<p>I am currently an Electrical Engineering Undergrad. I want to pursue a PhD eventually, but a lot of PhD programs I have read about require a master's beforehand. My university has a 3-2 program such that I could enroll in that, earn my masters with one additional year, and then pursue my PhD at another university. This seems like an appealing option, because it would save some time; however, I am aiming to get into the best graduate program possible. Should I instead try to enroll in a master's program at a school I want to pursue a PhD at? This new idea brings forth several new questions: Would I be more likely to be accepted in a school's PhD program if I did my masters there? What is the difficulty between getting admitted in a masters program as compared to a PhD program?</p>
<p>Be careful here, some schools require a master's degree beforehand, but many do not allow students with an M.S. into their Ph.D programs. In fact, I think most of the higher-tier schools award a Masters in the first two years of Ph.D work.</p>
<p>Actually, just because you have a masters doesn't mean they won't accept you into their PhD program. They will. What you aren't likely to get is transfer credit if you wanted to take time off your PhD degree. You'll still have to go through all the classwork. But all the PhD programs take students with previous masters.</p>
<p>I see. I'm not concerned with my coursework transfering that much. Rather, I just want the extra year to build a stronger resume, hopefully culminating in a master's thesis. </p>
<p>However, I want to emphasize one of my questions that I don't believe was answered clearly. In general, if one were to get a master's degree at a university, is one allowed entry into the PhD program with ease?</p>
<p>Yes.</p>
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<p>I am an international student looking for 3-2 engineering at a good LAC., but in need of financial aid. Does the adi get transferred when we are transferring colleges?</p>