<p>I am graduating this year with a terminal masters degree and would like to go on to get a PHD after. Is this possible?</p>
<p>Yes… you will need to apply next fall for 2012 entry for direct PhD programs…</p>
<p>does a direct PHD program mean that my masters work won’t apply toward any credits?</p>
<p>Yes, and No. It depends on where you apply and which department you apply to. Some schools don’t accept any transfer credits for a Master’s degree. Others will give you credit equal to half of a PhD. So… I’d weigh that pretty heavily when deciding where you want to go. You definitely don’t want to start over.</p>
<p>It depends on your terminal master’s degree - is it thesis-based or coursework-only?</p>
<p>It is coursework only and international internship instead of thesis</p>
<p>It may be more difficult for you to go directly to a Ph.D program without an intervening period of professional experience. Non-thesis masters degrees don’t necessarily provide the research background to leap right into doctoral studies.</p>
<p>This is not to say by any means that it’s impossible - only that your master’s degree will be viewed differently by admissions committees than a thesis-based program. I would recommend that you seek out research opportunities to build that aspect of your application.</p>
<p>Since your Master’s was course based, and not thesis based, you will basically be forced to start over in a PhD program. I would ask yourself if you really think you’ll get that much out of a PhD. You probably have the skills necessary to succeed in the business world.</p>
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<p>If you can get into a PhD program with just a bachelors degree, I don’t see why a BS + a terminal MS would make you a weaker candidate.</p>