<p>I was discussing my grad school intentions with an old TA of mine and he suggested I apply for the PhD even if I do not have the intention of completing the PhD so that I can get funding to complete the MA. I feel like that is incredibly dishonest and something that universities would seriously frown upon. I also know that some schools do not allow for the MA to be earned enroute, only through completion of the PhD. But he told me it is fairly common practice...is this true, how is it perceived by university departments, faculty?</p>
<p>I have the same exact question except that I am applying for programs in mechanical engineering. Is it commonplace for people to drop out of PhD programs after they obtain an MS? Are there usually stipulations attached to receiving funding as a PhD student?</p>
<p>I’ve heard from many people (professors, school reps at grad fairs, etc) that unless you KNOW you do not want a PhD, apply for it. If it turns out you don’t like it after 2 years (when you can finish the masters classes, etc), then you can drop it. Otherwise you could end up enjoying it and wanting to stay. You must be considering graduate school for some reason, and not be completely opposed to research, so for all you know you’ll end up really enthusiastic about the PhD.</p>
<p>If you know you don’t want a PhD, I wouldn’t apply (it’s dishonest), but if you could see it as possible/likely, then go for it.</p>