1 Most usually not as already said , but I will add that if you are going into a researchoriented field that would be an MS , not an MA most likely , you may be able to find an advisorPI with a big grant like an R 01 that can cover your tuition and hire you as an RA for a stipend . Many MA programs also offer the opportunity to be a TA , though you will still likely need to pay tuition . 2 You will usually need to have at least minored in a field to gain the required courses . If not , it would be very difficult . There are a few exceptions , and some field switches aren ' t too terribly limiting . Taking your example , it ' s a lot easier to go from something like sociology or anthropology to psychology depending on program emphasis , then it would be to go from music to psychology .