Can i quit my PhD program with MS?

[rollypolly12]

Hi all. I just finished my first year as  a PhD student in chemical engineering. I am generally satisfied with my program and school. 

But I am seriously considering to quit my PhD with MS if possible. This is mainly because of my girlfriend. She is currently working at West Coast as software engineer, and she cannot find a job in the state where my school is. After long discussion between us, it seems that most ideal option is to quit my PhD and to re-apply for schools near her for PhD.

Since I have done my first year study with some directions of my research, I would like to quit with MS. 

Before I actually talk to my PhD advisors  on this, I want to ask whether anyone has a similar experiences.

There are two things that worry me: 1. whether the department keeps providing stipends or not.  2. whether the relationship with my advisor becomes sour or not

I will appreciate any comments on this

[MastersHoping]

The answer to your first question is very obvious. Of course the department isn't going to keep giving you money if you're no longer a part of the program. Frankly, I'm a little surprised you asked this question.

For the second one, attrition rates for Ph.D programs are very high, and I'm sure you're not the first person to have ever left the program. Your advisor may be a bit disappointed, but hopefully he/she will understand. I don't think your relationship will be "sour" though. 

[Warelin]

In addition to what @MastersHoping stated, your new program might want recommendation letters from your current institution. It might be viewed as odd without said letters and they'll want to know the reason why you're quitting your current program to make sure that funding isn't given to you and you decide to skip out on them again. Stipends aren't unlimited resources.