Starting a grad program and transferring

[mrb]

I have a (math) professor who says and I've read an article (for math students) that also says that it's perfectly fine to start a PhD program and then transfer to another. In fact, the prof says it's fine to start a PhD program when you intend to transfer in a year or 2, or even to start a PhD program when you plan on leaving with just a Masters (which you would do because the school funds PhD students but not Masters students).

On the other hand, I've read several old threads on the GradCafe forums which suggest all this is extremely bad form, and that while it is reasonable to transfer in some cases, starting a program you don't plan to finish is really bad. But, all those threads are from people in other disciplines. Maybe in mathematics the culture is different?

So I'm wondering, is this kosher for mathematics graduate programs?

Edited March 13, 2010 by mrb

[someDay]

I don't know whether it's perfectible fine, but from what various professors have told me transferring phd courses is acceptable and will not label you a traitor for the rest of your (academic) life.

sD.

[BongRips69]

I think the bigger question (besides the "morality") is why? I can think of two situations where you'd apply to one PhD program and then transfer. You're plain unhappy with your current choice. You think you can "trade up" to a significantly "better" institution... but this is probably like the first case.

The practical expense is so high that you should really think about going down this path. If you manage to get a Master's from the first institution, will you still have to pass qualifying exams at the second? Probably. Will you have to repeat classes? Probably. Will you have to make new connections with potential advisors? Most definitely. Will you have to find people willing to write you recommendation letters? Yes. All that stuff takes time. So if the benefits outweigh the effort, don't let the red tape stop you.

Also, I wouldn't worry about the morality of getting a "paid-for" Master's degree. All sorts of things could happen in that time.

[kdilks]

I have a (math) professor who says and I've read an article (for math students) that also says that it's perfectly fine to start a PhD program and then transfer to another. In fact, the prof says it's fine to start a PhD program when you intend to transfer in a year or 2, or even to start a PhD program when you plan on leaving with just a Masters (which you would do because the school funds PhD students but not Masters students).

On the other hand, I've read several old threads on the GradCafe forums which suggest all this is extremely bad form, and that while it is reasonable to transfer in some cases, starting a program you don't plan to finish is really bad. But, all those threads are from people in other disciplines. Maybe in mathematics the culture is different?

So I'm wondering, is this kosher for mathematics graduate programs?

As far as I know, the culture is not different in mathematics. Transferring programs or leaving early with a Master's is acceptable if circumstances dictate it, but starting with that as your end-plan is just unethical.

[apalke]

As far as I know, the culture is not different in mathematics. Transferring programs or leaving early with a Master's is acceptable if circumstances dictate it, but starting with that as your end-plan is just unethical.

Is this true even in situations where you were admitted by a specific professor to his research group? That's the situation I'm in and it's looking like this group is not a good fit for me. However, it kind of seems like I was accepted with the understanding that I would come and write a thesis and get a PhD. My question is does one have an obligation to follow through on the PhD program once you've been accepted and funded by your advisor?

[Eigen]

There is certainly an obligation there. But if you're truly unhappy, then it is certainly possible to try to either switch to another group in the same program, or try to transfer to another program.

The main hangup will be your adviser, imo.

If you try to transfer to another group, that group will more than likely want to talk to your adviser about it... Especially if he's well known in the field.

"Poaching" grad students, or looking like you're poaching grad students is quite poor form, and would reflect poorly on the group you want to transfer to, so they would want to make sure that was not the case.

So you will need your adviser to be OK with you transferring, imo.

If you don't think your adviser will be, then you could take it up the chain and talk to the graduate adviser for your department, or even the department head about the problems you have and the possibility of a transfer.

[apalke]

Eigen, thanks for the advice. I would feel a bit bad about leaving, but maybe not too bad considering I would most likely not be leaving for another grad school. If I do leave I would be going out to get a real job in industry with the possibility of returning to grad school later after getting some real world experience.