Should I state in my SOP that I don't necessarily want to go on to a Phd?

[UGMouse]

I am applying to MS programs in Civil Engineering. Right not I am simply not sure if I will want to do a Phd later on, so how should I talk about my future academic career? Does it look bad to say "right now I just want a Masters", or "I am not sure if I will want to do a Phd later"? If it helps I have no real research experience in my undergrad. 

 

Thanks~

[TakeruK]

I understand that in engineering fields, it's not expected for MS students to go to a PhD program? But even so, I don't really see the benefit of saying you don't want to go onto a PhD. Do you even have to address this point at all? Instead of saying what you don't want to do, what about just bringing up what you hope to achieve during your MS, what skills you want to develop, what experiences you want to gain. If you don't know what you want to do after your MS, you could discuss multiple possible post-MS routes and how a MS from School X will help you in all of these cases.

[juilletmercredi]

Don't talk in negatives or uncertainties; instead, talk about what you actually want to do.  "After I obtain my MS, I plan to work in X industry doing Y."  And then talk about how that specific program can help you get there, because of special programs and internships they may have, classes, etc.

[Guest |||]

Focus on what you will do, not what you won't.