Phd application and expected graduation date

[windypoplars]

I'm currently in a masters program and was planning on graduating next year May, and start my PhD program the following September. However, things seem a little out of order, and am thinking of just not graduating from my masters program, and start my PhD program (assuming I'll get in somewhere) next year. 

 

The problem I have is in my PhD applications, I indicated that I expect to receive my masters next year May. Hypothetically, if I end up not graduating from my masters program and get accepted to the PhD program, will my acceptance offer be revoked? 

Edited November 9, 2013 by windypoplars

[StatsNerd]

I think this would be seen as a very negative move on your part... by not finishing your master's program, you're basically demonstrating that you don't finish what you start, which won't look good to a PhD program. And, if you're writing on your applications that you expect to graduate in May when you're already planning not to, this is plain-out deceptive. Would they definitely revoke your acceptance if they found out? Who knows, but is that a risk you're willing to take? Also... you don't want to burn bridges in this field. How will it look to your mentors/professors at your current school (some of whom were undoubtedly nice enough to write LORs for you) if you say "See ya!" as soon as you (hypothetically) get into a PhD program?

 

Bad idea all around, imo.

Edited November 9, 2013 by StatsNerd

[windypoplars]

Thanks for the reply. Your strong suggestion dispelled me from having second thoughts. Sigh... I guess I should just plough through and persevere. 

[PsychGirl1]

Some programs care- for my current PhD program, I had to submit a transcript from my master's program stating that I graduated. I also wanted to defend over the summer, which would formally have me graduate in Aug/Sept, even though I'd be done all my requirements by June or July. Since it overlapped with my PhD program (starting Aug/Sept), my PhD program told me that wasn't allowed and I had to graduate in June.

[denimfan]

I think this would be seen as a very negative move on your part... by not finishing your master's program, you're basically demonstrating that you don't finish what you start, which won't look good to a PhD program. And, if you're writing on your applications that you expect to graduate in May when you're already planning not to, this is plain-out deceptive. Would they definitely revoke your acceptance if they found out? Who knows, but is that a risk you're willing to take? Also... you don't want to burn bridges in this field. How will it look to your mentors/professors at your current school (some of whom were undoubtedly nice enough to write LORs for you) if you say "See ya!" as soon as you (hypothetically) get into a PhD program?

 

Bad idea all around, imo.

I would have to disagree with this post actually. I know a friend of mine who got into a well respected phd program and he has not finished his masters. It all depends on the program. Expected degree means you expect to graduate and receive the degree but it does not mean you will indefinitely confer it. In other words it's not guaranteed. As long as the school does not require confirmation of your masters degree for final acceptance, you can make a case for it should you need to.

[PsychGirl1]

Meh, I agree with StatsNerd. My PI coming in already had made specific decisions based on the assumption that I would have a master's degree. Everybody will know you are coming from a master's program and it will be weird that you don't have a master's degree. I personally think it would be irresponsible and a waste of time and money not to graduate.

[PsychGirl1]

Well there we go- people will have very different opinions if you do this.

 

That being said, do know that certain programs (like my own) will make sure you have graduated before you're allowed to enroll. So it may limit your choices for which program you attend- and I'm not sure that's a question you would want to ask in the interview. That being said, if you get your degree, you will still list your master's on your CV, even if you get a second master's in your PhD program. If it only requires 10% more effort, you might as well make it worth the money and time- otherwise it just seems lazy.