Can You Obtain a Master’s Degree in a Field Different from Your Bachelor’s?

Yes, it is entirely possible to pursue a master’s degree in a completely different field from your undergraduate degree. Whether you can do this depends largely on the bachelor’s degree you hold, the courses you took as an undergraduate, and the specific requirements of the program you want to enter.

Harvard University Case Study

Consider the example of Harvard University. Harvard College undergraduates are required to choose a concentration within the liberal arts to ensure a broad educational foundation. However, when it comes to graduate studies, Harvard offers professional disciplines only, such as Master’s in Business Administration (MBA), Master’s of Education, Master of Architecture, Master of Divinity, and fields like Medicine and Law. In these cases, students are not necessarily required to pursue a master’s degree in the same field as their bachelor’s.

Convergence of Courses Across Disciplines

Students who have taken certain prerequisite courses during their undergraduate studies might find it easier to transition to a masters program in a related field. For instance, upper-level mathematics courses can be beneficial for both engineering and finance. If you have completed such prerequisite courses, you may be able to proceed to a master’s program without much difficulty.

Professional Master’s Degrees

Professional master’s degrees, such as MBA, Master’s in Social Work, Library Science, Education, Nursing, or Architecture, do not always require a specific undergraduate major. Programs like MBA and Master’s in Social Work are particularly flexible in this regard. However, these programs can take longer for students without the relevant background, as they often need to complete additional prerequisites. Architecture and Nursing master’s degrees are more specialized and may not be as common for students from unrelated fields.

Academic Master’s Degrees

For academic master’s degrees in the arts and sciences, a related undergraduate background is generally required. These programs aim to build on the student's previous knowledge and skills. For example, a master’s degree in Computer Science or Psychology would typically require foundational knowledge in the relevant areas. Students might face challenges if they lack the appropriate background, though there are some programs that offer conditional admission to help bridge this gap.

Fields with Flexible Requirements

Fields such as Public Policy, International Relations, Business Data Science, and Environmental Studies are particularly welcoming to students from diverse academic backgrounds. Students without a specific undergraduate major can often join these programs without many restrictions. Some universities even have dedicated tracks or conditional admission programs to support students transitioning to new fields.

Conclusion

While you can certainly pursue a master’s degree in a completely different field, the feasibility of doing so depends on your previous educational experience and the specific program requirements. Prerequisite courses, flexible master’s programs, and conditional admission options can all play a role in making this transition smoother. It is always best to check the requirements of the specific program you are interested in before making a final decision.

Feel free to ask any questions you may have about transitioning to a different field for a master’s degree. We are here to help!