Yes, it is possible to earn a PhD without a master’s degree. While the traditional path involves completing a master’s before starting a doctorate, some schools let you skip the master’s entirely — and in select cases, they even prefer it.
Below are four common scenarios that can help you secure admission to a PhD program with just a bachelor’s degree.
You’ve Passed Core Graduate-Level Courses
Admission committees want evidence that applicants have the foundational skills needed for advanced research. This often includes completing key graduate-level courses, such as:
- Epidemiology and biostatistics (public health)
- Historiography (history)
- Intermediate micro-/macroeconomics, calculus, linear algebra, statistics (economics)
Often, you’ll need to enroll in a master’s program to access these courses, but not always. Students with previous graduate experience may already have these credits, and some undergraduates can secure departmental permission to take them. These classes can be challenging but offer clear advantages when applying to PhD programs.
Example:
You Have Demonstrated Research Ability
PhD programs are research-heavy, with dissertations often taking a year or more. Applicants lacking research experience (qualitative, quantitative, or both) will struggle to compete.
Programs that prioritize research accomplishments may look for:
- Published original research
- Conference presentations
- Evidence of independently driven research projects
While these achievements are common among master’s students, undergraduates can pursue them, too. This path is especially strong for students clearly on a PhD trajectory.
Example:
Some Graduate Programs Are PhD-Focused
In certain fields, the PhD is the default credential, and some departments design their graduate pathways accordingly. These may include:
Master’s degree as option
Students may complete master’s-level coursework and choose to exit with a master’s before continuing on to the PhD.
Master’s degree as requirement
Students complete all master’s-related coursework, exams, and thesis requirements before advancing to the PhD.
No master’s degree available
Programs that admit students directly into PhD work, with no master’s track at all.
If any of these structures appeal to you, research the requirements closely to ensure they align with your goals.
Example:
You Have Years of Professional Work Experience
Some programs consider substantial professional research experience as an alternative to a master’s degree. Admissions committees look for:
- Long-term contributions to the field
- Original research completed in a professional environment
- Evidence of advanced, master’s-level skills
For example, someone with a bachelor’s in history and five years of archival research experience may be a strong candidate.
Example:
The Fine Print
Earning a PhD without a master’s is possible, but it comes with potential challenges. Keep the following in mind:
Hurdle #1: Transferring Credits
Master’s courses you’ve already taken may not transfer into your PhD program. Reasons include:
- Course content doesn’t match program expectations
- Department requires its own specific classes
Always confirm transfer policies with a program advisor.
Hurdle #2: Watch the Costs
If many of your credits don’t transfer, you may have to retake master’s-level prerequisites that don’t count toward your PhD. At schools charging $1,000+ per credit, this cost can add up quickly.
The Good News
If you’ve recently finished your bachelor’s degree, a direct-to-PhD program can be both efficient and cost-effective. You avoid unrelated master’s coursework, eliminate wasted credits, and may save significantly on tuition.
As with any advanced degree path, speak with both an admissions representative and a departmental program advisor. They can clarify requirements, share information not listed online, and help you avoid applying to programs that ultimately won’t fit your needs.
