Does Having an MS Help Finish a PhD Program Faster?
The decision to earn a Master's degree (MS) before pursuing a PhD program can significantly impact your research journey. Whether obtaining an MS helps you finish a PhD program faster depends on several factors. In this article, we will explore the potential benefits and drawbacks of earning an MS, along with real-world examples and statistical evidence.
Benefits of Earning an MS Before a PhD
Potential Time Savings: Earning an MS can help save time in completing a PhD program, particularly if the MS thesis is integrated into your doctoral dissertation. One key strategy is to ask your professor to evaluate your MS thesis on the same level as your PhD dissertation papers. This can help ensure that the standards are consistent, and you can make the necessary adjustments to meet those expectations.
Example: Many universities offer a technical writing class that can further enhance your research skills and writing proficiency. If you take such a class, you can improve your research methodology and writing, which can directly contribute to a faster completion of your PhD.
Not Necessarily a Must, But a Good Option
The answer to whether earning an MS helps you finish a PhD program faster is not a straightforward yes or no. It depends on individual circumstances and the specific programs you are considering. While an MS might help in some cases, it is not always necessary. For instance, it may be beneficial if the MS thesis can be seamlessly integrated into your PhD dissertation, but it may not be helpful if the MS thesis is in a different field and does not prepare you adequately for the research involved in your PhD.
Real-World Example: Consider a scenario where a group of seven students entered a Biochemistry graduate program in the same semester. After the first year, the faculty decided that four students could go directly into the PhD program, while the other three needed to first complete an MS thesis. The MS thesis for two of these three students formed the basis of their PhD dissertations, while one student left after their MS thesis was completed.
Program-Specific Considerations
The impact of earning an MS on PhD completion can also depend on the specific program. During my Biochemistry graduate program at U of Tennessee, I, along with three of my classmates, went straight into the PhD program. However, a few of my peers who completed the MS thesis as part of their program went on to complete their PhDs, while one student left after the MS thesis. The time it took to complete the PhD varied depending on the student's research progress and perseverance.
It is advisable to discuss these issues with faculty when you apply to a graduate program. Faculty members can provide valuable insights and advice on whether an MS is necessary or beneficial for your specific field of study.
The Statistics Simplicity of PhD Completion
On average, it takes three to six years to earn a PhD, with some programs requiring a much longer duration and others being shorter. Graduate students often earn a Master's degree, at least in part, because it signifies some progress in their education. An article from The Chronicle of Higher Education in 2013 stated that nearly 50% of students entering doctoral programs do not complete them. Therefore, it's prudent to consider earning a Master's degree as a safety net.
What is more, here is a chart detailing attrition rates in six-year doctoral programs, which further supports the importance of considering a Master's degree before committing to a long-term PhD program.
In Conclusion: While earning an MS can potentially help you finish a PhD program faster, it is crucial to evaluate the specific circumstances of your field of study and your individual goals. If the MS helps prepare you for research and/or allows you to complete a significant amount of coursework ahead of time, it can be beneficial. Otherwise, if the MS is in a different field, does not prepare you for research, and does not shave any coursework off, it may not be necessary.
Always discuss these issues with faculty to make informed decisions and achieve a successful academic journey.