PhDs & Doctorates Without GRE Requirements

Est. Time: 5 mins

Updated: 11/07/2025

Schools are beginning to look at other barometers besides GRE scores to measure a student’s likelihood for success — including academic course history, GPA, research experience, extracurricular engagement, and professional background. Use this guide to better understand these programs and find the right fit for you.

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More doctorate programs now recognize that GRE scores provide only a limited view of student potential. Many applicants are working professionals who have been out of school for years, and research suggests standardized testing may create barriers for some students.

For practice-based doctorates in fields like social work and education, success often depends more on professional experience and applied skills than test performance. For PhD programs, admissions committees often place greater weight on research experience, academic achievement, and subject-matter expertise.

This guide explains no-GRE programs, including admission requirements, GRE waivers, and other key factors to consider when comparing schools.

Use the extra time and money you would have spent preparing for the GRE to strengthen the rest of your application. Improving your statement of purpose, gaining research experience, or building stronger relationships with recommenders may have a greater impact on your candidacy.

Timon Kaple

Most Popular PhDs and Doctorates with No GRE Needed

Even some of the most prestigious doctoral programs no longer require the GRE. Some schools may “recommend” it, but you can be considered without submitting a score.

Doctor of Business Administration (DBA)

For business-focused graduate programs, the GMAT often serves as the GRE equivalent — yet many DBA programs waive both for applicants with extensive work experience.

These programs attract seasoned professionals, so admissions often prioritize practical experience over test results.

Program Spotlight: George Fox University

George Fox University offers a hybrid Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) that combines online coursework with in-person residencies in Portland, Oregon. Students attend residencies twice a year during the program’s first three years.

Using a cohort model, students collaborate with peers throughout the program and complete a dissertation in year four.

Instead of test scores, applicants must demonstrate:

Professional experience: At least five years of business experience or a full-time faculty appointment
Academic background: A bachelor’s and master’s degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA
Prerequisite coursework: Finance, accounting, and economics

Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)

Because physical therapy is inherently hands-on, many DPT programs have dropped the GRE. Most require observation experience and an interview instead.

Program Spotlight: Indiana University

Indiana University offers a hybrid Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program that combines online and in-person coursework with 30 weeks of clinical training.

Applicants must have:

Observation experience: At least 40 hours in a physical therapy setting
Recommendations: Two letters of recommendation
Academic requirements: A bachelor’s degree with a minimum 3.2 GPA
Application materials: A personal statement

Think about what evidence you are providing in place of test scores. If a program uses holistic admissions, you’ll want the rest of your application to clearly demonstrate your readiness for doctoral-level work.

Timon Kaple

Many DSW programs focus on professional readiness over test performance. Schools recognize that social work requires interpersonal and analytical skills best demonstrated through experience.

Program Spotlight: Rutgers University

Rutgers University offers a Doctor of Social Work (DSW) program with no GRE requirement.

Applicants must have:

MSW degree: From a CSWE-accredited program
Professional experience: At least two years of post-master’s social work experience
Licensure: LSW required; LCSW preferred
Application materials: A personal statement, CV, writing sample, and official transcripts

Doctor of Education (EdD)

EdD programs typically attract mid- to senior-level educators with proven leadership experience, which often outweighs standardized test scores.

Program Spotlight: Baylor University

Baylor University offers an online Doctor of Education (EdD) program with no GRE requirement.

Applicants must submit:

Academic transcripts: Minimum 3.0 GPA
Recommendations: Three letters of recommendation
Personal statement: Statement of goals and qualifications
Curriculum vitae: Updated CV or résumé
Video interview: A five-minute recorded interview

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

Many DNP programs — both online and on-campus — do not require GRE scores because applicants are already licensed nurses with clinical experience.

Program Spotlight: The University of Arizona

The University of Arizona offers a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program with no GRE requirement for many specialty areas.

Applicants must have:

Degree requirements: A bachelor’s degree with a 3.0 GPA or a master’s degree with a 3.5 GPA
RN licensure: Active registered nurse licensure
Application materials: Two letters of recommendation, a CV, and official transcripts
Interview: An admissions phone interview

Admission requirements may vary by specialty, so be sure to review the requirements for your intended concentration.

PhD in Computer Science

Research-oriented programs like computer science PhDs increasingly assess applicants based on research experience, academic record, and recommendations, not test scores.

Program Spotlight: Brown University

Brown University offers a PhD in Computer Science with no GRE requirement.

Applicants must submit:

Degree requirements: A bachelor’s or master’s degree
Academic transcripts: Official transcripts from all colleges attended
Research plan: A statement outlining research interests and goals
Recommendations: Three letters of recommendation

The admissions process places a strong emphasis on research potential, academic preparation, and alignment with faculty research interests.

PhD in Counseling

PhD counseling programs often focus on clinical experience and professional goals, making the GRE optional or unnecessary.

Program Spotlight: Oregon State University

Oregon State University offers a hybrid PhD in Counseling that combines online coursework with in-person learning experiences. Students progress through the program in a cohort model, allowing them to build connections with peers and faculty.

Applicants must have:

Master’s degree: A master’s in counseling or a related field
Clinical experience: At least 600 internship hours
Application materials: Official transcripts, a CV, and three letters of recommendation
Written submissions: A writing sample and statement of goals

PhD in Psychology

At this level, most applicants already hold a master’s in psychology and significant experience, so GRE scores offer little additional insight.

Program Spotlight: Saybrook University

Saybrook University offers a PhD in Psychology with a GRE-optional admissions process.

Applicants should submit:

Academic transcripts: Official transcripts from all previous institutions
Application materials: A résumé and personal statement
Recommendations: Letters of recommendation
Skills assessment: Evidence of critical thinking and strong writing ability
Interview: An admissions interview

PhD in Public Health

Public health doctoral candidates are often mid-career professionals with years of field experience. Many universities now waive the GRE to make programs more accessible.

Program Spotlight: University of Connecticut

The University of Connecticut offers a PhD in Public Health with no GRE requirement.

Applicants should have:

Educational background: A bachelor’s degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA and a Master of Public Health (MPH)
Core competencies: Strong performance in epidemiology, biostatistics, behavioral sciences, environmental health, and health services administration

Exceptional applicants may be considered for admission without a master’s degree, depending on their academic preparation and experience.

PhD in Special Education

Applicants for special education PhDs are typically seasoned professionals with master’s degrees and extensive experience, so GRE exams are often optional.

Program Spotlight: University of Northern Colorado

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill offers a PhD in Special Education with online and on-campus options.

Applicants should submit:

Master’s degree: A graduate degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA
Recommendations: Three letters of recommendation
Application materials: A statement of goals, CV, and writing sample

Current master’s students may also be eligible to apply, depending on their academic progress and preparation.

GRE & GMAT Waivers: Do You Qualify?

Many schools have replaced standardized test requirements with waivers. Here are the most common types:

Work Experience Waivers

Some schools, like the University of Mary Washington, waive GRE/GMAT scores for applicants with 5+ years of professional experience.

Requests are typically made through the graduate admissions office.

Programmatic Waivers

Universities may grant waivers based on academic excellence or program type.

For example, UMass-Amherst offers GRE waivers to MS/PhD students, but not to MS-only candidates.

Terminal Degree Waivers

Students who already hold a graduate certificate, master’s, or PhD may qualify automatically.

Georgia State University: Waives GRE for certain graduate degree holders.
Florida State University: Offers waivers for applicants with a high master’s GPA.

Alumni Waivers

Some universities waive GRE requirements for their own alumni.

Brandeis University: Bachelor’s graduates may skip the GRE for graduate programs.
University of Houston: Offers similar alumni benefits.