Can I take a masters degree without a without formal education other then grade 12??

[awms]

Hello. I am a strength and conditioning coach and I want to obtain my masters degree in exercise science mostly for my self and to expand my knowledge and add to my resume....but I have no formal education other then grade 12. I am extremely knowledgeable and experienced in my field! At 24 I am already certified through Picp (Charles poliquin), I am also certified with canfit pro, and GLPTI, as well I have taught my self human anatomy, physiology and biomechanics all while working and owning my own personal training/strength and conditioning business....now I would like to get my masters but Im not sure If If a college would allow it? Its sad if they wouldnt because im more driven and knowledgeable in my field then 99% of the trainers with a degree.

Does anyone know how this would work and if it is possible to use life experience in order to obtain a masters degree?

[awms]

Its crazy...in the past 4 years I have given my self a degree yet have no paper to prove it lol

physiology and anatomy
Biomechanics
Exercise prescription
Human Nutrition
rehabilitation and injuries
periodization
Running a small business
exercise application (Mine is real world! I apply everything I learn as learn it to my clients...while a university grad might not until they are done school)

[Noles12]

Life experience does not get you degrees.

You will need certain pre requisite classes to even be considered for acceptance into a Master's program. Which often means a few years of school before you can start the program. Right now i have two classes left in my bachelors of Exercise Science. In order to be accepted to a doctorate of physical therapy I had to have my bachelors completed with all pre requisites required, some with minimum grades earned. As well as a year of work experience in physical therapy which was a physical therapist aide.

The selection was very competitive and only 32 students were accepted out of hundreds that applied. So i do not see how one could possibly even be considered for a graduate program with no under grad work

[stack_it]

You need a diploma or GED before you can take any college courses. It sounds like you have your diploma.

You have to start on the bottom tho. You'll get your associates, bachelors, and then masters. You may be able to skip certain courses by testing out of them depending on the college/university, but you can't skip entire degrees. You'll still have to put some time and work in.

[thex95]

Its crazy...in the past 4 years I have given my self a degree yet have no paper to prove it lol

physiology and anatomy
Biomechanics
Exercise prescription
Human Nutrition
rehabilitation and injuries
periodization
Running a small business
exercise application (Mine is real world! I apply everything I learn as learn it to my clients...while a university grad might not until they are done school)

Thats not a degree mate lol. Thats life experience

[JuicyJ]

Life experience does not get you degrees.

You will need certain pre requisite classes to even be considered for acceptance into a Master's program. Which often means a few years of school before you can start the program. Right now i have two classes left in my bachelors of Exercise Science. In order to be accepted to a doctorate of physical therapy I had to have my bachelors completed with all pre requisites required, some with minimum grades earned. As well as a year of work experience in physical therapy which was a physical therapist aide.

The selection was very competitive and only 32 students were accepted out of hundreds that applied. So i do not see how one could possibly even be considered for a graduate program with no under grad work

Congrats on getting accepted! I know it's a pretty strenuous selection process.

[awms]

Thats not a degree mate lol. Thats life experience

Thats not life experience thats me studying my ass off....reading text books, taking multiple certifications, I taught my self university anatomy and physiology literally by using university text books, and yes I have real world experience you act like thats a flaw? Im able to apply everything that I learn! put me against any bsc grad and I would out do them 99% of the time! I have a drive that few other trainer have and degree or not Im going to get to were I need and want to be which is a top strength and conditioning coach. Not all of us learn the same way and not all of us are able to afford going to university.

[awms]

I know you can get a MBA with now formal education but of course this is business not science...perhaps I am best to start with a bsc? go from there?

[JD250]

Are you gonna work for yourself or for someone else? If for yourself then educate yourself on the things that will make you money, if for someone else....who cares, I don't work for others and I don't give a shit what impresses them. Of course you never know what life will throw at you.

[awms]

I want to work for my self and I did not want a degree before because I felt a degree was over rated and over priced although it can open more doors If your going to be training college athletes which is one of the reasons I am thinking about getting it. I just want to keep my options open...In all honesty it prob will not better my career any way because as I have found most athletes dont care much about how you learned or were you learned what you know, but rather that they will get the results they desire. When I pull out a massive book filled with testimonials of athletes who are beyond satisfied with their results that is what sells a client not a paper on the wall. I took an athlete with a knee injury who was told by another "expert" with a masters degree that he would never be able to squat again and had him squating ass to grass with perfect form and no pain in two months, the guy came in limping and now he has 185lbs on his back ass to grass. So do I need a degree to make my self feel better? no but If some some day (perhaps 5-10 years down the road) I decided I want to work for a university or take my career in another direction then I feel it would come in handy!

[JD250]

Better have a degree then.

[stevey_6t9]

In australia you need a bachelors to go into a masters

[awms]

Ok can some of you who have a degree in exercise science or kin. help me out then? If a bsc is the rout I need to take is there a more compact way to take it? perhaps just take a major with no minor? My plan would be to take about 3 courses a semester while I work so I can focus on my business as well, and then do school 12 months of the year....It would be great if I could get my degree in 2-3 years!

[Flagg]

You need to have a Bachelors under your belt before going for a Masters.

That's like saying "Can I go to university having left school with no qualifications".

You might be able to apply directly for a Masters degree that incorporates a BsC or a Bachelors, providing you have the relevant qualifications going into it.

Most Bachelor degrees are 3 years, though some are 2 years.

I have a Bachelors in Environmental Science. I have been considering going down the Environmental Health route, though I need a diploma/masters in Env. Health for that. That said, those are sometimes 2-3 years on their own, but having done a relevant degree, I could probably get a Masters/Diploma in Env. Health in just a year.

[gixxerboy1]

i got a phd in pimpin

[spywizard]

you can get a max of 2 yrs for liberal arts if you can test out on the material.. you see, readin/writin/rithmatic are all skills that need to be developed as well as the specialized knowledge..

but then again, if Barry can get a degree without going to college why can't you...

[rockinred]

Any accredited University will require an undergraduate (bachelor) degree as a prerequisite for acceptance into a Graduate (masters) program. There is no such thing as getting a Master's degree without a Bachelors.

[Honkey_Kong]

i got a phd in pimpin

You don't bring your wife to The Players Ball do you?

[thegodfather]

A degree is not just about the specific knowledge you gain, but rather, and in particular with a baccalaureate degree, it is about making you a more well rounded individual. I commend you on teaching yourself various subject matter, however to most people it does not mean much. Anyone can pick up a book and claim they've mastered the material, but passing the course is quite another feat. What a degree grants you is credability, thats what you pay for.

[Noles12]

A degree is not just about the specific knowledge you gain, but rather, and in particular with a baccalaureate degree, it is about making you a more well rounded individual. I commend you on teaching yourself various subject matter, however to most people it does not mean much. Anyone can pick up a book and claim they've mastered the material, but passing the course is quite another feat. What a degree grants you is credability, thats what you pay for.

Exactly. There are many people out there with degrees that have less than half the knowledge of some without them. But they went through the process and were tested to show they understood or at least memorized the material. It is almost like proof that you have an idea of it whereas, even though you may truly understand it all, reading a book proves only to yourself you understand it.

Some graduate programs will accept non-related degrees as long as certain pre-requisites are present. So therefore you may be able to choose an easier route when it comes to classes and take only what is needed on top of that but then you are looking at even more time spent in an undergrad program.

I understand it sucks and you have spent many years practically studying the material daily but it is not what it takes to get a graduate degree

[awms]

A degree is not just about the specific knowledge you gain, but rather, and in particular with a baccalaureate degree, it is about making you a more well rounded individual. I commend you on teaching yourself various subject matter, however to most people it does not mean much. Anyone can pick up a book and claim they've mastered the material, but passing the course is quite another feat. What a degree grants you is credability, thats what you pay for.

I tend to agree for the most part...anyone can say "I know what Im talking about" but unlike alot of trainers I do have backing to what I have learned...I have studied and taken many exams and internships, all are

charles poliquin picp level 1
charles poliquin picp level 2
Energy System And Modified Strongman Training (Darby training system)
Olympic Lifting Course (DTS-OLY) Dardy training systems
Fascia Stretch Therapy Essentials Darby training
GLPT
Can-fit Pro certification

along side this like I had said before I have taught my self anatomy, physiology and biomechanics, and of course have first aid/cpr

all are held to high standards and are very well known in the field!

If credits could not be given I wonder if I could test out of some courses? by this I mean take the final exam at the start of the year?

[DSM4Life]

You can buy any type of degree on ebay...free shipping.

[bermich]

NO.
You need a BA before you can take a masters course.

Even if you could skip the BA course, in all likelyhood, you would fail most of the classes they put you through in the Masters course. there is a reason for the chain of education. You may think you know how to do something but trust me, there are essential lessons learned in the courses prior learned. Cant learn multiples without knowing how to add.

Best chance is to take an AA in something or maybe a trade school program.

[awms]

NO.
You need a BA before you can take a masters course.

Even if you could skip the BA course, in all likelyhood, you would fail most of the classes they put you through in the Masters course. there is a reason for the chain of education. You may think you know how to do something but trust me, there are essential lessons learned in the courses prior learned. Cant learn multiples without knowing how to add.

Best chance is to take an AA in something or maybe a trade school program.

I was actually taking exercise science before I became a trainer, I went into school thinking it was going to be a mind blowing experience but what I found was for the most part it was professors reading from text books and shooting exams at you...I decided to take time off because I was spending a lot of money! and teaching my self everything with little or no help from professors! half the time I didnt go to class, studied and still ended up with great marks....the only classes that were worth while were the "hands on" classes and many were so basic that it was laughable. I then started researching and found that there are many well known SC coaches who have nothing more than a high school education, paul chek, pierre roy, and the list goes on! there are many who do have formal education as well but I realized that it was not necessary. I have always had a hard time with formal education because at the age of 6 I was classified as having a "learning disability", in order for me to get help they had to put me threw an IQ test and when I was tested the result came out extremely high! I was classified as extremely intelligent or genius which did not makes sens to anyone! At the time I thought there was something wrong with me because rather then nurture my intelligence they stuck me in a class with people who really did have low IQ and it hindered my learning! The education system is set up in a way that only nurtures visual learners I.e text books are were 99% of the info comes from....Now this is great for people who are visual but those who are no it hinder learning. I taught university physiology without hardly picking up the book because I dont learn that way....taught my self everything and aced the exam! this is why I didnt continue with my education because why get 80 grand it debt to do something I can fully teach my self or learn from others who have done it in the past? I do agree that education is not all about what you learn but it also teaches us vital skill such as time management, makes us more well rounded people, and we learn alot about our selfs but for me personally a degree didnt make a whole lot of sens.

You might ask "why then would you want a degree?" well unforchantly if I ever want to work for a university I will need one, so this is why im asking.

[lovbyts]

Just buy one online, a lot of people do now days. I had a manager who I'm 100% sure bought his MCSE because he knew jack.

Like everyone said, you have to pony up the time in school and cash to get your Masters.

[awms]

I think I will end up doing the part time thing....part time school, full time work. mabey 3 courses a semester....fake degree is not a good idea when you plan on doing the level of work that I would like to do lol that could really screw me over!

[Times Roman]

Just buy one online, a lot of people do now days. I had a manager who I'm 100% sure bought his MCSE because he knew jack.

Like everyone said, you have to pony up the time in school and cash to get your Masters.

disagree lb. sorry. we fired a guy in afghanistan. looked up his degree and sure enough, was a diploma mill. the guy was even bold enough to say he was on the college softball team and the debate team.

I would never recommend a short cut. i have multiple degrees, got em all with my own blood sweat, and yes, tears. First degree in 87, so i guess that made me about 26 at the time.

my point is if you take a job using your bogus degree, then you will ALWAYS be looking over your shoulder, wondering if HR will find out. and let me tell you guys something. I have ran several HR departments, and sometimes, when someone pisses you or your boss off, you begin to dig in the personnel file to see if you can find any dirt. you could be on the job 10 years, and then get fired for application fraud due to bogus degree.

...not worth it

[Hazard]

I learn the same way as you..... I also had the same trouble in school. I never did homework..... I hated going to a boring class..... but I passed with an 85 average throughout highschool. I thought college was going to be a different experience..... it was just like highschool all over again except these professors threatened to fail me out if I missed too many assignment or if I missed too many classes. HOW THE FVCK CAN YOU FAIL ME FOR MISSING A CLASS I PAID FOR!? I always said..... If I pass the damn exam.... and I know the material..... shouldn't that matter?

Aparantly it doesn't..... it's a fvckin joke IMO. College's are set up to make money.... it's not really about your education all the time. If you fail outa the class then no credits are given..... you'll hafta pay again.....

~Haz~

[awms]

I learn the same way as you..... I also had the same trouble in school. I never did homework..... I hated going to a boring class..... but I passed with an 85 average throughout highschool. I thought college was going to be a different experience..... it was just like highschool all over again except these professors threatened to fail me out if I missed too many assignment or if I missed too many classes. HOW THE FVCK CAN YOU FAIL ME FOR MISSING A CLASS I PAID FOR!? I always said..... If I pass the damn exam.... and I know the material..... shouldn't that matter?

Aparantly it doesn't..... it's a fvckin joke IMO. College's are set up to make money.... it's not really about your education all the time. If you fail outa the class then no credits are given..... you'll hafta pay again.....

~Haz~

I agree 100%! college is one of the biggest scams in modern history! In today day and age most degrees could be taken 100% online for about 1/10th the cost but since its a business that will never happen! Education went down the drain when Big business and bureaucrats started funding things....now education is set up to make money not to educate. The only reason I need a degree is to get to the top of my field other wise I wouldnt bother.

[lovbyts]

disagree lb. sorry. we fired a guy in afghanistan. looked up his degree and sure enough, was a diploma mill. the guy was even bold enough to say he was on the college softball team and the debate team.

I would never recommend a short cut. i have multiple degrees, got em all with my own blood sweat, and yes, tears. First degree in 87, so i guess that made me about 26 at the time.

my point is if you take a job using your bogus degree, then you will ALWAYS be looking over your shoulder, wondering if HR will find out. and let me tell you guys something. I have ran several HR departments, and sometimes, when someone pisses you or your boss off, you begin to dig in the personnel file to see if you can find any dirt. you could be on the job 10 years, and then get fired for application fraud due to bogus degree.

...not worth it

No, your not disagreeing, I just didnt make the sarcasm clear enough.

I hated high school. I was bored. I missed over 100 full days my junior year. My Trigonometry teacher was pissed because after missing 3x a week on average i still passed the 85+ and I made honor roll for that year. LOL It was 1/2 through my Senior year doing the same thing thanks to a girl (they are good for something) I realized I was wasting my time and future and stop making excuses. A big part of it is you get out of it what you put in. If I had put some effort into high school I could have done many things, most anything and not been bored. Even taking 2x the recommended credits per quarter in college I loved it. It kept me busy and challenged.