2007-09-24 09:26:19 · 4 answers · asked by Anonymous in Education & Reference ➔ Higher Education (University +)
For academic fields, most of the top PhD programs only accept PhD students and offer a MS or MA as a booby prize to those unable to finish.
Most PhD students do not get a Master's degree first.
2007-09-24 09:37:07 · answer #1 · answered by Ranto 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am currently working on a PhD, and I did not need to get a Master's degree first. I am not getting a Master's degree along with the PhD, just a PhD (hopefully...); however, it is possible in a program like mine to get a Master's degree in addition to the PhD if you do a Master's thesis in addition to a PhD dissertation later. However, most people in my program who want a PhD will not bother with a Master's degree unless they drop out of the PhD program.
I should mention that my program does have a Master's degree as well, so there are some Master's students ; however, they are frequently urged by various professors to switch to the PhD. Professors need about 2 years to train a student, so Master's students graduate about the time that they are finally trained, whereas PhD students can still remain in the lab for several years after they are trained. In addition, there are more fellowships available for PhD students.
2007-09-24 18:26:46 · answer #2 · answered by Melissa P 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There are some programs in which you can pursue your Masters and PhD simultaneously.
Check out schools that offer Masters and PhDs in your field, you may find one. Traditionally you go after your Masters and then your PhD.
2007-09-24 16:30:52 · answer #3 · answered by Manny 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Most of the time you need a master's degree first just like you need a bachelor's before you can get a master's.
2007-09-24 18:39:49 · answer #4 · answered by warneker 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋