What are the easiest grad schools to get into? Getting into graduate school takes work no matter what school or program you’re applying to, but easier admissions and coursework requirements might make the experience less demanding.
Some factors that can make a master’s program seem easier than others include 100% online classes, no thesis requirement, or a curriculum that isn’t heavily focused on mathematics or science.
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Read on to discover grad programs from various fields of study that are considered less difficult to get into and complete.
Easiest Grad Schools to Get Into
While getting into any graduate school takes dedication and work, there are a few things that can make getting into a graduate school easier for most students.
Some factors that can make getting into a graduate school more difficult include a high minimum GPA requirement, a thesis or internship requirement, a high tuition rate, and a low acceptance rate. The easiest graduate schools to get into may not require prerequisites, GRE test scores, or internship experience.
Some master’s programs may be considered easier because they offer a more flexible schedule or major coursework that you’re comfortable with.
Select the program that most interests you to jump to that section of the guide:
- Online Masters in Accounting
- Online Master of Business Administration
- Online Masters in Communications
- Online Masters in Criminal Justice
- Online Masters in Education and Teaching
- Online Masters in Healthcare Administration
- Online Masters in Human Resource Management
- Online Masters in Human Services
- Online Masters in Information Technology
- Online Masters in Liberal Arts
- Online Masters in Marketing
- Online Masters in Nursing
- Online Masters in Psychology
- Online Masters in Social Work
- Online Masters in Sports Management
You may want to explore your options to decide which program is right for you.
Masters in Accounting
A master’s in accounting can be one of the easiest master’s degree programs for those who have an undergraduate degree in accounting.
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While accounting graduate programs involve studying complex formulas and financial concepts, many of these topics are introduced in undergraduate accounting courses. Some topics typically explored include taxation, financial and managerial accounting, and fraud examination. This degree may be useful for mid- to senior-level positions in finance or accounting.
Master of Business Administration (MBA)
An MBA can help prepare you for a business career as a manager, chief executive officer, or similar administrative role.
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A background in business or a similar area of study can be helpful in understanding business and leadership concepts explored in an MBA program. An MBA can be a flexible degree because specializations are usually offered so you can study a certain aspect of business, such as project management or business analytics.
Masters in Communication
Communication can be one of the easiest masters programs to get into, depending on the school, because it usually doesn’t require a specific undergraduate degree for entry.
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Communication graduate programs can be useful for pursuing a career that requires advanced communication techniques, such as marketing manager or public relations manager. Topics typically covered in this program include digital media, mass communication, and public and media relations.
Masters in Criminal Justice
A masters in criminal justice studies criminology and various aspects of crime, such as cybercrime, the justice system, forensics, and crime and justice policies.
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Some master’s in criminal justice programs are offered fully online and have accelerated semester schedule options, making the program more flexible. A master’s in criminal justice can be useful for senior-level positions, such as senior correction officer, fraud investigator, federal agent, or criminologist.
Masters in Education and Teaching
A masters degree in education and teaching can help you advance in your career and increase your earning potential. Some education careers that typically require a masters degree include instructional coordinator, dean of students, and principal.
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If you currently hold a bachelor’s in education and enjoyed taking the undergraduate coursework required, you might find the courses in a master’s in education easier to complete.
Masters in Healthcare Administration
A masters in healthcare administration focuses on the development of leadership skills and practices in the healthcare industry.
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Some courses typically offered in this program include organizational behavior, data-driven healthcare management, and legal and ethical issues in healthcare. A master’s in healthcare administration is designed to prepare you for a leadership position in various sectors of the healthcare industry, such as hospital administration, healthcare advocacy, or healthcare consulting.
Masters in Human Resources
Some masters in human resources programs are available fully online with a non-thesis track option. Your coursework may review foundational topics relating to HR functions before diving into advanced HR topics related to employment law and ethics, talent management, organizational development, and HR information systems.
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This degree can be useful if you want to pursue a leadership position in HR, such as chief HR officer, training and development manager, or HR director.
Masters in Human Services
A masters in human services can introduce you to strategic management practices for human services programs. Financial management, human services program design and evaluation, and social policy and advocacy are a few of the topics that may be studied.
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With a master’s in the field, some professionals pursue a career as a human services administrator, human services program director, social and community services manager, or similar leadership role.
Masters in Information Technology (IT)
An IT masters program builds upon IT fundamentals and concepts typically studied at the undergraduate level. Some topics explored in a master’s in IT program might include IT systems planning and development, database design, and data visualization.
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This program may help you develop skills and knowledge in IT and computer science that can be applied to a career in data analytics, IT security, software engineering, or information systems management.
Masters in Liberal Arts
A masters in liberal arts is generally considered a flexible degree program because you have the opportunity to focus your studies on several subjects within the arts and humanities.
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This multidisciplinary program may help you develop effective communication, critical reasoning, and problem-solving skills that are essential to a variety of careers. A master’s degree in liberal arts can be applied to numerous industries, such as education, business, or art and entertainment.
Masters in Marketing
A master’s in marketing can be valuable if you’re interested in pursuing a leadership role in the marketing sector of the business environment.
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Some careers that may be attainable with this degree include market research analyst, marketing manager, sales manager, and public relations manager. Major coursework for this degree focuses on advanced marketing concepts, such as marketing management, product development, brand management, pricing strategy, and consumer behavior.
Masters in Nursing (MSN)
A Master of Science in Nursing is generally a career-oriented program that allows current or aspiring nursing professionals to specialize in a specific area of nursing.
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Advanced nursing and healthcare topics are the primary focus of major coursework. Some online programs may have in-person residency requirements. An MSN can be useful for many nursing-related careers that typically require a master’s degree, such as advanced practice registered nurse (APRN), nursing educator, or nurse manager.
Masters in Psychology
A masters degree in psychology studies various types of psychology, along with research methods, psychophysiology, and psychopharmacology.
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Specializations for this degree are usually available to allow students to concentrate on a specific aspect of psychology, such as industrial-organizational psychology, clinical psychology, or applied developmental psychology. This degree can be useful for many careers in the psychology field that require an advanced degree, such as psychologist, guidance counselor, and clinical social worker.
Masters in Social Work (MSW)
A Master of Social Work provides an overview of the fundamentals of social work and human behavior before diving into more advanced topics, like research methods for social workers, psychopathology, and social policy.
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Most major coursework typically falls under one of the branches of social science. Some careers that typically require a master’s degree in social work or a similar field include school counselor and clinical social worker.
Masters in Sports Management
Online masters in sports management degrees introduce students to management strategies and practices relevant to the sports industry.
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Some topics that might be explored include sports event and organization management, strategic marketing, sport finance, and facility management. Some careers this degree can be useful for include athletic director, coach, sports event coordinator, and sports facility manager. Non-thesis tracks for this degree are available, which may be completed in less than 2 years.
How to Choose an Easy Graduate School to Get Into
There are several factors that can influence how easy it is to get into graduate school. To find the easiest graduate schools to get into, you can ask yourself these questions:
- What is the acceptance rate?
- Does the school require test scores?
- Is there a minimum GPA requirement?
- Are there any prerequisite requirements?
Schools often post their acceptance rates online, which is one of the best ways to determine how easy it is to get into the school. Schools with a low acceptance rate are more competitive than schools with high acceptance rates. A high acceptance rate is generally considered at least 50% or higher. This means that at least half of the students who applied were admitted.
Other factors to consider are admissions requirements. Some schools have more rigorous admissions requirements than others. For example, some degree programs require students to hold a specific undergraduate degree to be admitted.
Common Graduate School Admissions Requirements
Admissions requirements can differ between graduate schools, but these are some basic requirements you may encounter:
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
- Official transcripts
- Minimum GPA
- GRE or GMAT scores (only some schools require them)
The most basic admissions requirements that nearly every grad school will have include an undergraduate degree and official transcripts.
Some schools may have additional requirements, such as a minimum GPA or standardized test scores. While not all schools request them, many graduate schools also ask for letters of recommendation and a personal statement.
Easiest Master Degrees Accreditation
Accreditation is an important factor to consider no matter what degree you want to pursue. Colleges and universities can choose to seek regional accreditation from a regional accrediting agency. Accredited institutions are recognized as offering quality educational services and resources.
Accreditation can be important for graduate school admissions eligibility, employment opportunities, financial aid eligibility, and overall assurance that you’re receiving a quality education. You can search the US Department of Education’s school database to find accredited postsecondary institutions.
Financial Aid and Scholarships
When narrowing down your list of easy graduate schools to get into, affordability can play a key role. To determine if you’re eligible for federal aid, such as student loans, you can submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) through the US Department of Education.
Many schools offer financial assistance to students who demonstrate financial need based on their FAFSA results. Your state may also use these results to determine your eligibility for any state aid opportunities. Financial assistance for college can come in many forms, including loans, grants, work-study programs, employer programs, and scholarships.
Is It Hard to Get Into Grad School?
The level of difficulty to get into grad school can vary and ultimately depends on the school and program of study. Some graduate schools have more rigorous admissions requirements, such as GRE test scores, an admissions interview, or a high minimum GPA. Is it hard to get into grad school? Grad schools that are considered hard to get into generally have low acceptance rates.
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Easy grad schools to get into typically have high acceptance rates. Some also do not require additional admissions criteria outside of the basic requirements of a bachelors degree and official transcripts.
What Do Grad Schools Look For?
While every school is different, here are some things graduate admissions offices often look for when considering prospective students:
- Strong personal statement
- Academic performance
- Coursework completed in your undergraduate program
- Relevant internship, volunteer, or work experience
So, what do graduate schools look for in applicants? If a personal statement is required, graduate schools usually want to know what your interests are and how they relate to the program you’re applying for. Grad schools may also take any relevant work experience you have into consideration. Official transcripts are used to review academic performance and relevant coursework.
Can You Get Into Grad School with a Low GPA?
There are low GPA masters programs available. A satisfactory GPA score for many graduate programs is a 3.0 or higher. But, there are master’s programs that set the minimum GPA requirements at 2.5 or lower.
While having a low GPA may limit your choices, there are still grad schools that accept students with a lower GPA. There are also other opportunities in the application process—such as in a statement of purpose or letters of recommendation—where you can highlight your academic achievements and strengths.
What Are Easy Masters Degrees That Pay Well?
Some masters degrees that are considered less difficult and can lead to high-paying careers include those in communication, education, human resources, business administration, and information technology.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, here are the median annual salaries of high-paying careers that may be attainable with a master’s degree:
- Computer and information systems managers — $164,070
- Marketing managers — $140,040
- Human resources managers — $130,000
- Public relations managers — $129,430
- K-12 education administrators — $101,320
Salary ranges and job availability can vary depending on your chosen industry, level of education, work experience, employer, and location.
Is Grad School Worth It?
Yes, grad school is worth it for many students. Earning a masters degree may demonstrate to employers that you have the skills and abilities to perform specialized tasks or take on additional responsibilities.
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According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the unemployment rate for professionals with a master’s degree is lower compared to professionals with an undergraduate degree or no college experience. There are also many graduate degree careers that are expected to have a faster or much faster than average job growth rate over the next ten years.
Universities Offering Easy Masters Degree Programs Online
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.
Academy of Art University is accredited by WASC Senior College and University Commission.
Bellevue University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
BYU is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
Colorado Technical University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
DePaul University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association.
GCU is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Herzing University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
UMGC is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Wayne State College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Weber State University is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
Getting Your Master’s Degree Online
Whether you’re interested in advancing in your field or pursuing a career that requires a graduate degree, earning an online master’s degree could help you work toward your goals.
There are many reasons why a graduate school could be considered easy to get into, such as them having less strict admissions requirements, greater affordability, or a high acceptance rate. Depending on your chosen field of study, online programs may offer more flexibility that makes it easier to get your graduate degree.
You can take your first steps toward getting a graduate degree by researching accredited schools and online programs that best support your interests and career goals.
