What graduate programs do not require letters of recommendation?

It's extremely rare to find a graduate program that doesn't require letters of recommendation. Almost all graduate programs, from Master's to PhD levels, across various disciplines, use letters of recommendation as a crucial part of their admissions process. They provide an independent assessment of the applicant's abilities and potential that complements the applicant's own statements and transcripts.

While you might occasionally find very specific, niche programs or certificate programs that might waive this requirement, it's highly unlikely. Even programs that *seem* less rigorous often still require some form of reference or professional evaluation.

Instead of looking for programs that *don't* require letters of recommendation, you should focus on:

* Understanding *why* programs require them: This will help you prepare strong recommendations.

* Identifying programs with less stringent requirements: Some programs might only require one or two letters, while others might be more flexible about the source of the recommendations (e.g., allowing professional references instead of academic ones).

* Reading the specific admissions requirements for each program: This is the *only* reliable way to determine whether letters of recommendation are required. Look at the program's website for their admissions criteria and contact the admissions office if you have any questions.

In short, assume that letters of recommendation are required for any graduate program unless explicitly stated otherwise on the program's official website.