Many college students do it — they enter their undergraduate studies with a vague idea of what they want to major in. Then once they’re too far in they realize maybe that wasn’t the right plan. Some find out later after they’ve already started working, that the career they chose as young adults isn’t a good fit.
If this sounds like you and your bachelor’s degree doesn’t take you into the field you’d really like to make a career in, it’s time for a career change. The best way to signal to employers that you’re serious about a field is to get a master’s degree.
West Virginia University (WVU) offers a large selection of graduate degrees that do not require a specific bachelor's degree.
Read on to find the right fit for you:
1. Literacy Education (Reading Specialist Certificate)
West Virginia University’s College of Education and Human Services offers a Master of Arts in Literacy Education, formerly known as Reading. The Literacy Education (LE) program is an advanced certification and master’s degree program that leads to pre-K through adult learning reading specialist certification in the state of West Virginia.
Accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Education Preparation (CAEP), this graduate degree is designed for candidates who hold a valid teaching license and who are seeking to add a renowned Reading Specialist certification to their current achievements.
2. Civil Engineering
The M.S. in Civil Engineering at WVU is a great graduate degree for those who have little academic experience in engineering — but desire to learn. This degree is research-driven and focuses on contemporary methods of engineering analysis. With the help and guidance of a faculty advisor, students will tailor their graduate experience to fit their specific areas of interest.
3. Integrated Marketing Communications
WVU's M.S. in Integrated Marketing Communications (IMC) is great for students hoping to pursue graduate school online, because it is offered exclusively online, and no classroom attendance is required. This enables students to earn their degrees in this fast-growing field from anywhere in the world.
IMC is a new way to approach marketing — by viewing the whole marketing picture, not just the parts. Students in the program learn to see things the way the consumer sees them — as a constant flow of information from indistinguishable sources.
4. Higher Education Administration
The Master of Arts in Higher Education Administration at WVU is especially suited for those who are committed to community and student affairs and who want to “give back” to the academic community. The program will help you hone your organizational skills and prepare you for academic assistant and student affairs positions.
The program is customizable, and it is primarily online. It’s a flexible program that can be completed over two to eight years as a part-time or full-time student.
5. Public Health
The West Virginia University School of Public Health is fully accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health. The only accredited public health program in the state, WVU is home to undergraduate and graduate programs in various public health disciplines at the BS, MPH, MS and PhD levels.
WVU’s School of Public Health strives to prepare graduates to make individuals and communities happier, healthier, and safer by preparing new generations of health leaders. Within the School of Public Health, there are five departments that offer experienced-based graduate studies and opportunities to work with expert faculty and industry partners:
6. Counseling
The M.A. in Counseling from WVU is an excellent graduate degree for those who love to help people and have an interest in mental health and well-being or psychology. The program offers two areas of concentration — clinical mental health counseling and school counseling. Graduates will be well-equipped to begin professional careers in either discipline.
It is the mission of this graduate program, “to focus on the preparation of competent and ethical entry-level clinical mental health and school counselors to work in a variety of settings within the state, region and country.”
7. Nutrition and Food Science
At WVU, the M.S. in Nutrition and Food Science is preparing students to tackle the health and nutrition problems many are facing today. Students will have the opportunity to work with farm and agricultural animals as well as research issues in human nutrition. Upon completion of this degree, graduates will be able to begin professional careers in the field of food quality and safety assurance — or as clinical or registered dietitians.
8. Business Administration
An M.B.A. from WVU can help current working professionals to propel themselves into the specific career they want. This online-hybrid degree is 48 credit hours with required on-campus residencies and can be completed all while continuing to work. This program trains students in all major areas of communication, critical thinking, and analysis.
WVU’s MBA program is among the best in the nation and is accredited by AACSB International, the principal accrediting organization for business schools. This is a distinction that only 5 percent of business schools achieve. It is also ranked #25 in the nation by U.S. News and World Report.
9. Coaching and Sport Education
The M.S. in Coaching and Sport Education from WVU is a 39 credit hour program that can be completed over five semesters. The program is broken into core courses and elective courses, allowing students to specialize or concentrate in studies that align with their career goals. There are also two academic tracks in this graduate degree: a sport performance non-thesis track and a science of coaching research track.
This graduate degree is perfect for those who want to pursue a career in professional sports coaching or sports education.
Making a career change? Connect with WVU today!
People change careers for many reasons. Maybe you’re disillusioned with your career, or maybe you’re currently working in a dissolving industry, or maybe you’re realigning your personal interests and priorities and want to pursue a career that better reflects those new views.
Whatever your reason, it is, in fact, possible for you to switch careers and pursue one that aligns with your desires and talents.
These are just a few of the many graduate degrees offered at WVU that do not require a related bachelor's degree. To check out the full list of graduate degrees and their requirements visit the graduate degree website.
You can also request more information or start your online application today!
Check out our digital resource — Make the Change: A Comprehensive Guide to Graduate Programs for Career Changers — and let us help you and you navigate the process of changing career fields!
