Hi, I was wondering what are the advantages and disadvantages are between doing a joint MS/phd program, getting an ms and phd separately, and going straight for a phd without getting an ms? If the field matters I’m thinking of studying biomedical engineering.
Thank You
Generally, if you want a Ph.D. then go right for it. The reasons forgetting a M.S. on the way at the same school are (1) that it can just be granted by taking the courses that you need to take for the Ph.D. anyway and passing an exam (for example) (2) becuase the program requires you to do an M.S. before the Ph.D. or (3) if you decide not to complete the Ph.D. for some reason (but this can be decided at the end).
Sometimes, students get a M.S. at a different university in order to be more competitive for the Ph.D. program they really want to enter. However, in general, if getting the M.S. costs you a lot of extra courses or writing two separate theses, then it is probably not worth the trouble since no one will care about your M.S. after you have a Ph.D…
Thank you for answering three of my questions. You are very helpful 