You Actually Don’t Need a Master’s to Get Your PhD

I learned this year that you actually don’t need a master’s to get your PhD.

On my blog, I talk a lot about going back to school as a nontraditional student.

And on my YouTube channel, I’m actually documenting my journey to and through grad school as a married Christian woman in my 30s, going into my 40s.

On one hand, that seems like a lot of irrelevant information to give you but there are layers.

And it IS important! Because there’s always a lot to consider when pursuing higher education.

Saying “yes” to one thing, could very much mean saying “no” to another.

So as you can imagine, I’ve been considering this carefully.

The pull is still quite strong.

Many prospective graduate students take this path:

Bachelor’s → Master’s → PhD.

As a nontraditional student, my path has looked very different:

Worked for a few years → Community College → Bachelor’s on & off for years → Teaching Certificate → full-time creator → Master’s/PhD?

Sometimes, I can get discouraged by the fact that my path wasn’t more linear – and I wonder which advantages I’ve given up for that.

But we can’t change the past, right?!

So as I do my research and preparation for graduate school, I’m very conscious of time.

You likely are, too. Life is short and we don’t wanna waste it!!

This is one of many reasons people are picking to go straight to PhD, rather than doing a Master’s and figuring out what to do later.

For many fields in the humanities, going straight into the doctorate can align better with funding realities, academic expectations, and your career goals.

So in this blog post, I want to unpack why that is, when it makes sense, and how you can go about it.

My hope is that it will help you see whether or not this is the best path for you, too.

Table of Contents

About the Everyday Historian

Heeey! I’m Brittany – the writer and researcher behind The Everyday Historian.

This blog and my YouTube channel are documenting my journey to and through grad school.

I’m a married woman in my 30s, and it’s a different game making these big kinds of life decisions when you have a husband and a home to consider.

So if you can relate, be sure to join our free Facebook Group full of fellow Everyday Historians!

Wait—You Can Really Skip the Master’s?

Yes.

100% yes.

I didn’t believe it either.

I assumed you had to do a master’s before even applying to a PhD program.

But according to FindAPhD, “you do not always need a master’s degree to start a PhD.”

Though, I should note it is more rare to see the jump in the humanities – even though there are many benefits.

In the U.S., it’s actually common to go straight from a bachelor’s into a PhD—especially in research-heavy fields.

Most U.S. universities don’t even separate the two.

You can earn your master’s along the way to your doctorate.

You start in the PhD program, do your coursework, and after a couple of years, you’re awarded a master’s as part of the journey.

In other words: no separate tuition, no separate application, no detour.

Why Skipping the Master’s Might Be the Smart Move

1. Funding

This is the big one.

Most stand-alone master’s programs in the humanities aren’t fully funded.

Universities know that many of us in our 30s, 40s, or later are willing to pay for “just one more degree,” and they design programs accordingly.

Tuition can run anywhere from $30,000 to $60,000 a year, and scholarships are often limited.

PhD programs, on the other hand, are usually fully funded.

That means your tuition is covered, you receive a living stipend, and you often get health insurance and teaching experience thrown in.

So if you’re trying to be wise with time and money (as most of us are), applying directly to a funded PhD program can be the difference between debt and financial stability while you study.

2. It Shows You’re Serious

Direct-entry PhD students tend to be seen as focused and ready for research.

Admissions committees like to see a clear sense of direction—a “why” that’s well thought out.

If you already know your field, and you can articulate what you want to study, skipping the master’s might be the way to go for you.

It gives a nod to the fact that you’re ready to dedicate several years to research.

3. It Saves Years of Your Life

A master’s typically takes one to two years.

Then you’d apply for PhD programs, wait for results, move, start over… It adds up.

If you go directly into a PhD, you’re already in the system.

You’ll likely earn your master’s en route anyway—and by the time you would have started a separate program, you’re already halfway through your doctorate.

That’s a win for both your timeline and your sanity.

When Getting a Master’s Does Make Sense

There are absolutely times when a master’s is still the right move.

If you’re switching fields (for instance, moving from tourism to history like I am), or you don’t have much undergraduate research experience, a master’s can help you build the foundation you need.

It’s also great if you’re still exploring your niche.

Maybe you’re torn between two fields you absolutely love… say one in the humanities, and the other being in the social sciences.

Doing a shorter master’s can give you clarity before committing to 5-7 years of a PhD.

How to Decide Which Path Is Right for You

At the end of the day, this choice really depends on the kind of learning life you want to build.

Do you want to take a little more time to explore, strengthen your research skills, or clarify your academic focus?

Then a master’s might be the right next step.

Do you already know exactly what you want to study and feel ready to commit several years to a single research project?

Then applying directly to a PhD program could be the better fit.

Either way, the goal isn’t just to move faster; it’s to move more intentionally.

You want your path to align with your goals, your finances, and the season of life you’re in.

Here’s a quick self-check to help you think it through:

If you answer “yes” to most of the following, a master’s might be right for you:

You’re switching fields
You want to test whether this subject is the one you want to commit to long-term
You haven’t had much formal research experience yet
You want to strengthen your writing, academic skills, or GPA before applying to PhD programs
You’d like to build relationships and references before pursuing a doctorate

If you answer “yes” to most of these, a direct PhD might make more sense:

You already have a clear research interest or specialization
You’ve completed an undergraduate thesis, research project, or significant independent study
You’re confident about the academic lifestyle and expectations of doctoral study
You’d prefer a fully funded path that integrates both the master’s and PhD along the way

Remember: there’s never a single “right” route.

There’s only the route that fits your goals, your budget, and your life right now.

Take the time to be thoughtful about it.
That’s how you make the smartest — and most sustainable — decision for your future.

A Few Practical Tips to Help You Decide

Check department websites.
Many U.S. PhD programs clearly state whether they accept students straight from a bachelor’s.
Ask about funding.
If it’s not guaranteed, find out what typical packages look like (stipend, teaching assistantships, etc.).
Start early.
PhD applications often take a full year to prepare—especially if you’re crafting a research proposal.
Reach out to potential advisors.
Professors are usually happy to answer questions about the best route for your goals.
Don’t compare your timeline to others’.
You’re not behind. You’re just building your own story, and that story might even inspire someone else.