I am a Master's student in Bio at Rutgers. I am considering switching to pH.D. What are the advantages?

Question

Is it also true that it is free, and you receive a stipend?

Answer 1

If you are really dedicated about your education, I would definately recommend going for your ph.d because the higher you go in your education, the better off you will be in your career (your salary will also be much higher). I have a friend who's trying to get his ph.d. in psychology. He said it's very time consuming since you have to go to school for such a long period of time (generally about 8 years) and that it does get very expensive. He never switched from a master's though, so I'm not 100% sure how the cost would figure in, in your situation.
I did a little bit of research..although I couldn't find the process of switching at Rutgers, I found out what they do at the University of Washington for Bioengineering majors. Although it's a different school, the process should be similar. Here's what the website said:

"Once admitted to the Master's track, it is possible to switch to the Ph.D. program. A student must apply for a transfer to the Ph.D. program prior to completing the MS. If there has been a break in enrollment, the student has to reapply to the Graduate School. The student must have the concurrence of the research advisor and Supervisory Committee. To apply, a letter of recommendation from the advisor, two additional references, and a statement of purpose need to be submitted to the academic counselor, who will forward them to the Student Affairs Committee. The Chair reviews the committee's recommendation and makes the final decision. All students admitted to the Ph.D. program must take the Qualifying Exam."

I would suggest maybe talking to the admissions people at Rutgers to find out their policy for switching from a masters to a doctorate. They will definately be the best source of information for you at this point in time.

Good luck.

Answer 2

You can't just switch. You have to apply and the critera is very different. Given that you did not know that it was "free" and you "get a stipend", I am guessing you do not know many people in your department and you do not have a lot of contact with the profs? Given that, I would say you do not have a very good chance of getting in.

Answer 3

Go for it. If you are questioning whether or not you should do it then just do it. It is really a question of what you want. Take it from a 31 year old going back to school.

Regret leads to overeating and naps.
-Mason Cooley

Answer 4

I would suggest you talk to your academic advisor and/or the Rutgers graduate school admissions office.

Good Luck!!!