Master's before a PhD?

[FelipeVv]

Hello everyone. I am an international student who wishes to apply to graduate chemistry programs in the US but, I'm not sure which ones or which level, MS or PhD. I know that in sciences it is uncommon to get a Master's before a PhD but, in my case, I believe it is important (correct me if I'm wrong, that's exactly why I'm here). I believe I should get a Master's, because PhD programs' requirements are very high in many cases. To be accepted to a PhD I should demonstrate a very high English level, since I'm not a native speaker. Plus, I would be required to take the GRE (and of course do well in it). Taking the GRE is a problem since I'm not studying chemistry in English, and the test will evaluate my knowledge of chemistry in English. So it will represent a tougher challenge that usual. I want to get a Master's first so I can learn a lot of chem in English (to do well in a GRE) and I feel I'd be more prepared as I would already know what it is like to be a graduate student, and I would get more research experience. I have read (never seen) of programs that combine the Master's and PhD. So your first get a Master's and then you continue with your PhD in the same university. Does anyone know about good universities in the US that offer this kind of programs? Would you recommend it (why/why not)? I think this kind of programs sound interesting as, if accepted, I would not need to worry about applying to a PhD later. Thank you in advance, I appreciate any comment and suggestions in regards to my situation.

 

[materialsgirl]

I don't recommend staying at the same institution for a masters and PhD. Both of my PIs from undergrad said that it doesn't really look good doing that (something about being able to work in new environments and such, don't remember since it was a year ago). I'm planning on doing a masters before a phd since my grades were pretty bad. There are a lot of masters at lesser known schools that are funded. I can PM you a list of schools that offer funded terminal master's programs that way you can go to a different school for a phd. As far as masters to phd, there are some schools that might do that but it's up to the school. These schools have funded masters as well. Where are you coming from?

 

 

[FelipeVv]

On 5/30/2017 at 0:43 PM, materialsgirl said:

I don't recommend staying at the same institution for a masters and PhD. Both of my PIs from undergrad said that it doesn't really look good doing that (something about being able to work in new environments and such, don't remember since it was a year ago). I'm planning on doing a masters before a phd since my grades were pretty bad. There are a lot of masters at lesser known schools that are funded. I can PM you a list of schools that offer funded terminal master's programs that way you can go to a different school for a phd. As far as masters to phd, there are some schools that might do that but it's up to the school. These schools have funded masters as well. Where are you coming from?

 

 

I'm from Costa Rica. I would like to have that list