<p>I have no doubt that knowledge of the specific topic would help hugely with admissions. I’m just making the point that there are ways other than specifically taking classes in that topic to gain experience/knowledge of the field. My field is sort of social science (although I’ll be earning a MS), but is very strange, and there aren’t many undergrad programs in it. I didn’t take any classes in college whatsoever having to do with it, but I have extensive experience in the field from out of classroom activities. I’m in a 2 year break between undergrad and grad school, and I was able to work on the weaknesses of my application during that time.</p>
<p>I completely agree with your advice to call the program and ask them about what the requirement are, and how necessary a related undergrad program is. This information may also be available on the website. Here’s a sample from one of my programs:</p>
<p>"What undergraduate majors do you prefer to admit? </p>
<p>We welcome applications for the master’s programs from ANY undergraduate major. Our programs are interdisciplinary in nature, so all academic backgrounds are respected."</p>