Research Career WITHOUT a PhD

[President]

A PhD, in some cases, can be viewed as a M.S. + Dissertation. This could mean that a PhD is unnecessary for securing a research post at an industrial lab/consulting company.

But is this close to impossible to pull off?

[UnlikelyGrad]

A PhD, in some cases, can be viewed as a M.S. + Dissertation.

Theoretically yes, but...what, exactly do you think "dissertation" means? For someone majoring in English, maybe a dissertation just means reading and writing. But for someone in engineering or science (the sort of person who would want a research post at an industrial lab/consulting company), a dissertation means:

RESEARCH.

Writing too, but also lots and lots of research. Because a science/engineering dissertation can't just be a big long review paper: it has to contain original research. I have read master's theses by previous students of my advisor. I have read doctoral dissertations written by her students, too. There is no comparison: the doctoral students are way, way ahead of where the master's students are.

Let me put it this way: at the end of this summer, I will probably have enough research that I could write a master's thesis and get my M.S. But I feel like I'm just getting started in terms of "learning the research ropes". If I had an MS, I think I could perform research competently, but only under the supervision of a Ph.D. My advisor trains us to be independent.

[the poisoned pawn]

A PhD, in some cases, can be viewed as a M.S. + Dissertation. This could mean that a PhD is unnecessary for securing a research post at an industrial lab/consulting company.

But is this close to impossible to pull off?

I believe it is possible to have a research position in industry without a PhD. However, if you are really passionate about research a PhD is a better choice because of the extra 2-4 years of sole research. I know some people working as a researcher without a PhD, but then decide to come back to get a PhD as they feel the need to do so.

[newms]

You can have a research career without having a Phd. Look at the researchers at this institute: http://singinst.org/research/residentfaculty. They (at least not all of them) don't appear to have PhDs. However, if you want to have a better chance at finding a research job, and one at a prestigious institution, then you will almost certainly need a PhD.

[mechengr2000]

Why would you do this? It will severely limit your opportunities in the research sector.

[President]

Why would you do this? It will severely limit your opportunities in the research sector.

Yeah.. I'm aware of this fact. But $1700/month for three or so years looks very bleak.. seeing how I might have to support a family soon.

[mechengr2000]

Do you not feel confident that you can obtain funding for a PhD program? What are your GPA/GRE numbers, and your research experience?

Yeah.. I'm aware of this fact. But $1700/month for three or so years looks very bleak.. seeing how I might have to support a family soon.

[Amogh]

You my friend are considering the immediate future. Consider this situation instead. You join a research lab. You excel at your work as you are very passionate and publish a number of papers. Yet you see that the management considers you a little (mind you it could be just a second of doubt no more) less than your other colleagues with PhDs some of whom you have clearly outperformed. How will you feel then? Do not make lifetime decisions based on how you perceive life is currently. life is a continuous journey. not a series of journeys. always plan ahead. a couple of years living frugal wont harm you and i think your SO will understand this.

Also getting a PhD, as others have pointed out, is preparation for a career in research. It is very different from MS+dissertation.

All the best in any case.

[starmaker]

You absolutely can have a research career in CS without a PhD. I do, right now. I have for 4 years.

However, the PhD will help you out, open some doors. It also helps for getting a job with a (US) government contractor, because the government likes to see credentials. I once had a proposal get rejected and one of the reviewers explicitly stated that thought the proposal was very good but they had a problem with the fact that none of the team had PhDs.

If you're worried about money, you could spend a couple of years working non-PhD research jobs and saving money, to give you and your family a cushion for when you pursue the PhD.

There are also research-oriented companies that will pay your way through the PhD (usually in exchange for some commitment time either before or after the degree, and possibly working part-time during the degree). I know of at least four companies within 15 miles of my house that do this.