A PhD degree from the USA is a dream for many students. The USA is the top country for studying abroad because of the wide range of opportunities. It provides an excellent curriculum, a flexible schedule, and many other benefits. However, the only obstacle on your way to a PhD in the USA is GRE. But here is the turning point - you can also pursue PhD in the USA without GRE.

So, if you want to pursue PhD in the USA without GRE, this article is for you. 

Why Study in USA?

Having a USA university listed on your resume adds extra value, making any employer Take a moment to consider your education credentials from the United States.

A degree from the USA is much more than just a tangible certificate. It opens up a horizon of opportunities for you and offers excellent education, advanced technologies, and the best teaching methods.

According to QS university rankings, the USA is among the top countries known for its quality education. It is the only reason the USA alone holds around 30% of international students worldwide.

There are many reasons why you may choose to study in the USA. Here are a few of them:

  1. Excellent academic record: The USA brags some top universities worldwide that consistently maintain a solid reputation in ranking among the best educational institutes. Universities in the USA are known for high academic standards and excellent flexibility. As per the QS World Ranking 2019, the USA has 33 universities out of the top 100 universities of the world.
  2. Cultural diversity: The USA is a culturally diverse country. This diversity is the defining pillar of every university in the USA. The USA holds students from different countries. It is considered the melting pot of different cultures, traditions, and ethnicities. Studying in the USA adds another dimension to your personality by exposing you to the languages and beliefs of people from different nationalities.
  3. Excellent support system for international students: Universities in the USA are extremely welcoming to international students. They provide complete assistance to international students by conducting regular orientation programs, workshops, and pieces of training.
  4. Lively and vibrant campus life: There is no doubt that the campus life you will experience in the US is matchless. Irrespective of the university you study at, you will find yourself amid new people, culture, and the American way of life. 

What is GRE? Why is it required?

The Graduate Record Examination or GRE is an MCQ-based standardized exam required for admission in graduate business or law programs globally.

There are three sections on the GRE: Analytical Writing, Verbal Reasoning, and Quantitative Reasoning.

Tastemakers ETS develops the GRE. It assesses your command of basic arithmetic, algebra, geometry, vocabulary, and data analysis. It also checks your critical thinking and problem-solving ability.

GRE Exam is required to take admission to graduate programs, such as PhD, MS courses, MBA, law, or other professional degree programs. GRE scores are accepted by universities across the US, Europe, Canada, Asia Pacific, Middle East, Africa, and Latin America. Apart from this, the GRE scores are also considered by many scholarship and fellowship programs.

PhD programs in USA without GRE

Getting admission to PhD in the USA has become easier as many universities have now waived off the GRE.

However, to get admission to PhD in the USA without GRE, you need to meet other eligibility criteria. These requirements are not easy and require you to prove yourself exceptional by creating an excellent profile with good work experience.

Here are some of the eligibility criteria that can let you waive off GRE:

  • Another graduate degree: Some universities grant admission without GRE if you have a graduate degree.
  • GPA cut-off: To build an outstanding profile, you need to have high scores in your bachelor's or master's degrees. Some universities waive off the GRE if you have a high GPA.
  • Professional work experience: Having work experience of 5+ years increases your chances of getting admission to the university without appearing in the GRE. 

PhD Programs in USA without GRE

There are different universities in the USA that offers PhD programs without GRE. Here is the list of universities that offers PhD in the USA without GRE.

University

Course Offered

Walden University

Doctor of Business Administration

Purdue University 

PhD in Chemistry

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) 

PhD in Media Arts and Science, PhD in Linguistics

Northwestern University 

PhD in History

Oregon State University 

PhD in Physics

The University of Oregon 

PhD in Counselling

Cal Southern’s School of Behavioral Sciences 

PhD in Psychology

Smith College 

PhD in Social Work

Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine 

PhD in Clinical Psychology

The University of Idaho 

PhD in Civil Engineering

Nova Southeastern University 

PhD in Family Therapy

How to Apply for PhD in USA Without GRE?

There are different universities in the USA that offers admission in the PhD without GRE. These universities do not set GRE as mandatory criteria but prefer applications that include GRE scores.

Here are several strategies for applying for a PhD without taking the GRE:

  • Apply for the universities that have not specified GRE as a mandatory requirement for admission to the PhD program.
  • Apply for online or part-time PhD degree programs in the USA that do not require GRE.
  • Make your profile strong by gaining extensive work experience and high scores in bachelor's or master's. Also, get recommendation letters and an excellent research proposal and apply for selective programs which mention GRE as an optional criterion.

Eligibility Criteria for PhD in USA without GRE

The admission requirements in the USA for PhD without GRE differ across courses and universities. However, here are some of the general eligibility criteria that you must meet for pursuing a PhD in the USA:

  • A master's degree from a recognized university.
  • Academic transcripts for undergraduate and postgraduate qualifications.
  • Some colleges will also ask you to submit a Statement of Purpose.
  • Certificate of proficiency in the English language. It includes scores of IELTS or TOEFL.
  • Letter of Recommendation from your previous organization/university.
  • Some universities also require a minimum GPA of 3.0 out of 4.0 for a post-baccalaureate degree.

Cost of Study PhD in USA

There are many scholarships dedicated to PhD programs in the universities in the USA. In general, the cost of PhDs in the USA varies between $28,000 to $55,000 annually, depending on the program and university.

Masters in USA without GRE

GRE or Graduate Record Examination is a standardized test for admission in various master's degree programs in countries like the USA. However, many universities in the USA offer master's without GRE.

GRE is often criticized by universities as a single examination cannot measure the capability of a student. Suppose you plan to pursue a master's course in the US without GRE. In that case, you have to consider other essential factors to make your profile stronger. There are universities and colleges where one can study for a master's in the USA without GRE. Some of the universities that offer masters without GRE are:

  • National Louis University
  • Missouri Western State University
  • Oklahoma University
  • Kansas State University
  • Monroe College
  • Trine University
  • Westcliff University
  • Stevens Henager College
  • Pace University, Westchester

Jobs & Salary for PhD in USA without GRE

  • Salary after PhD varies per field, but some jobs offer significant incomes, making all the investments worth the effort.
  • As per Payscale, the average PhD salary is $98,550.
  • PhD salaries by field will vary widely, but these are the top-paying careers for people holding PhD degrees.

Job Profile

Median Salary

Economist

$105,020

Atmospheric Scientist

$95,380

Postsecondary Education Administrator

$95,410

Biochemist

$94,490

Medical Scientist

$88,790

Genetic Counsellor

$81,880

Psychologist

$80,000

Anthropologist

$63,670

Epidemiologist

$70,990

Scope After PhD in USA without GRE

So let us look at the different options and paths that you could walk after your PhD in USA without GRE

  1. Academia: Post Doc
  2. Academia: Faculty Position
  3. Academia: Adjunct Position
  4. Academia: Teacher
  5. Advisor to Policymakers
  6. Business Consultant
  7. Entrepreneur

Still unclear about anything? Well, not to worry. Contact AECC Global and get your queries answered today!

 AECC Global is one of the world's leading educational consultancies with versatile expert professionals who are ready to help you with any queries you may have. Contact us so we can be of assistance to you in your journey to achieving your dream.

FAQs about PhD in USA without GRE for Indian Students

Can I get a PhD without a GRE?

Yes, there are several universities that do not require you to have a PhD, like Northwestern University, Washington State University, MIT etc. 

Which PhD programs don't require GRE?

Doctor of Psychology, Philosophy, Education etc. are a few PhD programs that do not require a GRE. 

How crucial is the GRE for getting a PhD?

A good GRE score increases your chances of getting admission to a renowned university abroad.

Do PhD applicants receive a green card?

PhD applicants can receive a green card provided they follow a few criteria and rules.