Hi everyone. Firstly, I would like to apologize for this rather indecisive post but considering the situation any assistance would be very helpful.
I am an international student having recently graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biotechnology from a recognized institution in my home country. My overall GPA is average at the time of my graduation (below 3.5 out of 4.0), however I do have some research experience in the form of a thesis and some internship work at a local life-sciences firm. Plus, my professors are also willing to provide me with strong LORs on request. At the moment, my plan is to apply for graduate studies overseas (particularly US and Canada) as career options in life sciences are almost non-existent at the undergraduate level here. Ultimately I would like to move away from academia, although if I find a research area of interest later priorities may change.
Looking at various potential schools, I have noticed that programs in Life Sciences like biotechnology/biochemistry/molecular bio etc. offer Masters degrees and PhDs. Also there are some which offer internships in lieu of a thesis (Non-thesis option programs). Funding is not a predominant issue, but any opportunity of reducing the pressure on personal finances are welcome. My question is: besides the option of funding/tuition reductions, are there key differences between the Masters (Thesis), Non-thesis Masters and PhD programs especially in the context of Life Sciences? What impact would each degree type have on my plans to transition out of academia? Also, in my case which would be the perfect option to pursue?
I really appreciate any help on the topic. Thank you in advance!
Question
ChewMaster
Hi everyone. Firstly, I would like to apologize for this rather indecisive post but considering the situation any assistance would be very helpful.
I am an international student having recently graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biotechnology from a recognized institution in my home country. My overall GPA is average at the time of my graduation (below 3.5 out of 4.0), however I do have some research experience in the form of a thesis and some internship work at a local life-sciences firm. Plus, my professors are also willing to provide me with strong LORs on request. At the moment, my plan is to apply for graduate studies overseas (particularly US and Canada) as career options in life sciences are almost non-existent at the undergraduate level here. Ultimately I would like to move away from academia, although if I find a research area of interest later priorities may change.
Looking at various potential schools, I have noticed that programs in Life Sciences like biotechnology/biochemistry/molecular bio etc. offer Masters degrees and PhDs. Also there are some which offer internships in lieu of a thesis (Non-thesis option programs). Funding is not a predominant issue, but any opportunity of reducing the pressure on personal finances are welcome. My question is: besides the option of funding/tuition reductions, are there key differences between the Masters (Thesis), Non-thesis Masters and PhD programs especially in the context of Life Sciences? What impact would each degree type have on my plans to transition out of academia? Also, in my case which would be the perfect option to pursue?
I really appreciate any help on the topic. Thank you in advance!
Edited by ChewMaster0 answers to this question
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