<p>I am planning on doing a master's degree in my fourth undergraduate year, and was wondering how this would affect the additional length of a possible PhD program in the same field and at the same school. Would it shave off a year?</p>
<p>Usually not. The answer depends, of course, on the specific program and the field; however, most programs require graduate students to take a specific number of credits during the first two years. Your master’s degree may allow you to take more electives instead of core courses.</p>
<p>Some PhD programs will give you some freedom with the required amount of credits that are required (electives). However, most programs have required courses that all students must take. All programs are different though, so best advice is to do your research in the programs.</p>
<p>In my department, they expect that you will jump ahead a year on the Ph.D timeline if you come in with an MS.</p>
<p>well I was only wondering because my PhD program requires 4 half-courses at the graduate level completed by the end of the fall of the G2 year, and this is the same requirement is expected of the master’s program…but you’re right I should just ask my school.</p>