Can I Get a Master's Degree with a Bachelor's in a Different Field?

1. Education

There are many education degrees, but a Master of Arts in education is one of the most common. Students often pursue this graduate degree after obtaining a bachelor's degree in:

• Early childhood education
• Elementary education
• Secondary education
• Special education

There are also many online Master of Arts in education degrees available for those looking for more flexible learning.

Alternatively, students with a degree in a specific subject, such as history, English, or science, may decide to get an education-related master's degree to pursue or advance their career in teaching that subject.

2. English and Humanities

English and humanities are sometimes offered as separate degrees. In other cases, they can be obtained as a single Master of Arts or Master of Fine Arts degree. They often offer program concentrations that allow students to specialize in a particular area.

Graduate programs in English and humanities often see students with undergraduate degrees in a variety of arts and sciences. They may also contain students with a degree in education who hope to become English or humanities teachers and professors.

3. Business Administration

Students attending graduate school for a Master of Business Administration (MBA) may come from a variety of backgrounds. Often, these students pursue this field of study to be eligible for promotions to management or leadership positions in their current field.

Common undergrad specializations held by those in MBA programs include:

• Healthcare
• Computer science
• Project management
• Human resources

4. Information Technology

A Master of Science in information technology is an excellent option for students hoping to break into the industry or pursue a new career within the related field of computer science.

Those pursuing higher education in IT may have other tech-related degrees, such as computer science or data analytics. Or they may have a broader degree, such as mathematics or engineering. In some cases, their degree may even be completely unrelated to technology.

5. Social Work

Students pursuing a master's in social work often have a degree and work experience in public health, psychology, or behavioral sciences.

That said, students with any undergraduate major can pursue a Master of Social Work, which can lead to various careers in:

• Government departments
• Nonprofit organizations

6. Public Health

A Master of Public Health is a common degree. It often attracts students who are already working in healthcare, but those from a variety of backgrounds can also enter this type of degree program.

Common bachelor's degrees that transfer well to this master's degree include:

• Nursing
• Health sciences
• Nutrition

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7. Public Administration

Are you interested in a career in public administration? A master's degree in the field can help you find success in this career path.

Master of Public Administration degrees attract students from a variety of undergraduate backgrounds. There are also many affordable MPA programs available for those who are interested. Common bachelor's degrees to pursue before getting an MPA include:

• Political science
• Economics
• Business

8. Digital Marketing

A master's degree in digital marketing can help you develop in-demand skills that transfer across a wide variety of fields.

You can pursue graduate-level studies in digital marketing with any bachelor's degree, but some common ones include:

• Marketing and advertising
• Business administration
• Communications

9. Athletic Training

A master's degree in athletic training prepares students to pursue a career as athletic trainers. Most athletic trainers hold a master's degree in their field. While some bachelor's programs in athletic training are available, most students get their undergraduate degree in a related or unrelated field.

Bachelor's degrees that transfer well to athletic training master's programs include:

• Kinesiology
• Health sciences
• Sport management

10. Public Relations

A master's degree in public relations can help you pursue career advancement in a variety of professional settings.

While many students pursue a bachelor's degree in public relations, those with an unrelated major in any field can opt to obtain a master's degree instead.

FAQs about Earning Your Master's with a Different Bachelor's Degree

Do you still have questions about pursuing graduate study in a different field than your undergrad degree? Keep reading as we answer some of these questions.

Can I Pursue a Master’s in a Field That’s Different From My Bachelor’s?

Yes, many graduate programs welcome applicants from varied undergraduate backgrounds. Some fields like business, education, counseling, and healthcare are especially open to candidates with non-related bachelor’s degrees. If you’re considering a shift into clinical or human services areas, exploring affordable speech pathology graduate programs online can help you see how programs structure prerequisites and coursework for students coming from diverse academic paths.

Can You Do a Master's Without a Bachelors Degree?

In some cases, you can pursue a master's degree without first getting a bachelor's degree. An example of this type of program is an RN-MSN, which allows registered nurses holding only an associate degree to pursue a master's. However, in most cases, you'll need to obtain a bachelor's degree before entering a master's program.

Can I Get a Master's in Education With a Bachelors in Something Else?

Yes. As noted above, students pursuing an education-related master's degree often hold a variety of other degrees in:

• Education
• Arts
• Sciences
• STEM fields

Can I Get a Master's in Finance With a Bachelors in Something Else?

Yes, it is possible to get a master's degree in finance even if your undergraduate degree is in a different field. Students pursuing a finance-related master's degree often hold bachelor's degrees in:

• Business
• Accounting
• Education

However, it's also possible to get this degree even if your undergraduate degree is in a completely unrelated area. For those who require a hybrid schedule, there are online master's in finance (MS) degrees available.

Can I Get a Master's in Engineering With a Bachelors in Something Else?

Yes, you can get a master's degree in engineering with an unrelated bachelor's degree. Most students pursuing a degree in engineering completed undergraduate coursework in STEM-related fields such as:

• Mathematics
• Physics
• Computer science

However, it is possible to transition into engineering even if you hold a Bachelor of Arts.

Can I Get a Master's in Computer Science With a Different Bachelor's?

Yes, you can get a computer science master's degree with any bachelor's degree. As with engineering, most students pursuing graduate work in computer science have a STEM-related major, but this is not always the case.

How Do I Know if I Should Switch My Field for My Master's Degree?

If you're hoping to change careers, then changing fields for your master's degree may be a good idea. That said, if you're hoping to advance in your current field, then pursuing a master's degree related to your bachelor's degree may make more sense. It all depends on your career goals and the type of degree necessary to help you reach them.

Start Your Educational Journey Today

If you're considering a master's degree in a different field than you got your bachelor's degree in, make sure to check out one of the master's degrees listed above for more information. Start your educational journey with Learn.org today.