<p>How important is a Ph.D?
Is it just for teaching?</p>
<p>What do you do to get a Master degree?
Is it just more courses or do you have to write a thesis?</p>
<p>If I attend Cal Poly Pomona and get my bachelor then master could I continue for my Ph.D since CSU's are more application oriented as opposed to research?
What about the GPA requirement for Bachelor->Master->Ph.d?
Can I just choose to attend anywhere or is there another selection process?</p>
<p>10-Q</p>
<p>Usually, a Masters (of Science) and a PhD are graduate degrees that are marked by more specialized coursework and independent research. </p>
<p>First, programs vary significantly across the world. For the most part, BOTH Masters/PhD programs require an application process that includes an official GRE exam. A prospective student must apply to a specific school that they have interest in and must gain admission--unless that student is in a special program. </p>
<p>Next, while some Master degrees can be earned through coursework alone, research is quite typical and a thesis or a report is expected. PhD is research degrees and while they are the "official" academic union card to be a professor, they are also the key tool needed to be a research scientist in the private/public sector. Regardless of major or discipline chosen, a PhD is earned through research and the completion/defense of a thesis.</p>
<p>GPA requirements vary from program to program but for engineers, a minimum GPA of a 3.0 is common. However, top programs usually have GPA averages of a 3.7 or above.</p>
<p>Finally, I want to make the clear distinction between a Master of Engineering and a Master of Science. A Master of Engineering is a terminary degree and is usually for engineers who want to enter the industry and therefore just take courses. A Master of Science however, is much more research focused and is the precursor of a PhD.</p>
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A Master of Science however, is much more research focused and is the precursor of a PhD.
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<p>Not sure how true that is. Last year, I applied to 6 Master of Science programs, and none of them required a thesis or any research at all. There are some MS programs that are research oriented, and some that are pure coursework, so you can't just go by the name.</p>
<p>Ken285,</p>
<p>You are right, my mistake. Most programs have 3 options, a course work/thesis, coursework/report and a coursework/no thesis or report.</p>