I applied for a PhD, but have been accepted only for MS

[chuck_b]

So, in one or two places where I applied for the PhD program (i.e. U. Michigan), I received an acceptance to the MS program only. I know that in most PhD programs, you earn an MS on the way anyways. So, feeling confused, I called them up initially thinking they made a mistake and they were like "you were accepted into the program that the professors saw fit for you."

I am not sure exactly WHY they thought I was fit for an MS only. I would think when I have a strong research background and I want to do research, they would see that an MS for me would mean just more coursework and less research. I really dont understand the concept behind this nicety of accepting you to half a program.

I am not complaining about getting in - I know U. Mich is very tough to get into. I am just confused in general that all schools are doing this (I spoke with an advisor at another school who also said theyre probably going to only accept me to the MS program there).

I am assuming that most schools would probably accept me into their PhD program in a year or so anyways, once I finished their MS program.

Maybe this year schools just need the money ... but I'm just curious as to what you're thoughts are on this.

[MDLee]

So, in one or two places where I applied for the PhD program (i.e. U. Michigan), I received an acceptance to the MS program only. I know that in most PhD programs, you earn an MS on the way anyways. So, feeling confused, I called them up initially thinking they made a mistake and they were like "you were accepted into the program that the professors saw fit for you."

I am not sure exactly WHY they thought I was fit for an MS only. I would think when I have a strong research background and I want to do research, they would see that an MS for me would mean just more coursework and less research. I really dont understand the concept behind this nicety of accepting you to half a program.

I am not complaining about getting in - I know U. Mich is very tough to get into. I am just confused in general that all schools are doing this (I spoke with an advisor at another school who also said theyre probably going to only accept me to the MS program there).

I am assuming that most schools would probably accept me into their PhD program in a year or so anyways, once I finished their MS program.

Maybe this year schools just need the money ... but I'm just curious as to what you're thoughts are on this.

If you're coming straight from a BS, a lot of schools want to gradually ease you into PhD status through the MS program. I know where I'm at, they won't let you straight into the PhD program unless you rock so much that they should be handing you an honorary degree. They figure that you're not ready yet and there is a lot to learn about being a grad student before you commit 6 years of your life to a program (and before they commit the funding). Consider it a plus that they see potential, especially if its funded potential. Some people weren't even lucky enough to be deferred to a different program. :wink:

[finest_engineering]

Pay very close attention to the nature of the MS acceptance. I started an MS program this year, but I was already sort of 'pre-admitted' for the PhD program. My funding was only guaranteed for one year (enough to finish a masters w/o research) . However, I was allowed to take the PhD written exam and gain PhD status. I was also eligible to receive a research assistantship. I have since done this. Although I have not taken the exam and am still technically an 'MS' student, I have a research assistantship and my professor is committed to funding me through my PhD.

A lot of schools accept MS students who are not eligible to take the PhD exam and are almost never funded. These students are on a completely different track from the PhD's and the ability to make the switch is not guaranteed and may be somewhat out of your hands.

Make sure you give the necessary thought to this sort of thing. Figure $50,000 to earn an MS like this.. Paying nothing for your degree and actually getting paid instead is obviously a lot better.

[Jordan+AirForce1]

hey Finest Engineering,

i don;t know which engineering you are in, but i was sort of in the same situation so i wanted to ask what you think..

Right now i have two acceptances to serious consider: a fully funded PhD at Cornell, and nothing funded MS at Stanford, both mechanical engineering.

What's your two cents on which choice is a better one? Just your opinion..

[AlwaysWorried]

I'm in the same boat. I applied to the U Mich PhD and only got the MS. I figure that I might as well get a MS and reapply. Worst case scenario I leave with a MS and get a good job.