Should I switch programs or not?

[emerMel]

Hi there,

I have completed my first semester as a graduate student successfully and am now on to start the second semester. I am enrolled in the PhD. program and feel I want to switch to MS but am not sure how badly that looks. When I first applied to the program, and interviewed with my adviser, I had asked him if he would prefer if I went the MS route, and he felt that my best fit was in the PhD. route. I have done a ton of research as an undergrad and know that my ultimate end goal is to have my doctorate. Originally when coming into the program I had my research interests all pinned down but have changed my mind significantly since then and now have a broad range of interests that the university I am at, may not be able to cater to at this point. I also am very unhappy at the location of where I am at. Although I did successfully my first semester, I have also been severely depressed and lonely, and am dreading spending not just another semester here but the next 3-4!!! I like my adviser but I barely see him throughout the semester and there is very little organization/turnout for projects we are working on. I am very independent myself and have been working on stuff by myself but for the first year this has been a really rough transition and I feel I would be better matched with a more organized adviser. Switching advisers is not really an option either since my adviser has more of the funding. He is also pressuring me to get a dual PhD. which I am very uncomfortable with doing right now. That may be an option in the future but he wants me to make this decision my second semester of my first year, when I would rather wait another full year to make that decision. I have told him this but he keeps trying to get me to make that call before March.

My tuition is all paid for and they have given me an amazing stipend for being in the PhD program and considering I am strongly thinking of going to a different program for PhD. I am wondering if it's appropriate to drop out now, after the spring semester finishes?

One option I am strongly considering is switching into the MS program. If I do this I can still keep my stipend and am required to pay for half the tuition. Also at the rate I am going I will be able to complete my Masters thesis by the end of Fall semester or next spring semester at the very latest. Then I could transfer into a different PhD. program after I have thought more about my interests and what specifically I really want to focus on. Also if I do that the school would only have fully funded me for one year, rather than funding me for my entire MS even though I'll drop it at the last moment. And like I said I would still be able to keep my research assistantship. I would only be paying for half the tuition instead which is affordable for me. My only concern is how bad this may look?

Another option I am not that keen on is taking fall semester to do an internship/coop. The reason I am not too keen on this is because as part of my undergrad, I was required to do a full year of internships and have had a couple of really amazing coop positions. I don't think an extra semester of that would really help guide my interests and would only delay my decision of opting out of the PhD. program at this university. Either way it's still an option.

At this point I am happy sticking with this university for an extra year and leaving with the MS. And reapplying elsewhere at a university that better fits my interests and what I would like to do. I just want to double check if this is looked down upon or what? Or if anyone would recommend a different alternative than this? Thank you!

[fuzzylogician]

It sounds like you've made up your mind to leave, and if so then I think that transferring or reapplying after getting the MS is your best option. It shouldn't be difficult to explain the change in your interests and the subsequent need to reapply in your PhD applications. The only thing to watch out for is to stay on good terms with your current professors, who you will need to get recommendation letters from. That means that you should be open and let them know well in advance that you are planning to leave, and why. Seek their advice about how to finish the MS in the best way possible, and about where to apply next if that's relevant. Concentrate on continuing to do well in your current program while you are there, and getting LORs that support you in your new route once you leave.