In most cases you need a bachelor’s degree before starting a master’s. That is the standard entry requirement at accredited universities. Admissions offices check for it first, along with your grades and references.
Some schools offer combined programs that let you earn both degrees in about five years, often called 4+1 programs. These let strong undergraduates start graduate coursework early and finish the master’s in one extra year instead of two.
A few programs admit students without a bachelor’s in rare cases, usually based on extensive professional experience, but this is the exception rather than the rule. Check each school’s admission page rather than assuming you qualify.
If you are still an undergraduate, ask your advisor about accelerated pathways at your own university. Staying at one school for both degrees can save money and guarantee that your credits transfer. You can also compare accelerated degree completion programs online, weigh the skills you would gain, and check whether online master’s degrees are taken seriously before picking a format.

