Need advice: Masters or PhD

[BioChem123]

I applied to chemistry programs for Fall 2014 and I was accepted to one PhD program (not my top choice, and low ranked chemistry program, although top 20 school for undergrad). I was also wait-listed at a top school but then admitted to the masters program (which is not funded). 

 

I am having a hard time deciding which program to attend. There are 2-3 PI's I wouldn't mind working with in the PhD program. Should I just go for the PhD program? or should I spend another two years (and a lot of money) to make my application profile stronger and then reapply to PhD programs? I am worried my job prospects after I graduate wouldn't be great if I go to a poorly ranked program. 

 

Any insight would be much appreciated. 

 

 

[Vene]

Here are my thoughts. One is that an unfunded graduate degree is generally a bad idea, even if it's prestigious. Another is that I've worked in the chemical industry at the bachelors level and have seen people with both BS and MS degrees working as temporary employees, but have never seen a PhD doing the same thing. A MS doesn't seem to mean anything beyond the equivalent of a few years of work experience. You might have a higher chance of finding that chemist job doing R&D or working at a pilot plant compared to doing QA/QC testing, but I personally don't think a MS is worth the monetary investment.

I don't really know how wise or unwise it is to get a PhD at a low ranked program though.

[bsharpe269]

I would either take the PhD offer or reapply next year, unless you have bad UG grades and think that the MS could make up for those.

[BioChem123]

Thanks for your advice! i don't have bad grades (3.65 gpa) but I don't have much research experience which is why i thought a master's program may help. If I reapply it would have to be for fall of 2016 and I would find a lab position until then while doing the Masters program at night.

 

Is it worth the monetary investment and another 2 years to get into a better program, or is it better to start a phd program sooner. My ultimate goal is a PhD, even if I do get the Masters. 

[GeoDUDE!]

Do the PhD. This isn't even a question. 

[BioChem123]

bsharpe269- I noticed you're doing a masters now ... what was your reasoning?   GeoDUDE!- why do you say that?

[bsharpe269]

I graduated with only a 3.3 gpa and my science gpa was even worse. I have bad ADHD but didn't start treating it until after college. I'm using the MS to basically prove that the medical issue is taken care of now (my gpa is 4.0 now that my ADHD is treated).

[Vene]

Thanks for your advice! i don't have bad grades (3.65 gpa) but I don't have much research experience which is why i thought a master's program may help. If I reapply it would have to be for fall of 2016 and I would find a lab position until then while doing the Masters program at night.

 

Is it worth the monetary investment and another 2 years to get into a better program, or is it better to start a phd program sooner. My ultimate goal is a PhD, even if I do get the Masters. 

It's better to try and get a job doing something research related than it is to pay for a masters degree.

[bsharpe269]

It's better to try and get a job doing something research related than it is to pay for a masters degree.

 

I agree with this. If research experience is what you lack in your application then why not get paid to it instead of paying to do it?

[BioChem123]

thanks for your advice... i tried applying to research positions but most paid positions will only hire people with experience (i applied to a lot of positions too). I figured the masters could be a good stepping stone and I would also try to join a lab while in the program. 

[GeoDUDE!]

I agree with this. If research experience is what you lack in your application then why not get paid to it instead of paying to do it?

 

Who pays for a masters degree a thesis based masters in science ?

[BioChem123]

if i could have a better chance of getting into that school for phd after i do the masters

[biochemistry professor]

Never choose a MS program you have to pay for. There are schools with funded MS programs.

 

It sounds like the PhD program is a good option for you. Work hard, develop your passion, and publish like crazy, and you will be fine.