MS or PhD?

[jmelend6]

Hi everyone!

 

I am applying for chemistry grad schools for this upcoming season. I was wondering, would it be better to apply for MS programs that way I am a stronger candidate for PhD programs afterwards? Or should I just try and go straight into PhD programs?

My inclination is to go straight into PhD, because I've heard that MS programs are less likely to be fully funded because it's a shorter period of time. Is that true?

 

Thank you!

[aberrant]

Unless you are lacking of research experience in a field that you wanna study, otherwise, a MS is not really necessary. While it depends on program(s) or even PIs, I would say it is generally true that MS programs are less likely to be funded -- just think of it as an investment to an employee who will be working for the lab/program/school for multiple years get try to get publish instead of a 1 or 2-year contract employee.

[biochemistry professor]

Check the specific MS programs to see if they are funded. This is public information. Whether a MS or PhD is best for you will depend on your preparation, research experience, and degree of personal commitment.

[asaprocky]

You can make a research.

 

what does that even mean? Make it up? if so, you shouldn't be giving any advice

[DiracDelta]

An MS is not necessary to start a PhD program, although doing an MS first may help you out in a PhD program if you feel your research is lacking or if you feel your undergraduate course work could have been stronger. But if you feel ready for a PhD program you should make the jump, just know what you're getting into, it is a huge commitment.

Personal Anecdote: I went straight from B.S. to PhD and during my first year Quantum Mechanics course there were two guys in the class coming in with an M.S......and they were much better prepared than I was Lol.

Edited September 14, 2013 by DiracDelta