do you do masters before phd

Pros and Cons of Earning a Master's Degree Before a PhD

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As a potential applicant to graduate school you have a great many decisions to make. The initial decisions, such as what field to study , may come easily. However, many applicants struggle with choosing what degree to pursue, whether a master’s degree or PhD is right for them. Others know what degree they want. Those who choose a doctoral degree sometimes wonder if they should first complete a master’s degree. Do you need a master’s degree to apply to a doctoral program?

Is a master’s degree an essential prerequisite for gaining admission to a doctoral program? Usually not. Does a master’s degree improve your odds of admission? Sometimes. Is it in your best interest to earn master’s before applying to PhD programs? It depends.

Pros and Cons of Earning a Master's Before Applying to PhD Programs

There are both advantages and disadvantages to earning a master’s before applying to PhD programs. Below are some of the pros and cons:

Pro: A master’s degree will introduce you to the process of graduate study.

Without a doubt, graduate school is different from college. This is especially true at the doctoral level. A master’s program can introduce to you the process of graduate study and help you understand how it is different from undergraduate study. A master’s program can help you make the transition to graduate school and prepare you for making the transition from college student to graduate scholar. 

Pro: A master’s program can help you see if you are ready for doctoral study.

Are you ready for graduate school? Do you have the right study habits? Are you motivated? Can you manage your time? Enrolling in a master’s program can help you see if you have what it takes for success as a graduate student – and especially as a doctoral student.

Pro: A master’s program can help you see if you are interested enough to undertake a PhD

The typical college survey courses present a broad view of a discipline, with little depth. Small college seminars present a topic in more depth but it will not come close to what you will learn in graduate school. It is not until students are immersed in a field that they truly come to know the depth of their interest. Sometimes new grad students realize that the field is not for them. Others complete the master’s degree but realize that they have no interest in pursuing a doctorate.

Pro: A masters may help you get into a doctoral program.

If your undergraduate transcript leaves much to be desired, a master’s program may help you improve your academic record and show that you have the stuff that competent graduate students are made of. Earning a master’s degree shows that you are committed and interested in your field of study. Returning students may seek a master’s degree to obtain contacts and recommendations from faculty.

Pro: A master’s degree can help you change fields.

Are you planning on studying a different field than your college major ? It can be hard to convince a graduate admissions committee that you are interested and committed to a field in which that you have little formal experience. A master’s degree can not only introduce you to the field but can show the admissions committee that you interested, committed, and competent in your chosen field. 

Pro: A master’s degree can offer a foot in the door to a particular graduate program.

Suppose you hope to attend a specific graduate program. Taking a few graduate courses, nonmatriculated (or nondegree-seeking) can help you learn about the program and can help faculty learn about you. This is even more true for master’s students. In many graduate programs, master’s and doctoral students take some of the same classes. As a master’s student, you’ll have contact with graduate faculty – often those who teach in the doctoral program. Completing a thesis and volunteering to work on faculty research can help faculty get to know you as a competent and promising researcher. A master’s degree might offer you a foot in the door and a better chance of gaining admission to the department’s doctoral program. However, admission is not guaranteed. Before you choose this option, be sure that you can live with yourself if you don’t gain admission. Will you be happy with a terminal master?

Con: A master’s degree is time-consuming.

Typically a full-time master’s program will require 2 years of study. Many new doctoral students find that their master’s coursework doesn’t transfer. If you enroll in a master’s program recognize that it will likely not make a dent in your required doctoral coursework. Your PhD will likely take an additional 4 to 6 years after earning your master’s degree.

Con: A master’s degree is usually unfunded.

Many students find this a big con: Master’s students usually do not receive much funding. Most master’s programs are paid for out-of-pocket. Are you prepared to potentially have tens of thousands of dollars of debt before you begin your PhD.? If you choose not to seek a doctoral degree, what employment options accompany your master’s degree? While I’d argue that a master’s degree is always of value for your intellectual and personal growth, if the salary-return of your degree is important to you, do your homework and think carefully before enrolling in a master’s program prior to seeking your PhD.

Whether you seek a master’s degree before applying to doctoral programs is a personal decision. Also recognize that many PhD programs award master’s degrees along the way, typically after the first year and completing exams and/or a thesis.

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Should I Pursue A Master’s or A Ph.D.?

The first step in deciding on the right graduate program for you is to figure out which degree will best serve you—a master’s or a doctor of philosophy (Ph.D.). Here are a few factors to consider.

What are your career goals?

• Professional master’s: A good choice if you want to develop a particular skill set in order to practice a particular profession. This type of degree provides coursework focused on learning and practicing skills.
• Research master’s: A good fit if you want to gain expertise in a discipline and know how to teach it. A research master’s typically includes a research project or thesis and comprehensive exams in addition to coursework and provides experience in research and scholarship.
• Ph.D. (doctor of philosophy): Consider this option if your goal is to ground yourself in a body of research and develop the ability to add to that body of knowledge. Ph.D. study includes a major research project in addition to coursework, and a Ph.D. is the highest scholastic degree awarded by American universities. Contrary to common perception, career paths for Ph.D. graduates are quite varied, not just limited to academia. Ph.D. training helps you hones skills such as writing, research, teaching, data analysis, communicating complex topics—all of which can translate into many sectors, including industry, government, nonprofit, and entrepreneurship.

See career data for Duke graduate programs' alumni

How much time do you have to pursue a graduate degree?

Master’s degrees typically take two years to complete, while Ph.D. programs generally take five to seven years ( see Duke programs' time-to-degree ). That is a significant difference in commitment and opportunity costs. It might also play a key role in deciding which factors take higher priority as you evaluate a program. How does the length of the program fit with your career and family plans? How important is the surrounding community if you are going to be there for seven years instead of two? How long are you able or willing to go on a limited income while in graduate school?

How much can you afford to pay for a graduate degree?

Consider your personal financial situation (e.g., how much savings and student loans do you have), as well as how much financial aid you can get. Master’s and Ph.D. programs differ greatly in the amount of financial aid available. Ph.D. programs tend to offer significantly more financial support than master’s programs (but often will have research or teaching requirements). 

A typical Ph.D. financial aid package usually includes coverage of tuition and fees, a living stipend, and some level of support for health insurance for a set number of years. For instance, Duke’s standard Ph.D. package covers tuition, mandatory fees, and a stipend for five years, as well as health insurance premiums for six years. 

Within an institution, the level of financial support often differs across programs, so be sure to ask your specific program about the financial aid it offers. There are also many national organizations that provide competitive fellowships and scholarships for graduate students.

Know which degree you want to pursue? Here are some key things to look for in a program .

Master’s First or Straight to PhD?

So you know you want to do a PhD someday. Let’s assume you already have a Bachelor’s degree and that some of the PhD programs you are considering don’t require candidates to already have Master’s degree for admission. Do you do a Master’s first or apply straight to PhD programs? There are advantages (and disadvantages) to each option.

Master’s then PhD

This is the traditional route to earn a PhD and is still widely used in Europe.

• Time commitment -The initial time commitment for a Master’s degree (one to three years) is shorter than the PhD (three to seven years).
• Not as competitive -In general, admission for Master’s programs isn’t as competitive as for PhDs. This can benefit students whose undergraduate performance wasn’t strong enough to be admitted into PhD programs right away. By doing a Master’s degree they can get more research experience, add to their CVs, and build relationships with professors who can write better letters of recommendation. An outstanding Master’s record might even allow the student to apply to more selective PhD programs than they could straight out of undergrad.
• Explore your interests -For students that don’t have a clear idea of what they want to study at the PhD level, a Master’s is a great way to explore their options and figure out where their research interests lie. Doing a Master’s degree can also help someone who wants to change fields for their doctorate. By gaining research experience in their new field they will be a more competitive candidate for PhD programs.
• Might be required for PhD admission -In some fields such as public health and social work a Master’s degree is required or recommended for admission to a PhD program. Additionally, students intent on pursuing a PhD in Europe will need to to have a Master’s to meet the admissions requirements the majority of European PhD programs.
• Experience at multiple universities -Each university has a different academic environment and its own approach to research. An advantage of doing a Master’s and then a PhD is the exposure to academic life at an additional university.
• Get rid of doubts - If a student has any hesitations about pursuing a doctorate, a Master’s degree is a way to test the waters before committing to a PhD.

Disadvantages

• Funding -Depending on the field of study, funding for a terminal Master’s degree can be more difficult to come by. Sometimes there are grants, scholarships, or teaching positions available to these students to partially cover the cost, but not to the same extent as for PhD students.

Straight to PhD

In the United States, a Master’s degree is not required for admission to most PhD programs. It is possible and not unusual to be admitted to a PhD program straight out of undergrad. The number of direct entry PhD programs has started to rise in Canada as well, though earning a Master’s and then PhD is still more common. In Canada, it is also possible for academically promising students to begin a Master’s degree and then “fast track” or transfer to the PhD program without completing the requirements of the Master’s degree.

• Time commitment -Many American PhD programs do not offer significant coursework reduction for students who already have Master’s degrees. This means that they will have to do a five to seven year PhD on top of their one to three year Master’s. If this is the case, then starting a PhD directly out of undergrad is the faster choice.
• Funding -Funding is one of the top advantages of a direct entry PhD program. Most PhD programs offer students partial or full funding for their studies and many even pay them a stipend on top of a tuition waiver. There are also a greater number of external funding opportunities available to PhD students such as national grants and major fellowships which favour PhD work over Master’s studies.
• Long-Term Projects -The shorter time constraints of a Master’s degree make it difficult for students to set up and run the kind of long-term projects which might be necessary to properly address their research questions. It is more common for PhD students to go more in-depth and do multi-year experiments, lengthy studies, or a year of fieldwork as part of their degree.
• Start working right away -Students who have a clear understanding of their research interests and have already identified potential supervisors might prefer not to delay their PhD work by obtaining a Master’s first.
• Moving only once -While doing a Master’s first exposes a student to academic life at multiple universities, the flip side is that it requires moving twice: one for the Master’s and once for the PhD. Moving can be time consuming and expensive—especially if one or both degrees are done abroad.
• Will still earn a Master’s -Students in direct entry PhD programs will usually be awarded a Master’s degree along the way for course work completed during their doctorate.
• Withdrawing from the program -If the student decides to permanently withdraw from a direct entry or fast track PhD program they may be leaving without any degree. Depending on when in the program they withdraw it may be possible to be awarded a Master’s for coursework already completed, but this is dependant on the policies of the program.

Ultimately the decision about whether to do a Master’s first or apply directly for a PhD is a personal one that you have to make on your own. Take some time to think about these pros and cons as well as your own goals and priorities. Good luck with your applications!

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• Masters vs PhD – Differences Explained
• Types of Doctorates

The decision of whether or not to pursue a Masters or PhD (or both) after you complete your undergraduate studies is not necessarily a straightforward one. Both are postgraduate degrees but are different in terms of the academic experience and the career paths taken afterwards.

In short, a Masters degree involves a year of study, primarily through taught lectures and a final dissertation research project, whilst a PhD (also referred to as a doctorate degree) is a three-year commitment of independent research on a specific subject.

There’s more to it than that, however – read on for more information.

What Is a Masters Degree?

A Masters degree is the next level of education after the completion of an undergraduate degree, commonly known as a Bachelors.

These degree levels are often referred to in terms of cycles so that a Bachelor’s is a first-cycle degree, a Masters is a second-cycle and finally, a PhD is the third-cycle of higher education (and the highest).

Masters degrees demand an intense period of study, usually centred around a core series of lectures and taught modules, coupled with coursework assignments and exams, followed by the completion of a contained research project usually taking students 3-4 months to complete.

These types of degrees are attractive to recent graduates who want to delve deeper into their specific field of study, gaining some research experience and more specialised knowledge beyond what an undergraduate degree can offer.

Equally, some pursue a Masters degree program in a subject that is only tangentially related to their Bachelors degree, helping them gain a broader depth of knowledge.

These degrees also serve as a significant stepping stone for those already in employment who want to progress their current career development and earn a higher salary. They can also be an excellent method for helping in changing careers completely by learning new skills and subject knowledge.

What Is a PhD Degree?

A Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) is the highest academic degree that can be awarded and is the third and final cycle in the progression of higher education.

A doctoral degree is earned on the basis of producing a significant, independent and novel body of work (a Thesis) that contributes new knowledge to a particular research topic.

These are research degrees that are a significant investment of a candidate’s time, resources and energy and are all but a pre-requisite for anyone considering a career in academia, such as eventually becoming a professor.

There are some exceptions to this, such as those with a medical background who may earn an MD (Doctor of Medicine), which is the equivalent of a PhD.

Doctoral degrees can also have a significant positive impact on career development outside of academia, especially in fields such as engineering, business and finance that have a high demand for highly qualified and capable people.

A graduate student engaged in PhD study is commonly known as a PhD student, PhD candidate or doctoral student.

What are the Benefits of a Masters Degree?

There are several reasons one might consider doing a Masters degree rather than a PhD in their graduate education. These include:

• It takes approximately a third of the time to do compared to a doctorate degree and costs less too.
• It’s a good way to differentiate yourself from those that hold only an undergraduate degree without having to commit to a substantial research degree.
• The end goal is more career-focused as opposed to research-focused. For example, it is practically an ‘easier’ route to changing or progressing your career if that aligns with your professional goals.

What are the Benefits of Doing a PhD?

You may continue on into a doctoral program after a Masters or you may even dive straight in after completing your undergraduate studies. So, what are the advantages of completing this third-cycle?

• You’ll have developed a wealth of transferable skills at graduate school, such as effective communication of complex concepts, multi-tasking time-management and the ability to adapt to and solve unexpected problems.
• A doctorate helps to establish you as an expert within your chosen subject area; your work will hopefully have furthered the knowledge in this.
• It will open up career paths and teaching positions within academia that may otherwise be very difficult to get a hold in (although these career paths will still be very competitive).
• You can add the title ‘Dr’ in front of your name!

Which Degree Is More Impactful: A Masters or a PhD?

On paper, the answer should be clear: A doctorate degree is the highest degree you can earn, so has more impact than a Masters, which in turn has more impact than a Bachelors.

The reality is that the size of the impact (if any) really depends on the subject area and the career path you choose (if the measure of impact is how it positively improves your career prospects, that is).

For someone with aspirations of becoming a professor, a PhD will be of greater value than a Masters alone.

Equally, it’s also possible that someone with a PhD entering a different field or one that doesn’t require a PhD may find that their degree has no bearing on their career or in some cases may even be seen as a ‘negative’ with a concern of the person being ‘over-qualified’ for a position. There are many scenarios in which professional experience would be more valuable to an employer than a doctorate degree.

Check out the links below to our interviews with Prof. Debby Cotton and Dr Nikolay Nikolov to read their experiences of when a going through a PhD program has had a clear benefit (Prof. Cotton) and when it hasn’t been helpful (Dr Nikolov).

Do You Need to Have a Masters to do a PhD?

This really depends on the university, department and sometimes even the project and supervisor.

From a purely application process perspective, some institutions may formally require you to hold a Masters degree relevant to the subject of the PhD project before you can enter their doctoral program.

In another scenario, most universities are unlikely to accept candidates that were awarded below a 2:1 (in the UK) in their undergraduate degree but may consider someone who has ‘made up’ for this with a high-grade Masters.

Lastly, some universities now offer PhD programmes that incorporate an additional year of study in which you would complete a Masters degree before carrying directly on into a PhD project. As you’d expect, even if a university doesn’t formally require you to hold one, a Masters degree can help separate you from other applicants in being accepted on the project.

Check out our detailed guide to doing a PhD without a Master’s .

Why Do a Masters before Your PhD?

Even if you don’t need to have one, it could still be beneficial to begin your postgraduate study by doing a Masters first before you embark on your doctorate journey.

As mentioned previously it’ll help you stand out from applicants that don’t have one, but beyond that, it’ll give you a taster of what research life could be like, especially if you stay at the same university and department for your PhD.

The one-year commitment (in the UK at least) of carrying out a Masters first, and in particular your research project, will help you better understand if this is truly something you want to commit the next three or more years to.

You’ll learn some of the skills of independent research, from performing detailed literature searches to more complex, analytical writing.

At the end of it, you should be in a stronger position to consider your options and decide about whether to continue into a PhD at graduate school.

Finding a PhD has never been this easy – search for a PhD by keyword, location or academic area of interest.

How Long Does It Take to Get a Masters Degree?

In the UK, a full-time Masters degrees take students one calendar year to complete: The programme of study usually starts in September, the final research project the following April and final project viva around August. Part-time degrees are usually double the time.

How Long Does It Take to Get a PhD?

In the UK, most PhD projects take 3-4 years to complete , as reflected by the majority of funded projects offering stipends to cover living expenses of about 3.5 years.

For many reasons, projects may end up taking longer to complete, however. This might be because of difficulties in collecting enough data, or if the project is being done part-time.

Which One is More Expensive to Do?

As you’d expect, as a PhD takes three times as long to complete as a Masters degree, it will cost you more to do as far as university fees are concerned.

Another thing to consider is that many PhD projects come with some level of funding equivalent to a low salary, which may cover the cost of tuition fees and living expenses, whilst it is usually more difficult to obtain funding for Masters study.

Conversely, a Masters graduate may progress into a higher (versus PhD funding) salary sooner whilst a PhD student will endure three years of a comparatively low income.

A Masters vs a PhD: Conclusion

If you’re considering continue further graduate study after your undergraduate degree, the question of doing a Masters vs a PhD is likely to come up. They are both considered an advanced degree, each with their own advantages.

There are benefits to doing either of these graduate programs or even both of them; your decision here can be easier if you have an idea of the career you want to follow or if you know you have a love for research!

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9 things you should consider before embarking on a PhD

June 23, 2021 | 15 min read

By Andy Greenspon

The ideal research program you envision is not what it appears to be

Editor's Note:  When Andy Greenspon wrote this article, he was a first-year student in Applied Physics at Harvard. Now he has completed his PhD. — Alison Bert, June 23, 2021

If you are planning to apply for a PhD program, you're probably getting advice from dozens of students, professors, administrators your parents and the Internet. Sometimes it's hard to know which advice to focus on and what will make the biggest difference in the long-run. So before you go back to daydreaming about the day you accept that Nobel Prize, here are nine things you should give serious thought to. One or more of these tips may save you from anguish and help you make better decisions as you embark on that path to a PhD.

1. Actively seek out information about PhD programs.

Depending on your undergraduate institution, there may be more or less support to guide you in selecting a PhD program – but there is generally much less than when you applied to college.

On the website of my physics department, I found a page written by one of my professors, which listed graduate school options in physics and engineering along with resources to consult. As far as I know, my career center did not send out much information about PhD programs. Only after applying to programs did I find out that my undergraduate website had a link providing general information applicable to most PhD programs. This is the kind of information that is available all over the Internet.

So don't wait for your career center or department to lay out a plan for you. Actively seek it out from your career center counselors, your professors, the Internet — and especially from alumni from your department who are in or graduated from your desired PhD program. First-hand experiences will almost always trump the knowledge you get second-hand.

2. A PhD program is not simply a continuation of your undergraduate program.

Many students don't internalize this idea until they have jumped head-first into a PhD program. The goal is not to complete an assigned set of courses as in an undergraduate program, but to develop significant and original research in your area of expertise. You will have required courses to take, especially if you do not have a master's degree yet, but these are designed merely to compliment your research and provide a broad and deep knowledge base to support you in your research endeavors.

At the end of your PhD program, you will be judged on your research, not on how well you did in your courses. Grades are not critical as long as you maintain the minimum GPA requirement, and you should not spend too much time on courses at the expense of research projects. Graduate courses tend to be designed to allow you to take away what you will find useful to your research more than to drill a rigid set of facts and techniques into your brain.

3. Take a break between your undergraduate education and a PhD program.

You are beginning your senior year of college, and your classmates are asking you if you are applying to graduate school. You think to yourself, "Well, I like studying this topic and the associated research, and I am going to need a PhD if I want to be a professor or do independent research, so I might as well get it done as soon as possible." But are you certain about the type of research you want to do? Do you know where you want to live for the next five years? Are you prepared to stay in an academic environment for nine years straight?

Many people burn out or end up trudging through their PhD program without a thought about what lies outside of or beyond it. A break of a year or two or even more may be necessary to gain perspective. If all you know is an academic environment, how can you compare it to anything else? Many people take a job for five or more years before going back to get their PhD. It is true though that the longer you stay out of school, the harder it is to go back to an academic environment with lower pay and a lack of set work hours. A one-year break will give you six months or so after graduation before PhD applications are due. A two-year gap might be ideal to provide time to identify your priorities in life and explore different areas of research without having school work or a thesis competing for your attention.

Getting research experience outside of a degree program can help focus your interests and give you a leg up on the competition when you finally decide to apply. It can also help you determine whether you will enjoy full-time research or if you might prefer an alternative career path that still incorporates science, for example, in policy, consulting or business — or a hybrid research job that combines scientific and non-scientific skills.

I will be forever grateful that I chose to do research in a non-academic environment for a year between my undergraduate and PhD programs. It gave me the chance to get a feel for doing nothing but research for a full year. Working at the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory in the Space Division, I was the manager of an optics lab, performing spectroscopic experiments on rocks and minerals placed in a vacuum chamber. While my boss determined the overall experimental design, I was able to make my own suggestions for experiments and use my own discretion in how to perform them. I presented this research at two national conferences as well — a first for me. I was also able to learn about other research being performed there, determine which projects excited me the most, and thus narrow down my criteria for a PhD program.

4. Your current area of study does not dictate what you have to study in graduate school.

You might be studying the function and regulation of membrane proteins or doing a computational analysis of the conductivity of different battery designs, but that doesn't mean your PhD project must revolve around similar projects. The transition between college or another research job to a PhD program is one of the main transitions in your life when it is perfectly acceptable to completely change research areas.

If you are doing computation, you may want to switch to lab-based work or vice versa. If you are working in biology but have always had an interest in photonics research, now is the time to try it out. You may find that you love the alternative research and devote your PhD to it, you might hate it and fall back on your previous area of study — or you may even discover a unique topic that incorporates both subjects.

One of the best aspects of the PhD program is that you can make the research your own. Remember, the answer to the question "Why are you doing this research?" should not be "Well, because it's what I've been working on for the past few years already."While my undergraduate research was in atomic physics, I easily transitioned into applied physics and materials science for my PhD program and was able to apply much of what I learned as an undergraduate to my current research. If you are moving from the sciences to a non-STEM field such as social sciences or humanities, this advice can still apply, though the transition is a bit more difficult and more of a permanent commitment.

5. Make sure the PhD program has a variety of research options, and learn about as many research groups as possible in your first year.

Even if you believe you are committed to one research area, you may find that five years of such work is not quite what you expected. As such, you should find a PhD program where the professors are not all working in the same narrowly focused research area. Make sure there are at least three professors working on an array of topics you could imagine yourself working on.

In many graduate programs, you are supposed to pick a research advisor before even starting. But such arrangements often do not work out, and you may be seeking a new advisor before you know it. That's why many programs give students one or two semesters to explore different research areas before choosing a permanent research advisor.

In your first year, you should explore the research of a diverse set of groups. After touring their labs, talking to the students, or sitting in on group meetings, you may find that this group is the right one for you.

In addition, consider the importance of who your research advisor will be. This will be the person you interact with regularly for five straight years and who will have a crucial influence on your research. Do you like their advising style? Does their personality mesh with yours? Can you get along? Of course, the research your advisor works on is critical, but if you have large disagreements at every meeting or do not get helpful advice on how to proceed with your research, you may not be able to succeed. At the very least, you must be able to handle your advisor's management of the lab and advising style if you are going to be productive in your work. The Harvard program I enrolled in has professors working on research spanning from nanophotonics to energy materials and biophysics, covering my wide range of interests. By spending time in labs and offices informally chatting with graduate students, I found an advisor whose personality and research interests meshed very well with me. Their genuine enthusiasm for this advisor and their excitement when talking about their research was the best input I could have received.

6. Location is more important than you think — but name recognition is not.

The first consideration in choosing a PhD program should be, "Is there research at this university that I am passionate about?" After all, you will have to study this topic in detail for four or more years. But when considering the location of a university, your first thought should not be, "I'm going to be in the lab all the time, so what does it matter if I'm by the beach, in a city, or in the middle of nowhere." Contrary to popular belief, you will have a life outside of the lab, and you will have to be able to live with it for four or more years. Unlike when you were an undergraduate, your social and extracurricular life will revolve less around the university community, so the environment of the surrounding area is important. Do you need a city atmosphere to be productive? Or is your ideal location surrounded by forests and mountains or by a beach? Is being close to your family important? Imagine what it will be like living in the area during the times you are not doing research; consider what activities will you do and how often will you want to visit family.

While many of the PhD programs that accepted me had research that truly excited me, the only place I could envision living for five or more years was Boston, as the city I grew up near and whose environment and culture I love, and to be close to my family.

While location is more important than you think, the reputation and prestige of the university is not. In graduate school, the reputation of the individual department you are joining — and sometimes even the specific research group you work in — are more important. There, you will develop research collaborations and professional connections that will be crucial during your program and beyond. When searching for a job after graduation, other scientists will look at your specific department, the people you have worked with and the research you have done.

At the Asgard Irish Pub in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Andy Greenspon talks with fellow graduate students from Harvard and MIT at an Ask for Evidence workshop organized by Sense About Science. He grew up near Boston and chose to go to graduate school there.

7. Those time management skills you developed in college? Develop them further.

After surviving college, you may think you have mastered the ability to squeeze in your coursework, extracurricular activities and even some sleep. In a PhD program, time management reaches a whole new level. You will not only have lectures to attend and homework to do. You will have to make time for your research, which will include spending extended periods of time in the lab, analyzing data, and scheduling time with other students to collaborate on research.

Also, you will most likely have to teach for a number of semesters, and you will want to attend any seminar that may be related to your research or that just peaks your interest. To top it all off, you will still want to do many of those extracurricular activities you did as an undergraduate. While in the abstract, it may seem simple enough to put this all into your calendar and stay organized, you will find quickly enough that the one hour you scheduled for a task might take two or three hours, putting you behind on everything else for the rest of the day or forcing you to cut other planned events. Be prepared for schedules to go awry, and be willing to sacrifice certain activities. For some, this might be sleep; for others, it might be an extracurricular activity or a few seminars they were hoping to attend. In short, don't panic when things don't go according to plan; anticipate possible delays and be ready to adapt.

8. Expect to learn research skills on the fly – or take advantage of the training your department or career center offers.

This may be the first time you will have to write fellowship or grant proposals, write scientific papers, attend conferences, present your research to others, or even peer-review scientific manuscripts. From my experience, very few college students or even PhD students receive formal training on how to perform any of these tasks. Usually people follow by example. But this is not always easy and can be quite aggravating sometimes. So seek out talks or interactive programs offered by your department or career center. The effort will be well worth it when you realize you've become quite adept at quickly and clearly explaining your research to others and at outlining scientific papers and grant proposals. Alternatively, ask a more experienced graduate student or your advisor for advice on these topics. In addition, be prepared for a learning curve when learning all the procedures and processes of the group you end up working in. There may be many new protocols to master, whether they involve synthesizing chemicals, growing bacterial cells, or aligning mirrors on an optical table. In addition, the group may use programming languages or data analysis software you are unfamiliar with. Don't get discouraged but plan to spend extra effort getting used to these procedures and systems. After working with them regularly, they will soon become second nature. When I first started my job at Johns Hopkins, I felt overwhelmed by all the intricacies of the experiment and definitely made a few mistakes, including breaking a number of optical elements. But by the end of my year there, I had written an updated protocol manual for the modifications I had made to the experimental procedures and was the "master" passing on my knowledge to the next person taking the job.

9. There are no real breaks.

In a stereotypical "9-to-5" job, when the workday is over or the weekend arrives, you can generally forget about your work. And a vacation provides an even longer respite. But in a PhD program, your schedule becomes "whenever you find time to get your work done." You might be in the lab during regular work hours or you might be working until 10 p.m. or later to finish an experiment. And the only time you might have available to analyze data might be at 1 a.m. Expect to work during part of the weekend, too. Graduate students do go on vacations but might still have to do some data analysis or a literature search while away.

As a PhD student, it might be hard to stop thinking about the next step in an experiment or that data sitting on your computer or that paper you were meaning to start. While I imagine some students can bifurcate their mind between graduate school life and everything else, that's quite hard for many of us to do. No matter what, my research lies somewhere in the back of my head. In short, your schedule is much more flexible as a PhD student, but as a result, you never truly take a break from your work.

While this may seem like a downer, remember that you should have passion for the research you work on (most of the time), so you should be excited to think up new experiments or different ways to consider that data you have collected. Even when I'm lying in bed about to fall asleep, I am sometimes ruminating about aspects of my experiment I could modify or what information I could do a literature search on to gain new insights. A PhD program is quite the commitment and rarely lives up to expectations – but it is well worth the time and effort you will spend for something that truly excites you.

Contributor

Andy greenspon.

Frequently asked questions

Do i need a master’s degree to apply for a phd.

This depends on the country. In the United States, you can generally go directly to a PhD  with only a bachelor’s degree, as a master’s program is included as part of the doctoral program.

Elsewhere, you generally need to graduate from a research-intensive master’s degree before continuing to the PhD.

Frequently asked questions: Graduate school

In the US, most graduate school applications require you to include:

• Transcripts from previous educational institutions
• Standardized test scores (such as the GRE or MCAT)
• A graduate resume
• 2–3 letters of recommendation
• A statement of purpose

Some programs may ask you to write a personal statement in addition to, or instead of, a statement of purpose. You may also be asked to an interview .

Always carefully read the application instructions for the specific program you’re applying to.

Most medical school programs interview candidates, as do many (though not all) leading law and business schools.

In research programs, it depends—PhDs in business usually do, while those in economics normally do not, for example.

Some schools interview everyone, while others only interview their top candidates. Look at the websites of the schools you’re applying to for more information on whether they conduct interviews.

In addition to thinking about your answers for the most commonly asked grad school interview questions , you should reach out to former and current students to ask their advice on preparing and what sort of questions will be asked.

Look back through your resume and come up with anecdotes that you could use for common questions, particularly those that ask about obstacles that you overcame. If you’re applying for a research program, ensure that you can talk about the previous research experience you’ve had.

You should also read as much research in your field as possible. Research the faculty at the schools you’re applying to and read some of their papers. Come up with a few questions that you could ask them.

Graduate schools often ask questions about why you are interested in this particular program and what you will contribute.

Try to stay away from cliche answers like “this is a good program” or “I got good grades in undergrad” and focus instead on the unique strengths of the program or what you will bring to the table. Understand what the program is looking for and come up with anecdotes that demonstrate why you are a good fit for them.

Different types of programs may also focus on different questions:

• Research programs will often ask what topics you’d like to research and who you would like to work with, as well as specific questions about your research background.
• Medical schools are interested in your personal motivation, qualities such as integrity and empathy, and how you’d respond to common ethical dilemmas.
• Business schools will focus on your past work experience and future career prospects, and may be particularly interested in any experience you have managing or working with others.

Some students apply to graduate school straight from undergrad, but it’s also common to go back to school later in life. The ideal time to do so depends on various financial, personal, and career considerations . Graduate school is a big commitment, so you should apply at a time when you can devote your full attention to it.

Your career path may also determine when you should apply. In some career fields, you can easily progress without a graduate degree, while in others—such as medicine, business, and law—it’s virtually impossible to move up the career ladder without a specific graduate degree.

Most graduate school applications for American graduate programs are due in December or January for a September start.

Some types of programs, especially law school, are rolling applications, meaning that the earlier you apply, the earlier you’ll hear back. In this case, you should aim to apply as early as possible to maximize your chances.

Medical school follows a completely separate timeline with much earlier deadlines. If you’re applying for medical school, you should speak to advisors at your university for more information.

A good starting point to aim for is about 18 months before you would start the program, or 6–9 months before the applications are due.

In the first few months of the process, research programs and study for any standardized exams you might need.

You can then begin writing your personal statements and statements of purpose , as well as contacting people to write your letters of recommendation . Ensure that you give recommenders plenty of time to complete their letters (ideally around 2–4 months).

In the US, the graduate school application process is similar whether you’re applying for a master’s or a PhD . Both require letters of recommendation , a statement of purpose or personal statement , a resume or CV , and transcripts. Programs in the US and Canada usually also require a certain type of standardized test—often the GRE.

Outside the US, PhD programs usually also require applicants to write a research proposal , because students are expected to begin dissertation research in the first year of their PhD.

A master’s degree usually has a higher upfront cost, but it also allows you to start earning a higher salary more quickly. The exact cost depends on the country and the school: private universities usually cost more than public ones, and European degrees usually cost less than North American ones. There are limited possibilities for financial aid.

PhDs often waive tuition fees and offer a living stipend in exchange for a teaching or research assistantship. However, they take many years to complete, during which time you earn very little.

This varies by country. In the United States, PhDs usually take between 5–7 years: 2 years of coursework followed by 3–5 years of independent research work to produce a dissertation.

In the rest of the world, students normally have a master’s degree before beginning the PhD, so they proceed directly to the research stage and complete a PhD in 3–5 years.

A PhD, which is short for philosophiae doctor (doctor of philosophy in Latin), is the highest university degree that can be obtained. In a PhD, students spend 3–5 years writing a dissertation , which aims to make a significant, original contribution to current knowledge.

A PhD is intended to prepare students for a career as a researcher, whether that be in academia, the public sector, or the private sector.

A master’s is a 1- or 2-year graduate degree that can prepare you for a variety of careers.

All master’s involve graduate-level coursework. Some are research-intensive and intend to prepare students for further study in a PhD; these usually require their students to write a master’s thesis . Others focus on professional training for a specific career.

It’s best to ask in person if possible, so first reach out and request a meeting to discuss your graduate school plans.

Let the potential recommender know which programs you’re applying to, and ask if they feel they can provide a strong letter of recommendation . A lukewarm recommendation can be the kiss of death for an application, so make sure your letter writers are enthusiastic about recommending you and your work!

Always remember to remain polite. Your recommenders are doing you a favor by taking the time to write a letter in support of your graduate school goals.

This depends on the program that you are applying for. Generally, for professional programs like business and policy school, you should ask managers who can speak to your future leadership potential and ability to succeed in your chosen career path.

However, in other graduate programs, you should mostly ask your former professors or research supervisors to write your recommendation letters , unless you have worked in a job that corresponds closely with your chosen field (e.g., as a full-time research assistant).

Choose people who know your work well and can speak to your ability to succeed in the program that you are applying to.

Remember, it is far more important to choose someone who knows you well than someone well-known. You may have taken classes with more prominent professors, but if they haven’t worked closely with you, they probably can’t write you a strong letter.

The sections in your graduate school resume depend on two things: your experience, and the focus of the program you’re applying to.

Always start with your education. If you have more than one degree, list the most recent one first.

The title and order of the other sections depend on what you want to emphasize. You might include things like:

• Professional experience
• Voluntary and extracurricular activities
• Publications
• Awards and honors
• Skills and certifications

The resume should aim for a balance between two things: giving a snapshot of what you’ve done with your life so far, and showing that you’re a good candidate for graduate study.

A resume is typically shorter than a CV, giving only the most relevant professional and educational highlights.

An academic CV should give full details of your education and career, including lists of publications and presentations, certifications, memberships, grants, and research projects. Because it is more comprehensive, it’s acceptable for an academic CV to be many pages long.

Note that, outside of the US, resume and CV are often used interchangeably.

No, don’t include your high school courses and grades. The education section should only detail your college education.

If you want to discuss aspects of high school in your graduate school application, you can include this in your personal statement .

A resume for a graduate school application is typically no more than 1–2 pages long.

Note, however, that if you are asked to submit a CV (curriculum vitae), you should give comprehensive details of all your academic experience. An academic CV can be much longer than a normal resume.

Always carefully check the instructions and adhere to any length requirements for each application.

If you’re applying to multiple graduate school programs, you should tailor your personal statement to each application.

Some applications provide a prompt or question. In this case, you might have to write a new personal statement from scratch: the most important task is to respond to what you have been asked.

If there’s no prompt or guidelines, you can re-use the same idea for your personal statement – but change the details wherever relevant, making sure to emphasize why you’re applying to this specific program.

If the application also includes other essays, such as a statement of purpose , you might have to revise your personal statement to avoid repeating the same information.

The typical length of a personal statement for graduate school applications is between 500 and 1,000 words.

Different programs have different requirements, so always check if there’s a minimum or maximum length and stick to the guidelines. If there is no recommended word count, aim for no more than 1-2 pages.

A statement of purpose is usually more formal, focusing on your academic or professional goals. It shouldn’t include anything that isn’t directly relevant to the application.

A personal statement can often be more creative. It might tell a story that isn’t directly related to the application, but that shows something about your personality, values, and motivations.

However, both types of document have the same overall goal: to demonstrate your potential as a graduate student and s how why you’re a great match for the program.

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The Scribbr Citation Generator is developed using the open-source Citation Style Language (CSL) project and Frank Bennett’s citeproc-js . It’s the same technology used by dozens of other popular citation tools, including Mendeley and Zotero.

You can find all the citation styles and locales used in the Scribbr Citation Generator in our publicly accessible repository on Github .

Do You Need a Masters to Get a PhD [2024 Guide]

Do you need a masters to get a PhD? It is possible to earn your PhD without a masters program being completed first. This direct entry bachelor’s to PhD option can be a helpful way to reduce the time and money required to complete your education.

Earning a PhD degree may put you on the path to exciting and rewarding career opportunities in a variety of fields. It may also specifically prepare you for a career in research and teaching.

Editorial Listing ShortCode:

While in many cases it is possible to earn your PhD without a masters, completing a masters program may sometimes be a better fit for your personal educational journey and career objectives.

Do You Need a Masters to Get a PhD?

No, a master’s degree is not always required to earn a PhD. A number of schools may allow you to enroll in a PhD-level program without having previously obtained your master’s degree if you meet the school’s and program’s admission criteria.

In some cases, Ph.D. programs may allow you to skip the need to obtain a master’s degree. These programs allow direct enrollment from a bachelor’s degree program into a PhD or doctorate program. Other schools may offer dual programs. These programs allow you to obtain a master’s graduate degree while you complete coursework for a PhD.

However, a growing number of universities now offer one year masters programs that may be beneficial to you and some of the highest paying masters degrees may be worth exploring before considering direct-entry PhD programs.

The availability of direct entry bachelor’s to PhD programs and dual master-PhD programs may vary from school to school. So, it can be helpful to research specific schools and fields of interest before applying.

Pros and Cons of Earning a PhD Without a Master’s

Earning a PhD without a master’s can offer some unique benefits, but depending on your career goals and personal objectives, it may come with some cons as well.

• Save time . Earning your PhD without a master’s will often save you time, as you won’t need to complete the 1 to 3 years required of a master’s education.
• Save money . Skipping a masters program may also save you money, as you get to avoid the tuition costs of a masters program.
• Enter the workforce more quickly . Attending a direct entry PhD program may allow you to enter the workforce more quickly and achieve advanced positions in your field sooner than other educational routes.
• PhD not always required . Depending on your career goals, a PhD may not be necessary or helpful in achieving your target. In these instances, earning a doctoral degree may simply increase the time it takes for you to begin working in your field of choice.
• Master’s degrees can offer clarity and experience . Earning a master’s may offer perspective in terms of choosing a trajectory for your studies in a PhD program. A master’s also allows you to experience postsecondary studies that are more self-directed than bachelor degree programs.
• Master’s degrees can offer competitive advantage . In some cases, it may be more challenging to compete with other students who have completed a master’s program when it comes to being accepted into a PhD program or competing for certain research topics.

Enrolling in a direct entry bachelors to PhD program may not be right for everyone. It may be a good option for you, though, if you’re interested in obtaining your PhD and finishing your educational journey in less time and at lesser cost.

If you are interested in changing careers and you do decide that a masters degree is right for you, you may want to consider the best master’s degrees for career change that many universities offer their grad students.

Can You Get a PhD Without a Masters?

Yes, you can get a PhD without first obtaining a master’s degree. A number of universities offer direct entry to PhD programs from undergraduate or bachelor degree studies.

In some cases, specific schools or programs may prefer that applicants hold a master’s degree. Other options that may exist are dual master and PhD programs, which are available from certain universities.

Admission criteria to a PhD program will vary from school to school. Criteria may include the completion of an application form, submission of GRE or GMAT scores, payment of an application fee, and a written statement of purpose.

Other criteria for admission to a PhD without masters program could include submission of a resume, letters of reference, and transcripts from previous postsecondary studies, such as your bachelor’s degree.

How Hard Is It to Get into a PhD Program?

Entry requirements for doctorate degrees vary from school to school and across programs.

Some common requirements, though, that you may come across include the completion of a bachelor’s degree program, a letter of interest, and a submission of a CV or resume. Some schools may require you to submit GRE or GMAT scores, but this requirement is becoming less common among accredited programs and institutions.

Once accepted into a PhD program, you may be required to undertake a significant amount of self-directed study and research, complete advanced coursework in your field of study, and fulfill a dissertation requirement.

What Can You Do with a PhD?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics , there are a number of rewarding careers that may be available to you with a PhD. Some career fields in which a PhD is valuable include health, education, finance, management, and governance. Postsecondary health education and physical therapy are among the highest paying PhD degrees available.

Some positions that you may qualify for with a PhD include psychologist, economist, postsecondary teacher, political scientist, anthropologist, archeologist, and biochemist. Other positions could include engineer, historian, and chemist.

Understanding what a PhD degree is can help you plan your career goals. It is common for a PhD education to lead to careers in research, where you can contribute to the existing breadth of knowledge and understanding in a particular field. Teaching is another professional area common to PhD graduates, including teaching at universities and colleges.

How Long Does It Take to Get a PhD Without a Masters?

Completing a master’s degree generally takes anywhere from 1 to 2 years, depending on the type of program and attendance schedule.

Obtaining a PhD without a masters degree is a unique opportunity that may allow you to shorten your academic journey. Traditionally, a bachelor’s degree takes 4 years to complete while PhD degrees can take anywhere from 3 to 5 years, depending on the program and school you attend.

Earn Your PhD Online

Earning your PhD online without a master’s may be a beneficial way for you to achieve advanced level education. You may complete a terminal degree in your field of choice while saving time and money. You may also benefit from advancement early in your career.

There are a variety of direct entry and accelerated PhD programs online available from accredited schools. You may find that obtaining your PhD without first earning a master’s degree allows you to enter into your profession of choice much quicker than expected.

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Do You Need a Master’s to Get a PhD?

August 14, 2023

Once you’ve decided that you want the glories that graduate school has to offer , the next question is: Master’s vs. PhD. And if you want a PhD, does that mean you need a Master’s first? Getting a PhD is the highest level of education possible. Once you finish, you get to be addressed as Dr. on your mail, you can ascend to the highest positions in your field, and you get to be a know-it-all at family dinners. Fittingly, applying to PhD. programs is intimidating, and you’ll want to prepare as much as you can before. So do you need a Master’s to get a PhD?

If you’re reading this in the United States, then the short answer is no, you don’t need a Master’s degree to apply for a PhD.

If you’re reading this pretty much anywhere else in the world, the short answer is: it’s complicated.

Most PhD programs outside the US require a Master’s degree to apply. This is because programs outside the US take 3-4 years to complete, while in the United States, a PhD program can take 6-8 years. Or, in some cases , up to 53 years.

First, we’ll help solve the puzzle of Master’s vs. Ph.D. Then, we’ll talk about the pros of getting a master’s first, or a PhD. on its own.

Master’s Degree Programs

What is a master’s degree? In brief, this is a graduate-level degree where students pursue specialization within a specific topic. These courses tend to be 1-2 years, and are not terminal degrees (with some exceptions). This means that it is not the highest course of study, and therefore not necessarily qualifying to find a job in the field. (Although it often helps with job prospects, and increases salary offers.)

For example, there are a wide range of great Master’s programs in Psychology , but you can’t become a certified Clinical Psychologist with a Master’s because it’s not a terminal degree. You’ll need a Ph.D. for that.

In other words, a Master’s is a high-level course of study that can enhance job prospects and deepen your knowledge at an expert level.

PhD Programs

No matter where they take place, PhD. programs are the highest-intensity training programs to become experts in a course of study. To understand the point of a PhD, it’s helpful to think of the following hierarchy of knowledge: reading a Wikipedia article, taking a course (or reading several books), majoring as an undergraduate (multiple courses), working in the field, getting a Master’s (2 years of specialized courses). And then there’s the Boss level: learning how to do cutting-edge research, change the field itself, and write the books and Wikipedia articles you once read.

In practice, that means that PhD programs involve independent research, eye-bulging amounts of reading or coursework, and a thesis or dissertation. They are often extremely competitive in the application process and in the experience alike. For this reason (and the, ahem, sizeable length of time), it’s best to start thinking about PhDs early. As early as high school, you can prepare for a PhD by attending a top feeder school .

As a kind of gift for all that intensity, a Master’s degree is often built into a US PhD program. Basically, if you complete the first two years of a PhD, you earn a Master’s degree for free. Literally: since most PhD.s are fully-funded, that means the Master’s costs you zero dollars. Remember this point for later!

Pros of Getting a Master’s Before A PhD

1) specialization.

A Master’s degree is a great way to begin specializing in your field. If you still need time to explore, a master’s will be helpful to formulate your proposed PhD research interest. The time spent in a Master’s program can also help build knowledge of other programs in your field, so you can choose the best PhD. program for you. (There’s nothing worse than discovering during Year 3 that you actually would have done way better at a completely different school.)

2) Lower Time Commitment

There is a big, big difference between 1-2 years and 6-8 years. At its maximum, a PhD is double the length of college. A Master’s can be completed in the lifespan of a hamster, and a PhD in the lifespan of an opossum. Whether you’re an indecisive Gemini sign or a prudent Virgo, it may be worth doing a “trial run” of graduate study. That way, if you decide that you don’t like the academic life after all, you still have an advanced degree. (In other words: higher salary and street cred, but no mail that says Dr.)

Do You Need a Master’s to Get a PhD? (Continued)

3) a phd application booster.

As any writer of a graduate school Statement of Purpose can tell you, major achievements go a long way. And what’s more impressive than showing up as a master of the topic at hand? Research labs might want you on their team, professors may be impressed by your skills. A Master’s is not a silver bullet for PhD entrance, but it’s definitely helpful.

4) General Academic Preparation: PhD level work is intimidating. It’s extra intimidating if you didn’t major in your proposed course of study, or if you’re undergoing a career change. A Master’s can be a great way to cut your teeth on grad-level coursework: from writing papers to advanced research.

Pro of Getting a PhD Without A Master’s

1) lower overall time commitment.

A Master’s is indeed a lower time commitment, but adding those 1-2 years to your 6-8 can keep you in school until you’re suffering from sciatica. If you want to enter the academic job market more quickly, it may behoove you (more on GRE vocab here ) you to start the PhD immediately.

2) Commitment to Your Passion

Starting a PhD directly means you immediately get to study the topic that you’re most excited about. Instead of wasting time in surveys, some programs offer guidance so you can start working towards your dissertation even from year one!

3) Cost Effective

Master’s degrees on their own often cost thousands of dollars per year. If you get a PhD without a Master’s, they’ll pay you a stipend, instead of you paying them. Pretty nice.

4) You Get A Free Master’s Degree

Who doesn’t love a little side perk? While it’s not a good idea to apply to PhD programs with the express purpose of leaving after you get the free Master’s degree (and the sweet, sweet health insurance)…it’s certainly not shameful to leave a PhD program early as a master’s.

Do You Need a Master’s to Get a PhD? — Conclusion

Whether a Master’s degree would be suitable for your career trajectory is a personal question. Applying to graduate school is a great time to check in about your values, and how you want to spend the next chapter of your life. To help choose between a PhD and a Master’s, it may be helpful to consider your long-term career goals, your professional and academic past, and your current desires. Are you absolutely committed to working in the university, or being the top expert in your field? Or do you simply want to have a stable job in a field you love? These and other questions will lead you toward the solution.

Lastly, if you’re still undecided, you can always leave it up to fate: apply to both Master’s and PhD programs in a single application season. That way, hopefully by spring you’ll have the decision made for you. (Or if you’re lucky, even more indecision.)

• Graduate School Admissions

Julia Conrad

With a Bachelor of Arts in English and Italian from Wesleyan University as well as MFAs in both Nonfiction Writing and Literary Translation from the University of Iowa, Julia is an experienced writer, editor, educator, and a former Fulbright Fellow. Julia’s work has been featured in  The Millions ,  Asymptote , and  The Massachusetts Review , among other publications. To read more of her work, visit  www.juliaconrad.net

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Pros and Cons of Doing a Masters Before PhD (Professional view)

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As a potential graduate school applicant, you have a lot of choices to make, initial decisions, such as can I take masters before PhD?

Many applicants, on the other hand, have difficulty deciding whether to pursue a master’s degree or a PhD individually. Others have a clear idea of what they want to study.

Those considering pursuing a doctoral degree may wonder if they should first pursue a master’s degree. Is a master’s degree necessary to apply to a doctoral program? Keep reading to find out.

Table Of Contents

What is a Masters?

A master’s degree is a graduate program academic qualification awarded to people who have fulfilled study and demonstrated a good degree of experience in a given field of study or area of professional practice.

A master’s degree student ought to have extensive knowledge of a specialized body of theoretical and practical aspects topics. As well as a high level of skills and techniques associated with their chosen subject area.

Also a range of transferable and professional skills gained through independent and highly focused learning and research.

Read also: What is a Master of Research (MRes) Degree?

What is a PhD?

PhD is an abbreviation for Doctor of Philosophy. This is a professional and academic degree that allows the holder to teach their chosen subject at the university level or to work in a specialized position in their chosen field in most countries.

A PhD is a research proposal degree that is the highest level of academic qualification that one can earn.

The degree usually takes three to four years of full-time work toward a thesis that makes an original contribution to your field.

Can a PhD be Done with or without a Masters?

It is plausible and not uncommon to get into a PhD program right after graduating from undergrad.

Time commitment-Many American PhD programs do not provide significant core curriculum reduction for students with Master’s degrees.

So yes it is very much possible to get enroll for a doctorate degree without necessarily having to go for a Masters before PhD.

Read also: Masters or PhD: Which is the Best Option for You?

What are the Cons of Doing a Masters before PhD?

Even if you do not pursue a career in academia after earning a Masters, you will have developed the excellent independent study and research skills that will transfer to a variety of other types of work.

There are, however, a few things to consider if you know you want to pursue a PhD.

Cost (Tuition Expenses)

Of course, a Masters degree is not free, and these degrees are less likely to be full scholarship-base than a PhD.

While there are postgraduate loans available to help you cover the costs, it can be daunting to consider the ever-increasing student debt that you will accrue.You may be more employable at the end of your degree, but investing in your CV requires both money and time.

Time/Period

If you are certain that you want to pursue a PhD, a Masters degree will add another year or so to your three to four year doctorate. And five years of additional study, while your friends are starting ‘proper’ jobs, may not sound appealing.

Read also: Part-Time vs Full-Time Masters: Which is Best?

If you’re considering a PhD, you’re likely eager to begin conducting your own independent research. It’s important to remember that a Masters degree is frequently based on coursework.

There are some research programs available, but you’ll need to be prepared to spend another year (mostly) in the classroom or lab, completing assignments, group projects, and giving presentations.

What are the Pros of Doing a Masters before PhD?

There are many motives why pursuing a Masters degree is a great thing, here are a few of the most important (in my opinion) when considering pursuing a Masters degree before pursuing a PhD.

Identifying your niche

If you are unsure about which research area you want to focus on for your PhD, a Masters degree can help. There are numerous types of Masters programs available, as well as numerous options for specialization.

Choosing one in an area that you were particularly interested in as an undergraduate can help you decide what you really want to do for your PhD.

Get ready for your PhD

Everyone who has progressed from primary to secondary school, from GCSEs to A-level, and from A-level to undergrad has been warned about the significant step up’ at each stage of education.

Going from undergrad to PhD was the most significant step up I’ve ever taken. The workload, independence, and difficulty of the research made for a difficult transition.

Prepare you for a job

This can be a disadvantage if you expect a Masters degree to extend your sense of being a student. You will still have more time for the pub than you would during a PhD, but a Masters degree will place you right among academic staff, and the work environment will feel much more professional.

You may be required to attend meetings and may even be given the opportunity to attend conferences, making it feel more like a workplace than a place of study.

Read also: What is Advance Degree: Q and A

For many people, a Masters degree is an excellent stepping stone. On the other hand, if you need more time to decide which path you want to take in academia, a Masters degree is not just a stopgap, but a bridge to becoming the confident researcher you will eventually need to be.

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Pros and Cons of Getting a Master’s before a Doctorate, Part 2: The Pros and Cons of a Master’s Degree

Is the time and money of a master’s worth it? If you are considering going to graduate school, you are most likely pondering which degree to get. There are pros and cons to earning a master’s degree before pursuing a doctorate. Master’s degrees are more career-oriented and doctoral degrees focus more on research. If all you want is a raise, pursuing a doctorate is probably not the route to choose. If you love learning and you want to pursue a career in education or research, then the work required for a doctorate may be worthwhile.

When considering the advantages of each program, remember that masters and doctoral programs will give you in-depth training in a specialized field and the usefulness of each degree depends on your academic and career interests/goals. When carefully considered, graduate school earns you more than just another fancy paper to go on your wall.

There are numerous benefits of a master’s degree. There is a reason so many people return to school after working for a few years. A master’s program narrows your field of study and delves you deeper in to the field, forcing you to master the subject. While it may be difficult to consider more schooling, consider making graduate school your next step, especially if you want a job that requires more training or a higher starting salary. Unlike your undergrad degree, there are no general studies requirements in graduate school, which is ideal for those with a thirst for knowledge.

A Master’s Degree will introduce the Process of Graduate Study

Graduate work is on a different level than the work you did as an undergraduate. A master’s program will introduce to you the process of graduate study. Students coming straight from an undergraduate program will probably be surprised at how theoretical the material in a doctoral program is. People coming in with a master’s degree will have already learned some of this, and are less surprised at the content of doctoral courses. Typical college courses present a broad overview of a subject. Graduate school can be very competitive and is a lot of work. Many students who floated through undergrad are surprised to find that graduate programs require a much greater commitment, and it is not until students immerse in a field that they truly come to know the depth of their interest.

Although most undergraduate degrees allow students the opportunity to choose subjects of interest, a Master’s degree does this to a greater extent, where you will conduct independent research in order to develop your thoughts and ideas. For many students with passionate academic interests, there’s little need to question the value of a Master’s degree; the experience itself provides plenty of satisfaction by attending extracurricular activities and meetings, hearing from guest speakers and lecturers, and one-on-one supervision.

A Masters May Help Admission into A Doctoral Program

Become an expert in your area of interest. If you’re intent on contributing to the world, professionally or academically, you will need to know your field inside and out—starting with a master’s degree.

Not all college graduates are competitive doctoral program applicants right out of undergraduate school. A master’s program can help you improve your academic record and show that you are committed, interested, and qualified in your field of concentration.  As a master’s student, you will have contact with graduate faculty who teach in the doctoral program, as well as doctoral students (who often take many of the same classes as master’s students), which will give you a chance to get some insight from current graduate students on what life is like in a doctoral program. However, admission to a doctoral program is not guaranteed.**

** Before you choose this option, be sure that you can live with yourself if you don’t get accepted.**

Being a scholar has changed many lives in terms of job, personal success, and social status. Therefore, there are obviously many benefits of earning a doctorate. However, the way to the doctorate is very long and tiring. Here are some reasons many opt not to get a higher education.

A Master’s is Time Consuming

If you’re getting a doctorate, you’re going to be in school for many years. A doctoral degree can take over five years to complete. By that time, many college graduates with bachelor’s degree are well into their professional career. Getting a master’s on top of that adds 1–3 more years to your time in a graduate program. Is that something you really want?

As mentioned, typically, a full-time master’s program will require at least two years of studying; however, even though many doctoral and master’s students are in the same classes, many new doctoral students find that their master’s coursework doesn’t transfer into the doctoral program. So, if you decide to pursue a master’s degree before applying to doctorate programs, recognize that it will likely not make a dent in your required doctoral coursework. Your doctoral degree will likely take an additional 4 to 6 years after completion of your master’s program.

The prestige power of the postgraduate degree, however, is on the decline. With mass education, the number of doctorate holders is increasing, so that the elite membership and the high social status have deteriorated—especially in connection with a decrease in salary for academic professionals.  This raising the question: Why choose to specialize so narrowly, work so many hours, and for so little pay when one could more lucrative employment elsewhere for less credentialing?

A Master’s is Usually Unfunded

Are you prepared to have potentially tens of thousands of dollars of debt before you begin your doctoral program?  Many students find that master’s students have to pay for their program out-of-pocket, as they usually do not receive much funding for school, which is a huge con. Moreover, if you choose not to seek a doctoral degree, what employment options accompany your master’s degree? Do your homework and think carefully before enrolling in a master’s program prior to seeking a doctorate.

However, it is worth noting that you may be able to get more financial aid for pursuing a doctorate, since pursuing doctorates take longer to earn, schools recognize that those trying to get one need more financial assistance. Before choosing what kind of graduate degree to pursue, think about what you want to do after graduation. A master’s prepares students for careers that are not research focused. Therefore, if you want to work in any field of research, you need to get a doctorate.

Salary Differences

After considering the different responsibilities and commitments the two graduate programs require, look at the average salaries each program graduate. Below are the salary differences between master’s and doctoral program graduates as well as a comparison of the lifetime earnings of both degrees in respective occupations. Below is an income chart from the United States Census Bureau about employee work-life earnings of different occupations and education levels.

Overall, the average life earnings of doctorate holders are higher than other degree holders in the same industry. However, the life-earning gap between master’s and doctorates varies among different fields of study.

How Do You Decide Which Degree Is Right For You?

You may have to choose between a master’s and doctoral program depending on your educational and professional goals. Take time to determine what your career goals are and which degree would be most helpful to your success. You can find out more about the requirements in your field by doing some basic internet research, asking graduate faculty at potential programs, and speaking with professionals in your field(s) of interest. If you are unsure of your ultimate goal, consider:

·          Holding off on graduate school until you better discover and define your career goals;

·          Starting a master’s program and decide later whether to apply to a doctoral program.

Earning a postgraduate degree is an honor, but if you are just looking for ways to improve your career, obtaining a master’s degree may be worthwhile financially, as master’s holders receive similar work-life earning as postdocs (see above chart). As previously mentioned, in Part 1 of this blog , one way students can gauge whether they are cut out for a doctorate program is to take a few research-focused courses as an undergrad or master’s student. So, consider pursuing a doctoral degree if enjoy research and want to advance the knowledge of a field you truly love. If you are looking for a change in field, industry, or a promotion, then getting your master’s is most likely enough.

Knowing your professional goals will help guide your choices for graduate study. Certain career paths, such as a lawyer or surgeon, are clearly outlined with the necessary steps, including the required educational level and graduate degree. Other career paths are less restrictive and you will need to conduct more research to find out the steps. Thoroughly research your field of interest and have a strong understanding of the skills and knowledge will help inform you which degree option makes the most sense for your goals.

Ultimately, it’s up to you whether you should obtain a master’s degree before applying to doctoral programs. Also, keep in mind that some doctoral programs award master’s degrees along the way, so talk to graduate admissions advisors/faculty of programs you are considering. And, of course, if you are considering a master’s degree, discuss your educational options and career trajectory with professors or professionals in your field.

Still unsure on what program to pursue? Remember, when going to graduate school, be prepared for a different experience from your undergraduate years. When you enroll in a graduate degree program, it’s best to be and stay motivated by professional and academic goals. Read about other things PhDStudent advises to consider when deciding to go to graduate school here , here , and here .

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• What is a PhD?

Written by Mark Bennett

A PhD is a doctoral research degree and the highest level of academic qualification you can achieve. The degree normally takes between three and four years of full-time work towards a thesis offering an original contribution to your subject.

This page explains what a PhD is, what it involves and what you need to know if you’re considering applying for a PhD research project , or enrolling on a doctoral programme .

The meaning of a PhD

The PhD can take on something of a mythic status. Are they only for geniuses? Do you have to discover something incredible? Does the qualification make you an academic? And are higher research degrees just for people who want to be academics?

Even the full title, ‘Doctor of Philosophy’, has a somewhat mysterious ring to it. Do you become a doctor? Yes, but not that kind of doctor. Do you have to study Philosophy? No (not unless you want to) .

So, before going any further, let's explain what the term 'PhD' actually means and what defines a doctorate.

What does PhD stand for?

PhD stands for Doctor of Philosophy. This is one of the highest level academic degrees that can be awarded. PhD is an abbreviation of the Latin term (Ph)ilosophiae (D)octor. Traditionally the term ‘philosophy’ does not refer to the subject but its original Greek meaning which roughly translates to ‘lover of wisdom’.

What is a doctorate?

A doctorate is any qualification that awards a doctoral degree. In order to qualify for one you need to produce advanced work that makes a significant new contribution to knowledge in your field. Doing so earns you the title 'Doctor' – hence the name.

So, is a PhD different to a doctorate? No. A PhD is a type of doctorate .

The PhD is the most common type of doctorate and is awarded in almost all subjects at universities around the world. Other doctorates tend to be more specialised or for more practical and professional projects.

Essentially, all PhDs are doctorates, but not all doctorates are PhDs.

Do you need a Masters to get a PhD?

Not necessarily. It's common for students in Arts and the Humanities to complete an MA (Master of Arts) before starting a PhD in order to acquire research experience and techniques. Students in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) don't always need an MS/MSc (Master of Science) to do a PhD as you'll gain training in lab techniques and other skills during your undergraduate degree.

Whether a Masters is a requirement for a PhD also varies by country. Australian PhDs may require a Masters as the equivalent of their own 'honours year' (where students work on research). US PhD programmes often include a Masters.

We have a whole guide dedicated to helping you decide whether a PhD without a Masters is the right route for you.

The origin of the PhD

Despite its name, the PhD isn't actually an Ancient Greek degree. Instead it's a much more recent development. The PhD as we know it was developed in nineteenth-century Germany, alongside the modern research university.

Higher education had traditionally focussed on mastery of an existing body of scholarship and the highest academic rank available was, appropriately enough, a Masters degree.

As the focus shifted more onto the production of new knowledge and ideas, the PhD degree was brought in to recognise those who demonstrated the necessary skills and expertise.

The PhD process – what's required to get a PhD?

The typical length of a PhD is three to four years full-time, or five to six years part-time.

Unlike most Masters courses (or all undergraduate programmes), a PhD is a pure research degree. But that doesn’t mean you’ll just spend years locked away in a library or laboratory. In fact, the modern PhD is a diverse and varied qualification with many different components.

Whereas the second or third year of a taught degree look quite a lot like the first (with more modules and coursework at a higher level) a PhD moves through a series of stages.

A typical PhD normally involves:

• Carrying out a literature review (a survey of current scholarship in your field).
• Conducting original research and collecting your results .
• Producing a thesis that presents your conclusions.
• Writing up your thesis and submitting it as a dissertation .
• Defending your thesis in an oral viva voce exam.

These stages vary a little between subjects and universities, but they tend to fall into the same sequence over the three years of a typical full-time PhD.

The first year of a PhD

The beginning of a PhD is all about finding your feet as a researcher and getting a solid grounding in the current scholarship that relates to your topic.

You’ll have initial meetings with your supervisor and discuss a plan of action based on your research proposal.

The first step in this will almost certainly be carrying out your literature review . With the guidance of your supervisor you’ll begin surveying and evaluating existing scholarship. This will help situate your research and ensure your work is original.

Your literature review will provide a logical jumping off point for the beginning of your own research and the gathering of results . This could involve designing and implementing experiments, or getting stuck into a pile of primary sources.

The year may end with an MPhil upgrade . This occurs when PhD students are initially registered for an MPhil degree and then ‘upgraded’ to PhD candidates upon making sufficient progress. You’ll submit material from your literature review, or a draft of your research findings and discuss these with members of your department in an upgrade exam . All being well, you’ll then continue with your research as a PhD student.

PhDs in other countries

The information on the page is based on the UK. Most countries follow a similar format, but there are some differences. In the USA , for example, PhD students complete reading assignments and examinations before beginning their research. You can find out more in our guides to PhD study around the world .

The second year of a PhD

Your second year will probably be when you do most of your core research. The process for this will vary depending on your field, but your main focus will be on gathering results from experiments, archival research, surveys or other means.

As your research develops, so will the thesis (or argument) you base upon it. You may even begin writing up chapters or other pieces that will eventually form part of your dissertation .

You’ll still be having regular meetings with your supervisor. They’ll check your progress, provide feedback on your ideas and probably read any drafts your produce.

The second year is also an important stage for your development as a scholar. You’ll be well versed in current research and have begun to collect some important data or develop insights of your own. But you won’t yet be faced with the demanding and time-intensive task of finalising your dissertation.

So, this part of your PhD is a perfect time to think about presenting your work at academic conferences , gaining teaching experience or perhaps even selecting some material for publication in an academic journal. You can read more about these kinds of activities below.

The third year of a PhD

The third year of a PhD is sometimes referred to as the writing up phase.

Traditionally, this is the final part of your doctorate, during which your main task will be pulling together your results and honing your thesis into a dissertation .

In reality, it’s not always as simple as that.

It’s not uncommon for final year PhD students to still be fine-tuning experiments, collecting results or chasing up a few extra sources. This is particularly likely if you spend part of your second year focussing on professional development.

In fact, some students actually take all or part of a fourth year to finalise their dissertation. Whether you are able to do this will depend on the terms of your enrolment – and perhaps your PhD funding .

Eventually though, you are going to be faced with writing up your thesis and submitting your dissertation.

Your supervisor will be very involved in this process. They’ll read through your final draft and let you know when they think your PhD is ready for submission.

All that’s left then is your final viva voce oral exam. This is a formal discussion and defence of your thesis involving at least one internal and external examiner. It’s normally the only assessment procedure for a PhD. Once you’ve passed, you’ve done it!

Looking for more information about the stages of a PhD?

How do you go about completing a literature review? What's it like to do PhD research? And what actually happens at an MPhil upgrade? You can find out more in our detailed guide to the PhD journey .

Doing a PhD – what's it actually like?

You can think of the ‘stages’ outlined above as the basic ‘roadmap’ for a PhD, but the actual ‘journey’ you’ll take as a research student involves a lot of other sights, a few optional destinations and at least one very important fellow passenger.

Carrying out research

Unsurprisingly, you’ll spend most of your time as a PhD researcher… researching your PhD. But this can involve a surprisingly wide range of activities.

The classic image of a student working away in the lab, or sitting with a pile of books in the library is true some of the time – particularly when you’re monitoring experiments or conducting your literature review.

Your PhD can take you much further afield though. You may find yourself visiting archives or facilities to examine their data or look at rare source materials. You could even have the opportunity to spend an extended period ‘in residence’ at a research centre or other institution beyond your university.

Research is also far from being a solitary activity. You’ll have regular discussions with your supervisor (see below) but you may also work with other students from time to time.

This is particularly likely if you’re part of a larger laboratory or workshop group studying the same broad area. But it’s also common to collaborate with students whose projects are more individual. You might work on shorter projects of joint interest, or be part of teams organising events and presentations.

Many universities also run regular internal presentation and discussion groups – a perfect way to get to know other PhD students in your department and offer feedback on each other’s work in progress.

Working with your supervisor

All PhD projects are completed with the guidance of at least one academic supervisor . They will be your main point of contact and support throughout the PhD.

Your supervisor will be an expert in your general area of research, but they won’t have researched on your exact topic before (if they had, your project wouldn’t be original enough for a PhD).

As such, it’s better to think of your supervisor as a mentor, rather than a teacher.

As a PhD student you’re now an independent and original scholar, pushing the boundaries of your field beyond what is currently known (and taught) about it. You’re doing all of this for the first time, of course. But your supervisor isn’t.

They’ll know what’s involved in managing an advanced research project over three years (or more). They’ll know how best to succeed, but they’ll also know what can go wrong and how to spot the warning signs before it does.

Perhaps most importantly, they’ll be someone with the time and expertise to listen to your ideas and help provide feedback and encouragement as you develop your thesis.

Exact supervision arrangements vary between universities and between projects:

• In Science and Technology projects it’s common for a supervisor to be the lead investigator on a wider research project, with responsibility for a laboratory or workshop that includes several PhD students and other researchers.
• In Arts and Humanities subjects, a supervisor’s research is more separate from their students’. They may supervise more than one PhD at a time, but each project is essentially separate.

It’s also becoming increasingly common for PhD students to have two (or more) supervisors. The first is usually responsible for guiding your academic research whilst the second is more concerned with the administration of your PhD – ensuring you complete any necessary training and stay on track with your project’s timetable.

However you’re supervised, you’ll have regular meetings to discuss work and check your progress. Your supervisor will also provide feedback on work during your PhD and will play an important role as you near completion: reading your final dissertation draft, helping you select an external examiner and (hopefully) taking you out for a celebratory drink afterwards!

Professional development, networking and communication

Traditionally, the PhD has been viewed as a training process, preparing students for careers in academic research.

As such, it often includes opportunities to pick up additional skills and experiences that are an important part of a scholarly CV. Academics don’t just do research after all. They also teach students, administrate departments – and supervise PhDs.

The modern PhD is also viewed as a more flexible qualification. Not all doctoral graduates end up working in higher education. Many follow alternative careers that are either related to their subject of specialism or draw upon the advanced research skills their PhD has developed.

PhD programmes have begun to reflect this. Many now emphasise transferrable skills or include specific training units designed to help students communicate and apply their research beyond the university.

What all of this means is that very few PhD experiences are just about researching and writing up a thesis.

The likelihood is that you’ll also do some (or all) of the following during your PhD:

The work is usually paid and is increasingly accompanied by formal training and evaluation.

Conference presentation

As a PhD student you’ll be at the cutting edge of your field, doing original research and producing new results. This means that your work will be interest to other scholars and that your results could be worth presenting at academic conferences .

Doing this is very worthwhile, whatever your career plans. You’ll develop transferrable skills in public speaking and presenting, gain feedback on your results and begin to be recognised as an expert in your area.

Conferences are also great places to network with other students and academics.

Publication

As well as presenting your research, you may also have the opportunity to publish work in academic journals, books, or other media. This can be a challenging process.

Your work will be judged according to the same high standards as any other scholar’s and will normally go through extensive peer review processes. But it’s also highly rewarding. Seeing your work ‘in print’ is an incredible validation of your PhD research and a definite boost to your academic CV.

Public engagement and communication

Academic work may be associated with the myth of the ‘ivory tower’ – an insular community of experts focussing on obscure topics of little interest outside the university. But this is far from the case. More and more emphasis is being placed on the ‘impact’ of research and its wider benefits to the public – with funding decisions being made accordingly.

Thankfully, there are plenty of opportunities to try your hand at public engagement as a PhD student. Universities are often involved in local events and initiatives to communicate the benefits of their research, ranging from workshops in local schools to public lectures and presentations.

Some PhD programmes include structured training in order to help students with activities such as the above. Your supervisor may also be able to help by identifying suitable conferences and public engagement opportunities, or by involving you in appropriate university events and public engagement initiatives.

These experiences will be an important part of your development as a researchers - and will enhance the value of your PhD regardless of your career plans.

What is a PhD for – and who should study one?

So, you know what a PhD actually is, what’s involved in completing one and what you might get up to whilst you do. That just leaves one final question: should you do a PhD?

Unfortunately, it’s not a question we can answer for you.

A PhD is difficult and uniquely challenging. It requires at least three years of hard work and dedication after you’ve already completed an undergraduate degree (and probably a Masters degree too).

You’ll need to support yourself during those years and, whilst you will be building up an impressive set of skills, you won’t be directly progressing in a career.

But a PhD is also immensely rewarding. It’s your chance to make a genuine contribution to the sum of human knowledge and produce work that other researchers can (and will) build on in future. However obscure your topic feels, there’s really no such thing as a useless PhD.

A PhD is also something to be incredibly proud of. A proportionately tiny number of people go on to do academic work at this level. Whatever you end up doing after your doctorate you’ll have an impressive qualification – and a title to match. What’s more, non-academic careers and professions are increasingly recognising the unique skills and experience a PhD brings.

Other PhDs - do degree titles matter?

The PhD is the oldest and most common form of higher research degree, but a few alternatives are available. Some, such as the DPhil are essentially identical to a PhD. Others, such as the Professional Doctorate or DBA are slightly different. You can find out more in our guide to types of PhD .

Is a PhD for me?

There’s more advice on the value of a PhD – and good reasons for studying one – elsewhere in this section. But the following are some quick tips if you’re just beginning to consider a PhD.

Speak to your lecturers / tutors

The best people to ask about PhD study are people who’ve earned one. Ask staff at your current or previous university about their experience of doctoral research – what they enjoyed, what they didn’t and what their tips might be.

If you’re considering a PhD for an academic career, ask about that too. Are job prospects good in your field? And what’s it really like to work at a university?

Speak to current PhD students

Want to know what it’s like studying a PhD right now? Or what it’s like doing research at a particular university? Ask someone who knows.

Current PhD students were just like you a year or two ago and most will be happy to answer questions.

If you can’t get in touch with any students ‘face to face’, pop over to the Postgraduate Forum – you’ll find plenty of students there who are happy to chat about postgraduate research.

Take a look at advertised projects and programmes

This may seem like a strange suggestion. After all, you’re only going to study one PhD, so what’s the point of reading about lots of others?

Well, looking at the details of different PhD projects is a great way to get a general sense of what PhD research is like. You’ll see what different PhDs tend to have in common and what kinds of unique opportunity might be available to you.

And, with thousands of PhDs in our database , you’re already in a great place to start.

Read our other advice articles

Finally, you can also check out some of the other advice on the FindAPhD website. We’ve looked at some good (and bad) reasons for studying a PhD as well as the value of a doctorate to different career paths.

More generally, you can read our in-depth look at a typical PhD journey , or find out more about specific aspects of doctoral study such as working with a supervisor or writing your dissertation .

We add new articles all the time – the best way to stay up to date is by signing up for our free PhD opportunity newsletter .

Ready to find your PhD?

Head on over to our PhD search listings to learn what opportunities are on offer within your discipline.

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You may also like....

What happens during a typical PhD, and when? We've summarised the main milestones of a doctoral research journey.

The PhD thesis is the most important part of a doctoral degree. This page will introduce you to what you need to know about the PhD dissertation.

This page will give you an idea of what to expect from your routine as a PhD student, explaining how your daily life will look at you progress through a doctoral degree.

Our guide tells you everything about the application process for studying a PhD in the USA.

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Should I do a doctorate straight after my master or work for a while first?

I have a BSc in Software Engineering, and I am now doing an MS in Software Engineering (taking more advanced courses and such).

Once I am done with my MS I would like to do a PhD in a software engineering related research topic, but I am not sure if I should get a job for a few years after my MS - or jump straight into a PhD?

With regards to long term goals I do not think I will want to do full-time teaching but I would like to do some part-time teaching (at University level, not picky about graduate vs undergraduate) alongside a professional career.

At this point I am not considering the monetary aspect of a PhD vs. a job. I would simply like to know if one approach is academically and professionally better than the other.

EDIT Ideally, I would like to work with new, cutting edge technologies, and be an "expert" in my field - hence why I thought of doing a PhD. I would love to perform research as long as I can then apply the results in an industrial setting. At this moment I do not think I am interested in a pure research career.

EDIT 2 Thanks to everyone for their answers, it'l help me a lot. This isn't really a right/wrong answer question so unless an answer gets a huge amount of upvotes I won't be picking an answer.

I guess I should also add what I am currently leaning towards. Bearing in mind I still have one year to make up my mind, right now I am thinking about one, maximum two, years of work then back to school for a PhD. ...but time will tell!

• A PhD is primarily for training you to do research. You haven't mentioned whether you are interested in a research-oriented career (in academia or in industry)? –  ff524 Commented Jan 14, 2019 at 19:22
• 1 I've updated my question! –  user91198 Commented Jan 14, 2019 at 20:03

6 Answers 6

Work first . There're many reasons for this:

• It's not true that you can't work with cutting-edge technologies without a PhD. You certainly can, and it might even be a better use of your time since you avoid the administrative processes that you must do with a PhD. Check out the various graduate programs that employers offer. There might be high entry requirements, but if you can do PhD studies you can clear that bar also.
• You likely earn more. It's not just for the next 3-5 years that you need for a PhD. If you do a PhD, after you graduate, you'll need to find a job. If you get a job now, you'll already have a job. If you do well you might even command a higher salary in 5 years' time compared to entering the market as a fresh PhD.
• You might find you don't need a PhD. This could especially be the case if you work with other PhD-holders. You might find that you have the same duties, or that you're already capable of doing what they do. In this case a PhD is not very useful for your career and you might as well stay put.
• If #3 doesn't happen, then you have a better idea why you're doing a PhD. You know what you want to learn, why you want to learn it, and how that skill is going to be useful for you after you graduate.

It's my observation that people who work first and then go to a PhD are much more likely to have thought seriously about why they're studying. That is a good thing . I'm not saying you shouldn't do a PhD, but you should have good, clear reasons for why you're doing it to avoid possible future regret.

• 1 Nice answer, is it valid enough if the field is something like Physics or Maths and not engineering? –  justauser Commented Aug 20, 2021 at 17:18
• 1 @justauser I don't see why it wouldn't be valid. Is there any reason you think you won't? –  Allure Commented Aug 22, 2021 at 0:47
• I thought there could be a difference since engineering is more applied than Physics/Maths. There aren't many Physics/Maths jobs out there. –  justauser Commented Aug 22, 2021 at 4:05

On a cautionary note regarding working first - I decided to work first, as there are a number of advantages. I am now 33 and have finally applied a second time this past month (the first time was 8 years ago, and much less coordinated). I no longer have strong academic connections which I can use as references. Ultimately, life got complicated and busy, and it took me 12 years to apply for the doctorate I've long sought.

I believe I am no longer an ideal candidate as a result - while I've extensive work experience, am (more) mature and know how to work hard, I have been too busy working to demonstrate serious research ability. Additionally, should a program accept me, I have fewer work years left to return to the field than a younger individual with stronger references.

As a further note, I frankly don't need a PhD - only if I'd like to continue along my current career track (web developer, just switched to embedded systems due to tremendous preparation and good fortune). My father (an academic himself) calls it "an expensive hobby", and additionally points out there are a lot more PhDs than jobs for them.

I still feel there are substantial advantages to working for a time first - just, be aware that you will need a specific actionable plan for keeping strong ties to academia, or you will face increased challenges getting accepted in the future.

Edit 2.7 years later: I am now in a program and making progress towards my PhD. I've found the work and time management skills involved in research to be very different than those involved in production programming, and it has been a time consuming shift in mentality (though perhaps no worse than student to researcher). It is a career change (developer to researcher), and I am a novice again, which is sometimes frustrating compared the the honed skillset I am using much less frequently than before. For me the shift is worth obtaining my personal goals - but I would never recommend it to everyone :).

Regarding keeping ties to academia - it is hard to stand in two boats. Employers expect real commitment, and academics are busy. With a "publish or perish" mindset it is hard to devote resources to a long term long shot with low payoff. There might be no easy answer.

Perhaps a series of internships is the best route forward if some industry experience is desired. However it is unlikely you'd become a principal or lead software engineer and put in charge of large and important projects without significant time and commitment. My experience is difficult (and likely undesirable) to replicate.

In some ways it is easier to continue directly to the doctorate. The letters you get in support of an application will be fresher and academically oriented. You won't have to deal with getting "rusty" on concepts or behind the times on theory.

It can also be difficult to return to life as a student if you get used to living off a better salary and also gain some obligations that might be hard to deal with as a student.

You can, of course, use either path to explore whether it is the right path, but it is, I think easier to move from academia to industry than the other way.

In some fields, of course, industrial experience is valued and if you had the right position, say at Google or similar, it would be helpful. But most of the people reading your application will be more familiar with situations of people moving to a higher level in academia than moving from industry to academia.

That said, a decision you make now doesn't have to be your final answer for your life.

• 1 "It can also be difficult to return to life as a student if you get used to living off a better salary and also gain some obligations that might be hard to deal with as a student." That's true. But can look at it the other way on "obligations". Deferring family, marriage, house is a frequent down side of grad school. The infertile 20s... –  guest Commented Jan 14, 2019 at 21:27

Many schools will allow you to teach part time with a masters. So this argues for the work experience.

Fields differ. In chemistry or physics, I would say push on to the Ph.D. For one thing it is more the norm to go through, for another it is sometimes perceived as the entry level degree (big chemical companies like to hire Ph.D. chemist vs. BS/MS chemE.

In engineering, I would lean more to the work option versus the advanced degree. Software probably even more so. Many great coders have no degree.

Finally, while you asked us to factor out money, there are a lot of social rewards from being an earner versus a student. It's a good thing to learn what work is like.

Give what you have said about yourself and the field, I would lean towards getting a job. Can go back later (if you miss it). Also, if you get burnt out or need a break or stalled out for promotions or laid off during a recession, you can consider further schooling at that time.

Work first.

The practical experience will guide your thoughts and interests as a Ph.D. You'll also known your attainable market worth before the doctorate. Between BSc and MSc should be a noticeable difference. Same with between MSc and PhD, but you'll never be able to gauge this (and know confident where you stand) if you haven't worked a full-time job with the MSc first. One year is enough. Any longer then 3 years, and the great pay may become a deterrent (opportunity cost). Sounds strange, but maybe two 18 month stints at 2 different companies, for proper contrast, if you can pull it off.

Consider full-time work after the MSc, as research. You cannot understand industry form the outside. Get in there. Collect info. Understand the good and bad sides. Work on production-level projects, and in teams (good or bad). In short. Don't just jump from MSc to PhD.

Was going to end there, but... have you looked into what school you would attend? I get the sense this isn't about prestige. Therefore, I suggest taking time (i.e. while you work) to look into programs abroad.(MSc and PhD programs in many countries can be cheap. Especially if you've saved you own money - from working!) Great opportunity to combine additional study with a different life experience.

• 1 I am already doing my MS in a different continent than my BSc so doing a PhD in another country still would be even better! I don't really care about where the school is or what it's called - I'm just looking for good quality study/research. Thank you for you answer! –  user91198 Commented Jan 15, 2019 at 23:55
• 1 @Goofynose. Sweet. Hope you're enjoying it. This site may provide some inspiration for locations: findaphd.com –  VISQL Commented Jan 16, 2019 at 0:09

In my opinion (as a non-studying BSc post grad with a view to attain MSc and PhD) there are a couple of contradictory answers.

One, it is easier to continue your academia non-stop so the self education and acquired knowledge doesn't stagnate (use it or lose it).

Two, it is a very valuable skill set to have experience in the field of a workplace, even one unrelated to your studies.

Best compromise is a year as an intern at a placing relevant to your chosen area of study. That way you get the best of both worlds. Your knowledge doesn't stagnate, in fact it may likely proliferate, and two you can show real world experience on your CV/resume.

Some employers are known to look with disdain on pure academics, especially those who 'worked their way up the ranks'.

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Tips for surviving the first year of your PhD

Even a marathon begins with first steps, and so it makes sense to master motivation, set healthy habits and get writing early to reap the reward of a polished dissertation at the end of the PhD journey, writes Andreï Kostryka

Andreï V. Kostyrka

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The first year of a PhD programme can be overwhelming. The success of a dissertation in many fields depends on the polish, iterations and revisions the research has undergone. So, what you do, what habits and routines you set up in the first year, will make a difference to the result at the end.

The first year is also crucial for learning – not least because neuroplasticity wanes as one grows older (as does the amount of time before the defence ). First-year doctoral students might be exempt from research-related events such as conferences, brown-bag seminars and faculty talks, yet there is no time for complacency.

Here are insider tips for making the most of the first 12 months. 

Start writing as soon as possible

Do not let provocative articles that explain how to write a PhD dissertation in three months delay the start of your writing. Unless you are John von Neumann or Paul Erdős (which you are not), it is impossible to write a proficient thesis in three or even six months.

• How to write an abstract for a research paper
• How to structure your PhD thesis
• What is your academic writing temperament?

Your early writing does not have to be grandiose or purposeful. It can begin with any thought related to your topic of study. In applied sciences, a good starting point is describing an output table or interpreting a few plots in simple language, as most applied research articles include a Discussion section where findings are explained in layman’s terms. If your work is more theoretical, any attempt at a derivation or a proof is valuable. Even a well-crafted email to your adviser can become the foundation stone. Generate as much material as possible, and you will have plenty to choose from for the thesis.

Iterations take time and effort. Reflection and re-evaluation are essential for shaping one’s ideas.

Give yourself the earliest opportunity to pick up the language appropriate for academia by receiving criticism and suggestions on your writing. Your first research poster will probably look amateurish, and your first empirical analysis will likely yield mixed conclusions – but this is not a cause for concern. Babies learn to walk by trying, falling, getting up and trying again.

Remember that chapters are not the endgame

Your PhD should reflect a deeper understanding of the subject, and this does not come overnight. It results from pumping large volumes of information into one’s head and allowing it to roam among the neurons.

Attend conferences, seminars and courses outside the university to hone your skills because the chapters are not the final goal. Presentations at informal seminars in front of one’s colleagues are a reliable way to build horizontal networks with postdocs, other students and specialists.

Keep a research diary

Document your methods, results and ideas in a research diary. If you are not writing the thesis in your native language, jot down ideas in your preferred language. A notebook of ideas is invaluable during meetings with your supervisor. It is easier for them to give feedback on clearly written statements.

Communication with your supervisor, positive or negative, can be a part of the research diary. It often takes extra effort to prove to a professor that their ideas need refinement. Reinforce your points with plots, tables and other printed material that will help you cast your mind back after a couple of years. Professors may lag behind the state of the art if the subject is outside their research interests – read the best practices in the field, take notes and share them during discussions.

Back up your work

Always make backups, even after small steps, because old versions and old results are valuable if you need to retrace your train of thought. The most convenient option is setting up a trustworthy cloud synchronisation service that automatically saves everything you write and stores multiple versions. If you do not trust those providers, synchronise your working folder with an external storage device every week or set up a self-hosted home cloud. Remember the 3-2-1 principle: have three versions of your data – two on different physical media and one on the server of your choice.

Work in small increments 

List small tasks for each day and set deadlines for yourself. It is normal to work harder on some days and make less effort on others. The flexibility of a PhD researcher’s job allows you to get the most out of your rushes of inspiration.

Punctuate stints of work with exercise breaks. Health directly impacts the clarity of thinking, so set a timer to stretch out and do sit-ups every hour (for example). There might be swimming pools, gyms or sports classes nearby. Student groups often organise collective events (like hiking or yoga) and provide free tickets for cultural events.

What to do when motivation flags

Other academic activities on campus may be more engaging than writing the thesis. With summer schools, conferences and workshops, it is easy to lose track of time and neglect your work. Writer’s block is another reason to postpone writing . Certain PhD students focus on teaching, believing that their foremost duty is to be helpful teaching assistants or exam invigilators.

Everything takes time, even if one considers Hofstadter’s law , which is why we present a list of tips on what to prioritise to free up time that would otherwise be wasted on non-thesis-related tasks.

• Write in plain text and do the formatting last. 
• Get a distraction-free plain-text editor that autosaves your input and restores it, even after a power outage.
• Type long passages instead of hand-writing to eliminate the need for retyping.
• Create figures using preferably free and open-source software; avoid relying on Microsoft Office.
• Use specialised software like JabRef or Zotero to arrange bibliographies and citations.
• Do not tolerate software quirks. Demand the right to install open-source tools from your IT team without needing support tickets.
• Do not try to solve bureaucratic or logistical problems outside your competence; there are non-research university personnel for those.

Writer’s block or frustration can result from stress. Being stuck at a certain point and without the courage to move forward is not uncommon in any job, including research positions. Should the stress pile up to the extent that it causes physical or mental unwellness, contact a healthcare provider and do not hesitate to book an appointment with a psychologist.

One possible remedy for writer’s block is switching to literature review. Prior reading is essential for smooth writing. The more you learn, the more you can say about the subject. Alternatively, you may try to process measurement data, prove a lemma, create a plot or engage in any other part of research that does not involve writing out words.

Finally, get enough sleep (at least on average). Force yourself to stop working in the evening and go home. If the crickets start chirping when you are still at your office, it is a sign to clock off.

Andreï V. Kostyrka is a postdoctoral researcher in the department of economics and management at the University of Luxembourg. 

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Stanford Online

How long does it take to earn a master’s degree.

A master’s degree can equip you with comprehensive knowledge in a subject, paving the way to enhanced job prospects and earning potential.

But pursuing a master’s degree can also be a substantial investment of time and resources, typically consuming 1-2 years of full-time or 3-5 years of part-time study. Is the investment worth the benefits, and which type of program is the best fit for you?

We will cover the five biggest factors that can influence the time it will take you to complete a graduate degree, so you can make an informed decision about which path best fits your situation.

1. Program Curriculum

Universities typically use credit hours to gauge the workload of a course, based on weekly class attendance and homework assignments. Master's programs often require 30 to 60 credit hours, but that number can vary. Every course awards between 1 and 5 credits each, with most courses being between 3 and 5 credits. Check your institution’s program for further information.

At Stanford, the number of units required to earn a master’s degree is usually 45, but may vary depending on the degree that you are pursuing .

Within any program’s curriculum, you should expect some courses to be more challenging and time-consuming than others. To help you determine the intensity of each course so that you can plan your studies, most graduate courses offered through Stanford Online have a suggested “Time to Complete” on each course page, based on prior student’s reporting. As a rule of thumb, the higher number of credits a course is worth, the higher the amount of effort and time required to complete it.

2. Final Project or Thesis Requirements 

Certain master's programs necessitate a final project, such as a thesis, internship, or capstone project. Research-focused fields, including mathematics or psychology, often require a master's thesis involving extensive independent research. For these, there may be minimum and maximum time for completion. Look to find the exact time frames in your institution's program information. 

3. Part-Time Versus Full-Time Enrollment 

Your choice between full-time and part-time enrollment impacts the duration of time spent to earn your degree. As a full-time student with a standard course load, you can finish faster, typically around nine credit hours per semester. However, balancing full-time study with work and family commitments can be challenging. Part-time enrollment allows for a more balanced lifestyle but extends your time to complete the program.

Stanford has master’s degree programs that allow you to change status from full-time to part-time while progressing through your degree, allowing you to adapt based on changes in other areas of your life.

The flexibility was one of the main reasons, an important factor for wanting to come and do this program. - Jeff Hanson

4. Online, In-Person, and Hybrid Graduate Programs

Thanks to technology, if you are looking to expand your skills you can choose between three different formats when selecting a program.

Online master's programs can offer you access to the same curriculum as on-campus courses, providing the freedom to study at top universities without relocating. Many students tell us that the option to enroll in courses online was the difference between them being able to pursue the degree and not. In addition, the flexibility of online programs also allows you to set your own pace, meaning students can potentially handle a heavier course load and complete their degree in less time. Many of Stanford’s online students love being able to stream lectures on their own schedule, and that having the option to watch and rewatch content greatly increases their understanding of the content .

The best part of the program was the convenience. I never would have been able to finish if it wasn't for the online option. - Nancy Cheng

In-person courses often allow you more opportunities for networking and you might have a preference to be physically present in the classroom for lectures. Living on or near your university’s campus allows you to more fully experience all that the school has to offer. Many institutions offer in-person education for both full-time or part-time programs. Depending on where your institution is located, and if you continue to work while pursuing your degree, you might need to factor in additional housing and commuting costs to your overall budget.

Hybrid or mixed programs allow you the option to attend courses on campus or online. This might be the best of both worlds and afford you the flexibility to adapt to your personal and professional schedule while pursuing your education.

Accelerated, Stackable, and Dual-Degree Programs

Different degree formats can also shorten or lengthen the time commitment to complete your degree. Here are three common types you should be aware of:

Accelerated

Accelerated master's programs, often referred to as co-term, five-year, or four-plus-one programs, allow you to pursue both a bachelor's and a master's degree in a shorter period than these degrees would typically require. Because these programs are completed in a shortened schedule, they are often more difficult to complete, and may also require additional eligibility criteria.

Stackable education programs allow you to obtain multiple credentials by “stacking” them to earn another type of credential, e.g.,earning a certificate from which the credits can contribute to a master’s degree. Stanford allows for up to 18 units to transfer from graduate certificates to applicable master’s degrees. This is a great option if you want to explore taking courses before committing to pursuing a full master’s degree.

A newer option within education is stacking micro certificates into graduate certificates. If you want to obtain more credentials throughout your education, look for institutions that offer stackable credential paths.

Dual-Degree

Dual-degree programs combine either two graduate programs or a graduate and a doctoral degree. They require more time than a single master's degree but less time than pursuing two degrees independently. Examples include combining a law degree with an MBA, or a master of public health with a doctor of pharmacy. Not every institution offers this style of program.

Is a Master’s Degree Worth the Time?

Every master's degree, whether it's a one-year commitment or a five-year journey, demands a significant investment of time and often expense. Before determining if such a pursuit is “worth it,” you should ask yourself four questions:

1. Does earning a master’s degree match my educational or career goals?

Determine if earning a graduate degree aligns with your future goals and plans. In certain fields, a master's degree is a prerequisite for entry-level positions. In other professions it's not mandatory, but having a master's can still substantially enhance your qualifications for career advancement and your earning potential. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (2022) , median weekly earnings for master's degree holders were $1,661, compared to $1,432 for those with a bachelor’s degree and $853 for those with only a high school diploma.

2. Can I afford a graduate education?

The cost of a master’s degree varies significantly from university to university and even program to program within a university, so it’s important to understand the full costs. Establish the budget you have available to pursue graduate school. While you are in the process of comparing graduate programs , compare the costs alongside other factors.

The average cost of a master’s degree at Stanford may vary based on the program you are pursuing.

If you’re a working professional contemplating a master's degree, you might find that your employer has sponsorship or reimbursement options available. Many companies recognize the value of highly skilled employees and provide tuition assistance, so be sure to seek out the resources your organization has available and meet with your manager or HR department to discuss further.

3. What will my experience in graduate school be like?

Your experience getting your master’s degree will depend on the course material as well as the overall character of the experience. To get a better sense, some institutions allow you to take individual courses before committing fully to a program. This provides a great opportunity to understand the curriculum, format, and workload.

Stanford offers students the opportunity to enroll in individual graduate courses without being officially admitted to a program. You can transfer up to 18 units to an applicable master’s degree (pending department approval). Many students start graduate school this way so they can get a better sense of the time and energy they need to invest and plan accordingly.In addition, Stanford offers some freely available graduate lectures that give you a great sense of the teaching team and content covered.

To get a sense of the second, seek out stories from students who have completed the program or that are currently enrolled. These can be helpful in determining if a program is the right fit for you. Ask your coworkers, friends, and family about their higher education experiences and connect with folks who can answer questions about institutions or programs you are considering.

4. Can I make the time for both work and school? 

Balancing the large time commitments of both work and school is no easy feat. It takes hard work, steadfast dedication, and intrinsic motivation. The possibility of reaching their personal goals is what pushes most or our students over the finish line.

While combining work and school is challenging, it can also be deeply rewarding. Many students find it benefits both because they can learn new concepts at school and then quickly apply them at work, building skills and refining their understanding simultaneously. If you are struggling to decide if managing both work and school is the best path for you, we recommend starting by applying and enrolling in an individual graduate course to gauge the rigor and help to plan how the rest of your studies could work.

When you are taking classes while you work, you apply the information immediately. You learn something in class and you relate it to what you're doing in the office. You're constantly drawing the connections. - Brett Ong

If you determine that you want to pursue a master’s degree but you feel that you cannot fit work in simultaneously, it might make the most sense to attend school full-time.

Alternatives to Graduate School

While pursuing a master's degree can enhance your career in many fields, the commitment of time, money and energy involved means it is certainly not the right path for everyone.. There are also alternative education options with a more manageable time commitment, including:

• Individual courses might provide you with the specific skills needed for advancement. Whether it's data science, engineering, artificial intelligence, or another area, single courses can offer opportunities to learn from top experts. Time to complete can range from just a few hours to a few weeks or months. You can find individual courses in a very wide range of levels from free introductions to graduate level courses .
• Certificates offer targeted training for specific careers. They can range from programs requiring no prior experience to building on existing skills for career advancement to industry-recognized certifications.
• Professional certificates are often highly flexible and feature instruction for students to complete anywhere, at any time. These programs will often weave a comprehensive and engaging self-paced educational experience with live educational elements. Completion timelines for these certificates are typically measured in months rather than years.
• Graduate certificates are a great option if you still see a master’s degree on your horizon but aren’t ready to pursue one now. They allow you to experience graduate courses alongside other graduate students, but are much more flexible and don’t require you to be continuously enrolled. They usually require only 3-4 courses and, therefore, can be completed faster and for a smaller investment than a master’s degree.
• Short programs or events offer deep dives into specific subjects in a short timeframe, providing practical insights and experiential learning. Students are expected to dedicate lots of time to the course within a short period. These programs are not always offered on a regular basis, the way courses and certificates are, but become available based on demand or when there are rapid advancements in a particular field.

From this guide, you should have a better sense of how long it takes to earn a master’s degree and the variables that affect those timelines. Equipped with this knowledge, you can make thoughtful choices about your own education path. Please get in touch with our team if you have questions about a course or program offered through Stanford Online.

We wish you the best of luck in your future studies!

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How to Get a PhD in Psychology (10 Steps)

A PhD in Psychology is the ultimate degree—a symbol of your commitment to the discipline and a representation of your knowledge and skills. Held by top-tier researchers, instructors in higher education, and clinical practitioners alike, a clinical psychology PhD may help you and the people and organizations you might one day serve. 1

While the benefits of a PhD in Psychology may be clear to you, how to go about earning this doctorate degree might feel confusing—until now.

Here’s how to get a PhD in Psychology, what to expect in a doctoral degree program, and what you might gain from obtaining one.

Start Your Journey

Step 1: Understand the PhD Path

A PhD, or Doctor of Philosophy, in Psychology is one of two of the highest degrees in the field of psychology. (The other is a PsyD , or Doctor of Psychology, a doctorate degree created in the 1970s to prepare students specifically for the rigors of working in clinical settings.) 2 A clinical psychology PhD may enable you to work in a variety of environments and a range of roles.

As such, earning this degree is an involved, immersive, and often exciting process that’s composed of: 3

• Statistics and methods
• Assessments 
• Clinical treatments

Coursework in a PhD program now frequently integrates discussions on psychology and technology , examining how digital advancements are transforming therapeutic methods and research techniques.

• Research – Research makes up the majority of the work you’ll do as a PhD student. Typically under the guidance of your mentor/dissertation advisor, you’ll delve into a topic of your choosing within the field. Examples of clinical psychology research topics include examining the effects of social media on teen suicide rates or the influence of childhood trauma on adult substance use disorder. Along the way, you’ll refine specific research skills: collecting and analyzing data, working with subjects/participating, and demonstrating your results.
• Clinical practicum and internships – Earning a PhD in Psychology also entails hands-on training in clinical practicums and/or internships. Generally speaking, you’ll perform an unpaid practicum for two years, followed by a one-year paid, clinical internship. 5 Precisely how you will fulfill this will depend on the program you choose, the opportunities within your community, and your concentration. A few examples include observing a clinical psychologist at a private practice, working with students at a university center, or conducting intakes at a substance abuse facility.
• Dissertation – Your dissertation is among the most important elements of your PhD program and the key to completing your degree. It serves several purposes: it illustrates your fluency in conducting research, demonstrates the knowledge you’ve gained in your PhD program, and adds an original contribution to existing psychology literature. 6

Step 2: Research Potential Programs

Finding the right PhD in Psychology program is paramount to your success. Researching potential programs is also one of the more thrilling aspects of pursuing a doctorate, but it needs to be approached strategically and mindfully. To that end, search for programs that, like the doctoral programs in psychology at Alliant International University, have received accreditation by the American Psychological Association (APA). 7

Accreditation essentially serves as a seal of approval and demonstrates to future employers, the general public, and licensing boards that you have the scientific knowledge required to work in the world of psychology.

Additionally, you may want to zero in on programs that:

• Feature faculty members who are at the top of their field and whose research interests reflect your own 8
• Offer the area of specialization you want to focus on, whether it’s clinical health psychology, multicultural community-clinical psychology, or family/child and couple psychology
• Promote work-life balance through online instruction, or a hybrid of online and in-person instruction and training
• Have a high attrition rate

Further, if you do opt for a program that demands in-person attendance and training, be sure that it’s geographically feasible for you. The cost of living in the area should also be factored into your decision. Lastly, if you’re an undergrad or just finishing up your master’s, consider asking the professors you trust and admire for program recommendations. 9

Step 3: Prepare Your Application

Application and admission requirements vary by institution. That said, most programs ask for: 10

• A completed application (along with the application fee)
• Official transcripts from your bachelor’s and/or master’s program with required credits
• CV or resume
• Letters of recommendation

Depending on the program you’ve selected, you may also need to submit GRE scores. Importantly, nearly all programs require a personal statement—a topic we’ll look at in more depth below. While a PhD equips you for high-level research and academic positions, you might wonder if you can be a clinical psychologist with a master's . Although possible, a PhD significantly broadens your professional scope.

Step 4: Gain Relevant Experience

Not only will obtaining relevant experience help strengthen your application package but it will also help you gain invaluable insights into the industry. It might also assist you in choosing a specialization, such as working one-on-one with trauma survivors or dedicating your professional life to neuropsychology research.

Fortunately, there are dozens of ways to get the type of experience that will help your application stand out from the competition: 11

• Research assistantships
• Volunteering at a mental health clinic
• Shadowing a clinical psychologist or substance abuse counselor
• Working for a crisis hotline

Keep in mind that some PhD in Psychology programs require a minimum amount of relevant experience before you can apply. In fact, the Association for Psychological Science (APS) asserts that doctoral applicants usually accrue two to three years of research experience before applying to graduate school. 12 All of this emphasizes the importance of conducting thorough research on your schools of interest.

Step 5: Submit Strong Letters of Recommendation

Letters of recommendation are a crucial component of your doctoral application. In fact, some state that your letters of recommendation are more important to the decision process than grades. 13

Usually, they’re written by former professors and/or former employers or psychology professionals you’ve interned for or shadowed.

Be sure to request letters of recommendation from those with whom you have a visible track record. In addition, request letters well ahead of your application deadline, even as much as a year in advance of when you think you’ll start applying for your doctoral program.

Talk to Our Advisors

Step 6: Craft a Compelling Personal Statement

Almost every doctorate in psychology program requires a personal statement. As one of the most critical elements of your application (some indicate that it’s more important than your GRE scores and GPA), it should describe, in detail, your: 14

• Interest in the particular program you’re applying to and why
• Academic and research objectives
• Research and field experience and how they align with the particular program
• Intended area of specialization

Experts consulted by the APA also advise against using three things in your personal statement: humor, hyperbole, and “hard luck,” such as describing the obstacles you’ve overcome.

Step 7: Ace the Interview

Happen to receive an interview offer? Congratulations—your application clearly stood out!

The interview process may start with what’s known as a pre-interview, or a brief conversation to evaluate your fit with the program and department. 15 This may be followed by an on-campus interview that asks basic questions, such as the impact you hope your PhD project has and why you believe you’re the right candidate, as well as more precise questions prompted by your specific experience. 16

One of the best ways to make a solid, lasting impression is to create a bulleted list of your research interests. Practicing answers to the questions you anticipate ahead of time can also help ensure a smoother dialogue. And remember: you’ll be interviewing for the program, too.

Step 8: Consider Funding Options

The financial assistance you may receive will likely be an enormous determining factor in the program you choose. As discussed, funding may arrive in the form of:

• Grants 
• Scholarships
• Tuition remission
• Employer tuition reimbursement

Alliant International University, for example, has several forms of funding options available to doctoral candidates—those listed above, as well as fellowship assistantships .

Step 9: Plan Your Coursework and Dissertation

Once you’re accepted into a program, you should select your area of specialization, plot out your coursework, and choose your dissertation topic.

The APA notes that doctoral candidates should ideally land on a dissertation topic within the first year or two of their program. 17 Why? Because it will give your program enhanced focus and a guiding theme.

To jumpstart your thinking:

• Consult with instructors who are active in cutting-edge psychology research 
• Assess your topic’s viability and manageability (and if it will serve as an original contribution to existing research)
• Pinpoint the problems and questions you foresee and how you will approach them

Above all, be sure to choose a topic that will sustain your interest and excitement throughout the duration of your program. Earning a PhD in Psychology is a time-intensive commitment. Four to six years is about how long it takes to get a psychology PhD, but it varies by person based on how they balance their personal schedules with coursework, research, and clinical training.

Step 10: Engage in Professional Development Opportunities

One of the biggest benefits of obtaining a PhD in Psychology? The connections you may be able to make, such as through your internship and clinical practicum, as well as psychology conferences and seminars.

Yet, some of the strongest relationships you build might be right inside your program. And this brings us to our final piece of advice: consider choosing a program that features a warm and supportive faculty and a diverse collection of students who will motivate you throughout your academic journey—and beyond.

Your Path Begins Here

At Alliant International University, our PhD in Clinical Psychology program features a faculty that will challenge you in the best possible way alongside a nurturing, engaging learning environment.

Enrich your knowledge and prepare to make a lasting difference in the field of psychology. Apply today and start your journey.

Sources: 

• “What Can You Do with a Doctorate in Psychology?” Psychology.org | Psychology’s Comprehensive Online Resource, March 18, 2024. https://www.psychology.org/resources/jobs-with-a-doctorate-in-psycholog… ;
• Cherry, Kendra. “PsyD vs. Phd in Psychology: Which Is Right for You?” Verywell Mind, October 27, 2023. https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-a-psyd-2795135.  
• “Psychology Doctorate Phd Defined: Explore Academic, Internship and Research Requirements for a Psychology Phd.” Psychologist, March 24, 2021. https://www.psychologist-license.com/types-of-psychologists/psychologist-doctorate-phd/.  
• “Daily Activities of a Clinical Psychology Phd Student.” Simply Mental Health, November 13, 2022. https://simplymentalhealth.ca/2022/11/13/daily-activities-of-a-clinical-psychology-phd-student/.  
• “Internships and Practicums.” Psychology.org | Psychology’s Comprehensive Online Resource, April 10, 2024. https://www.psychology.org/resources/internships-and-practicums/.  
• Herbert, Robyn S, Spencer C Evans, Jessy Guler, and Michael C Roberts. “Predictors of Dissertation Publication in Clinical and Counseling Psychology.” Training and education in professional psychology, November 2022. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9635593 .
•  “APA-Accredited Programs.” American Psychological Association. Accessed April 21, 2024. https://accreditation.apa.org/accredited-programs#.  
• “Choosing a Graduate Program.” Association for Psychological Science - APS. Accessed April 21, 2024. https://www.psychologicalscience.org/members/apssc/undergraduate_update/summer-2011/choosing-a-graduate-program.  
• “Clinch Your Graduate School Acceptance.” American Psychological Association. Accessed April 21, 2024. https://www.apa.org/gradpsych/2007/11/cover-acceptance.  
• “Best Doctorate in Psychology Degree Programs of 2024.” Intelligent, April 3, 2024. https://www.intelligent.com/best-doctorate-in-psychology-programs/.  
• 14 ways to get clinical psychology work experience | indeed.com UK. Accessed April 18, 2024. https://uk.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/clinical-psychology-work-experience.  
• “Rockin’ Recommendations.” American Psychological Association. Accessed April 21, 2024. https://www.apa.org/gradpsych/features/2009/recommendation.  
• “Preparing Your Personal Statement for Graduate School Applications.” American Psychological Association. Accessed April 21, 2024. https://www.apa.org/ed/precollege/psn/2016/09/graduate-school-applications.  
• To ace your interview for doctoral psychology admission. Accessed April 22, 2024. https://mitch.web.unc.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/4922/2021/12/PsiChiI… ;
• Top 10 common Phd interview questions and answers. Accessed April 21, 2024. https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/interviewing/common-phd-interview-questions.  
• “Starting the Dissertation.” American Psychological Association. Accessed April 21, 2024. https://www.apa.org/gradpsych/2005/01/starting.&nbsp ;

David Stewart

Dean, California School of Professional Psychology

David G. Stewart, PhD, ABPP, is a board-certified clinical child and adolescent psychologist and Dean of the California School of...

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This subreddit is for anyone who is going through the process of getting into graduate school, and for those who've been there and have advice to give.

Should I do masters before PhD?

I’m an international student and planning for graduate studies in USA or Europe in 2022.

I graduated with first class honors in Information Systems degree with 2 research publications(not as the first author). My undergrad research was on data analytics. For grad school, I prefer to work in human-computer-interaction/requirement-engineering in which I dont have prior research experience.

While there are direct PhDs available after bachelors, given my situation, do you think I would have better chance at PhD if I complete a master in HCI/SE(with research component)?

Since GRE has been waived at some school, I’ve heard there will be bigger focus on related research exposure.

Thanks in advance for any valuable comments!