Top 17 PhD Programs Without GRE | Cost, Admission

Getting into graduate school appears to be difficult for most candidates at the mention of the GRE requirement. Some people, see it as a hurdle. However, the fantastic news is that you can graduate school without GRE. That is to say; you can get PhD programs without GRE. These PhD programs that don’t require GRE have other requirements you need to satisfy to be admitted.

Due to the availability of graduate schools that don’t require GRE, Kiiky, has put together a list of PhD programs with no GRE, stating their admission requirements and cost.

The GRE is developed and administered by test maker ETS to equip graduate and business schools with standard measures for comparing and grading applicants. Graduate school and business school admissions committees use your GRE score and other academic records and supporting materials to assess your eagerness for the rigors of graduate academic study.

Nevertheless, the institution you’re applying to determines whether The GRE may or may not be required for a particular PhD program. For instance, some online PhD programs do not require the GRE.

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What is GRE?

The Graduate Record Examination (GRE), is an essential step in the graduate school or business school application process. It is refined and administered by test maker ETS to provide graduate and business schools with standard models for weighing applicants’ qualifications for graduate-level academic work.

In other words, GRE is a multiple-choice, computer-based, graded exam often required for admission to graduate programs and graduate business programs (MBA) globally.

After the exam, graduate school, and business school admissions board look at your GRE score, academic record, and supporting materials, to evaluate your level of preparedness for graduate study.

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Why Do Schools Ask For GRE Score During Admission?

During the graduate admission process, the school demands your GRE score to ascertain and evaluate your readiness for the graduate program.

The GRE examines your writing skills, quantitative reasoning ability, and verbal reasoning, which are your English and communication skills.

In a nutshell, they’re testing you on very basic skills that show your capabilities in that area. Thus, making it easy to compare students from different backgrounds on the same scale.

How To Waive GRE Exam?

To some, the thought of a Graduate Record Exam alone is a huge turn-off. However, the good news is that GREs can be waived. You can enroll in a PhD with no GRE test required. In other words, there are graduate programs that don’t need a GRE score.

Nevertheless, aside from the programs that ideally don’t ask for the GRE score, there are a few other common policies you may find that allow you to waive the GRE at various programs. They are…

Undergraduate GPA Cutoff: Schools frequently extends waivers to applicants who meet specific undergraduate GPA requirements.

Other Graduate Degree: You may find programs willing to waive the GRE requirements if you hold another graduate degree. However, this is solely dependent on the institution.

Professional Experience: With over 5 years of relevant professional experience, the program you are applying to can decide to waive the GRE test requirement.

Do I Need GRE For PhD?

The GRE may or may not be required for PhD programs. However, this is defined by the graduate school, the type of PhD, and the learning setup. For instance, some online PhD programs do not require the GRE.

Can I Get Into Graduate Schools Without GRE?

Absolutely, you can! Various graduate programs don’t require the GRE. More so, some programs allow you to waive the GRE requirement under certain circumstances.

Furthermore, there are programs that, while they may require the GRE, much emphasis isn’t placed on it during the admissions process. In this instance, your score doesn’t matter very much. See the top 17 PhD programs without GRE below.

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Top 17 Phd Programs Without GRE

Whether a PhD program requires the GRE (or GMAT) depends on the university, the discipline, and the specific department. Below are a few examples of PHD no GRE programs in different areas of study.

However, as the list goes, you’re also strongly advised to visit the school’s portal to keep up with the dynamic application requirements are constantly changing. In other words, check out each school’s requirements before applying.

1. Walden University Doctor of Business Administration (DBA)

This Phd program offered by Walden University is made for skilled professionals who want a broader point of view of modern applied managerial theories. Furthermore, Walden University grants a variety of DBA concentrations, including International Business and Global Supply Chain Management, Finance, Accounting, Human Resource Management, Healthcare Management, Marketing, etc.

Admission requirements

To gain admission, you need to satisfy the following…

• Tender an official transcript of a master’s degree, or higher, from a U.S. school approved by a regional, professional/specialized, or national accrediting organization acknowledged by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) or the U.S. Department of Education, or from an appropriately accredited non-U.S. institution.
• Have a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale in post-baccalaureate degree coursework.
• Possess three years of professional/academic experience related to the program for which application is made.
• Completed application form.
• The Office of Admissions holds the right to request the names and contact information for two persons, professional or academic, qualified to clarify knowledgeably on the applicant’s skills and qualifications.
• Official transcript(s) of highest degree or coursework completed to date.
• Access to a computer and the Internet.

Note: Any documents received by Walden University will not be refunded to the applicant/student and cannot be re-issued to the applicant/student or to another institution.

Tuition

Time to completion and cost are not estimates of individual experience and will vary based on individual factors applicable to the student. However, tuition is subject to change. That is to say, certain circumstances can warrant an increase in tuition fees. Nevertheless, the cost of a 3.3 minimum years program is $52,940. In a situation where it extends to 8 years, the student will pay $139,460.

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2. Chicago School of Professional Psychology PhD in Organizational Leadership

Chicago school of professional psychology offers an online PhD in Organizational Leadership. This PhD program doesn’t require GRE. That is to say, you can apply with o GRE.

In this program, students dissect research in strategic management as they analyze and assess complicated problems in organizations to study how new models that apply creative solutions and positive organizational change.

Admission requirements

Application to The Chicago School’s Organizational Leadership doctoral program is open to any person who holds a master’s degree from a regionally accredited institution in psychology, the behavioral sciences, organizational discipline or other related fields, and who satisfy other entrance requirements.

However, students applying to the Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership (post-master’s) program must do the following:

• Apply online.
• Pay an Application Fee of $50.
• Tender a resume with three or more years of work experience.
• Submit an essay of not less than 500 words stating how leaders have personally inspired you in your professional and personal life.
• Students must tender official transcripts from all schools where degrees have been earned. The Chicago School requires that all schools be regionally accredited higher education institutions.
• Away from general admission requirements, this program requires applicants to have successfully completed at least one (1) foundational course in statistics, and one (1) foundational course in psychology or organizational behavior with a grade earned of ‘C’ or better by the end of their first semester (second online term) of study.

Tuition

Each student, whether online or on campus, is expected to pay a tuition fee of $1,492.

Note: These fees are subject to change.

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3. Colorado Technical University Doctor of Management (DM)

The Doctor of Management (DM) at Colorado Technical University is a terminal degree for management professionals. The program prepares students to think and act strategically and enhance their abilities to make positive contributions in their chosen area of management expertise.

Admission requirements

To gain admission, you must certify the following…

• Participate in an admissions interview with an admission advisor.
• Submit a complete Colorado Technical University application for admission.
• Tender an official transcript verifying completion of an accredited master’s degree. Foreign transcripts are to be translated into English.
• Submit a copy of your resume. The resume should highlight five years of related employment experience and education history.
• Submit a personal statement essay (1800-3000 words). The essay should be your personal statement. This part of the admissions application provides evidence of your research focus, personal/professional motivation, specific concentration compatibility, and overall capacity to be successful in the program.

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4. California Southern University Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) 

This PhD program is designed to equip working professionals with advanced business knowledge and practical skills needed by senior leadership in today’s complex, global economy. This is one PhD program with no GRE requirement. See the admission requirements below.

Admission requirements

To be admitted for the Doctor of Business Administration program at California Southern University, you must satisfy the following…

• Complete an online application form.
• Submit their undergraduate degree transcripts and any additional college courses completed. This transcript must be sent in a sealed envelope from your undergraduate or former institution.
• Tender a copy of a government-issued ID.
• Submit a short personal statement.
• Pay an application fee of $75.
• Choose a tuition payment option.
• Sign an enrollment agreement that clearly outlines the number of credits required to complete your program, any transfer credits accepted, the total cost of your program, the tuition refund policy, and other important information.

Tuition

The cost per credit is $545, and a maximum of 30 credits is needed to complete the program.

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5. Smith College PhD in Social Work

Smith College is one of the universities without the GRE requirement. The PhD in Social Work program doesn’t require the GRE though you are required to have some post-Masters professional experience.

This program will advance your capacity for critical thinking in relation to the knowledge, values, and skills relevant to the practice of clinical social work and research on clinical practice.

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6. Cal Southern’s School of Behavioral Sciences

Cal Southern’s School of Behavioral Sciences offers a PsyD program with no GRE requirements. Students complete a doctoral project after taking various courses, such as advanced theories in personality theory and psych-pharmacology. Upon earning your degree, graduates may be ready to pursue licensure as a clinical psychologist in California.

The Doctor of Psychology opens learners to theoretical and practical methodologies within the field.

Admission requirements

To gain admission, you have to fulfill the following…

• Complete an online application form.
• Submit their undergraduate degree transcripts and any additional college courses completed. This transcript must be sent in a sealed envelope from your undergraduate or former institution.
• Tender a copy of a government-issued ID.
• Submit a short personal statement.
• Pay an application fee of $75.
• Choose a tuition payment option.
• Sign an enrollment agreement that clearly outlines the number of credits required to complete your program, any transfer credits accepted, the total cost of your program, the tuition refund policy, and other important information.

Tuition

The cost per credit is $545, and a maximum of 30 credits is needed to complete the program.

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7. Nova Southeastern University’s PhD in Family Therapy 

The Ph.D. in Family Therapy program qualifies graduates for careers as professors, researchers, supervisors, and senior clinicians. The program is dedicated to understanding the relationship between theoretical ideas and the variety of established and emerging schools of family therapy.

Furthermore, the program is designed to enhance students’ clinical skills to become top-level practitioners while simultaneously showing the place of qualitative and quantitative research in this pursuit.

Admission requirements

• Complete the online application form.
• Pay a non-refundable application fee of US $50.
• Submit official transcripts from all schools attended or agency evaluations of foreign degrees.
• Score a grade point average (GPA) of 3.5 or higher.
• Write a personal statement of 500 words minimum.
• Submit a copy of an academic paper.
• Tender three academic or professional letters of recommendation.
• TOEFL score (if applicable).
• An interview may be demanded before admission to the program.

Tuition

The doctorate program’s tuition fee is $1,128 per credit hour.

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 8. Argosy University PsyD in Clinical Psychology 

The primary purpose of the Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) in Clinical Psychology degree program is to educate and train students in the significant aspects of clinical practice.

To help to ensure that students are prepared adequately, the curriculum integrates theory, training, research, and practice, preparing students to work with a wide range of populations in need of psychological services and a broad range of roles. Students who complete the clinical psychology program earn a Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) degree.

Admission requirements

To be admitted, you need to fulfill the following…

• A bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution, national or foreign.
• An undergraduate degree grade point average of at least 3.0 (on a scale of 4.0)
  OR a graduate grade point average of 3.25 (on a scale of 4.0).
• A minimum score on an Argosy University pre-approved English language proficiency test is required for all applicants whose native language is not English or who have not graduated from an institution at which English is the language of instruction as specified in Section Five, Admission Policies, “English Language Proficiency Policy.”
• Completion of an interview with a member of the Program Admissions Committee.
• Completed Application for Admission Form.
• Admission Application Fee.
• Personal/professional goal statement.
• Current résumé.
• Three completed Recommendation Forms.
• Official transcripts from all post-secondary schools attended.

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9. Walden University PhD in Clinical Psychology

This clinical psychology PhD program requires no GRE score. The program features online and in-person participation. You can gain the skills to assess mental wellness and provide interventions as a practitioner, educator, researcher, or consultant. 

Admission requirements

Even though this Phd program is without GRE, WU also outlines a list of other requirements before admission. You have to fulfill the following…

• Tender an official transcript of a master’s degree, or higher, from a U.S. school approved by a regional, professional/specialized, or national accrediting organization acknowledged by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) or the U.S. Department of Education, or from an appropriately accredited non-U.S. institution.
• Have a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale in post-baccalaureate degree coursework.
• Possess three years of professional/academic experience related to the program for which application is made.
• Completed application form.
• The Office of Admissions holds the right to request the names and contact information of two persons, professional or academic, qualified to clarify knowledgeably the applicant’s skills and qualifications.
• Official transcript(s) of highest degree or coursework completed to date.
• Access to a computer and the Internet.

 Tuition

This program tuition is calculated per quarter hour.

• Tuition Coursework: Requirements– 143, Cost– $495 per quarter hour for coursework credits, SUBTOTAL= $70,685
• Tuition Dissertation: Requirements– 20 — 80 quarter credits, Cost– $495 per quarter hour for dissertation credits , SUBTOTAL = $9,900 — $39,600

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10. Nursing Practice (DNP) – Simmons College

This Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program is carefully designed for experienced, advanced practice nurses and nurse leaders. The program does not require GRE standardized test.

Admission requirement

To apply for the program, you need to…

• Have an MS in nursing or a related Master’s degree (3.5 graduate GPA) from a regionally accredited U.S. post-secondary institution.
• Provide evidence of current RN licensure in good standing and board certification in the U.S. in an advanced practice specialty (NP, CNS, CNM, CRNA) or experience (at least two years post-masters) as a nurse manager/nurse executive.
• Aspirants must take an undergraduate statistics course at a regionally accredited U.S. post-secondary institution within 7 years of the application deadline.
• Complete application.
• Provide a personal statement.
• Submit a current resume.
• Tender three letters of recommendation.
• Submit official college transcripts from all institutions, whether or not a degree was earned.
• Provide an RN license and advance practice certification in good standing.

Tuition

Tuition is $1,410 per credit hour each semester. That is to say; it is checked on a per-credit basis each semester.

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11. Doctor of Computer Science (DCS)

This online PhD program in Computer Science offered by Colorado Technical University program is designed to provide an in-depth study of specific subjects associated with computer science so that you can predict trends and, ultimately, make contributions in your area of expertise. This PhD program doesn’t require GRE.

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12. Doctor of Strategic Leadership (DSL) – Liberty University

This online PhD in Strategic Leadership degree furnishes students with theoretical knowledge and practical skills in leadership. The program focuses on various leadership principles vital to effective business management, with courses culminating in an applied doctoral research project. Furthermore, this PhD program doesn’t require GRE.

Admission requirements

All aspirants must submit the following;

• Admission application
• Application fee*
• Official college transcripts
• Proof of English proficiency

Tuition

The tuition is calculated per- hour.

• Part-time rate if taking 5.99 hours or less – $650
• Full-time rate if taking 6 hours or more- $595

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13. PhD in Criminal Justice – Nova Southeastern University

The PhD in Criminal Justice tutors individuals through an interdisciplinary focus in an online environment. The program develops students through the core curriculum and allows for specialty training through various tracks. Furthermore, the program opens opportunities in research, academia, and management. This PhD program doesn’t require GRE.

Admission requirements

Here’s a rundown of the admission requirements…

• Completed online application for admission, including ($50) nonrefundable application fee.
• An official transcript from a regionally accredited institution showing a conferred master’s degree with a minimum CGPA of 3.0, and official final transcripts from all institutions of higher education (community colleges, bachelor’s programs, post-graduate programs)
• Professional letters of recommendation from two (2) individuals who can attest to the applicant’s capacity to succeed in a doctoral program.
• No entrance exam required.
• Submit a Personal Statement of Goals.
• Completed Transfer of Credits forms if relevant.

Tuition

The tuition is $1,170 per credit hour.

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14. Doctor of Computer Science – Cybersecurity and Information Assurance Colorado Technical University

This online PhD program walks you through enterprise systems through an understanding of Sarbanes-Oxley regulations, trust and privacy best practices, and enterprise tools such as CORBA and J2EE, XML, RDF, OWL, and UML with a Doctor of Computer Science degree in Cybersecurity and Information Assurance from CTU. This a PhD with no GRE.

Admission requirements

To be considered for admission to a graduate degree program, you must fulfill these admissions requirements:

• Connect with an Admissions Advisor, in person, or by phone, to explore your goals and confirm your decision to pursue your graduate degree at CTU.
• Submit a completed Colorado Technical University graduate admission application online.
• Submit an official transcript confirming completion of an approved baccalaureate degree by the end of the first session. If you do not have an official baccalaureate transcript, you may be admitted as a non-regular student.
• Non-native speakers of English are obligated to give proof of English proficiency, such as TOEFL, IELTS, or other English proficiency assessment results, before admission.
• Submit an entrance essay.
• Applicants enrolling in a doctoral degree program must launch an interview (phone or in-person) with a representative from CTU’s Doctoral Programs.

Tuition

The total tuition cost for Doctor of Computer Science – Cybersecurity and Information Assurance Colorado Technical University is $59,800.

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15. Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Program – Sacred Heart University

The Sacred Heart University Davis & Henley College of Nursing Advanced Graduate Certificate Program in Nursing Management & Executive Leadership is geared towards students seeking administrative positions in healthcare organizations.

Admission requirements

To get admitted, you need to fulfill the following…

• Master’s degree in Nursing or related field with a GPA of 3.0 or greater
• All official transcripts
• Licensed as a registered nurse
• Current malpractice insurance
• One professional reference
• Application processing fee $25
• Application Form

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16. Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership – Argosy University

The Doctor of Education (EdD) in Educational Leadership program is meant for those students who wish to advance in their careers as educational leaders in professional positions as school district, regional, state, or national administrators.

Admission requirements

• A master’s degree from a regionally accredited institution, or a nationally accredited institution.
• A grade point average of at least 3.0 (on a scale of 4.0) in work leading to the master’s degree and in any subsequent graduate study
• A minimum score on an Argosy University pre-approved English language proficiency test is required for all applicants whose native language is not English.
• Completed Application for Admission form.
• Documentation of applicant employment with or access to a professional or educational organization.
• Official transcripts from the institution that conferred the master’s degree and institutions where graduate coursework was subsequently taken. Bachelor’s level transcripts are not required.
• All applications for admission must be submitted to the Admissions Department.
• Prior to matriculation, applicants will be required to submit a personal/professional goal statement.

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17. The Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) – Westcliff University

The Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) is designed for applicants who, having already completed a Masters’s program, are looking to develop further their practical and theoretical knowledge of the principles that govern global business.

Their DBA program emphasizes advanced decision-making and leadership skills as well as in-depth knowledge of theory and applied research. This graduate program doesn’t require a GRE score.

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Conclusion

With the availability of PhD programs with no GRE, the hurdle of gaining admission into graduate school is made easier and the process simplified. Therefore, you’re expected to make the best out of it.

FAQs On PhD Programs Without GRE

References

• https://www.gradschools.com/get-informed/before-you-apply/choosing-graduate-program/phd-programs-no-gre
• https://uscollegeinternational.com/2019/09/19/phd-program-no-gre/
• https://www.mydegreeguide.com/phd-programs-no-gre/

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