns Hopkins University

• A ten-year-old program , Johns Hopkins ’ online PhD in education allows students to specialize in digital age learning, entrepreneurial leadership, urban leadership, and other topics. Note their high graduation rate: Johns Hopkins is a competitive program , but admitted students are well-supported on their path to graduation.
• Graduation Rate: 94%
• Acceptance Rate: 11%
• Tuition: $57,010
• Application Requirements: Master’s degree, minimum GPA of 3.0

Best Online Doctoral Programs/PhD Programs (Continued)

4) texas tech university.

Texas Tech University offers a wide range of online and hybrid PhD programs that provide their students flexibility as they work toward completing their terminal degree. An affordable university in Lubbock, Texas Tech is a great place for future doctors of education, consumer science, technical communication, engineering management, and financial planning.

• Graduation Rate: 63%
• Acceptance Rate: 70%
• In State Tuition: $6,788
• Out of State Tuition: $14,968
• Application Requirements: Academic transcripts, portfolio and personal statement varies by program

5) Iowa State University

Although Iowa State University ’s online doctorate programs require some in-person meetings, ISU may still be a good fit for online students. With more uncommon online doctoral programs in hospitality management and apparel, merchandising, and design, ISU offers flexible routes to completing your dissertation.

• Graduation Rate: 75%
• Acceptance Rate: 88%
• In State Tuition: $9,758
• Out of State Tuition: $24,720
• Application Requirements: Academic records, minimum 3.0 GPA

6) University of Alabama

Online University of Alabama students may miss out on a lively campus culture and football games, but they can still take advantage of UA’s top-notch academics. Well-known for its online education graduate programs, UA also offers programs in social work, communication and information sciences, and engineering.

• Graduation Rate: 72%
• Acceptance Rate: 80%
• In State Tuition: $11,940
• Out of State Tuition: $32,300
• Application Requirements: GRE scores, academic records

7) University of Missouri

One of the most robust in terms of online offerings, the University of Missouri ’s online PhD classes are taught by the same professors who teach Mizzou’s in-person classes. Mizzou offers programs in education and nursing. They also allow students to pursue doctorates in harder-to-find subjects like health sciences, agriculture, architecture, and library science.

• Graduation Rate: 73%
• Acceptance Rate: 82%
• In State Tuition: $9,478
• Out of State Tuition: $25,946
• Application Requirements: Academic record, minimum GPA of 3.0, portfolio and personal statement varies by program

8) University of North Carolina Chapel Hill

One of the oldest public universities in the U.S., University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill is known as a leader in education. UNC Chapel Hill offers just three online PhDs: public health, nursing, and education. Although some online classes require in-person or proctored final exams, doctoral requirements can mostly be completed online.

• Graduation Rate: 91%
• Acceptance Rate: 25%
• In State Tuition: $9,208
• Out of State Tuition:  $36,891
• Application Requirements: GRE scores, academic records, letters of recommendation, personal statement

9) Georgia Southern University

Located in Savannah, Georgia Southern University works hard to create an environment of support and collaboration, even online. One of the more robust programs out there, GSU offers respected online programs in public health, nursing, education, and engineering.

• Graduation Rate: 54%
• Acceptance Rate: 91%
• In State Tuition: $4,986
• Out of State Tuition: $19,890
• Application Requirements: Minimum GPA of 3.0

10) Indiana University

Indiana University allows students to study at their own pace through flexible online doctoral programs. One of the only schools to offer online programs in music therapy and philanthropy leadership, IU also allows students to pursue tracks in health sciences, education, and computing and technology. Most classes are asynchronous and students can take courses through any IU campus.

• Graduation Rate: 41%
• Acceptance Rate: 92%
• In State Tuition: $9732
• Out of State Tuition: $21,160
• Application Requirements: GRE scores, academic record

11) Mississippi State University

A solid option for future doctors of philosophy, Mississippi State University is a research-focused and inclusive university. An especially strong option for those looking to study engineering or computer science, MSU offers 9 different majors within those fields.  MSU also offers tracks in plant science and education leadership.

• Graduation Rate: 64%
• In State Tuition: $9,398
• Out of State Tuition: $25,444
• Application Requirements: Academic record, letters of recommendation, personal statement

12) Appalachian State University

Although Appalachian State University is known for its beautiful setting in Boone, North Carolina, App State still has much to offer online students. This school offers only one part-time PhD program in education leadership , but its affordability compared to other programs makes this school stand out.

• In State Tuition: $4,839
• Out of State Tuition: $18,271
• Application Requirements: Academic record, GRE scores or 3.0 minimum GPA, Master’s degree

13) Purdue University

An online doctoral program that maintains a high standard of excellence, Purdue is a great place for future doctors of technology, educational leadership and policy, and higher education. Purdue graduate students can expect to co-author papers with faculty and gain hands-on experience in research.

• Graduation Rate: 38%
• Acceptance Rate: 30%
• Tuition: $420 per credit

14) Concordia University Chicago

Concordia University ’s online doctoral programs allow students to complete their degree in three to five years. Through their shortened term system, students take 8-week classes and then write their dissertation in their final three semesters. A leader in online doctoral programs, Concordia offers paths in strategic innovation, healthcare management, education leadership, and organizational leadership.

• Tuition: $9,090
• Application Requirements: Academic record, Master’s degree with minimum 3.0 GPA, letters of recommendation, portfolio and personal statement varies by program

15) Clemson University

A public school in South Carolina, Clemson aims to prepare online doctoral students for diverse career paths. Proudly offering programs that are difficult to find elsewhere, Clemson graduate students can study healthcare genetics and parks, recreation, and tourism management. Education professionals can complete degrees in education systems, learning science, and teaching, literacy, language, and culture.

• Graduation Rate: 84%
• Acceptance Rate: 49%
• In State Tuition: $10,600
• Out of State Tuition: $22,050
• Application Requirements: Academic record, letters of recommendation, portfolio and personal statement vary by program

The Best Online Doctoral Programs – Additional Resources

Looking to learn more about graduate school admissions? We’ve got you covered.

Admissions Tips

• What is a Good GRE Score?
• Write a Grad School Statement of Purpose in 12 Simple Steps
• How to Get into Grad School with a Low GPA
• Do You Need a Master’s to get a PhD?

More about Online Learning

• Best Online MSW Programs
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• Graduate School Admissions

Christina Wood

Christina Wood holds a BA in Literature & Writing from UC San Diego, an MFA in Creative Writing from Washington University in St. Louis, and is currently a Doctoral Candidate in English at the University of Georgia, where she teaches creative writing and first-year composition courses. Christina has published fiction and nonfiction in numerous publications, including The Paris Review , McSweeney’s , Granta , Virginia Quarterly Review , The Sewanee Review , Mississippi Review , and Puerto del Sol , among others. Her story “The Astronaut” won the 2018 Shirley Jackson Award for short fiction and received a “Distinguished Stories” mention in the 2019 Best American Short Stories anthology.

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A Comprehensive List of Universities Offering PhD Programs Without a Masters Degree in the USA

May 30, 2023

Are you considering pursuing a PhD in the USA but don’t have a master’s degree? While a master’s degree is typically a prerequisite for a PhD program, there are some universities that offer PhD programs without requiring a master’s degree. In this article, we will provide a comprehensive list of universities that offer such programs, as well as the pros and cons of pursuing a PhD without a master’s degree.

• Why Pursue a PhD Without a Master's Degree?
• Pros and Cons of Pursuing a PhD Without a Master's Degree
• Is it Possible to Get Accepted Into a PhD Program Without a Master's Degree?
• How to Prepare for a PhD Program Without a Master's Degree
• What are the Admission Requirements for PhD Programs Without a Master's Degree?
• Top Universities in the USA Offering PhD Programs Without a Master's Degree
• Differences between Traditional PhD Programs vs. Those That Don't Require a Master's Degree
• How Long Does it Take to Complete a PhD Program Without a Master's Degree?
• What are the Career Prospects after Completing a PhD Program Without a Master's Degree?
• Tips for Successfully Completing Your PhD Program Without a Master's Degree
• Frequently Asked Questions About Pursuing a PhD Without a Master's Degree

Why Pursue a PhD Without a Master’s Degree?

There are numerous reasons why you might choose to pursue a PhD without first obtaining a master’s degree. Perhaps you have a strong background in a certain subject area and feel ready to delve deep into research in that field without first completing a master’s program. Alternatively, you may be looking to save time and money by combining your master’s and PhD studies into a single program.

Another reason why some individuals pursue a PhD without a master’s degree is because they have gained significant professional experience in their field and want to further their knowledge and expertise. In some cases, this experience may be equivalent to a master’s degree, making it unnecessary to complete a separate program before pursuing a PhD. Additionally, some PhD programs may offer a direct entry option for students who have not completed a master’s degree but have demonstrated exceptional academic and professional achievements.

Pros and Cons of Pursuing a PhD Without a Master’s Degree

As with any academic pursuit, there are both advantages and disadvantages to pursuing a PhD without a master’s degree.

Some of the advantages include:

• Saving time and money by combining your master’s and PhD studies
• Diving right into research in your field of interest instead of spending time on a master’s program
• Standing out as a unique candidate in the job market with both a PhD and bachelor’s degree

Some potential drawbacks include:

• Potentially missing out on valuable coursework and research experience obtained in a master’s program
• Not having a clear understanding of your research interests and goals before starting a PhD program
• Limited options for funding, as many PhD funding opportunities require a master’s degree

Another potential disadvantage of pursuing a PhD without a master’s degree is the lack of preparation for the rigor and demands of a doctoral program. Master’s programs often provide a foundation for the advanced research and writing skills required in a PhD program. Without this foundation, students may struggle to keep up with the pace and expectations of a PhD program.

On the other hand, pursuing a PhD without a master’s degree can also provide a unique perspective and approach to research. Without the constraints and biases of a master’s program, students may be more open to exploring unconventional ideas and methods in their research.

Is it Possible to Get Accepted Into a PhD Program Without a Master’s Degree?

Yes, it is possible to get accepted into a PhD program without a master’s degree at several universities across the USA. However, admission to such programs may be more competitive than traditional PhD programs and may require strong academic credentials and/or research experience.

Some universities offer direct-entry PhD programs, which allow students to enter a PhD program immediately after completing their undergraduate degree. These programs are designed to provide students with the necessary coursework and research experience to complete their PhD without the need for a master’s degree. However, it is important to note that direct-entry PhD programs may have stricter admission requirements and may be more rigorous than traditional PhD programs.

Learn More: INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS UNIVERSITIES IN THE USA

How to Prepare for a PhD Program Without a Master’s Degree

If you are considering applying for a PhD program without a master’s degree, there are several steps you can take to increase your chances of success:

• Gain relevant research experience in your field of interest through internships, research assistant positions, or independent research projects
• Connect with professors and researchers in your field to learn more about potential research areas and to obtain letters of recommendation
• Take courses or attend workshops to develop skills in areas related to your research interests, such as statistical analysis, coding, or data visualization

Additionally, it may be helpful to attend conferences or seminars in your field to stay up-to-date on current research and network with other professionals. It is also important to carefully research and choose PhD programs that align with your research interests and career goals. Finally, be prepared to work hard and be persistent in your pursuit of a PhD, as it can be a challenging and competitive process.

What are the Admission Requirements for PhD Programs Without a Master’s Degree?

Admission requirements for PhD programs without a master’s degree will vary from university to university, but may include:

• A strong academic record, typically demonstrated through transcripts and GPA
• Letters of recommendation from professors or researchers in your field
• A statement of purpose outlining your research interests and goals
• Standardized test scores, such as the GRE or GMAT
• Research experience or relevant work experience

It is important to note that some PhD programs without a master’s degree may require additional coursework or prerequisites to be completed before admission. Additionally, some programs may have a higher emphasis on research experience or a specific area of study. It is recommended to thoroughly research and understand the admission requirements for each program you are interested in applying to.

Top Universities in the USA Offering PhD Programs Without a Master’s Degree

Here are some of the top universities in the USA offering PhD programs without a master’s degree:

• California Institute of Technology (Caltech)
• Cornell University
• Harvard University
• Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
• Stanford University
• University of California – Berkeley
• University of Chicago
• University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
• University of Michigan – Ann Arbor
• Yale University

While pursuing a PhD without a master’s degree may seem like a daunting task, it can be a great option for those who are passionate about their field of study and want to dive deeper into research. Many of these universities offer accelerated programs that allow students to complete both their master’s and PhD degrees in a shorter amount of time.

It’s important to note that while these universities do offer PhD programs without a master’s degree, they often have strict requirements and prerequisites that must be met before being accepted into the program. Additionally, students may need to take additional coursework or exams to make up for the lack of a master’s degree.

Differences between Traditional PhD Programs vs. Those That Don’t Require a Master’s Degree

PhD programs that do not require a master’s degree will generally be more research-focused than traditional PhD programs. Students may begin researching and working on their dissertations earlier in the program, and may complete the program in less time than traditional programs. However, some of the courses and research opportunities available in traditional programs may not be available in programs that don’t require a master’s degree.

Another difference between traditional PhD programs and those that don’t require a master’s degree is the level of academic preparation required for admission. Traditional PhD programs often require applicants to have a master’s degree in a related field, while programs that don’t require a master’s degree may accept students with only a bachelor’s degree. This means that students in non-traditional PhD programs may need to take additional courses to catch up on foundational knowledge before beginning their research.

How Long Does it Take to Complete a PhD Program Without a Master’s Degree?

The length of time it takes to complete a PhD program without a master’s degree will vary depending on the university and the specific program. However, some programs designed for students without a master’s degree may take four or five years to complete, while traditional programs may take six years or more.

It is important to note that completing a PhD program without a master’s degree may require additional coursework and research to make up for the lack of advanced degree. Additionally, some universities may require students without a master’s degree to complete a certain number of credit hours before being admitted to a PhD program. It is important to research and carefully consider the requirements and expectations of each program before applying.

What are the Career Prospects after Completing a PhD Program Without a Master’s Degree?

Completing a PhD program without a master’s degree can open up a wide range of career opportunities in academia, government, non-profits, and industry. Graduates may go on to become researchers, professors, policy analysts, or consultants, among other professions.

One advantage of completing a PhD program without a master’s degree is that it can lead to faster career advancement. Many employers value the specialized knowledge and skills that PhD graduates possess, and may offer them higher salaries and more senior positions than those with only a master’s degree.

Another benefit of earning a PhD without a master’s degree is the opportunity to conduct cutting-edge research in a particular field. PhD students often work closely with faculty members and other researchers to develop new theories, methods, and technologies that can have a significant impact on their field of study.

Tips for Successfully Completing Your PhD Program Without a Master’s Degree

If you decide to pursue a PhD program without a master’s degree, here are some tips to help you succeed:

• Stay motivated and focused on your research interests and goals
• Take advantage of all available research and professional development opportunities
• Connect with professors and researchers in your field to build relationships and obtain support
• Develop strong time management and organization skills to balance coursework, research, and other commitments
• Stay up-to-date on the latest research and trends in your field

Frequently Asked Questions About Pursuing a PhD Without a Master’s Degree

Here are some common questions and answers about pursuing a PhD without a master’s degree:

• Can I pursue a PhD without obtaining a master’s degree first? Yes, several universities across the USA offer PhD programs without requiring a master’s degree.
• What are the advantages of pursuing a PhD without a master’s degree? Advantages include saving time and money, diving right into research, and standing out in the job market with both a PhD and bachelor’s degree.
• What are the disadvantages of pursuing a PhD without a master’s degree? Drawbacks include potentially missing out on valuable coursework and research experience, not having a clear understanding of research interests and goals, and limited options for funding.
• What are the admission requirements for PhD programs without a master’s degree? Admission requirements will vary by university, but may include a strong academic record, letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, standardized test scores, and/or research experience.

Overall, pursuing a PhD without a master’s degree is possible at several universities in the USA and can open up a variety of career opportunities. However, it may require more careful planning and preparation than a traditional PhD program, and you should carefully consider the pros and cons before deciding to pursue this path.

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• Graduate School

Is it Possible to Get a PhD Without a Master’s Degree?

Featured Expert: Dr. Abha Sood, PhD

Do you need a master’s to a get a PhD? No! A master’s degree is not a universal requirement for all PhD programs, and there are some types of programs which waive the master’s degree. If you’re interested in how to get a PhD but you want to shorten the time it takes to graduate, you do have options. While they are not numerous, there are excellent, accredited PhD programs in almost every field which do not require a master’s degree. In this blog, learn how you can get a PhD without a master’s, what your program options are and what you need to do to get accepted.

>> Want us to help you get accepted? Schedule a free initial consultation here <<

Listen to the blog!

Article Contents 8 min read

Do you need a master’s to get a phd.

The short answer: No . It is possible to get a PhD without a master’s degree, as there are programs which accept applicants who have not completed a master’s degree first.

We’ll explore these in more detail below, but first we’ll look at whether a PhD is the right path for you and why you might want to skip the master’s.

If you’re weighing your options for graduate school and deciding between a master’s or PhD , you’re probably wondering which one is the best choice for you and how to complete your studies in the fastest way possible. If your end goal is a PhD, you might be looking at a very long educational commitment. How long does it take to get a PhD? On average, 4-7 years, and this timeline doesn’t include the time it takes to get a master’s degree, another 1 or 2 years.

Chances are, you’ve finished 4 years of an undergraduate degree or you’re still earning your bachelor’s degree and thinking ahead a few years. The idea of 5+ more years of schooling can be a little intimidating, so you may be wondering how to get a PhD without a master’s.

There are few different types of PhD programs that do not require a master’s degree first. Note that all of these programs DO require a complete bachelor’s degree to apply! We’ll explain what your options are for completing a PhD without a master’s below.

1. Direct Entry PhD Programs

Direct Entry PhD programs allow students with a Bachelor’s degree to apply directly for a PhD in their field, without first completing a master’s degree. They are typically 4-5 years long, so they are appealing for students who want to earn a graduate degree and shave a few years off their timeline to graduation. Many of the top colleges in the US and the universities in Canada offer these types of programs. However, these programs are far from the easiest PhD programs to get into ! They are quite competitive and require specific admission requirements you’ll need to meet in order to be considered.

2. Online PhD Programs

Online PhD programs are growing in both number and popularity. Online PhD programs offer students greater flexibility while also shortening the time it takes to get a PhD. Most online PhD programs are between 2 and 3 years, although there are 4-year programs and even 1-year online PhD programs out there. Depending on your area of study, an online PhD may not be an option, but there are fully accredited options out there. And, some online PhD programs don’t require a master’s degree.

Direct Entry PhD Programs

Direct entry PhD programs can be a great option for students who want to jump straight from a bachelor’s degree to a PhD. This type of program is available in almost all disciplines, including business, computer science, education and nursing. These are also sometimes called accelerated PhD programs, designed to be 4-5 years and on your way to graduation sooner. As long as you meet all the admission requirements, you can apply to direct entry PhD programs without a master’s degree.

Universities with Direct Entry PhD Programs

Here are a few examples of top universities with direct entry PhD programs. This is not an exhaustive list, as there are many similar programs across the US and Canada!

Pros and Cons of Direct Entry PhD Programs

Since direct entry PhD programs accept students with a bachelor\u2019s degree only, the admission standards are naturally a little higher. Your academic record needs to be above average, and the minimum GPA to apply is usually 3.0 or even higher in some cases. On top of a stellar GPA, you also need to write the GRE, complete an application package and demonstrate you are ready for intense graduate level study without having completed a master\u2019s degree. ","label":"Cons","title":"Cons"}]" code="tab1" template="BlogArticle">

Admission Requirements for Direct Entry PhD Programs

Along with the usual PhD admission requirements, direct entry PhD programs may only admit students with only a bachelor’s degree if they demonstrate exceptional academic ability and extensive prior research experience. Here are some of the additional requirements you can expect for direct entry PhD programs:

• 4-year undergraduate degree (minimum GPA may be required)
• GRE (or GMAT, program-dependent)
• Research Experience
• Previous publications
• Excellent letters of recommendation
• Letter of Intent
• Research interest statement
• Grad school career goals statement
• Research Proposal
• Grad school interview

There are dozens of different online PhD programs out there, ranging from 1 to 4 years long. The length of time it takes to complete an online PhD program depends on the discipline. Online PhD programs are more common in fields like nursing, health sciences, business, education, criminology, engineering and computer science, though there are many more.

Many online PhD programs also have a hybrid learning option, where students can learn both online and in-person at the university. This gives you a little more flexibility and allows you to get the best of both worlds from an online PhD and a traditional one.

Online PhDs are also a good option if you want to do a PhD without dissertation or thesis, since a few of them don’t require it.

Universities with Online PhD Programs

Here’s a short list of universities that offer online PhD programs, but keep in mind there are many more out there.

Pros and Cons of Online PhD Programs

Lack of funding and networking : 100% online programs of course, lack the opportunities for in-person interaction and have fewer opportunities for professional networking in your field. There\u2019s also fewer funding options for online PhDs, if the program is not fully funded. ","label":"Cons","title":"Cons"}]" code="tab2" template="BlogArticle">

Admission Requirements for Online PhD Programs

Online PhD programs, or hybrid programs, will have the same admission requirements as most graduate school programs. On top of these, you will typically need a GPA of 3.0 and above, and you may need to complete specific prerequisite coursework.

The specific admission requirements will vary a little by program, but in general there won’t be anything unexpected.

If you’re thinking of applying to a PhD without a master’s degree, there are pros and cons to this decision. You may be wondering if not having a master’s degree will hurt your chances of getting accepted to a PhD program, or if it affects your chances of finding a job after graduate school.

While you can certainly choose to skip the master’s and still achieve your career goals with a PhD only, you should carefully consider your decision before you start applying to be sure it’s the right path for you.

Before you dive into PhD applications, consider the following things:

1. A PhD might not be necessary

Earning a PhD might not actually be necessary or especially helpful to achieving your career goals. A PhD is a research-focused, academic pursuit, so if your aim is to transition from academia to industry or find an industry job after a PhD , you might benefit more from earning years of work experience rather than years of education. There is always a possibility to pursue a PhD after a few years of working in your field if you change your mind.

In other cases, a master’s degree might give you the better mix of education and skill to achieve your career goals. And, a master’s degree is shorter and less expensive than a PhD, not to mention less competitive to get into.

On the other hand, if you are a true academic and want to find a job in academia , fast-tracking your PhD is a good way to do so!

2. A Master’s degree can give you a competitive edge

Having a master’s degree can actually give you a competitive edge for getting into some PhD programs. For example, even a direct entry PhD program that considers exceptional undergraduate students might give preference to a student with a full master’s degree if there is limited space in a program. Not to mention, not all PhD programs accept you without a master’s degree, and the ones that don’t require one will be more challenging to get into.

Completing your master’s first can also give you better and more funding opportunities for your PhD, if your program is not fully funded, since some scholarships and loans are only open to current graduate students.

3. A PhD is a huge commitment

Getting your PhD is a huge commitment of both your time and money, so you need to be certain it is the right choice for you before you put in the effort of applying and completing a program. Jumping from a bachelor’s right into an advanced graduate program is a big shift in the level of academic rigor and expectations, and not every student will be prepared for it.

Undergraduate students normally will not have the research experience or professional skillset that you would develop throughout the course of a master’s program. So the adjustment to a PhD program may prove to be too big a gap.

A master’s program is a sort of test-drive for graduate school study, introducing you to a higher level of education, research and learning. It’s also shorter and less expensive. So, you may not lose a much from changing your mind and dropping out of a master’s program as you will dropping out of a PhD.

Keep in mind that if you want to pursue advanced study in a new field or change jobs after working as an undergraduate, it will be difficult to find a PhD program that will accept you without a master’s degree.

Do you need a master’s to get a PhD? No, it is not strictly necessary. However, there are some advantages to earning your master’s degree first, and the path from bachelor’s straight to PhD is a little more challenging.

For those who are willing to commit and put in the hard work, the benefits of fast-tracking your PhD are definitely worth it, but you should carefully explore all your options and be sure of what requirements you need to meet first.

No. It is possible to get a PhD without a master’s degree. Some PhD programs accept exceptional students with a bachelor’s degree or allow you to earn a master’s and PhD in a combined, accelerated program.

While it is possible to skip your master’s and go straight to a PhD, you should consider what the options are, what the admission requirements are and whether graduate school is the right choice for you. Earning a PhD is a big commitment, so you need to be sure it’s a worthy pursuit!

Yes, direct entry PhD programs are highly competitive and the admission standards are usually quite high. These types of programs usually accept exceptional students who stand out from the crowd.

The shortest PhD programs are 1-year online degrees. While there are not many available, it is possible to earn a PhD in select fields, completely online, in around 12 to 18-months.

Traditional PhDs take between 4-8 years to complete. Direct entry PhD programs are usually 4-5 years, and online or hybrid PhDs can be between 2-3 years. 

Yes, there are dual degree programs that allow you to earn a master’s alongside a PhD, shortening the traditional timeline and saving a bit on tuition costs. 

A master’s degree is a graduate program that focuses on teaching you practical, career-related skills and knowledge. It’s designed for you to learn more advanced skills in your field so you can potentially increase your earnings in the workforce and pursue higher-level positions. A PhD is a heavily research-focused graduate degree. PhD students contribute new knowledge to their field through critical research and writing. 

It can be tough to decide whether to stop at a master’s degree or go forward and pursue a PhD. The decision will come down to your personal choice, the requirements for your chosen career or position, your budget, timeline, and whether you feel you can and want to commit to extensive graduate studies.

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• What is it Like to Do a PhD Without a Masters?

If you’ve always wanted to do a PhD, you might be wondering if you can get there without spending more time and money in university.

My journey to a PhD was a little different. Instead of a Masters, I did an Industrial Experience placement during my undergraduate in Biomedical Sciences. I spent 14 months working a 9-5 in a research and development lab. It was a great opportunity to experience working life, without the pressure of exams or coursework. This glimpse of life beyond studying helped put my final year of university into context and I felt better informed to decide my next steps. This turned out to be applying directly to a lab-based PhD project on a Doctoral Training Programme (which I was accepted onto).

There are numerous benefits of having professional experience before starting a PhD, but there are also some important things to consider as well!

The benefits of professional work experience

#1 skills learned during professional experience can really benefit a phd.

The world of professional work and academia may appear to be different, but the skills you gain from work experience can easily be applied to a PhD. In particular, strong transferable skills can really prepare you for the parts of a PhD outside of your research.

This might look like:

• Better time management and project management skills from working in an environment with shorter deadlines. This can prepare you for balancing independent work during a PhD with the many other demands (like teaching and paper writing).
• Experience of training colleagues which could prepare you for training undergraduate or Masters students in your academic group.
• Presentation skills from talking in team or company meetings is useful preparation for presenting to your supervisor, academic group or even at conferences.

#2 Good working habits

A life in academia often conjures images of long hours and even working through weekends. But it doesn't have to be this way! Gaining experience outside of academia can show you how to keep your work within more typical working hours and days. A company will also want you to plan for annual leave throughout the year. This perspective can help you maintain and stick to a good work life balance and prevent burnout during your PhD .

#3 Prepared for life beyond a PhD (or instead of. . .)

The experience of working life can help you decide to do a PhD for the best reasons, such as pursuing a subject you are passionate about or as a way to further advance towards your career goals. You will understand what life could look like after completing your PhD and likely have professional connections that could be useful in finding a job post PhD.

But there are several considerations to doing a PhD without a Masters

A Masters is a great way to experience postgraduate life and academic research in your field of interest without committing to a full PhD project. This can be useful as there are several differences between professional work and academia that are more easily understood from the experience of doing a Masters.

#1 Specific research skills

The skills you learn during a Masters could be directly applicable to a PhD project and put you in the best location to connect with supervisors in the field you want to study. This experience is highly beneficial in subjects where you write your own research proposal , particularly the Arts and Humanities subjects.

#2 The academic way of working

The days in academia can look different to those in the workplace. They are more likely to have no set working hours and more independent work. There is more time to get lost in the work as deadlines are often far into the future. This can feel different to working in a wider team with more meetings and shorter deadlines, which is more common in professional workplaces. A benefit of this goal-oriented way of working and regular contact with your supervisor is that it can help you to stay focused on the outcomes of your PhD and help you to work more efficiently. However, a Masters could help you to understand whether you would work well in the academic environment.

#3 Your motivations are different

In academia, work is usually driven by interest, not by importance or deadlines. The subject area is niche and the aims can evolve significantly over the duration of the project, so you have to become comfortable not knowing where the work is going. Unlike professional work, there isn’t an external structure or corporate goals to help guide and support your direction. A PhD supervisor will likely expect you to develop and lead the project aims. Although a Masters is over a shorter period of time, it can expose you to this and help you to learn whether you would feel comfortable with this style of working.

How to fill the (possible) gap between professional experience and a Masters

Without the experience of academic research during a Masters, you may find you have a steeper learning curve during the first year of your PhD . Some of these skills include how to maintain the student-supervisor relationship, how to conduct original research and write up your findings.

If everyone around you has that academic experience through a Masters, it might lead you to feel a little out of the loop or even as though you are an imposter in the academic environment. It is possible to work through this and have a great PhD, and many with a Masters still experience these feelings.

There are several ways to fill this possible experience gap. A PhD is a time to learn new skills, so finding a supportive supervisor who understands your background can help you to adjust into this new role. You could also enrol on an Integrated PhD programme that provides a year of research skills training before starting your three year PhD project. In addition, many universities run workshops for PhD students to connect and learn new skills alongside their research – these can include everything from highly technical skills to more general literature review and writing skills.

A reflection of my Industrial Experience year before starting my PhD

The transferrable skills and good working boundaries I learned during my Industrial Experience year have helped me greatly during my PhD and made me feel more prepared for my future career. Although this experience was relevant to my PhD, I had to learn new methodologies (but this could be the case with a Masters degree too) and consciously adapt to the academic way of working. I used my DTP training year to develop my research skills and I was open with my supervisor about what areas I needed training in throughout my PhD.

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Do you need a masters to get a PhD? [Straight to PhD without a masters]

Are you toying with the idea of jumping straight from your Bachelor’s to a PhD?

Wondering whether it’s even possible to bypass the Master’s degree and make a beeline for that doctorate? Many budding scholars question whether they need a Master’s to get a PhD or can venture on a more streamlined academic journey.

The truth is, yes, it’s possible to get a PhD without a Master’s, but it’s not a route everyone can or should take.

It’s a personal and strategic decision, hinging on a range of factors, from your academic performance to your research skills and the field of study.

In this blog post, we delve into the nuanced world of pursuing a PhD without a Master’s degree.

We’ll examine a real-life case study, explore the steps involved, estimate the duration, and weigh the pros and cons.

Whether you’re an undergraduate dreaming of a doctorate or a Bachelor’s graduate pondering your next steps, read on to unravel the intricacies of this frequently asked question in academia.

Can You Get a PhD without a Masters? Straight from your bachelor

Yes, you can get a PhD without having a Masters degree. Some come straight from the bachelor’s degree with no issues.

The prerequisites for a PhD vary by field and institution, but there are circumstances where exceptional undergraduates may transition directly into a PhD program.

For this, you need to demonstrate exceptional academic performance, usually through a first-class honors degree.

Real-world experience can also be a factor, especially in applied fields where professional contacts can be beneficial. It’s advantageous to have a good rapport with potential PhD supervisors, perhaps ones who taught you during your undergraduate studies, as they can vouch for your capabilities.

Your undergraduate research, especially if it aligns closely with your intended PhD area, can also provide leverage.

However, keep in mind that competition is fierce, and many successful PhD applicants hold a Master’s degree.

While not impossible, skipping the Master’s step is challenging, and requires diligent planning and effort. Master’s degrees can also equip you with important research skills, making the PhD journey more manageable.

So, if you’re determined to proceed directly from undergraduate to PhD, carefully weigh the benefits and challenges.

A case study:

A determined undergraduate, set a bold goal: to enter a Clinical Psychology PhD program without the transitional master’s. She customized her undergraduate years to match the competitiveness of a master’s candidate. High grades and impressive GRE scores were only the beginning. The student became involved in a research lab, providing firsthand experience with cognitive behavioral therapy for psychosis. Successfully bypassing the Master’s stage, This students journey demonstrates that strategic undergraduate planning and unwavering dedication can, indeed, lead directly to a PhD.

PhDs without a Masters – How Does It Work?

To pursue a PhD without a Master’s, you have to consider several crucial steps to convince a professor and research institute that you are the right candidate for this opportunity:

• Outstanding Undergraduate Performance : Aim for exceptional academic results, ideally achieving a first-class honours degree. This proves your academic prowess and dedication, factors that potential PhD supervisors highly regard.
• Focused Research Interest : Align your undergraduate research, including your dissertation, with your prospective PhD field. Your experience and research during your undergraduate studies could make you a compelling candidate despite not having a Master’s degree.
• Network : Cultivate a good rapport with potential PhD supervisors, preferably those who taught you during your undergraduate studies. Their knowledge of your abilities can be crucial in their decision to support your PhD application.
• Gain Relevant Experience : If you’re considering an applied field, try to gain real-world, practical experience. This experience, particularly if you make professional contacts, can be an added advantage.
• Application : Apply to universities that accept PhD candidates without a Master’s. Craft a persuasive application detailing your strengths, passion for the field, research interests, and relevant experiences.

Remember, pursuing a PhD without a Master’s is challenging due to stiff competition from Master’s degree holders. It requires exceptional strategic planning, unrelenting dedication, and resilience. It’s also worth considering that a Master’s degree can provide you with invaluable research skills, and might make your PhD journey smoother.

How Long Does It Take to Get a PhD Without a Masters?

Getting a PhD without a Master’s degree will typically take about the same length of time as if you had a Master’s degree, but the time can vary depending on the program, country, and individual dedication. Here’s a breakdown with approximate timelines:

In total, it typically takes about 5-7 years after your undergraduate degree to complete a PhD. It is essential to note that these durations are averages and can vary significantly based on individual pace, the field of study, program structure, and university policies.

This timeline also assumes a full-time commitment to your PhD studies. Part-time studies would extend the duration. Furthermore, the process can be expedited or prolonged based on the success of your research, any setbacks you encounter, or personal circumstances.

Should you do a PhD program without a Masters?

Deciding to pursue a PhD without first earning a Master’s degree is an intensely personal choice, often contingent on an individual’s academic journey and goals.

Securing a Master’s degree before entering a PhD program usually enriches your understanding of the field, refines your research skills, and may increase your chances of securing admission to a PhD program.

Without a Masters, you may face a competitive application process and potentially be at a disadvantage.

However, some determined undergraduates, with substantial research experience, successfully bypass the Master’s and head straight to a PhD, saving time and tuition.

This, known as an integrated or direct entry PhD program, however, requires meticulous planning, diligent research work, and unwavering commitment.

Wrapping up – Go straight to PhD from undergrad

Venturing straight from a Bachelor’s degree to a PhD, bypassing a Master’s, is a viable yet demanding route.

Navigating this academic journey requires meticulous planning, exceptional undergraduate performance, focused research interest, networking, relevant experience, and a persuasive application.

Remember, the academic competition is fierce, and most successful PhD students have completed a Master’s first. If you’re determined to proceed directly into a PhD program, weigh the benefits, challenges, and potential disadvantages.

Integrated or direct-entry PhD programs can save time and money, but also demand a substantial commitment to your research skills and academic experience.

Each journey is personal, so consider your own aspirations, capabilities, and the programs you’re interested in before making your decision.

Dr Andrew Stapleton has a Masters and PhD in Chemistry from the UK and Australia. He has many years of research experience and has worked as a Postdoctoral Fellow and Associate at a number of Universities. Although having secured funding for his own research, he left academia to help others with his YouTube channel all about the inner workings of academia and how to make it work for you.

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Do You Need a Master’s to Get a PhD? Not Necessarily

If you’re thinking about becoming an expert in your field by getting a PhD, you might already know how long the road ahead of you may be. Many people dream of getting a PhD, but they often get put off by the time commitment and cost involved before they can even get started.

After all, PhDs can take anywhere from 3 to 8 years  to finish — and in some cases, even more. Getting a PhD can be quite a difficult endeavor for people who have jobs , families, and other financial responsibilities to balance along the way.

If you want that coveted PhD without compromising your other responsibilities, you might find yourself asking, “do you need a master’s to get a PhD?”

The short answer is: not necessarily .

Although the traditional route to a PhD often involves getting a master’s degree first, many direct to PhD programs allow academics to skip an MA altogether. Even those with bachelor’s degrees have a decent chance at getting into a PhD program. However, going directly for a doctorate still has its advantages and disadvantages.

Table of Contents

How to Get a PhD Without a Master’s Degree

The minimum requirement to be considered for a PhD is a bachelor’s degree, but your chances of getting accepted will depend on how well you tender your application .

Educational institutions won’t freely advertise that they offer doctorates without master’s degrees. It becomes your task to look into the core beliefs of the universities you’re interested in to see whether you have a chance at success.

When putting together your application, you’ll have to check the universities’ requirements to ensure that your previous academic performance qualifies. The better your qualifications and recommendation letters are, the higher your chances of being considered.

Of course, you may be able to eliminate many of your troubles by going the direct to PhD route, which takes you from undergrad straight into a doctorate program.

PhD Without a Master’s – How Does it Work?

PhD programs that consider candidates who don’t already have a master’s will expect you to have at least a bachelor’s degree.

The expectation can vary depending on the doctorate, but the bare minimum requirement is generally:

A three-year undergraduate degree in a related discipline for STEM PhDs

A relevant four-year undergraduate degree for PhDs in the arts and humanities.

To be considered for a PhD without a master’s, you’ll also need to have a strong academic record from your undergraduate studies. Universities are highly selective when admitting PhD candidates without master’s, so you’ll need to show academic transcripts with a high GPA.

The first way you can study a PhD without a master’s is by applying to a program that allows a direct route from bachelor’s to PhD. There are a number of doctoral programs, especially online ones, that only require you to have an undergraduate degree to apply. Be aware that even if a master’s is not required, you’ll need to submit a strong application, including a compelling research proposal, in order to stand out from other applicants, many of whom may have master’s degrees.

Even if the program normally requires a master’s as a prerequisite, you may be able to get around this by first pursuing an MPhil. Under this process, you’re given a year to prepare a thesis, which outlines your initial research and how you plan to expand on it for a full PhD dissertation. If successful, your MPhil will be upgraded to a doctorate, you’ll become a PhD candidate, and eventually be able to earn a PhD. If you don’t demonstrate strong enough research skills, you may also pass and be awarded an MPhil degree, but won’t be upgraded to a PhD student.

Another option would be to pursue an integrated PhD program, sometimes known as an integrated master’s degree. These are specific courses offered by some colleges that combine a master’s and PhD: if you’re successful, at the end of the course you’ll be awarded both qualifications. Typically, integrated PhD programs last for four years, covering a one-year master’s and a three-year PhD.

How Long Does it Take to Get a PhD Without a Master’s?

Studying a PhD program without a master’s will typically add an extra year to the usual timeline , as you’ll need to spend an additional year either completing an MPhil or as part of an integrated PhD program. Therefore, as most doctorates take three to five years to complete, a PhD without a master’s will usually take between four and six years.

On the other hand, if you choose a PhD program that only requires a bachelor’s degree to join, it will only take the standard length of time for that program, usually three to five years.

Which Universities Offer PhDs Without a Master’s?

Unfortunately, most universities don’t advertise PhD programs without master’s, as candidates are generally accepted on a case-by-case basis. Furthermore, admission requirements for PhD programs are usually set by the school or department, so even if one PhD program accepts candidates without master’s degrees, this may not be the case across the university.

If you want to pursue a PhD without a master’s, you’ll need to contact the admissions committee of the programs you’re interested in, and check their requirements.

Is it Possible to Get a PhD Without a Bachelor’s Degree?

It is not impossible to get a PhD without first having a bachelor’s degree, but it is very uncommon. In some rare cases, universities may accept candidates for doctoral programs with extensive professional experience in lieu of an undergraduate qualification.

If you’re able to demonstrate significant contributions to your field through either work or self-directed study, and that you’ve directly contributed new knowledge to the discipline, you may be accepted into a PhD program. You’ll be more likely to be accepted if you’ve been published, preferably multiple times, and have a number of professional accreditations.

Advantages of Going Straight to PhD

The biggest advantage of bypassing a master’s degree is easily the amount of time and money you can save in the process.

An MA can take as short as a year or as long as three to obtain. And when doctorates usually take anywhere from 5-7 years, shaving 1-3 years off can make a huge difference — especially for busy people who want to get ahead in their careers quickly.

Of course, you also won’t need to pay thousands of dollars in tuition fees for an MA. These savings alone are usually enough to convince many people to go for a PhD without master’s degrees slowing them down along the way.

Other benefits you may encounter are:

• Grants and Stipends – Another advantage of joining a direct-entry doctorate program is the possibility of obtaining outside funding (if you qualify). Many PhD programs offer students financial assistance in the form of partial funding or full tuition waivers. If you can benefit from financial aid, you might be glad to know that some programs also offer stipends on top of the tuition grants.
• Research Projects  – As a doctoral candidate, you might want to start or join certain research projects that may be time-sensitive. In cases like these, it’s usually advisable to go directly for PhDs to increase your chances of securing your dream project. If the project you’re looking at is a long-term endeavor, a doctoral program may also be the best route to allow for more in-depth fieldwork and experiments during your studies.
• Less Stress and Hassle  – Choosing not to go for a master’s degree might help eliminate stress and hassle, such as school applications and potential relocations. Going direct to PhD means you’ll likely only need to move once (if at all) to your chosen school’s area.

Disadvantages of Skipping a Master’s Degree

Although the answer to the question “can you get a PhD without a master’s?” is a resounding yes, it doesn’t always mean that it’s the right choice for everyone.

Going from undergraduate studies straight into a PhD program can be quite a huge adjustment. The program might suddenly expect you to get familiar with new techniques, work, and professional relationships — and fast!

This adjustment period may put you at a disadvantage compared to other doctorate candidates who have previously completed a master’s degree.

Other hindrances you might encounter are:

• Difficulty During Applications Process  – PhD programs are competitive and often only take the best-qualified applicants. If you’re competing with other students who have master’s degrees, it may affect your chances of securing a spot. However, if you go for a direct to PhD program  (undergraduate straight into PhD), it may be possible to avoid this problem.
• Less Experience in Research and Dissertation Work  – A thesis or dissertation is a major requirement of completing a master’s degree. Skipping an MA means you’re missing out on all of the experience you’d otherwise get in research and fieldwork. You’ll also have less experience actually writing a dissertation.
• Less Time to Confirm Your Interests  – Working on your master’s thesis will allow you to select a topic that interests you. You usually spend about a year working on your thesis, during which you can explore the topic further to confirm whether it’s really what you want to go into. By skipping the MA, you’re potentially giving up the chance to verify if the field truly interests you before you fully commit to it for the duration of your PhD. Going straight into a doctoral program may also mean that you miss out on the chance to choose your own topic and create your own research proposal.
• Missing the Opportunity to Work with a Thesis Supervisor – When doing a master’s degree, postgraduate students work with a thesis supervisor who provides guidance and advice for their projects. Going direct to PhD means you miss out on the experience of working with a supervisor and finding the right types of communication, schedules, and professional relationships for your needs. This means you’ll have to figure all of this out during your doctorate program, which can add to your stress.

So Can you Get a PhD  Without a Master’s? Yes, But Not Always

You don’t necessarily need a master’s in order to pursue a PhD. Some PhD programs accept candidates with a bachelor’s degree only, or you may be able to get around a master’s prerequisite by signing up for a MPhil or an integrated PhD program.

The “ideal” doctorate program doesn’t come along often. If you find yourself faced with a choice between pursuing a master’s degree  or trying to get into your dream doctoral program, you might want to skip the master’s degree altogether.

Although you may miss out on an MA qualification, often, a finished PhD supersedes the need for one anyway.

Getting a PhD without a master’s degree can be difficult, but it’s certainly not impossible! For more inspiration, take a look at our guides to the highest-paying PhD degrees  and the best one-year online PhD programs .

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you skip a master’s and get a phd.

Yes, there are a few ways you may be able to get into a PhD program without completing a master’s first. You could opt for a PhD program that doesn’t require master’s as a prerequisite, or go for a MPhil or integrated PhD program. However, keep in mind that not all universities or programs allow you to apply for a PhD without a master’s.

Can I apply for a PhD after my bachelor’s?

In some cases, you can apply to a PhD program as soon as you’ve finished your undergraduate degree. Some doctoral programs accept candidates with a bachelor’s degree only, though you’ll probably need to have an excellent academic record and a strong research proposal.

Is a PhD better than a master’s?

PhD and master’s degrees are valuable in different ways, so it’s not really fair to say that a PhD is better than a master’s. Although a PhD is a more advanced degree, there are roles and professions that would prefer you to have a master’s rather than a PhD. Master’s programs usually have a more practical, real-world focus, which can be more useful  for many roles in the business, non-profit, and government sectors. On the other hand, a PhD is strongly rooted in in-depth research, so prepares candidates to work in research and academia.

Lisa Marlin

Lisa is a full-time writer specializing in career advice, further education, and personal development. She works from all over the world, and when not writing you'll find her hiking, practicing yoga, or enjoying a glass of Malbec.

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2024 Best Doctorate Degrees Online [No Dissertation Required]

In the past, the majority of doctoral programs always required students to write a dissertation.  Now, instead of spending years working on a dissertation, a growing number of universities offer doctoral students an alternative to the dissertation process: a capstone project.

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List of Doctorate Degrees without Dissertation Requirements

Here is a list of doctoral programs that don’t require a dissertation. Instead, you complete a capstone project or a doctoral study project.

Click on your desired field of study to jump to that section:

• Doctor of Business Administration (DBA)
• Doctor of Education (Ed.D.)
• Doctor of Healthcare Administration (DHA)
• Doctor of Information Technology (DIT)
• Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
• Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)
• Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.)
• Doctor of Public Administration (DPA)
• Doctor of Public Health (DPH)
• Doctor of Social Work (DSW)

Like dissertations, capstone projects are a culmination of your education. They usually involve some original research or some type of applied practical knowledge in your field. It all depends on the school and program.

Be sure to check out the specializations available, as well as the particular requirements for each of these non dissertation PhD programs to be sure you select the one that will best suit you and help you achieve your goals.

1. Doctor of Business Administration (DBA)

If you’re an experienced business professional looking to advance your career, a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) might be the perfect fit. Many online DBA programs offer a dissertation-free option, replacing it with a capstone project. This allows you to tackle real-world business challenges, applying your learning directly to your work.

In a DBA program, you’ll delve into advanced topics like strategic management and data-driven decision-making. The flexible online format lets you balance your studies with your career. By choosing a DBA, you’re positioning yourself for executive roles or high-level consulting opportunities, all without the need for a traditional dissertation.

2. Doctor of Education (Ed.D.)

If you’re an education professional seeking to advance your career and make a larger impact, an online Doctor of Education (EdD) could be your next step. Many EdD programs now offer a no dissertation path, typically replacing it with a capstone project.

In an EdD program, you’ll explore advanced educational leadership, policy, and curriculum development. Your capstone project will likely focus on solving real-world educational challenges, allowing you to directly apply your learning to your professional context. The online format provides flexibility, enabling you to balance your studies with your current teaching or administrative role. By earning an EdD, you’re preparing yourself for top positions in educational leadership, policy-making, or curriculum design, all while avoiding the lengthy, research-intensive dissertation process.

3. Doctor of Healthcare Administration (DHA)

If you’re a healthcare professional aiming to take on top leadership roles in the rapidly evolving healthcare industry, a Doctor of Healthcare Administration (DHA) could be your ideal path. Many online DHA programs offer a path without the lengthy dissertation process, often replacing it with a capstone project.

In a DHA program, you’ll dive into crucial areas like healthcare policy, organizational leadership, and decision-making in healthcare settings. Your capstone project will typically involve addressing real-world healthcare management challenges, allowing you to apply your learning directly to your field. By earning a DHA, you’re positioning yourself for executive roles in hospitals, healthcare systems, or health policy organizations, all without a dissertation requirement.

4. Doctor of Information Technology (DIT)

Are you ready to elevate your IT career to new heights? A Doctor of Information Technology (DIT) could be your key to unlocking advanced opportunities in the tech world. Many online DIT programs now offer a path without a dissertation requirement, replacing it with a comprehensive project that showcases your expertise.

In this program, you’ll immerse yourself in crucial areas like cybersecurity strategy, AI implementation, and enterprise architecture. Your final project will likely involve solving complex technological challenges, allowing you to apply cutting-edge concepts to real-world scenarios. The flexible online format lets you balance your studies with your current role, positioning you for high-level positions such as Chief Information Officer or IT strategist. With a DIT, you’ll gain the skills to drive digital transformation and shape the future of technology in various industries.

5. Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

Are you passionate about advancing patient care and shaping the future of nursing? A Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) could be your pathway to becoming a leader in healthcare innovation. Many online DNP programs now offer alternatives to the traditional dissertation, focusing instead on practice-based projects that directly impact patient outcomes.

In this program, you’ll explore advanced clinical practice, healthcare policy, and evidence-based care strategies. Your final project will typically involve implementing and evaluating a real-world healthcare intervention, allowing you to translate research into practice. The online format accommodates your demanding nursing schedule while elevating your expertise. This degree prepares you for roles such as advanced practice nurse, clinical leader, or healthcare policy advocate, empowering you to drive meaningful change in healthcare delivery and patient care quality.

6. Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)

Are you ready to take your physical therapy career to the next level? A Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) can open doors to advanced practice and leadership in rehabilitation care. Many online DPT programs now offer capstone projects instead of dissertations, allowing you to apply your learning directly to clinical practice.

During your studies, you’ll delve into advanced topics like movement science, clinical decision-making, and evidence-based interventions. Your capstone project will likely involve developing and implementing innovative treatment approaches or conducting clinically relevant research. The online program format enables you to continue your clinical work while advancing your education. A DPT prepares you for roles as a specialized clinician, researcher, or leader in physical therapy, equipping you with the skills to enhance patient outcomes and contribute to the evolution of rehabilitation science.

7. Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.)

Are you passionate about advancing mental health care and making a profound difference in people’s lives? A Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) can elevate your clinical skills and prepare you for leadership in psychological practice. Many online PsyD programs now offer practicum-based projects as an alternative to the traditional dissertation, allowing you to apply advanced concepts directly to clinical scenarios.

Throughout your doctoral journey, you’ll explore cutting-edge therapeutic techniques, psychological assessment methods, and evidence-based interventions. Your culminating project will likely involve developing and implementing innovative treatment approaches or conducting clinically relevant research in real-world settings.

The online format of a PsyD program enables you to continue your current clinical work while advancing your expertise. This degree prepares you for roles as a licensed psychologist, clinical director, or consultant, equipping you with the skills to provide high-level psychological services and contribute to the evolution of mental health care.

8. Doctor of Public Administration (DPA)

Looking to revolutionize public service and governance? A Doctor of Public Administration (DPA) could be your springboard to top-tier leadership in the public sector. Many online DPA programs have shifted from traditional dissertations to capstone projects, giving you the chance to address real administrative challenges head-on.

This program will immerse you in crucial areas like policy analysis, organizational dynamics, and strategic public management. For your final project, you might develop innovative solutions for complex governmental issues or conduct research aimed at enhancing public sector efficiency. The online DPA allows you to elevate your expertise while maintaining your current role. This doctorate can help position you for influential positions such as executive director, policy strategist, or government reform consultant. You’ll gain the insights needed to spearhead significant improvements in public institutions and non-profit organizations.

9. Doctor of Public Health (DPH)

A Doctor of Public Health (DPH) can enhance your ability to address complex health challenges on a population level. Many online DPH programs now offer project-based alternatives to traditional dissertations, allowing you to apply your learning to real-world public health issues.

In this program, you’ll study advanced epidemiology, health policy, and evidence-based interventions. Your final project might involve developing a community health initiative or analyzing the impact of a public health policy. The online format lets you continue your current work while expanding your expertise. A DPH prepares you for roles such as health department director, global health consultant, or public health researcher. This degree equips you with the skills to influence health outcomes across communities and contribute to the advancement of public health practices.

10. Doctor of Social Work (DSW)

Are you driven to make a lasting impact in social services and community welfare? A Doctor of Social Work (DSW) can empower you to become a transformative leader in the field. Many online DSW programs now offer alternatives to the traditional dissertation, focusing on applied projects that directly address real-world social challenges.

In this program, you’ll explore advanced topics like social policy analysis, evidence-based practice models, and organizational leadership in social services. Your final project will typically involve developing and implementing innovative interventions or policies that address pressing social issues.

The online format of a DSW allows you to balance your studies with your current social work practice, enhancing your expertise while you continue to serve your community. This degree prepares you for roles such as clinical supervisor, policy advocate, or social services director, equipping you with the knowledge to drive systemic change and improve social outcomes on a broader scale.

What is a Doctoral Dissertation?

A doctoral dissertation, the culmination of most doctoral degree programs, is a substantial written document in which the student uses the teachings and skills gleaned from the entire program to develop and discuss an original concept, theory or practice that will help advance the field.

Writing a dissertation is no easy feat! They are typically hundreds of pages long, and students work on them for over a year, reviewing research, conducting experiments and analyzing data.

Because this project is daunting, demanding, and often requires years of research, many universities have come up with alternatives that allow students to demonstrate their knowledge and provide worthwhile contributions to their field without completing a traditional dissertation.

What Are All But Dissertation Completion Programs?

“All But Dissertation” (ABD) completion programs, also known as PhD completion programs, are designed to help students who have completed all the requirements of a doctoral degree program except the dissertation.

Quite often, students work diligently through the coursework of their doctoral program, but fall short when it comes to completing the required dissertation. According to the Council of Graduate Schools , only about 56% of those who start a doctoral degree program earn their doctorate or PhD within 10 years. Completing a dissertation is an enormous project that entails extensive research — and life, family, careers and other obligations sometimes get in the way.

For example, the Dissertation Completion Pathway (DCP) offered by National University is one example of a structured program that transfers credit for prior academic coursework and provides guidance and mentorship as you work to finish your dissertation. This type of program typically takes 2-3 years.

Is a Dissertation Required for a PhD?

Not always. In the past a dissertation was required for a PhD, but a growing number of institutions have started to offer online doctoral programs no dissertation.

Instead, students may complete a capstone project to demonstrate their knowledge and provide new contributions to the field. This may be a combination of a research paper and fieldwork, or perhaps you might do some consulting work at a functioning business. However, it most cases, it will require considerably less independent research than what is required for a dissertation.

Capstone projects vary from school to school, and program to program.

One of the benefits of non-dissertation doctorate degrees is that you can finish in less time. Check out our guide on accelerated online doctoral programs for a deeper look.

Is Financial Aid Available for Online PhD Programs?

Looking to manage the costs of an online PhD program? You’ve got options.

First up, the FAFSA – it’s not just for undergrads and can open doors to federal grants and loans. Don’t overlook state financial aid either; many states offer loan programs that might be more budget-friendly than private loans, helping to reduce the cost of repayment.

Also, keep an eye out for scholarships and grants tailored for online doctoral students. These can take into account your academic achievements and work experience.

Many universities now offer affordable online programs, designed to provide quality education without the hefty price tag of traditional on-campus degrees.  For more specific details and info about reducing these costs, the financial aid office at your university is a great resource. They can guide you through the maze of options and help you find the best fit for your financial situation.

Can You Get a No Dissertation Doctorate Online?

Yes! A growing number of reputable, accredited colleges and universities offer non-dissertation doctorate programs. We’ve compiled a list of universities offering online doctorate degrees without dissertation requirements in the next section.

Are There Any PhD Programs Without Dissertation Requirements?

Yes, there are quite a few doctoral programs without dissertation requirements, but PhD programs without dissertation requirements are few and far between. In these cases, instead of the dissertation most commonly used in a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) program, a capstone project is required to help you put your new-found skills to good use.

In the past, dissertations were required so that you could demonstrate your knowledge and expertise in your field. But universities have started to realize that there are quite a few ways you can do that.

As you can see with the online DBA programs, a few colleges are no longer requiring dissertations. They allow you to complete a doctoral capstone project instead. No, it’s not technically a dissertation. But you do prove that you have acquired a high level of expertise in your field of study.

Higher education is continuing to change at a rapid pace. As another example, a number of PhD programs without GRE requirements are appearing.

How Many Credits Do PhD Programs Require?

Most PhD programs require between 54 and 90 credit hours. That’s between 18 and 30 courses. This is true for both campus-based PhD programs and online PhD programs.

Let’s look at one of National University’s online programs as an example. The online DBA in Accounting is 54 credit hours and consists of 18 courses (most courses are 3 credit hours).

In contrast, if you attend a state university campus program like the University of Illinois, the PhD in Business requires 64 credit hours (around 21 courses), provided you already have your master’s degree.

Do All Doctoral Programs Require a Dissertation?

No. A wide-range of doctoral programs do not have a dissertation. Instead, graduate schools allow you to complete a capstone project which focuses on solving a real-world problem.

You can also earn your doctorate through an accredited online program if you don’t want to attend on campus.

Is a PhD Program Without a Dissertation Respected?

A dissertation allows students the opportunity to demonstrate expertise in their field of study through extensive research and an associated dissertation research paper.

In certain fields, a dissertation will be the measure of quality. This is true for academia should you ever want to be a tenured professor at Harvard. But if that’s not your goal, doctoral programs in higher education, leadership, or business administration are reputable – provided you earn your doctorate from a graduate school with regional accreditation.

Can I Get an Online Doctorate Degree Without a Dissertation?

Yes. There are dozens of online doctorate degrees with no dissertation being offered from accredited universities. The most common doctoral degree programs are the Doctor of Education, Doctor of Business Administration, Doctor of Psychology, and the Doctor of Nursing Practice.

Are There Any 18 Month Doctorate with No Dissertation Programs?

Yes. Some online PhD no dissertation programs can be completed in as little as 18 to 24 months.

To finish in a short time like this, you will need to be enrolled full time and progressing through your doctorate program courses successfully. You will also need your capstone project to be approved in a timely manner. Again, in order to complete your doctorate in less than 18 months, you’ll need to enroll in a PhD without thesis or dissertation requirement.

Are There Any PhD Without Dissertation Programs Online?

Yes, a number of universities offer online doctoral degree programs without dissertation to help working professionals juggle full time jobs with their studies. We’ve compiled a list of them above. As more universities offer no dissertation doctorates, we will update the list.

It’s worth noting that while these programs do not require traditional dissertations, there will usually be a research project (usually known as a Capstone) through which you demonstrate what you have learned. Each program should detail the capstone experience requirements and the opportunities you will have while enrolled.

A growing number of universities allow you to complete your program as a full time, working professional from the comfort of your own home!

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• Clinical Psychology
• Counseling & Mental Health
• Developmental Psychology
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• General Psychology
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• School Counselors
• Neuropsychologist
• I/O Psychologist
• Sports Psychologist
• Addiction Counselor
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• Counseling Psychologist
• Occupational Psychologist
• Child Psychiatrist
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• PsyD vs PhD

Getting Your Psychology PhD or PsyD Without a Master’s

Completing a doctoral degree in psychology can be a crucial educational step toward a challenging but rewarding career in the field, whether working with patients or contributing to the field in other ways.

With multiple possible degree paths that end in similar outcomes, it can be difficult for students to understand the best route to take, depending on the education they already have. Specifically, for students who have only a bachelor’s degree, many worry their options for a psychology Ph.D. or a Psy.D. may be limited.

So let’s explore what students need to know about getting a psychology Ph.D. or Psy.D. without having a master’s degree.

Psychology Doctorate Options

At the end of both a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Psychology and a Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.), an individual will have earned a doctorate and, depending on their personal preferences and professional goals, could use the “Dr.” title. But the details of the degrees are quite different, and which is right likely will depend on the individual and their career dreams.

In general, Psy.D. degrees are more appropriate for those who want to work directly with patients or clients, while Ph.D. degrees may appeal more to those who want to work in academic research to help advance understanding of human behavior.

SEE ALSO:   Online Accredited PsyD Programs

Of course, that’s a guideline rather than a rule, and students who earn either type of degree can work in many different areas of psychology, or may earn enough experience and education to overlap a few areas of the field.

Importantly, though, it’s more common for Psy.D. tracks than Ph.D. tracks to include supervised professional experience as part of the doctoral program, which may impact a graduate’s ability to earn professional licensure (more on that later).

Starting Point

Regardless of what comes next, prospective psychology doctoral students will need to earn a bachelor’s degree. Ideally, they’d major in psychology in college, though there are a handful of other subjects that could suffice, depending on their doctoral program.

These include:

• Social work
• Anthropology

Many doctoral programs will accept applicants who have only a bachelor’s degree, but there are several considerations that may impact whether doctoral candidates can apply with only an undergrad degree:

• Length of doctoral program: Shorter Ph.D. or Psy.D. programs, meaning those that are designed to be completed in only a few years, will usually require students to complete a master’s degree before they apply. For example, an optional completion timeline offered in the Psy.D. program at the University of Indianapolis accepts only those applicants who have already completed a master’s degree in the field, and the admissions office prefers those who already have some practical experience under their belts. UIndy’s 3+1 track can be completed in only four years, while most psychology doctorates will take at least five and sometimes closer to seven years.
• Master’s en route: In most longer-timeline programs, students will earn a master’s degree on their way to getting their doctorate. For example, the Tufts University  Ph.D. in Psychology will last at least five years, and students will complete a master’s degree at the end of their second year in the program.
• Prior coursework: In many psychology doctoral programs, students aren’t required to have majored in psychology at any level but rather it’s necessary for them to have completed certain coursework integral to the study of psychology. At the Rutgers Graduate School of Applied and Professional Psychology , Clinical Psy.D. applicants are required to have completed undergrad courses in introductory psychology, statistics, abnormal psychology and biological bases of psychology, in addition to at least one course in cognitive, developmental and/or social psychology, psychology and perception, conditioning and learning, and psychology of personality.

SEE ALSO:   List of Combined Master’s and PsyD Programs

In every state, a series of rules and guidelines apply to the licensure of psychologists. States vary quite dramatically in what they require, but a psychology doctorate is generally the most important educational step.

However, professional experience is also required in every state, usually both before and after earning a doctorate. That means that students who attend Psy.D. or Ph.D. programs that don’t include a supervised professional experience period, such as an internship or other professional practicum, may not satisfy the licensure requirements in their state.

Additionally, many states require students who attend programs that are not accredited by the American Psychology Association to provide a detailed list of all coursework at the doctoral level, and students may have to take remedial graduate courses if their programs don’t meet the standards.

Earning your doctoral degree in psychology, whether by completing a Ph.D. or a Psy.D., is the single best way to earn licensure and become a professional psychologist. While there’s no single possible way of getting there, students who don’t have a master’s degree, and have no need to earn one, likely will find many options for doctorate programs.

The Savvy Scientist

Experiences of a London PhD student and beyond

Can You Get a PhD Without a Master’s?

If you’re currently studying for your bachelor’s degree and are interested in doing a PhD, you may be wondering: can you get a PhD without a master’s?

The Benefits of Doing a Master’s Degree Before a PhD

A master’s degree allows someone to gain additional skills, research experience and domain-specific knowledge. When a supervisor is looking for potential PhD students, amongst other things they want to see that a candidate has:

• Interest in the subject
• Research experience
• Subject knowledge

Suitability for a PhD does not always require a master’s . But it is a convenient way to provide evidence for your suitability and commitment to research.

Therefore from a supervisor’s perspective, a master’s can provide evidence of these attributes. Having a master’s gives a little more assurance for the supervisor that you’re prepared for the work involved with a PhD. But not having a master’s absolutely does not have to be a barrier!

Already carried out a long research project as part of your bachelor’s degree and want to do a PhD in an area you have knowledge in? You may be able to convince a supervisor that you’re already prepared.

A few less substantial reasons people sometimes consider doing a separate master’s are:

• If for any reason your performance during the bachelor’s degree wasn’t ideal, doing a separate master’s provides another qualification to be assessed against.
• If you’re transitioning to a different research area it is the obvious way to gain knowledge.
• A chance to experience another [potentially more prestigious*] university.

My experience: Early on in your undergraduate degree and interested in doing a PhD? I thoroughly recommend getting as much research experience as possible. Even if you don’t have the opportunity to undertake much research during your course, UROPs are a fantastic way to spend your summer. During my PhD I had help from a few UROP students. One of them has even co-authored a paper with me. I wish that I had done one as an undergraduate!

*I really dislike the idea of considering the prestige of a university and the associated meritocracy , but sadly there is no getting away from the fact that it boosts career prospects.

So Can You Get a PhD Without a Master’s?

If you’re starting to look at PhDs and don’t yet have a master’s, there are two things you can do to get an idea of whether or not you’re likely to need a master’s first:

Check Advertised PhDs

Looking at a PhD advert such as via FindAPhD.com? Check the listed candidate requirements on the advertisement.

Sometimes a master’s isn’t mentioned:

Sometimes doing a master’s is a suggested advantage:

Here is a post detailing how you can find available PhD projects .

Ask the Academic

The most definitive answer you’ll receive for whether you can get a PhD without a master’s will be by contacting supervisors directly.

Often as soon as you start a conversation with potential supervisors they’ll ask to look over a copy of your CV. There is nothing wrong with being bold and checking whether you’re currently qualified enough to stand a competitive chance of getting a PhD.

My experience: When I was considering PhDs I emailed an academic saying I was interested in applying for a project with them but was worried I didn’t have relevant experience. Within 24 hours he had replied saying “Unfortunately, I’m not confident that you’d be selected if you applied as other candidates who have expressed an interest in applying had more relevant experience” Although disappointing, it’s much better to find this out quickly so that you can move on. I already had a master’s but not in a relevant area. If I’d desperately wanted to pursue this research area an obvious means to transition across and gain experience would have been with a master’s.

My Observations

I don’t believe that there are strict guidelines stating that you have to have a master’s. As shown in the adverts above, it is oftenseen as an advantage but is rarely strictly necessary.

Of the people I worked with during my PhD, not everyone had done a master’s.

Most of the people who had a master’s did it as a 4-year integrated master’s. This is common in certain sciences and engineering, and is exactly what I did . However, several people had not done a master’s before starting their PhDs. Including the guy I sat next to for all of my own PhD at Imperial.

Getting a bachelor’s degree outside of the UK will typically take one or two years longer than in the UK. Therefore international students in particular may be able to evidence their experience without a master’s.

Fancy getting a master’s as well as a PhD? Read on to find out how you could get paid to do both!

Don’t Yet Have a Master’s? Consider CDTs!

What are cdts.

In the UK there are many Centres for Doctoral Training (CDTs, sometimes known as DTCs) and it is worth drawing your attention to them if you don’t already have a master’s degree. CDTs offer combined funded Master’s + PhD programmes. You’ll be part of the relatively rare breed getting paid to do a master’s!

These centres are funded via the research councils and provide training for students around a certain theme. FindAPhD.com has a nice post which includes links to funded CDT projects . CDTs cover a huge range of themes. For example just within AI research there are 16 CDTs all for different themes:

The idea is that students from different backgrounds can get training and become proficient at helping to solve problems around the central theme of the CDT. In the first year you’ll have a mix of lectures and smaller projects to get a taste of different research topics. During the first year you’ll also choose your PhD topic. You will then spend three years working on that project before submitting your thesis.

Pros and Cons of CDTs

The advantages are:

• You’re part of a cohort so will likely have a greater sense of community and support versus a typical PhD project
• You get training and will learn new skills before deciding on a PhD project
• If you know you want to work in a certain research area but don’t yet know exactly what project you want to work on yet
• You get both a PhD and a master’s at the end, all of which is funded!

Potential disadvantages I can think of for doing a PhD through a CDT are:

• Taking a year longer than a normal PhD if you already know what you want to work on
• Your PhD position with a certain supervisor isn’t definite before you start. I’ve anecdotally heard of issues where many of the students in the cohort want to work with the same supervisor and of course not all of them can. On the flipside the flexibility in supervisors is an advantage for many.

How much do students earn doing a master’s and PhD through a CDT? Funding for students at CDTs is covered here . UKRI, the body that funds all nine UK research councils , has some case studies of CDT-PhD students which you can find on the various research council websites.

When looking for PhDs, I applied to two CDTs. If I hadn’t already been happy with my offer to study for my specific project at Imperial I’d have loved to have done one. I think they’re a great idea. Particularly if you are transitioning to a research area which differs from the subject of your bachelor’s degree.

Finding Suitable CDTs

As well as using a search engine, you can search for CDTs on FindAPhD.com by selecting PhD Research Programme and then choosing from the list:

Interested in Applying for a PhD?

Hopefully this post shows that you don’t need to be too put off applying for PhDs if you don’t have a master’s. Many people are successful in their PhD application without a master’s if they got research experience during their bachelor’s degree. And if you do fancy getting a master’s and PhD now you know that studying in a CDT could be a great option.

Interested in applying for a PhD? Here is my post covering the PhD applications process. It includes all the steps to apply and tips from successful PhD applicants:

How to apply for a PhD

If you’d like personalised help with your PhD application I am now starting to offer a small number of one-to-one sessions. Please contact me to find out more or click here to book a call.

So can you get a PhD without a master’s? Quite possibly, but a master’s could benefit your application.

Have you got other PhD questions you want answered? Please let me know!

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How to Find the Right PhD Programs Without Master’s

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Ordinarily, you will have to obtain a master’s degree first before you can pursue a PhD program. This is because a master’s degree is a prerequisite for a doctoral degree program. However, you can skip this process to get into PhD programs without a master’s. Yes, you can do that; it is very possible.

I know this may sound a little bit strange. In fact, as a result, people keep wondering if they can actually skip from a bachelor’s degree to a PhD.

Well, the answer is yes; you can actually transition to a PhD from the bachelor’s degree level, but it is not easy.

This article will explain in detail how you can get into PhD programs without a master’s and answer every question related to PhD programs without a master’s.

In addition to this, you will learn about the advantages and disadvantages of pursuing Ph.D. programs without having to acquire a master’s degree.

Is it Possible to Get a PhD Without a Master’s?

Of course, it is very possible for anyone to acquire a PhD without undergoing a master’s degree program.

The usual pathway involves students studying to acquire bachelor’s and master’s degrees before enrolling to pursue a PhD Nevertheless, they can decide to skip the graduate level in order to acquire a doctoral degree.

In some countries, like the U.K., it is very common to do this.

While some countries still require a master’s degree before applying to a PhD program, many universities around the world do not.

But before you can do this, you will have to consider a lot of factors.

See Also: Best Universities for Masters in Communication

Factors to Consider While Going from a Bachelor’s to PhD

Before choosing to switch from a bachelor’s to a PhD, there are certain factors that you must consider first. These factors include:

• Master’s degree programs make you stand out
• Flexibility
• A Master’s degree could promote a Ph.D. program

How do I apply for PhD programs without a master’s?

Before you apply for PhD programs without a master’s, ensure that you check if you meet the requirements of the universities to which you’re applying.

Almost every institution has different rules and regulations for making Ph.D. applications because some may require a master’s degree during the application process.

Additionally, you should make sure that you have enough evidence in your application stating why you are fit to enroll in the doctoral program by submitting visible samples of your work , which is equivalent to a master’s degree thesis.

You will also have to show that you have the motivation and willingness to contribute your quota to the institution through innovation, research, collaboration, and hard work.

Which universities offer PhD programs without Masters?

Unfortunately, there is no list of universities offering PhD programs without a master’s. This is because every university has different requirements for its doctoral degree programs .

So, make sure you check the requirements of the institution and the PhD program that you wish to apply to.

Related: What is Advanced Degree?: Q and A

If you’re able to find a university that does not require a master’s, ensure to make your application stand out because you will be up against other applicants who may hold a master’s degree.

You can also include a letter of recommendation with your application, and the letter should come from a respected university professor in the field to which you are applying.

Advantages and Disadvantages of PhD Program Without Master’s

Choosing to skip a master’s degree for a Ph.D. comes with a lot of advantages and disadvantages. You can see them below.

Advantage s

Bypassing a master’s degree program for a Ph.D. helps students save money and time. Doing this will help you eliminate between one and two years of expenses during the course of the program.

Choosing to pursue Ph.D. programs without a master’s will make projects available to you. Once you find a project that you like, someone else might take it up while you are studying to acquire a master’s degree.

But by bypassing a master’s degree, you will have the opportunity to take up that research project during your doctoral program.

Disadvantages

If you don’t have a master’s degree, it could be a hindrance to you while applying for a Ph.D. program because other students who are seeking doctoral degree admission with you may have a master’s degree.

With this, they stand a better chance of securing admission than you.

The dissertation project that students undergoing a master’s degree program carry out gives them knowledge of how to handle a research project. Under the PhD program, chances are that you will choose a dissertation project for yourself.

So, if you skip the master’s degree, you will not have the opportunity to acquire the knowledge that this dissertation project offers.

Additionally, the dissertation project under the master’s degree program will enable you to work in collaboration with a project supervisor in the field. Also, see if you can do MBA after MS .

This will help you understand the relationship between a PhD student and the supervisor and decide the approach that best works for you.

With this understanding, you can now choose a supervisor who will help you find a nice PhD project. But If you bypass a master’s degree for a PhD, you will definitely miss out on this.

Finding the perfect PhD program without a master’s degree can be difficult, but it is certainly doable. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get through this:

1. Clarify Your Research Interests

Before you start looking for programs, establish a list of your research interests.

What field of study do you find most interesting? What specific research questions would you like to investigate? Knowing this will allow you to narrow down your choices.

2. Check Admission Requirements

Examine the requirements for admission to PhD programs at various universities.

While many programs favor applicants with a master’s degree, applicants with a solid bachelor’s degree and related research experience may be considered.

3. Identify Universities and Programs

Begin by investigating universities and programs that are relevant to your study interests. Look for universities that are well-known for their research in your field of interest.

4. Reach Out to Potential Advisors

Contact professors or researchers whose work you respect and who could be possible PhD supervisors. Inquire about PhD possibilities and express your interest in their research.

It is critical to establish a good relationship with a potential advisor.

5. Highlight Relevant Experience

Highlight any relevant research experience, articles, or projects you worked on throughout your bachelor’s degree in your application.

This can show your dedication and capacity to manage PhD-level research.

6. Prepare a Strong Statement of Purpose

Write a convincing statement of intent that explains why you want to pursue a PhD, your research interests, and why you’re a good candidate even if you don’t have a master’s degree.

Emphasize your enthusiasm, motivation, and any unique experiences or skills.

7. Prepare for Standardized Tests

GRE or other standardized test scores are required for many PhD programs. Prepare for these exams and go for high marks to boost your application .

8. Secure Strong Recommendation Letters

Request letters of recommendation from academics or professionals who can speak to your academic abilities and research potential.

9. Apply to Multiple Programs

Apply to a variety of programs, including ones that accept applicants who do not have a master’s degree. To increase your chances of acceptance, cast a wide net.

10. Consider Part-Time or Online Programs

Some universities offer part-time or online PhD programs with more flexible entry requirements . If you are unable to commit to a full-time, on-campus program, these options can be extremely beneficial.

11. Be Persistent

Be prepared for rejection, and don’t give up. It may be more difficult to gain admission to PhD programs without a master’s degree, but it is not impossible.

Continue to improve your application and apply to multiple programs until you are successful.

12. Seek Funding Opportunities

Look for scholarships, grants, and fellowships to assist with funding your PhD education. Financial assistance can make you a more appealing prospect.

13. Consider Bridge Programs

Some universities provide bridge programs to help students shift from a bachelor’s degree to a PhD.

Additional coursework and research experience are often provided in these programs to prepare you for PhD studies.

14. Network and Attend Conferences

Attend industry conferences and seminars to network with professors and researchers. Making connections can help you find opportunities and the right program.

List of PhD Programs Without Masters

While many PhD programs require applicants to have a master’s degree, other Ph.D. programs admit students with a bachelor’s degree immediately.

These PhD programs are frequently referred to as “direct entry” or “combined” programs. Consider the following options:

1. Integrated PhD Programs

Some colleges provide integrated PhD programs, which allow students to begin a PhD program immediately after finishing their bachelor’s degree.

These programs are often longer in duration than regular Ph.D. programs and may incorporate master’s-level coursework as part of the program.

2. PhD Programs with Conditional Acceptance

In some situations, universities may conditionally admit students with a bachelor’s degree.

This means that students are admitted into the Ph.D. program but may be required to complete additional coursework or achieve certain academic standards during their Ph.D. studies.

3. Research Experience

If you did a lot of research as an undergraduate, you might be able to use that experience to get into a Ph.D. program. In such circumstances, strong letters of recommendation and a well-defined research plan can be critical.

4. Professional Experience

Professional experience and accomplishments may be deemed equivalent to a master’s degree in certain professions, particularly the sciences and engineering.

Some PhD schools may admit you without a master’s degree if you have a strong track record of research or job experience in your field.

5. Alternative Routes

Alternative routes to a PhD exist in some subjects and disciplines, such as apprenticeships or industry-specific programs. These routes may not necessitate a master’s degree.

Remember that admittance to PhD programs can be quite competitive, but perseverance and a well-prepared application can help you overcome the challenge of not having a master’s degree.

Make your application materials stand out by emphasizing your enthusiasm, research experience, and potential for success in your chosen profession.

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Breaking competitor Raygun bows out of Paris Olympics without a point for Australia, in a sport that may be one and done

Sport Breaking competitor Raygun bows out of Paris Olympics without a point for Australia, in a sport that may be one and done

With the breaking spun, won and done in an Olympics cameo in Paris, Australia's B-Girl, Rachael Gunn, aka Raygun, bowed out without firing a shot.

The buzz was big around Place de la Concorde with superstar American rapper and Olympics aficionado Snoop Dogg taking to the stage to show off a few of his own moves before opening the event.

There was no doubt about the dynamic skills of the athletes, who are judged on creativity, personality, technique, variety, musicality and vocabulary, which is the variation and quantity of moves.

With two live DJs, competitors engaged in three judged battles, which involved two 60-second routines each, before the elimination round and then medals.

But with competition stretching five-and-a-half hours even Snoop, the unofficial Games mascot, had seen enough and made his departure midway through the competition.

Manizha Talash, a breaker from the Olympic refugee team, who was born in Afghanistan before fleeing the Taliban, made an early political statement by unveiling a cape during her round with the words "Free Afghan Women" and was applauded by her Dutch competitor India Sardjoe.

Gunn's first battle was against American Logistx but the Australian was no match for her international rivals, unable to win a point in any three contests including against 16-year-old B-girl Syssy from France.

A university lecturer with a PhD in cultural studies, the 36-year-old said she knew she couldn't compete athletically with their tricks, spins and strength moves, so she tried to be more creative. 

"What I wanted to do was come out here and do something new and different and creative — that's my strength, my creativity," Gunn said.

"I was never going to beat these girls on what they do best, the dynamic and the power moves, so I wanted to move differently, be artistic and creative because how many chances do you get in a lifetime to do that on an international stage?

"I was always the underdog and wanted to make my mark in a different way."

ABC Sport is unable to show you the performance nor link to posts about it due to broadcasting rights, but social media lit up with critiques of Raygun's efforts.

Gunn was asked whether breaking deserved to be an Olympic sport and responded that it filled the criteria.

"What is an Olympic sport? It's so broad here ... what are the similarities between dressage and artistic swimming and the 100m sprint and the pentathlon," she said.

"Breaking is clearly athletic and it clearly requires a whole level of dedication across a number of different aspects so I feel like it meets that criteria. 

"And it's really bringing a new level of excitement."

While the athletes will compete for medals in Paris, the winners could become obscure trivia questions with Los Angeles not including it in the program in 2028 and Brisbane highly unlikely.

The Oceania champion said it was disappointing the American Olympic organisers had snubbed it, given the roots of breaking were in that country.

"It was disappointing that it was decided before we'd even had a chance to show it, so I think that was possibly a little premature," she said.

"I wonder if they're kicking themselves now, particularly because they've got some great American breakers who could totally be on the podium.

"But it's not the end for breaking, the breaking culture is so strong."

She took to Instagram this morning with a quip for social media users who had mocked her outfit online.

"Looking forward to the same level of scrutiny on what the bboys [male breaking contestants] wear tomorrow," she said.

Australia's 16-year-old B-boy Jeff Dunne, known as "J Attack", will line up in the male competition on Saturday.

The ABC of SPORT

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• Olympic Games

• Best Online Master's In Management

Best Online Master’s In Management Of 2024

Published: Aug 5, 2024, 10:47am

If you are a working business professional and feel like you’ve hit a wall or ceiling in your career and aren’t sure how to advance any further, an online master’s in management program might be a good option to get untracked. Largely built for working business professionals, these programs provide students with leadership training and practical skills in budgeting, forecasting and human resources, helping graduates advance to leadership and supervisory roles.

Since management is such a broad field, it can be difficult to differentiate between programs. That’s why we’ve researched and ranked the 10 best programs in the field. Read on to learn more about the best online master’s in management programs and find the best option for you.

Why You Can Trust Forbes Advisor Education

Forbes Advisor’s education editors are committed to producing unbiased rankings and informative articles covering online colleges, tech bootcamps and career paths. Our ranking methodologies use data from the National Center for Education Statistics , education providers, and reputable educational and professional organizations. An advisory board of educators and other subject matter experts reviews and verifies our content to bring you trustworthy, up-to-date information. Advertisers do not influence our rankings or editorial content.

• 6,290 accredited, nonprofit colleges and universities analyzed nationwide
• 52 reputable tech bootcamp providers evaluated for our rankings
• All content is fact-checked and updated on an annual basis
• Rankings undergo five rounds of fact-checking
• Only 7.12% of all colleges, universities and bootcamp providers we consider are awarded

Our Methodology

We ranked 384 accredited, nonprofit colleges offering online master’s degree programs in the U.S. using 15 data points in the categories of student outcomes, affordability, student experience, credibility and application process. We pulled data for these categories from reliable resources such as the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System ; private, third-party data sources; and individual school and program websites. Data is accurate as of February 2024.

We scored schools based on the following metrics.

Student Outcomes:

• Overall graduation rate
• Median earnings 10 years after graduation

Affordability:

• In-state graduate student tuition and fees
• Alternative tuition plans offered
• Median federal student loan debt
• Student loan default rate

Student Experience:

• Student-to-faculty ratio
• Socioeconomic diversity
• Availability of online coursework
• Total number of graduate assistants
• Proportion of graduate students enrolled in at least some distance education

Credibility:

• Fully accredited
• Programmatic accreditation status
• Nonprofit status

Application Process:

• Acceptance rate

We chose the 10 best schools to display based on those receiving a curved final score of 93% or higher.

Find our full list of methodologies here .

• Best Online Accounting Degrees
• Best MBA In Finance Online
• Best Online Finance Degrees
• Best Online Master’s In Accounting Degrees
• Best Online Master’s In Finance

Degree Finder

Key takeaways, best online master’s degree in management options, should you enroll in an online master’s in management program, accreditation for online master’s in management, how to find the right online master’s in management program for you, frequently asked questions (faqs) about online master’s degrees in management.

• Since they are largely designed for working business professionals, many online master’s programs in management do not include field experience requirements.
• A master’s in management is considered by some experts to be more practical than an M.B.A.
• While a master’s in management is a general degree, some schools offer specialized concentrations in fields such as supply chain management, nonprofit management and human resource management.

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

University of florida, north carolina state university, university of the cumberlands, union college, lasell university, university of st. francis, mount vernon nazarene university, norwich university, indiana wesleyan university, featured online schools.

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial credit and much more by clicking 'Visit Site'

Program Tuition Rate

$332/credit

Percentage of Grad Students Enrolled in Distance Education

Overall Graduation Rate

Located in the Champaign-Urbana metropolitan area, the University of Illinois (U of I) offers an online Master of Science in management program that distance learners can complete in 12 to 24 months. The program’s 36-credit curriculum includes required coursework in areas such as managerial accounting, project management , global marketing, and leadership and teams.

The program includes synchronous, live online sessions; however, students who miss these sessions can watch recorded versions at their convenience. Students take either one or two courses at a time and should expect to spend 10 to 15 hours per week on each course.

• Our Flexibility Rating: Learn on your schedule
• School Type: Public
• Application Fee: $70
• Degree Credit Requirements: 36 credits
• Program Enrollment Options: Full time, part time
• Example Major-Specific Courses: Managerial accounting; leadership and teams
• Concentrations Available: N/A
• In-Person Requirements: No

$531/credit (in-state)

Located in Gainesville, the University of Florida (UF) offers an online Master of Science in management that offers both full-time (three-semester) and part-time (six-semester) tracks. The 32-credit curriculum includes coursework in managerial accounting, managerial economics, international business law and global strategic management.

Distance learners in the program should expect to spend approximately six to 10 hours on their studies per course each week. Fall and spring courses last eight weeks, while summer courses take six weeks to complete.

• Application Fee: $30
• Degree Credit Requirements: 32 credits
• Example Major-Specific Courses: Managerial accounting, international business law

$42,974 total (in-state)

Located in the capital city of Raleigh, North Carolina State University (NCSU) offers a part-time online Master of Management program with two concentration options: marketing analytics and risk and analytics. The 30-credit curriculum includes core courses in critical thinking for managers, leading people, strategic risk analysis using Excel, and sustainability and business.

The university delivers the majority of its online coursework asynchronously, but some courses may include synchronous elements. Prospective students do not need to submit GMAT or GRE scores, but they can if they think test scores will enhance their applications.

• Application Fee: $75
• Degree Credit Requirements: 30 credits
• Program Enrollment Options: Part time
• Example Major-Specific Courses: Critical thinking for managers, leading people
• Concentrations Available: Marketing analytics, risk and analytics

$355/credit

Located in Williamsburg, Kentucky, Cumberlands is a private, Christian-affiliated university that offers a Master of Science program in strategic management. The 31-credit curriculum includes courses in areas such as strategic organizational design, management consulting, managing in a global environment, and mergers and acquisitions. All students must also complete a capstone course that involves a comprehensive written examination.

Cumberlands delivers most of its online coursework asynchronously. The program is designed for working professionals with an undergraduate business background.

• School Type: Private
• Degree Credit Requirements: 31 credits
• Program Enrollment Options: Full time
• Example Major-Specific Courses: Strategic organizational design, management consulting

$370/credit

Located in Barbourville, Kentucky, Union maintains an affiliation with the United Methodist Church. The college’s online Master of Science in management program requires 30 credits and includes courses such as management information systems, marketing for results, organizational behavior and teamwork, and leadership and human resources.

Incoming students must have earned a minimum 2.5 undergraduate GPA. Transfer students can earn up to six credits for prior coursework. Union delivers online coursework asynchronously and in eight-week terms.

• Application Fee: Free
• Example Major-Specific Courses: Management information systems, marketing for results

$675/credit

Located in Newton, Massachusetts, Lasell offers an online Master of Science in management program that requires 30 credits. The curriculum delves into topics including global leadership, financial management, strategic marketing, and ethical theory and management. Students can complete the program online or enroll in a blended/hybrid format with some on-campus coursework.

Lasell delivers most of its online coursework asynchronously for maximum flexibility. Students in the management program can choose between a research project and an in-person internship as a capstone experience.

• Our Flexibility Rating: Learn around your 9-to-5
• Example Major-Specific Courses: Global leadership, financial management
• In-Person Requirements: Yes, internship

$775/credit

Located in Joliet, Illinois, the University of St. Francis (USF) offers an online Master of Science in management program with eight concentration options, including data science in healthcare, human resource management, and management of training and development. In addition to nine credits of concentration courses, students complete a 15-credit core that includes courses in developing personal leadership and leading continuous improvement.

All students complete a management practicum experience in the field. The fastest completion timeline for this degree is 15 months.

• Example Major-Specific Courses: Developing personal leadership, leading continuous improvement
• Concentrations Available: Data science in healthcare; health administration; human resource management; instructional design in online learning; management of training and development; performance improvement; quality improvement in healthcare; supply chain management
• In-Person Requirements: Yes, practicum

$498/credit

Located in Mount Vernon, Ohio, Mount Vernon Nazarene University (MVNU) offers an online Master of Science in management program with four concentration options: logistics management, organizational management, human resource management , and human and social services leadership. Students complete nine credits in their concentration, in addition to core coursework in areas including strategic management, organizational behavior, global business and ethical leadership.

The typical student completes this degree in 16 months. The 30-credit curriculum does not include any in-person requirements.

• Our Flexibility Rating: N/A
• Example Major-Specific Courses: Organizational behavior, strategic management
• Concentrations Available: Logistics management; organizational management; human resource management; human and social services leadership

$698/credit

Located in Northfield, Vermont, Norwich is the oldest private military college in the nation. The university has recently expanded into distance learning and now offers a Master of Science program in management with 13 concentration options, including supply chain management , project management, fiscal management, organizational leadership management and nonprofit management.

The typical student completes this program in 18 months, and each online course lasts for 11 weeks.

• Application Fee: $150
• Example Major-Specific Courses: Leadership fundamentals, strategic management
• Concentrations Available: General; construction management; critical infrastructure protection and cyber crime; cyber law and international perspectives on cyberspace; cybersecurity; public sector leadership and crisis management; human resources leadership management; nonprofit management; organizational leadership management; fiscal management; technology management; project management; supply chain management

$499/credit

Headquartered in Marion, Indiana, Indiana Wesleyan University (IWU) reaches students around the world through its online National and Global campus. The university’s online Master of Science program in management includes four concentration options: data analytics, information technology management, healthcare administration, and policy and organizational change.

No matter their chosen concentration, all of the program’s students complete courses in areas such as foundations of graduate business and ethical and legal aspects of management. The program’s curriculum consists of 30 total credits. The university delivers all online coursework asynchronously.

• Example Major-Specific Courses: Foundations of graduate business; ethical and legal aspects of management
• Concentrations Available: Data analytics; information technology management; policy and organizational change

These days, an online degree might seem like the obvious choice. However, distance learning is only the right fit for a specific type of student . To determine if that’s you, ask yourself a few key questions:

• What’s your budget? Distance learning is a solid option for students looking to save money, as online students generally avoid paying campus-related costs such as housing and transportation. Additionally, some public universities allow students who exclusively enroll in online courses to pay in-state or otherwise discounted tuition rates.
• What are your other obligations? Online learning is often the right choice for parents and students who plan to work full or part time while enrolled. Many of the ranked programs in our guide were built for business professionals who want to complete their master’s degrees around their jobs.
• What’s your learning style? This is possibly the biggest question when determining whether or not online learning is right for you. If you are disciplined, organized and self-motivated, you can likely succeed in a less structured distance learning environment. If you crave regular interactions with a peer group or professor or prefer the structure of a physical classroom, campus-based learning might be a better choice.

There are two important types of accreditation: institutional and programmatic.

Institutional accreditation is the more important of the two. The U.S. Department of Education (ED) and Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) oversee the agencies that manage the institutional accreditation process. These agencies are each responsible for the schools within a group of states, vetting these schools for the quality of their academics, faculty and finances, among other areas.

You should only enroll at institutionally accredited schools, as this is the only way to qualify for federal financial aid. You can check a prospective school’s accreditation by visiting the accreditation page on its website or checking the directory on CHEA’s website.

Programmatic accreditation provides a similar vetting service in specific fields and disciplines. Its importance varies by field; however, programmatic accreditation is relatively important in business and management.

With master’s in management programs, keep an eye out for accreditation from three organizations: the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, the International Accreditation Council for Business Education, or the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs.

Consider Your Future Goals

An online master’s in management program is generally a good option for an early career business professional who aspires to managerial and supervisory roles in their field. Some people claim that a master’s in management is a more practical degree than an M.B.A. , focused more on minutiae and data such as budgeting and forecasting.

As such, many schools build their programs with working business professionals in mind. To that end, many online master’s in management programs do not include field experience or practicum experiences or internships. If you want your program to include this opportunity, you’ll have to research more carefully on the front end.

Since management is a general field, some online programs in the field offer more specific concentrations in areas such as nonprofit management, human resource management or supply chain management. If you know you want to enter one of these subfields, make sure to apply to a program with the right concentration option.

Understand Your Expenses and Financing Options

Per-credit tuition rates for the 10 ranked programs in our guide ranged from $347 to $775. Over the course of a typical 30- to 36-credit master’s in management program, these rates translate to approximately $10,000 to $28,000 in total tuition.

As of the 2021–2022 academic year, the National Center for Education Statistics found that the average college charged $20,513 in annual tuition. For a one- or two-year master’s program, this translates to roughly $20,000 to $40,000 in total tuition.

Make sure to fill out the FAFSA to finance your master’s program. The FAFSA can lead to loans, scholarships and grants. You can pursue similar opportunities through nonprofit organizations and schools. You can also seek out graduate assistantships through your school, but these opportunities are often reserved for on-campus students.

Is a master’s in management worth it?

It depends on your goals and circumstances. However, if you hope to advance to a managerial role in a business field, a master’s in management is often worth it, equipping you with qualifications and skills necessary to advance your career.

Is a master’s in management the same as an M.B.A.?

No, they are two separate degrees. Some would say that a master’s in management is a more practical degree, focused on budgeting and forecasting as opposed to big-picture thinking. A master’s in management is often built for early career business professionals, while an M.B.A. targets career changers and accelerators.

How long does a master’s in management take?

The programs in our guide generally take between 12 and 24 months to complete depending on how many courses you take per term.

Mikeie Reiland is a writer who has written features for Oxford American, Bitter Southerner, Gravy, and SB Nation, among other publications. He received a James Beard nomination for a feature he wrote in 2023.

51 of the best Harvard University courses you can take online for free

TL;DR: Take a wide range of online courses from Harvard University for free with edX.

edX is a special place that hosts free online courses from some of the top educational institutions in the world, including Harvard University. You can become a student of this famous school without spending anything or leaving home.

You can find free online courses from Harvard University on everything from AI to cybersecurity with edX, so what are you waiting for? These are the best free online courses from Harvard University this month:

American Government: Constitutional Foundations

Ancient Masterpieces of World Literature

Applications of TinyML

Building Personal Resilience: Managing Anxiety and Mental Health

CitiesX: The Past, Present and Future of Urban Life

CS50's Computer Science for Business Professionals

CS50's Computer Science for Lawyers

CS50's Introduction to Artificial Intelligence with Python

CS50's Introduction to Computer Science

CS50's Introduction to Cybersecurity

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CS50's Introduction to Programming with Scratch

CS50's Understanding Technology

CS50's Web Programming with Python and JavaScript

Data Science: Capstone

Data Science: Inference and Modelling

Data Science: Machine Learning

Data Science: Productivity Tools

Data Science: R Basics

Data Science: Visualization

Deploying TinyML

Electrochemistry

Energy and Thermodynamics

Entrepreneurship in Emerging Economies

Exercising Leadership: Foundational Principles

Fat Chance: Probability from the Ground Up

Fundamentals of Neuroscience Part 1

Fundamentals of TinyML

High-Dimensional Data Analysis

Humanitarian Response to Conflict and Disaster

Improving Your Business Through a Culture of Health

Introduction to Data Science with Python

Introduction to Digital Humanities

Introduction to Probability

Islam Through Its Scriptures

Leadership: Creating Public Value

Leaders of Learning

Machine Learning and AI with Python

Managing Happiness

Masterpieces of World Literature

MLOps for Scaling TinyML

Modern Masterpieces of World Literature

Remote Work Revolution for Everyone

Rhetoric: The Art of Persuasive Writing and Public Speaking

Shakespeare's Life and Work

Statistics and R

Super-Earths and Life

Using Python for Research

You won't get a certificate of completion with these free courses, but don't let that hold you back. Students can still enroll at any time and start learning at their own pace.

Find the best free online courses from Harvard University with edX.

Topics Artificial Intelligence Cybersecurity Careers

Joseph Green is the Global Shopping Editor for Mashable. He covers VPNs, headphones, fitness gear, dating sites, streaming services, and shopping events like Black Friday and Prime Day.

Joseph is also Executive Editor of Mashable's sister site, AskMen.

Bachelor’s Degree in Physics Online

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Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Physics

Become a professional problem-solver by earning a bachelor’s in physics from liberty university.

If you enjoy analyzing a situation, figuring out how machines work, or experimenting with new ideas, then a career in physics may be the right fit for you. Liberty University offers a 100% online Bachelor of Science in Physics that can help you meet your professional goals.

Physics is a versatile science that places a heavy emphasis on logic, reason, and problem-solving. While these skills can be applied to a variety of fields, our physics degree specifically prepares you for roles as a mechanical engineer, particle accelerator operator, data analyst, physicist, and more. By partnering with Liberty, you can start your career in physics, meet your professional goals, and make an impact on the scientific community.

How Do Physics Labs Work Online?

Three of our physics courses contain laboratory components. The labs are designed to be comparable to those in a residential setting, with the aim being to help you solidify the textbook concepts through firsthand experience. The labs leverage our university MATLAB site license, which allows for real-time data acquisition from an electronic sensor that is shipped to you in a lab kit – whether it be to measure motion, magnetic fields, light intensity, etc.

You’ll then analyze the data in MATLAB, which gives you valuable experience using industry-grade software. After successfully completing the lab courses, you can prepare to handle electronics, microcontrollers, and sensors as well as perform data analysis with MATLAB – all skills that can strengthen your skill set as an aspiring physicist, engineer, or other technical professional. 

What Will You Learn in Liberty University’s B.S. in Physics?

Upon graduation, you will be able to:

• Systematically explore physical phenomena by setting up experiments, collecting and analyzing data, and interpreting the results.
• Understand fundamental physics principles as well as foundational concepts within its branches of mechanics, electromagnetism, thermodynamics, and quantum mechanics.
• Understand how the cosmos and laws of physics support a creator and biblical worldview.
• Use mathematical techniques for problem-solving.

Potential Careers for B.S. in Physics Graduates

• Data analyst
• Lab technician
• Mechanical engineer
• Optical engineer
• Particle accelerator operator
• Research associate

Benefits of Pursuing Your B.S. in Physics with Liberty University

As a leader in distance education since 1985, we understand what it takes to create a flexible and affordable education for busy people. Since we have been investing in distance and online learning for decades, our experience has taught us how to streamline our degree options so you can focus on what really matters to you. While many schools offer online degrees, we believe Liberty stands out.

Here’s what sets us apart:

• We are  recognized by multiple institutions for our academic quality, affordability, and accessibility . Our commitment to excellence also helped us rank in the top 10% of Niche.com’s best online schools in America . Earning your online degree from a nonprofit university with this kind of recognition can help set you apart from others in your field.
• The majority of tuition for undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs has not increased in 9 years. While many other online colleges have raised tuition, Liberty has been able to keep costs low as a nonprofit university. 
• Gain the technical knowledge and research skills you’ll need to work as a physicist – all 100% online!
• The bachelor’s in physics can be completed in just 3.5 years.

Military Benefits

Service is important to us, so whether you’re currently serving in the Armed Forces, have served, or are married to someone who serves, we’re here to serve you. Liberty’s military benefits are available to:

• Active duty service members of the U.S. Armed Forces
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• Veterans/retirees
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We are proud to support you in your pursuit of a flexible and affordable online education by offering you the following benefits: 

• Tuition discounts – $250 per credit hour for undergraduate courses
• Additional discount for veterans who serve in a civilian capacity as a First Responder (less than $565 per course)
• 8-week courses, 8 different start dates each year, and no set login times (may exclude certain courses such as practicums, internships, or field experiences)
• Potential college credit for military training

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Next Start Date

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Liberty University is accredited by SACSCOC

“In the times in which we’re living today, Liberty University’s mission , the mission of training up a generation of Champions for Christ in literally every occupation, has never been more important .”

FORMER VICE PRESIDENT MIKE PENCE

Experience That Matters to You

As an accredited Christian college with a 7,000-acre campus in Lynchburg, Virginia, Liberty University offers you an education that is both academically challenging and rooted in a biblical worldview.

At Liberty, you’ll benefit from 35+ years of learning, growing, adapting, and innovating for the distance learner — and more than a decade of researching the needs of the online student. You can be confident that we’ve taken the time to learn what’s important to you.

And what’s that?

• Affordability
• Accessibility
• Academic Quality

These important factors challenged us to find new financial solutions, get ahead of industry trends, and blaze trails into cutting-edge career fields — and it’s paid off. That’s the difference experience makes.

Ranked in the top 10% of Niche.com’s best online schools in America   and recognized by multiple institutions for   academic quality, affordability, and accessibility.

Why Choose Liberty University?

Enjoy flexible courses.

Choose from a wide variety of programs at the associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral level, most of which are 100% online*. With an 8-week format and 8 start dates per year, it’s easy to fit your courses around your schedule!

* Some exclusions apply. Please refer to our exclusions page for more information.

Maximize Your Time

Start and finish your degree faster! Liberty requires no standardized testing for admission, and you can transfer previous course credit — transfer in up to 75% of a bachelor’s degree and up to 50% of a master’s, postgraduate, or doctoral degree — or discover how your life, career, or military experience may count toward your college degree.

Grow in Your Faith

All of our courses are taught from a Christian perspective, and our faculty see themselves as mentors. Our mission is to Train Champions for Christ — we’re committed to championing you as you study to go further in your field, become a leader in your industry, or start a new career.

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Throughout your educational journey, you will have access to academic resources that will aid in the completion of your degree. Services include our Jerry Falwell Library, writing center, tutoring, study aids, IT assistance, 30+ tutorial videos, live webinars, and personalized help from our academic advising team.

An Online Education with On-Campus Benefits

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As a nonprofit (not-for-profit) university, Liberty is in the business of training skilled professionals to make a difference in the world – not gaining profit, revenue, or producing dividends for shareholders. In keeping with our commitment to your education, we invest our resources back into degree programs and into your student experience.

While many other online colleges have raised tuition, Liberty has been able to keep costs low as a nonprofit university and has not increased tuition for 9 straight years. Lower tuition means less student loan debt for students.

For Liberty University, nonprofit is more than a status; it is a valuable opportunity to invest in the lives of students who will go out and impact the world.

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What happened with Team USA in the men's 4x100 relay without Noah Lyles? Kenny Bednarek and Americans disqualified at Olympics

The final event at the 2024 Paris Olympics for Kenny Bednarek didn't go as planned.

Far from it.

Bednarek, the Rice Lake High School graduate, joined the 4x100 relay team on Friday to conclude his second Summer Olympics with hopes of helping Team USA end their medal drought in this event.

But as the announcers on the NBC broadcast noted afterward, it was a "disaster."

The team, running without COVID-stricken Noah Lyles , finished seventh but were eventually disqualified after officials determined Bednarek took the baton from lead runner Christian Coleman while out of his running zone.

Bednarek left his spot early and Coleman had trouble catching him for the pass, resulting in an extremely awkward handoff, the first of the relay.

The team's disqualification continues a frustrating stretch in this event for Team USA that has now spanned two decades.

how many times is the men 4x1 team gonna botch handoffs….other relay teams do not have this continuous issue https://t.co/O86nv3IKN4 — pablo e🇧🇸🏹 (@EazyyyEl) August 9, 2024

It's been 20 years since Team USA's last podium finish in the event. The team's last medal came at the 2004 Summer Games in Athens, Greece, when it won silver. The last Olympic gold in the 4x100 relay for Team USA was in 2000.

The Team USA women, meanwhile, captured gold in the same event minutes earlier.

Team USA's quartet and their positions will be scrutinized for some time after yet another disappointing outcome. Lyles, the 100-meter winner at the Olympics, was expected to participate but felt the group had what it took to win as he battled COVID. Meanwhile, Bednarek was added to the group for the final, replacing Courtney Lindsey, after not taking part in Team USA's winning semifinal heat on Thursday. He was putting his focus on the 200m individual final.

Bednarek's Olympic Games end with one medal — a silver in the 200 meters . He also finished seventh in an epic 100-meter dash on Sunday.

Men's 4x100 meter results at the 2024 Paris Olympics

• South Africa
• Great Britain
• Team USA finished in seventh ahead of China but were later disqualified

Social media reacts to the men's 4x100m relay finish

Wtf just happened? How was Bednarek's mark so off? Coleman was never gonna catch him. JFC why can't the men's 4x1 get their damn handoffs together? pic.twitter.com/Ca6Pndd2fs — Dr. Nicki Washington (@dr_nickiw) August 9, 2024

Another tough 4x100m final for the Team USA men. #ParisOlympics Christian Coleman coming over to Kenny Bednarek after the race. Respect 👏 pic.twitter.com/VoU57K6jzb — Travis Miller (@travismillerx13) August 9, 2024

What a debacle that was. Blown first exchange, and USA wasn't in top three anyway (seventh). It's a wonder Bednarek got baton from Coleman. I swear, there are 100 high school coaches in USA who would be better relay coaches than what the national team comes up with. #Paris2024 — David Woods (@DavidWoods007) August 9, 2024

They should have left Fred Kerley in lane 2 and Kenny Bednarek as anchor in place of Noah Lyles. This is on the relay coach. Why change the positions when it’s already practiced for months⁉️ Kenny Bednarek would have dominated that anchor. #4x100 — Track Spice 🌶️ (@trackspice) August 9, 2024

Bednarek just leaves way too early. Kerley should’ve done better as the anchor leg as well Unbelieveable that this keep happening for the US https://t.co/kyltPDbeZG — Dominic Campbell (@DOMISMONEY) August 9, 2024

Carl Lewis reacts to men's 4x100 relay debacle

Carl Lewis, the nine-time Olympic gold medalist , didn't hold back his feelings after the race.

Lewis, who was in attendance for the race, wrote on X (formerly Twitter) that "it is time to blow up the system. This continues to be completely unacceptable."

It is time to blow up the system. This continues to be completely unacceptable. It is clear that EVERYONE at @usatf is more concerned with relationships than winning. No athlete should step on the track and run another relay until this program is changed from top to bottom. https://t.co/Re6THj8QTm — Carl Lewis (@Carl_Lewis) August 9, 2024

Men's US Olympic 4x100 relay team members

• Christian Coleman
• Kenny Bednarek
• Fred Kerley

Kenny Bednarek Olympic results

• 2020 Tokyo Olympics: 200 meters (second)
• 2024 Paris Olympics: 100 meters (seventh)
• 2024 Paris Olympics: 200 meters (second)
• 2024 Paris Olympics: 4x100 relay (disqualified)

Kenny Bednarek high school achievements at Rice Lake

Bednarek has been winning medals for a long time on the track.

He was one of the biggest stars at state during his high school career. His shining moment came his senior year at the 2018 WIAA track and field championships .

He swept the sprinting events, capturing gold in the 100-, 200- and 400-meter runs, in dominant fashion and set records in each that still stand.

Bednarek earned 30 of the team's 53 points to lead Rice Lake to its first Division 2 state championship. He won the 100 meters at 10.66, .26 seconds ahead of the second-place finisher, the 200 meters at 20.98 (state record), .71 seconds ahead of second and the 400 at 46.73 seconds (state record), about 2 seconds better than the runner-up. His prelim time in the 100 at 10.42 remains a state record.

He also won the 400- and 200-meter runs at state as a sophomore and junior. He was second in those events as a freshman.

Bednarek applied his speed on the gridiron and helped Rice Lake win the Division 3 state football championship as a senior in fall 2017.

Who is Kenny Bednarek's girlfriend?

Bednarek's inner circle have been shown on TV celebrating his accomplishments after his runs during the Olympics. Included is his girlfriend, Sharmila Nicollet .

Like Bednarek, the Indian-born Nicollet is an elite athlete.

She's been a professional golfer for the last 15 years but she probably could have had a long career in the pool as well. As a youth, she won over 70 medals at the state and national level.

It's turned out pretty well on the golf course. One of her biggest achievements was becoming the youngest Indian golfer to qualify for the Ladies European Tour.

Overall, Nicollet has 15 professional wins on her résumé across several tours. She's playing on the Epson Tour, the development tour of the LPGA Tour. Nicollet played in three LPGA Tour events earlier in her career.

The 33-year-old has memberships on the women’s golf association of india, ladies Asian tour and LET, according to her website . She posts often on her Instagram about her golf career but also has featured her relationship with Bednarek in heartwarming messages.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Sharmila Nicollet (@sharmilanicollet)

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Kung Fu Kenny (@kenny_bednarek)

Why isn't Noah Lyles running in the men's 4x100 relay?

Superstar sprinter Noah Lyles was expected to run in the 4x100 relay but, after testing positive for COVID earlier in the week and struggling with the effects of the virus after running the 200-meter final two days later , he decided to end his Olympics.

"I believe this will be the end of my 2024 Olympics. It is not the Olympics I dreamed of but it has left me with so much Joy in my heart," Lyles wrote on social media Thursday. "I hope everyone enjoyed the show. Whether you were rooting for me or against me, you have to admit you watched, didn’t you? See you next time."

Lyles collapsed on the track after earning bronze in the 200 meters on Thursday and was taken off the track in a wheelchair as medical personnel attended to him. Lyles has asthma, which can be exasperated by COVID.

Noah Lyles coverage: How Olympic athletes felt about the sprinter competing in 200 with COVID-19

Lyles, who won the 100 meters earlier in the Olympics , left open the possibility of running in the relay moments after the 200-meter final but was leaning against it.

"I'm feeling more on the side of letting Team USA do their thing," Lyles said, while wearing a mask in his post-run interview with NBC Sports' Lewis Johnson. "They’ve proven with great certainty that they can handle it without me. If that’s the case coming off today, I’m perfectly fine saying, 'Hey, you guys do your thing. You guys have more than enough speed to be able to handle it and get the gold medal.'"

Like Bednarek, Lyles didn't run in the semifinal heat. The Team USA quartet won the semifinal heat.

First I want to thank God for getting me through this entire Olympics! Second I want to congratulate @LetsileTebogo3 @kenny_bednarek and everyone else on an amazing Olympic 200m final. Finally I want to thank everyone for the supportive messages. I believe this will be the end of… pic.twitter.com/sfKOpLljAS — Noah Lyles, OLY (@LylesNoah) August 9, 2024

SCHEDULE: Wisconsin athletes competing at the 2024 Olympics