PHd at RPI

[metageek]

Hi,

I am currently pursuing my masters (by research) in AI here in Amsterdam, NL. And I was planning to apply for PHd at RPI* after completing my masters here. I wanted to know how many years(minimum) it would take to do a PHd after 2 years of masters, from Europe, in a quite relevant research field.

I know here in NL post MS, it takes (minimum) 4 years to do PHd. But I am not sure how many years it would take to do one in USA, specifically at RPI.

So to evaluate my possible options for PHd, I'd would really appreciate if anyone can shed some light on this.

*RPI: Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

Thanks.

Edited September 26, 2011 by metageek

[adinutzyc]

Though I cannot tell you for sure, as there is no exact amount of time for a Ph.D., I can tell you that it'll take you at least 3.5 years. The norm is 5 or more years though, and most people end up staying even 7. I don't know how many of the last bunch have had their masters degrees before (since in the USA a lot of people go to PhDs directly from undergrad), but it greatly depends on your research progress. Plus, I think it makes sense to stay more than 3.5 years, since you will have a stronger application profile at the end (for jobs), but that's just my opinion. I did apply to RPI and got in though I accepted an offer from somewhere else, but although a particular university may set deadlines and calculate average graduation times, it will rarely kick you out for being in your 6th year.

[sm19]

I am an Electrical Engineering grad student at RPI. In our department, it normally takes 3-4 years to get a PhD, after a MS. Good luck with applying here.