Is it okay to say you're okay with a Masters in a SOP?

[Ternwild]

If you're writing an SOP, do you think it's okay to say that if I don't get selected for the PhD program that I am okay with being considered for the Masters program?

[PsyDuck90]

I wouldn't. Your SOP should be explaining your goals for graduate school and why you want the program you are applying to. If you say "I like this program, but I'm ok with something else" that weakens your initial argument. Most applications have somewhere where you can indicate interest in consideration for the MA of not accepted to the PhD. That's enough usually. 

[historygeek]

I'm not sure about physics apps, but I know most history apps ask if you'd like to be considered for a terminal masters.

[N0rd]

20 hours ago, PsyDGrad90 said:

I wouldn't. Your SOP should be explaining your goals for graduate school and why you want the program you are applying to. If you say "I like this program, but I'm ok with something else" that weakens your initial argument. 

I second this wholeheartedly.

If you're hoping to be admitted to the Master's program if you're rejected for the PhD there may be a way to indicate this elsewhere on your application. I would recommend looking into the structure of the program and how they make their admission decisions. Is it common for the school to refer rejected PhD applicants to the Masters program? Or could you potentially submit your application to both programs?

[Ternwild]

7 hours ago, CN0rd said:

Or could you potentially submit your application to both programs?

See, I thought about that, but how can I write and SOP that says I'm ready for a PhD and then write another saying I'm ready for a Masters? lol

[PsyDuck90]

I don't know about Physics specifically, but I remember when I was applying for PhD programs, the application just had a question "Would you like to be considered for our masters program if you are not accepted to the PhD program?" or something along those lines. You don't have to submit something separate for the masters consideration. 

You could also potentially not even mention the specific degree and just say "graduate school" if you are really that concerned about it. 

[Ternwild]

2 minutes ago, PsyDGrad90 said:

You could also potentially not even mention the specific degree and just say "graduate school" if you are really that concerned about it. 

That's fair.