<p>Do PhD programs in math care whether I apply with a BA or an MA?</p>
<p>More specifically, my college offers the option to graduate with a Master's degree in math after the regular 4 years of undergrad if one takes enough grad courses and writes a Master's thesis. Alternatively, I could just take those same graduate courses and write a Bachelor's thesis and graduate with a Bachelor's degree. The courses I would take would probably be about the same in both cases, it's just about how extensive my thesis will be and what degree I want to receive. For administrative reasons, I would have to make the decision in the upcoming fall semester.</p>
<p>Generally I would go with the "free" Master's degree, but I heard some rumor that applying to PhD programs with an MA might put me at a disadvantage compared to BA applicants. To what extend is that true, if it is at all?</p>
<p>(I will discuss this in more detail with my major adviser next fall, I just wanted to get some opinions beforehand if possible.)</p>
<p>I would do the MA. I doubt grad schools will think "he's got an MA... that's bad." They'll probably be impressed that you did a more extensive thesis. Plus, if you don't end up with a Phd, you'll have a masters to fall back on.</p>
<p>Honestly, I don't know - either in general or in terms of math particularly.</p>
<p>Some phd fellowship programs put caps on the amount of graduate work that can be done when applying (i.e., to reserve fellowships for incoming graduate students), however, that doesn't seem like it would be a problem here - but it's one thing to ask about.</p>
<p>If one or the other allows you to get publications out of it, that will count by far more than anything else. Publications are what set people apart when it comes to applying for phd programs. If doing a master's thesis lets you publish a paper in a journal or something like that, beyond what a bachelors thesis would, that's significant.</p>