Last updated: October 2, 2026

Best Online Master's in Psychology Programs With No GRE Required

Six online psychology master's programs whose official pages say the GRE is not required, ordered by admissions access, pacing, and published cost.

Taylor Rupe

Founder & Editor

B.A. in Psychology, University of Washington, Seattle

Best Online Master's in Psychology Programs With No GRE Required

Key Takeaways

  • Every program here states on its own official page that the GRE is not required. Auburn University at Montgomery waives it for qualifying applicants.
  • A master's in psychology without the GRE still has admissions standards, usually a bachelor's degree and a minimum GPA.
  • Most programs on this list are non-licensure degrees. A counseling license requires a counseling program that meets your state's rules.
  • Total tuition on this list ranges from roughly $15,000 to nearly $100,000, so compare cost before you compare names.
  • Admissions policies change. Confirm the current requirement with each school before you apply.

If you want to earn a master's in psychology but do not want to spend months preparing for the GRE, you have options. Many online programs have dropped the test and look at your transcript, GPA, and goals instead. The no GRE requirement does not mean no standards, but it does lower the barrier for career changers and busy adults.

We confirmed the policy on each school's official page, then compared the programs on admissions, pacing, and published cost. For a wider comparison, see our best online master's in psychology programs or the jobs you can get with a master's in psychology.

How We Ranked Online Psychology Master's Programs With No GRE

A program qualified only if its official page states the GRE is not required, or is waived for qualifying applicants. Each program was then compared on three factors, and the order is calculated from that comparison. Ties go to the lower per-credit tuition. The ranking measures admissions access, pacing, and published cost. It does not rate academic quality.

  1. GRE not required for admission . Programs that state it without conditions rank above those that waive it only for qualifying applicants.
  2. Pacing flexibility . Self-paced options count most, followed by rolling admissions or frequent starts.
  3. Published tuition total . Lower published totals count for more.
Read full methodology →

No-GRE Programs Compared Side by Side

# School Tuition Length Format
1 Capella University FlexPath: under $13,000 for the fastest quarter of students (fees extra) About 10 months with FlexPath for the fastest students; varies with pace and transfer credit 100% online; self-paced FlexPath or GuidedPath
2 Touro University Worldwide $500/credit (about $18,000 total before aid) 36 credits; 1 year at two courses per term, or about 18 months part-time 100% online; 8-week sessions, six starts a year
3 Walden University About $30,205 course-based; Tempo Learning $4,000 per 3-month term 48 quarter credits; as few as 15 months course-based 100% online; course-based or self-paced Tempo Learning
4 Auburn University at Montgomery $483/credit in-state; $531/credit out-of-state, plus fees 30 credits; about 16 months 100% online and asynchronous
5 Auburn University $850/credit (about $25,500 total) 30 credits; about 2 years 100% online and asynchronous
6 Pepperdine University $2,060/unit (about $73,080 to $97,440 total) 36 to 48 units; 18 months full-time or 24 months part-time 100% online; weekly live classes plus asynchronous content

Programs That Do Not Require the GRE

Best programs for…

Self-Paced Option

Capella University

Rank #1

Six Starts a Year

Touro University Worldwide

Rank #2

No Application Fee

Walden University

Rank #3

Lowest Published Tuition

Auburn University at Montgomery

Rank #4

Same Rate Nationwide

Auburn University

Rank #5

Live Weekly Classes

Pepperdine University

Rank #6
1

Capella University

Minneapolis, MN (Online) 100% online; self-paced FlexPath or GuidedPath HLC Accredited
Self-Paced Option

Tuition

FlexPath: under $13,000 for the fastest quarter of students (fees extra)

Length

About 10 months with FlexPath for the fastest students; varies with pace and transfer credit

Format

100% online; self-paced FlexPath or GuidedPath

Accreditation

HLC Accredited

Why We Chose This

If studying for an entrance exam is the part that has kept you from applying, Capella removes it: the GRE and GMAT are not required. You then choose FlexPath, with self-paced deadlines, or GuidedPath, with fixed weekly deadlines in 10-week quarters. Five specializations include general, educational, and industrial/organizational psychology. The stated entry bar is a bachelor's degree with a 2.3 minimum GPA. Ranks #1 because it offers self-paced FlexPath, states the GRE and GMAT are not required and cites FlexPath completion under $13,000 for its fastest quarter of students.
  • GRE and GMAT not required for admission
  • FlexPath (self-paced) or GuidedPath (10-week quarters)
  • Five specializations, including industrial/organizational and sport psychology
  • Capella cites FlexPath completion in about 10 months and under $13,000 for the fastest quarter of students
View Capella University's Online Psychology Master's
2

Touro University Worldwide

Los Alamitos, CA (Online) 100% online; 8-week sessions WSCUC Accredited
Six Starts a Year

Tuition

$500/credit (about $18,000 total before aid)

Length

36 credits; 1 year at two courses per term, or about 18 months part-time

Format

100% online; 8-week sessions, six starts a year

Accreditation

WSCUC Accredited

Why We Chose This

Touro's page says plainly that no GRE is required, and its eight-week sessions start six times a year, so there is little waiting once you decide. The 36-credit degree costs $500 per credit, about $18,000 before aid. Take two courses per term to finish in a year, or about 18 months at a part-time pace. Five concentrations include health and forensic psychology. Ranks #2 because it costs about $18,000 at $500 per credit, states no GRE is required and starts students six times a year.
  • No GRE required
  • 36 credits at $500 per semester credit
  • Six starts a year in eight-week sessions
  • One-year pace with two courses per term, or about 18 months part-time
View Touro University Worldwide's Online Psychology Master's
3

Walden University

Minneapolis, MN (Online) 100% online; course-based or self-paced Tempo Learning HLC Accredited
No Application Fee

Tuition

About $30,205 course-based; Tempo Learning $4,000 per 3-month term

Length

48 quarter credits; as few as 15 months course-based

Format

100% online; course-based or self-paced Tempo Learning

Accreditation

HLC Accredited

Why We Chose This

Walden keeps the application simple: an online form and official transcripts, with no GRE scores and no application fee. You can take the course-based format or Tempo Learning, a self-paced subscription format. The course-based route can finish in as few as 15 months. Seven specializations include applied behavior analysis and health psychology, and up to 24 transfer credits can shorten the path. Ranks #3 because it asks for no GRE scores, offers self-paced Tempo Learning and lists course-based tuition near $30,205.
  • No GRE scores; only an application and official transcripts
  • Course-based format or self-paced Tempo Learning
  • 48 quarter credits; course-based tuition about $30,205 before scholarships
  • Seven specializations, including applied behavior analysis
View Walden University's Online Psychology Master's
4

Auburn University at Montgomery

Montgomery, AL 100% online and asynchronous SACSCOC Accredited
Lowest Published Tuition

Tuition

$483/credit in-state; $531/credit out-of-state, plus fees

Length

30 credits; about 16 months

Format

100% online and asynchronous

Accreditation

SACSCOC Accredited

Why We Chose This

Auburn University at Montgomery waives the GRE for qualifying students, so confirm your eligibility with admissions. The 30-credit MS in industrial-organizational psychology is 100 percent online and fully asynchronous, completed in about 16 months. Tuition is $483 per credit in-state and $531 out-of-state, with technology and online fees added. Rolling admissions mean you can apply when you are ready. Ranks #4 because it costs $483 per credit in-state, admits applicants on a rolling basis and waives the GRE for qualifying applicants.
  • GRE waived for qualifying applicants
  • 30 credits in about 16 months, fully asynchronous
  • $483 in-state and $531 out-of-state per credit, plus fees
  • Rolling admissions
View Auburn University at Montgomery's Online Psychology Master's
5

Auburn University

Auburn, AL 100% online and asynchronous SACSCOC Accredited
Same Rate Nationwide

Tuition

$850/credit (about $25,500 total)

Length

30 credits; about 2 years

Format

100% online and asynchronous

Accreditation

SACSCOC Accredited

Why We Chose This

Auburn states plainly that the GRE is not required. Its MS in industrial-organizational psychology is 100 percent online and asynchronous, 30 credits with no thesis, at $850 per credit for in-state and out-of-state students alike. Plan for about two years within a five-year limit and continuous enrollment, which suits a steady part-time pace alongside a job. Ranks #5 because it charges $850 per credit in-state and out-of-state and states the GRE is not required, and costs less per credit than Pepperdine University, which matches it on the other factors we compare.
  • GRE not required
  • 30 credits, no thesis, 100 percent online and asynchronous
  • $850 per credit for in-state and out-of-state students
  • About two years; continuous enrollment required
View Auburn University's Online Psychology Master's
6

Pepperdine University

Malibu, CA 100% online; weekly live classes plus asynchronous content WSCUC Accredited
Live Weekly Classes

Tuition

$2,060/unit (about $73,080 to $97,440 total)

Length

36 to 48 units; 18 months full-time or 24 months part-time

Format

100% online; weekly live classes plus asynchronous content

Accreditation

WSCUC Accredited

Why We Chose This

Pepperdine's online MA in Psychology says no GRE or standardized tests are required. Expect weekly live classes with asynchronous content across 36 to 48 units, finished in as few as 18 months full-time or 24 months part-time. At $2,060 per unit it is the highest-priced option here, so it fits applicants who value live discussion and a Pepperdine credential over the lowest cost. Ranks #6 because it requires no GRE or standardized tests and accepts rolling applications with four start terms.
  • No GRE or standardized tests required
  • Weekly live classes plus asynchronous content
  • 18 months full-time or 24 months part-time
  • Rolling applications with winter, spring, summer, and fall starts
View Pepperdine University's Online Psychology Master's

How to Choose a No-GRE Psychology Master's Program

Once the GRE is out of the picture, the differences are in the details: what the degree prepares you for, how you will pay for it, and how its schedule fits your life.

  • Decide your goal first. A general psychology or I-O psychology master's is not a counseling license; check state rules for licensure.
  • Compare total tuition, not just the per-credit rate, and ask about fees.
  • Check the format: self-paced, live weekly classes, or asynchronous with deadlines.
  • Ask about transfer credit and how many courses you can take at once.
  • Read the admissions page for the GPA and prerequisites the school expects.

How to Apply Without GRE Scores

Applying without GRE scores usually means the rest of your application carries more weight, so a clear plan helps.

  1. 1 Confirm the school's current no-GRE policy and any conditions.
  2. 2 Request official transcripts from every college you attended.
  3. 3 Write a short statement connecting your goals to the program.
  4. 4 Gather any required recommendations or resume.
  5. 5 Apply for the start term that gives you time to arrange financial aid.

More Psychology Program Rankings

Best Online Master's in Psychology Programs

Compare online psychology master's programs on quality, cost, and flexibility.

Best Online I-O Psychology Programs

Compare master's programs in workplace psychology.

Best Online Counseling Programs

Explore the route to a counseling license.

Master's in Psychology Jobs

See which careers a psychology master's can lead to.

No-GRE Master's FAQs

Yes. Many online programs do not require the GRE, including every program on this list. They usually ask for a bachelor's degree, transcripts, and sometimes a statement or recommendations.
Not necessarily. Programs still set standards, such as a minimum GPA, and some review your goals and experience. Dropping the test mainly removes one hurdle and the cost of preparing for it.
Not from a general psychology program. Therapy licensure generally requires a counseling or social work master's that meets your state's rules. See our guide to how to become a counselor.
Common paths include industrial-organizational psychology, research, human resources, and program management. Our master's in psychology jobs guide covers them.
It can be when it leads to a clear role or further study. Read is a psychology degree worth it to weigh pay against cost.