PhD Interview But Asked to Accept A Master Program?

[Selene1993]

Hello everyone, I am an international student and have just finished a SKYPE interview for PhD Programs. One of the interviewer is the professor I contacted for admission previously, and the whole interview feels like "Just soso".

In the end, they asked me a question "Would you accept a master program if you are not admitted as PhD?" And my answer is "I would not consider this question until I get the final admission decisions."

I have no idea whether this answer is appropriate, indeed I have never ever considered to apply for a master program! Did that mean I will not be accepted as PhD since they asked me this question? Hope to hear your suggestion QAQ

Thanks everyone.

Edited February 12, 2016 by Selene1993

[works_on_paper]

I don't think you did yourself any real damage by answering as you did. I wouldn't worry about it, especially if the interview only felt "so-so."

But I would be prepared with an answer for that question, in case it comes up again, because you're not the first person I've seen who was asked it.

If it was me, I'd tell them that a Master's would be unacceptable because my goals required a PhD, and be ready to explain why (if it wasn't already obvious). What that does is tell them that you're fully committed to pursuing the PhD, know exactly why you're doing it, and aren't willing to settle for less. A surprising number of people will say "Yes" to settling for a Master's program, and in doing so reveal that they're either desperate to get in somewhere, or don't really have a grasp of which degree will best serve their long-term goals.

If you want a PhD, and need it in order to do what you want to do, then insist upon it. And it's probably not a bad idea to email your interviewers and let them know that you were surprised by the question, but now that you've had a chance to think about it you would not be interested in a Master's, only the PhD. They may still decide to reject you, but at least lack of ambition and commitment on your part won't be the reason why.

 

[madbiochemist]

That sounds like a good answer, actually. One thing I'd be concerned about is funding. I know that most domestic Master's programs in the US are self-funded, as in you need to pay for classes and don't get a stipend. I'm guessing funding for a Master's as an international student is more difficult to receive from the US, but I think some countries have grants for students studying in the US. There are some funded Master's programs and it'd be important to know. Some programs frequently transition their masters students into their PhD programs. That's an important question to ask if it comes up.