Third LoR (CS program)

[Hougu]

I'm applying for a PhD in CS. I have been worrying about what my third LoR since I don't have an ideal candidate to seal my other two letters. Right now my first letter would be from a professor from the physics department I did research with for two years, and my second one would be a professor from an REU I did this year, however, I'm not sure who I should go with for the third LoR. Since I don't have anyone from my faculty yet I feel like I should get someone who is faculty at my department.

My first option is a professor I have a very good relationship with, I took a year long class with her (software engineering) and then I went to help her as a TA the next year. I feel like she can attest to my leadership skills, as well as speak very well about how well I work. The only problem I can find with her is that she doesn't have a PhD, she's an MS.

My second option is a professor that specializes in something close to what I want to do, but was largely against students doing a PhD fresh out of a bachelor's. She likes me a lot though, so I may be able to convince her?

My third option is another professor that also does something similar to what I'm interested, but I feel like he wouldn't give me a letter of recommendation as strong as the other ones, however, he would still be willing to help.

[Teaching Faculty Wannabe]

@Hougu Hi, I think you should do the first option. She doesn't have a PhD, but an MS is still really good. I know it is preferred that letter writers have a PhD, but if she is a good professor doing good work and will write you a strong letter, then I think it shouldn't matter in my opinion. However, sometimes programs can be really strict and want LORs from PhDs, so make sure of that before you ask. It seems like you are the closest with her out of the three options and that connection is very important for LORs.