questions considering phd program

[964racer]

Hello,

I am in the final stages of completing my MS Comp Sci degree and I have thoughts about pursuing an PhD.  The most enjoyable aspect of my masters was the research, which included developing/researching my project, presenting submitting papers and writing the actual thesis. 

 

A few things I am considering.  I am wondering if it is possible to attend a full-time program that is pure research only (given that I have an MS with 32 semester credits of CS grad course work and many years of relevant industry experience).  Are there any programs like that in our field ? Most programs seem to require 1-2 years of coursework. 

thanks

 

[Kleene]

You could try and look in Europe. I know quite some universities that offer PhD without any coursework.

[DeleteMePlease]

I thought that Ph.D. studies are always a little shorter when you enter with an M.Sc.. Maybe contact the programs if you can transfer credit?  

 

I would also look in Canada for such programs. They normally require a M.Sc. so I cannot image that they have that much coursework during the Ph.D..

[964racer]

From my understanding, most science/engineering phd programs in the US accept students with a BS.  in fact, I -think- that is the most common approach and many get a PHd without an MS.  The MS degree for the Phd candidate then becomes just a milestone degree or many don't even get one unless they discontinue the Phd.

 

That being said, I do see a lot of Phd's that have an MS degree. 

 

There are plenty of good schools in canada that are in my time zone (PST) and, of course, many good schools in Europe - which I have traveled to extensively, but my personal situation requires me to stay here in the US.  Maybe I could get into a program in Canada and go to the campus several time per semester but do my work at home?  This would be the advantage of a research degree, in that I would not have to be onsite for classes,  I don't know how common this approach is though and I would not simply want to get a phd from a "mail-order" online program either.

 

 

[Icydubloon]

Many schools (in the US) will waive some, if not all the course requirements if you already have an MS with overlapping courses.