Is it wise for an American citizen with a B.S. and M.S. from American Universities to get a Canadian PhD?

[Lion87]

Hello, I interested in pursuing my PhD and I wanted to know if it is a good idea for me as an American, who has a b.s. and m.s. from American universities, to pursue one in Canada. I wouldn't mind living in Canada but I would like to return to the United States. Will a Canadian PhD restrict me from research jobs in the U.S.?

Edited September 25, 2011 by Lion87

[snap!]

Because you have listed an interest in research jobs, presumably the places that you would be looking to hire you are going to be familiar with the institutions that produce cutting edge research. If the Canadian schools that you want to apply to are top-notch research institutions in your field, you shouldn't hesitate to go there. In particular, the choice is easier if you get in to a really great Canadian school in your field and a not-as-good American school.

However, if you're thinking of looking beyond research jobs once you get your PhD, I suspect that unless you went to one of the really well-known Canadian schools, most employers wouldn't have heard of your PhD institution and this may negatively impact your chances of getting hired.

[ktel]

If you go to a major research university in Canada, chances are it will be known (just make sure it's strong in your field). I find that not only are there fewer universities in Canada, but they are closer together in quality than American schools (in my Canadian opinion)

[ladybug3]

You could apply to a Canadian PhD program, however there are a lot more American PhD programs to apply to and they generally accept a lot more students. Grad school in general is very limited in Canada and thus very competitive. I would say it would be beneficial to get your PhD in Canada if there is a program you really want. In other words, it would be beneficial to further look into the idea, but I would apply to schools in both the USA and Canada.

[ktel]

I really don't think that Canadian schools are any more competitive than most American schools, and are definitely less competitive than the top American schools. There might be some less competitive American schools, but those would be typically thought of as lower quality.

[Lion87]

How are Mcgill and University of Toronto viewed in the U.S.? Would I be down-grading myself by applying to any those universities?

[ktel]

How are Mcgill and University of Toronto viewed in the U.S.? Would I be down-grading myself by applying to any those universities?

They're considered two of the best schools in Canada, and on par with many great American schools.

[lewin]

How are Mcgill and University of Toronto viewed in the U.S.? Would I be down-grading myself by applying to any those universities?

According to this list McGill is #17 in the world and Toronto #23, on par with the likes of Johns Hopkins, Duke, Berkeley, and Northwestern.

[sacklunch]

At least in the humanities a degree from Toronto (or even UBC) is highly regarded. I see no reason to not earn a degree there if their program suits your interests.

[juilletmercredi]

This is a really field-dependent question, too. In my field (psychology), U. Toronto and McGill are both highly respected schools. There's a postdoc in my lab at Columbia who did her PhD at McGill.