Materials Science - Masters at a top 5 school or a PhD at a top 30 school

[MajorLaser18]

Hello All,

 

I'm having trouble deciding between a Masters of Science in Materials Engineering at UIUC (with tuition waiver and a stipend) or a Phd in Chemistry from RICE (fully funded). I want to pursue synthesis of nanostructures for advanced materials. What are your thoughts?

[GeoDUDE!]

Research fit if you dont care about time until degree. Potentially you could get into very competitive PhD programs from UIUC, but, no guarantee. Rice is a very good school, i would make the decision based on research fit. 

[MajorLaser18]

Thank you for the feedback. I'll be visiting both and talking to potential advisers for a better feel.

[juilletmercredi]

Agreed with GeoDude - this is all about research fit.  I really don't think that the rankings should be a primary concern here - in your field, there's probably not a huge difference between the employment prospects of the top 5 programs and the top 30 programs.  You can ask the PIs about their placement rates just to be sure, though.

[MajorLaser18]

So after visiting both schools I'm still torn. The research for both schools is very exciting (Rice with a slight edge). I found the people in both research groups to be approachable and generally pretty happy with their decision. Job placement for both programs is good, however UIUC has a better reputation and alumni network and currently moved up to number 2 in the USNWR rankings (materials engineering). Unfortunately I wasn't able to meet the POIs at UIUC because they were at a conference, but I've heard from current grad students that they are very good advisers (low attrition, good placement, great publication record). In contrast I've been in contact with my POI from Rice (very highly regarded). The Rice program offers more flexibility and has less requirements and the advisers I would be interested in working for are in top 100 chemists of the last decade (http://archive.sciencewatch.com/dr/sci/misc/Top100Chemists2000-10/). The UIUC program has more requirements and more TA hours and there would be no guarantee that my adviser would allow me to stay to pursue a PhD, however it is common for students to stay for their PhD. My current adviser and colleagues are suggesting I should go to UIUC. I'm originally from Houston and my family would like me to come back home. I'm comfortable living away, but being home would be a perk.

 

Any thoughts?

[skyentist]

How much money is Rice offering you? If you are barely squeaking by then maybe UIUC. I would say go with best financials (since research interest are tied), then which city you liked more. Thats just my two cents. Goodluck!

[MajorLaser18]

Rice is offering 26K, UIUC 18K, and I would prefer to live in Texas. But I'm not sure if Reputation and Alumni network UIUC offers trumps the advantages.