I'm hovering at the decision point between completing my MS and going on to the PhD.
I want to know what kinds of jobs I would be looking at with the MS, because I'm not sure I want to go all the way to the doctorate -- I enjoy my work, but I feel that the PhD can be limiting in some instances.. it's not so much about money, but I want to know that if I stay with the MS, I'll actually have job opportunities that don't involve glorified bottle washing!
Can anyone who has been here give any advice?
2007-07-05 15:27:14 · 4 answers · asked by B U 2 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Biology
My speciality is in cell signaling, intestinal inflammation and cytokine activity -- if I choose the MS route, I'm almost done, but the PhD will take another three years + postdoc.
Really, my ideal job would be teaching at the community college level or working in industry. If I can realistically do that with an MS, I would be happy to stop there -- so that's what I'm looking at.
2007-07-06 12:49:03 · update #1
Its never a bad idea to have a PhD, really. But you are right about the limitations. Sometimes a PhD can make you over qualified in areas you might want to work in and sometimes its viewed as putting one in strictly into academia and research. I had to make the same decision in Geology. I decided to go for just my Master's because I want to be a professional field geologist and not work much in academia. Who knows, I might change my mind later.
Usually in the sciences a MS is considered a professional degree and the jobs and the pay are a bit more dignified. If you can afford it get the MS, see what's out there and if you find something you like you can stop at the MS. If nothing floats your boat see what's available in the PhD range and go for it.
2007-07-05 15:35:10 · answer #1 · answered by Lady Geologist 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is never a waste of time or a limitation to have a PhD degree. Even considering you'd want to work in Industry (pharma companies) and not undertake an accademic career (i.e. researcher - lecturer - professor), you are likely to obtain a better paid position if you have a PhD degree.
With only an MS degree, your choices are limmited, as the academic career is off-limit (you could only become a technician).
I have done both MS and PhD and I have been a post-doctoral researcher for almost 10 years now (I am bound to become independent group leader in a few months) and I would do it all over again, although you have to be prepared to the hard work, long working hours and the frustration of not always obtaining results.
Good luck xx
2007-07-06 03:27:56 · answer #2 · answered by Jesus is my Savior 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Go ahead and get the PhD. You might be able to find a good concurrent degree program and earn two PhDs at the same time. Shop around.
2007-07-05 22:31:58 · answer #3 · answered by thepaladin38 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
With a MS in cellular biology, assuming biotech techniques, you could be a scientific manager at Genentec. I know several.
2007-07-05 22:36:40 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋