Can You Go to Grad School with a Different Undergraduate Major in 2025?

by Imed Bouchrika, Phd

Co-Founder and Chief Data Scientist

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What does it mean to pursue grad school with a different major?

Pursuing grad school with a different major means applying to a graduate program that is not directly related to your undergraduate degree. Instead of following the same academic path, students choose to switch fields to explore new career opportunities or follow a different interest.

Many students decide to change direction because their career goals have shifted since finishing their bachelor’s degree. For example, a psychology graduate may want to move into business, or an English major may choose education. This path allows them to gain the advanced training needed for a new profession.

Universities often welcome applicants from diverse academic backgrounds, especially in programs such as business, education, or public health. Some programs require extra prerequisites or bridging courses, but others focus more on skills, work experience, and motivation. For instance, students researching LCPC vs LCSW degree requirements may realize that switching into counseling or social work is possible even without an undergraduate major in those fields, as long as they meet admissions criteria.

The data shows that graduate students often gravitate toward fields that attract applicants from a wide range of undergraduate majors. For instance, business leads the way with 205,800 master’s degrees conferred (23%), followed by education (17%) and health professions (17%). Other fields such as computer and information sciences (6%) and public administration (6%) also rank among the top. These numbers highlight that students aren’t limited by their bachelor’s degree—many successfully pivot into high-demand graduate fields that align with their career aspirations.

In simple terms, going to grad school with a different major is about opening new doors. It allows students to move beyond the limits of their first degree and build a career that fits their current interests and future goals.

Which graduate programs allow students from different majors?

Many graduate programs welcome applicants from a wide range of academic backgrounds. While some fields require very specific prerequisites, others are designed to accept students regardless of their undergraduate major. These programs often value transferable skills, work experience, and motivation over subject-specific knowledge. Below are examples of popular graduate programs that commonly admit students with different bachelor’s degrees.

Business and Management Programs

Programs such as the MBA are well known for admitting students from many fields, including engineering, humanities, and social sciences. Schools often look for leadership potential, work experience, and problem-solving skills rather than a business-related undergraduate degree.

Education and Teaching Programs

Graduate degrees in education allow students to transition into teaching, counseling, or school leadership roles. Many of these programs accept applicants from non-education majors, although teaching-focused tracks may require certification or additional coursework.

Healthcare and Social Work Programs

While certain clinical roles need science prerequisites, many healthcare-related fields—like public health, healthcare administration, and social work—accept students from various backgrounds. These programs value a strong interest in service, communication, and community impact.

Technology and Data Programs

Fields like information systems, cybersecurity, and data science often admit students from non-technical majors. Programs may require foundational courses in statistics or programming, but they focus on developing practical skills for fast-growing industries.

Policy and Interdisciplinary Programs

Graduate programs in public policy, international relations, or environmental studies often encourage applicants from diverse disciplines. They emphasize analytical ability, communication skills, and an interest in societal issues over specific undergraduate preparation.

This flexibility is why students with backgrounds as varied as history, biology, or even fields related to what degree is best for working with animals can successfully pivot into graduate programs outside their original discipline.

What are the admissions requirements for switching fields?

Applying to graduate school in a new field can feel intimidating, but the admissions requirements are often more flexible than students expect. While some programs want specific prerequisites, many schools focus on academic performance, transferable skills, and a clear statement of purpose. Career changers are evaluated not only by grades but also by their motivation and readiness to succeed in a different discipline.

The numbers show that many students successfully make this transition, even into rigorous fields like science, engineering, and health (SEH). In 2022, more than 319,600 students were enrolled full time in SEH master’s programs, underscoring that graduate schools welcome applicants who may not have followed a traditional path. This reinforces the idea that commitment and preparation can outweigh having an exact undergraduate match.

Below are the most common requirements students should be prepared for:

• Prerequisite Coursework – Some programs require students to complete introductory or foundational classes before enrollment.
• GPA and Academic Record – A solid GPA, usually around 3.0 or higher, helps demonstrate readiness for advanced study.
• Standardized Tests – GRE, GMAT, or other exams may still be required, though some programs are moving away from them.
• Work Experience – Relevant professional or volunteer experience can strengthen an application, especially when the undergraduate degree is unrelated.
• Personal Statement and Recommendations – Admissions committees look for a strong narrative that explains the career switch and letters that highlight potential.

Switching fields is less about having the “perfect” background and more about showing commitment, preparation, and the ability to bridge past experiences with new goals. With the right strategy, applicants from different majors can make a strong case for admission.

This process mirrors how professionals in other sectors, such as healthcare, weigh requirements alongside career outcomes—for example, comparing investment in grad school with earnings data like air force nurse salary by state to gauge long-term payoff.

How do prerequisites and bridging programs work?

Prerequisites and bridging programs are designed to help students fill the knowledge gaps when applying to a graduate program in a new field. If an undergraduate degree didn’t cover the necessary foundation, these options provide the academic preparation needed to succeed at the graduate level.

This is especially important for career changers who may be moving into areas like healthcare, business, or forensic science—fields where students often research topics such as forensic scientist salary to weigh their investment against future earnings.

Prerequisites

Prerequisite courses are specific classes that must be completed before admission or early in the graduate program. For example, a student entering a master’s in computer science without a STEM background may need to take introductory programming or math courses first. These courses can often be completed online, at community colleges, or as part of a post-baccalaureate track.

Bridging Programs

Bridging programs go a step further by offering structured pathways into graduate study. They combine prerequisites with academic support, giving students the skills, confidence, and qualifications to meet admission standards. Common in fields like business, healthcare, and education, these programs typically last from a few months to a year.

In short, prerequisites and bridging programs act as stepping stones. They ensure that students transitioning into a new field can meet academic expectations and thrive in their graduate studies.

What role does work experience play in grad school admissions?

Work experience can play a significant role in graduate school admissions, especially for students applying to programs outside their undergraduate field. It shows that applicants have developed practical skills, gained maturity, and built a sense of direction in their career goals.

For example, students researching criminal justice degree how many years often find that admissions committees look beyond just academics—they also value related law enforcement or legal experience when evaluating candidates.

Admissions committees may view professional achievements as evidence of readiness for advanced study. For example, leadership roles, internships, or industry certifications can sometimes carry as much weight as academic background. In business, healthcare administration, or public policy programs, work experience is not just helpful—it is often expected.

The payoff for combining graduate education with real-world experience can also be seen in earnings. In 2022, individuals with a master’s or higher degree earned a median of $80,200, compared to $66,600 for those with a bachelor’s degree and $41,800 for high school graduates. These figures highlight why admissions offices place value on applicants who can show both academic potential and proven workplace skills—the combination leads to stronger career outcomes.

Even in more academic or research-focused fields, related work experience can strengthen an application by demonstrating initiative and applied knowledge. Ultimately, strong professional experience signals to universities that an applicant is prepared, committed, and capable of succeeding in graduate-level study, even if their undergraduate degree is in another area.

How should you write your grad school application as a career changer?

Writing a graduate school application as a career changer means showing admissions committees why your background, even if different, makes you a strong candidate for their program. The key is to connect your past experiences with your future goals, while explaining clearly why you are changing direction.

Just as applicants in fields like healthcare must learn the difference between CPC and CCS certifications before choosing a path, career changers need to clearly articulate why their chosen program fits their long-term goals.

Focus on Your Statement of Purpose

Explain why you want to pursue a new field and how the program aligns with your career plans. Highlight transferable skills from your undergraduate studies or work experience, such as leadership, research, or communication.

Highlight Relevant Experience

Even if your work history is in another area, showcase experiences that relate to the graduate program. Internships, certifications, or volunteer work can all help demonstrate your preparation and commitment.

Secure Strong Recommendations

Choose recommenders who can speak to your potential in the new field. A supervisor, mentor, or professor who has seen your skills in action can help build credibility for your transition.

A strong application does not hide your career shift—it explains it. By showing your motivation, readiness, and transferable strengths, you can turn a different undergraduate major into a compelling story for graduate admissions.

What are the benefits of pursuing a different field in grad school?

Pursuing a different field in grad school offers students the chance to reshape their career paths, expand their opportunities, and build new expertise. Rather than being limited by their undergraduate major, students can pivot toward fields that better match their current interests and long-term goals.

Access to New Career Paths

Switching fields allows graduates to enter industries that may have been closed off with just their bachelor’s degree. For example, a student with a liberal arts background could transition into fields like public health, education, or business.

Increased Earning Potential

Graduate degrees often lead to higher salaries, regardless of undergraduate background. Changing fields gives students the chance to step into careers with stronger financial growth, combining advanced training with market demand.

Professional Growth and Flexibility

Moving into a new discipline provides students with specialized skills that enhance credibility, improve career flexibility, and open the door to leadership opportunities. It also demonstrates adaptability, which employers value in a competitive job market.

Overall, the main benefit of pursuing a different field in grad school is freedom—the ability to align education with evolving goals while building a stronger professional future.

What challenges do students face when switching majors for grad school?

Students need to prepare for both academic adjustments and practical barriers that may affect their success.

Academic Readiness

One of the biggest hurdles is catching up on foundational knowledge. Without the right background, students may need to take prerequisite courses or spend extra time learning new concepts, which can slow their progress.

For example, someone researching how to become a supply chain manager after majoring in an unrelated field may find themselves needing extra training in logistics, operations, or analytics before feeling prepared.

Program Length and Cost

Changing fields may extend the time needed to complete a degree. Extra coursework, bridging programs, or certifications can increase tuition expenses and add to the overall financial burden. 

Data on graduate education shows that finances remain a key challenge—business administration master’s degrees alone account for 4.3% of the nation’s total student loan debt, the highest of any master’s program. This highlights how switching into a high-demand field can come with significant costs that students must weigh carefully.

Confidence and Adjustment

Students often feel uncertain about entering a program where peers may already have stronger backgrounds. This adjustment period can create stress and require additional academic support or mentorship.

Risk of Higher Attrition

Those switching fields may face a steeper learning curve, which can sometimes lead to higher dropout risks if support systems aren’t in place.

Despite these challenges, many students overcome them with careful planning, persistence, and by leveraging their transferable skills. The payoff is often a more meaningful career path that better matches their goals.

What alternative pathways exist besides grad school in a new field?

Graduate school is not the only option for those who want to change careers or build expertise in a different field. Many students explore alternative pathways that can provide advanced skills, professional recognition, and new opportunities without committing to a full master’s program.

Professional Certificates and Diplomas

Short-term certificate or diploma programs help students gain specialized training in areas such as project management, data analytics, or healthcare administration. These credentials are often valued by employers and can lead directly to new roles.

Post-Baccalaureate Programs

Post-baccalaureate programs are designed to prepare students for graduate-level study, particularly in fields like healthcare and education. They allow students to complete prerequisites while strengthening their academic profile.

Industry Certifications

Fields like technology, finance, and human resources often value professional certifications (such as AWS, CPA, or SHRM) that signal advanced skills without requiring a graduate degree.

Microcredentials and Online Learning

Digital platforms now offer microcredentials and short courses in high-demand areas. These flexible options let students build career-relevant skills while continuing to work.

Second Bachelor’s Degree

For some fields, pursuing a second bachelor’s degree is a practical alternative. It provides a solid foundation in a new subject while avoiding the prerequisites and costs tied to graduate school.

These pathways give students the flexibility to upskill, pivot careers, or test a new field before committing to a full graduate degree.

Healthcare pathways especially highlight these alternatives, such as accelerated training where students often ask, can you get a medical assistant certificate online, to gain entry into the field quickly while keeping costs manageable.

What does the future look like for interdisciplinary graduate education?

Graduate school applications in the fall of 2022 and 2023 increased by 5.6%. The future of interdisciplinary graduate education is moving toward greater flexibility, collaboration, and real-world application. As industries evolve, programs are shifting away from narrow specialization and encouraging students to draw on knowledge across multiple fields. This trend creates graduates who are adaptable, innovative, and better prepared for complex global challenges.

Growth in Interdisciplinary Programs

Universities are developing new graduate degrees that blend areas like technology and healthcare, business and sustainability, or data science and social policy. These programs prepare students for roles that require problem-solving across disciplines.

Influence of Technology and AI

With artificial intelligence, data analytics, and automation reshaping industries, graduate programs are integrating digital skills into non-technical fields. This creates opportunities for students from diverse backgrounds to enter high-demand sectors.

Employer Demand

Employers increasingly value graduates who can apply knowledge from multiple areas. Interdisciplinary education equips students with a mix of analytical, creative, and leadership skills that are essential for today’s workforce.

Online and Flexible Learning

Online and hybrid models are making interdisciplinary study more accessible. These programs often allow students to customize coursework, combining subjects that align with personal interests and career goals.

In short, the future of interdisciplinary graduate education is about adaptability. Students who embrace this path will find themselves well-positioned for careers that cross traditional boundaries.

In education and healthcare especially, graduates are exploring dual preparation. For instance, interdisciplinary paths now intersect with careers in speech and language, where students may ask where can an SLP work as they combine teaching, healthcare, and communication science into one adaptable career plan.

Here’s What Graduates Have to Say About Going to Grad School with a Different Undergraduate Major

Other Things You Should Know About Going to Grad School with a Different Undergraduate Major

What is under grad school?

Undergrad school refers to undergraduate education, which is the first level of college or university study after high school. It usually leads to an associate’s or bachelor’s degree. Students focus on general education courses along with classes in their chosen major. Undergraduate programs provide the foundation of knowledge and skills needed to pursue either a career right after graduation or further study in graduate school.

Is a 2.5 GPA bad for grad school?

A 2.5 GPA can make graduate school admission more difficult, but it is not always the end of the road. Many programs set GPA minimums, often around 3.0, yet some schools offer conditional admission or place more weight on professional experience, test scores, or personal statements. Applicants with lower GPAs may strengthen their chances by highlighting relevant skills, work experience, and strong recommendations.

What is grad school vs master's?

Grad school is a general term for advanced education beyond a bachelor’s degree, which includes master’s, doctoral, and professional programs. A master’s is one type of degree offered in grad school, usually requiring one to three years of study. While grad school covers a broad range of programs, a master’s specifically focuses on building advanced expertise in one subject or professional area.

What does undergraduate degree mean?

An undergraduate degree is the first level of higher education completed after high school, such as a bachelor’s or associate’s degree. It introduces students to general studies and their chosen field of focus. This degree serves as the foundation for many careers and is usually required for entry into graduate programs. In short, it represents the starting point of college-level academic achievement.