By: The Capella University Editorial Team
Reading Time: 5 minutes
You’ve decided you want to reach the highest level of education and make an impact through research or leadership. But before you start that journey, there’s one big question to answer: do you need a master’s degree to get a PhD?
The truth is, there isn’t one clear path. Some doctoral programs accept students straight from a bachelor’s degree, while others require a master’s degree first. The right route depends on your field, your academic background and your long-term goals.
Find out when a master’s is required, when it’s optional and how each path can shape your timeline, cost and potential career opportunities. You’ll also see how Capella University’s flexible online doctoral programs can help you earn your degree without putting your life on pause.
The simple answer is yes, you can get a PhD without a master’s degree. However, whether this path is an option for you will depend on your field of study, geographical factors, academic background and the institution* you attend.
*Capella University does not offer direct-entry PhD programs.
Let’s look at these factors in more detail, so you can determine whether your pathway to earning a PhD requires a master’s degree or if a more direct route is available.
It’s possible for science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) students at U.S. universities to skip the master’s degree entirely. These PhD programs are four to six years long and include all the coursework that would otherwise be covered in a separate master’s program.
Non-STEM fields, such as arts, humanities and social studies, typically require or prefer a master’s degree in a related field. That said, some institutions may accept students without one if they have strong academic backgrounds or research experience.
But some PhD programs build upon the specialist knowledge of a master’s degree. For example, applicants to a PhD in Psychology program may need a master’s before they can conduct research at the doctoral level.
Although PhD programs in the U.S. sometimes accept undergraduates without a master’s, that’s not the case for European schools.
Many European PhD programs require a master’s or equivalent degree to apply. Even so, a bachelor’s degree may be sufficient if you’re applying to an integrated PhD program, which combines a master’s and a doctoral degree.
Similarly, most PhD programs in Canada require a master’s degree. But some universities may allow you to skip this requirement if you have some master’s-level training.
Requirements for PhD programs typically include a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 to 3.5 on a 4.0 scale, but some programs may require 3.5 or higher. Of course, GPA isn’t the only thing schools care about.
Admissions committees also look at letters of recommendation and personal statements when evaluating applicants. Research experience in a related field is a huge plus, since it showcases the ability to conduct independent scholarly work.
To sum up, you can get a PhD without a master’s, but there are too many factors at play to give a definitive answer. That said, a master’s degree may improve your chances of getting accepted into a PhD program. It helps you gain research experience that you may have missed during your undergrad. And getting high grades in your master’s can also demonstrate growth from a lower undergraduate GPA and potentially benefit your resume.
But these aren’t the only reasons for getting a master’s before a PhD.
Ready to take the next step in your education? Explore online doctoral programs.
Even if you don’t need a master’s degree, pursuing one before you apply for a doctorate program can help you define your research focus, strengthen your application and build relationships with faculty members.
During your undergraduate studies, you’ll study general aspects of your subject and may specialize through your final graduation project. But even if you’re passionate about a particular field, it’s hard to know if you want to spend the next several years (and possibly the rest of your life) in that field until you fully immerse yourself in it.
A master’s program is a great way to “test the waters” and help you decide if the field you’re studying is the right fit for your academic goals. A master’s is also a smaller commitment, since it usually takes less time to complete.
Being accepted into a doctoral program isn’t easy.
Some students pursue a master’s degree before applying to a doctoral program to deepen their knowledge and build research experience. While not required, this can help clarify your academic interests and prepare you for advanced study.
Finally, getting a master’s degree gives you a chance to build relationships with professors who can become long-term mentors. These individuals can introduce you to research opportunities and point you in the right direction for doctoral programs. You can also ask professors to write recommendation letters, a common requirement for PhD applications.
Earning a master’s degree first makes sense for some, but it’s not the only path forward. Going straight to a PhD program may align more with your academic and professional goals.
If you have a clear research focus and strong academics, you can consider a direct-entry PhD program and bypass the traditional master’s degree to start your doctoral studies sooner.
The traditional route to a PhD often includes completing a separate master’s degree first. Entering a PhD program directly can streamline the process, helping you reach your academic and career goals sooner.
You can also establish your professional reputation and start contributing to your field.
If you find your ideal PhD program, it makes sense to apply while it’s still available.
The same goes for funding. If you get an offer of admission and funding from a PhD program at a university you want to attend, you may want to jump on it before the opportunity passes.
The decision to get a master’s degree first or go straight to a PhD program will depend on your circumstances. If you’re ready to pursue higher education but aren’t sure how you can fit it into your busy schedule, consider doing an online master’s degree and then applying for an online PhD program or a professional doctorate.
Pursuing a PhD is a rigorous commitment that may seem out of reach due to time constraints. However, online learning makes achieving your academic dreams more realistic than you think.
Capella University offers flexible online PhDs and professional doctorates. PhD students contribute knowledge to their field through original research projects, while doing a doctorate allows you to apply existing knowledge to solve current problems in a professional environment.
Regardless of your preference, Capella University offers programs that could fit your professional goals, for example:
Personal commitments don’t have to be an obstacle to pursuing higher education. The FlexPath learning format offers a flexible way for busy individuals to earn a professional doctorate at their own pace without sacrificing their personal life. This competency-based, online format allows you to progress quickly through subjects you already know and spend more time on areas that are new or challenging. You can take one or two courses at a time and complete as many as you’re able within the same 12-week billing session, all for a single flat-rate tuition.
Capella’s GuidedPath format offers a more structured learning experience with 24/7 access to your courses. Deadlines are set to help you stay on track, and you’ll connect with peers through weekly discussions while receiving regular feedback from instructors. Tuition follows a pay-per-credit model for 10-week courses, giving you a clear path to plan your degree around your schedule and budget.
Whether your journey begins with a master’s degree or moves directly into a PhD, what matters most is finding a path that supports your goals and lifestyle.
Capella University offers flexible online doctoral programs designed for working adults who want to grow in their field and make a meaningful impact. With options in business, education, health sciences, information technology and more, you can choose the degree that fits your ambitions and schedule.
Personal commitments don’t have to stand in the way of academic success. Capella’s FlexPath learning format lets you move at your own pace, while GuidedPath provides a structured schedule with weekly deadlines and instructor feedback. Both options are built to help you advance your education without putting your life on hold.
To help you plan with confidence, Capella offers doctoral tuition caps that provide transparency around the total cost of your degree.
Explore Capella’s online doctoral programs and discover how you can reach your next academic milestone – your way.
The minimum qualification for a PhD varies depending on whether it’s a direct-entry PhD or not. A bachelor’s degree may be enough, though a master’s degree may be required.
PhD programs in Canadian and European countries typically require a master’s degree. In the U.S., STEM fields often allow direct entry to PhD programs, but fields like psychology may require a master’s first.
Yes, many universities offer integrated PhD programs that include master’s-level coursework in the first year or two, followed by doctoral-level research.
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