MS/PhD Switch Schools after MS

Graduate School
1

<p>Hello folks,</p>

<p>I have started my program in Computer Science and am currently enrolled as an MS/PhD student. My program is very small, and I am getting more interested in other research areas that my school does not have great support in(I am interested in my current area, but do not want to dedicate another 4 years to finish the PhD in this area after my masters. Some topics overlap, but not a great deal). I am considering applying to other schools when I finish the Masters( I even took the GRE again and boosted my scores though this was to help for applying for fellowships). </p>

<p>In general, is this frowned upon? I am currently an RA, so I don't want to mislead my adviser after I finish the masters. How do I express to my adviser that my research interests are changing, and I want to maybe change programs? (I will obviously want their support in future letters of recommendation)</p>

<p>I'm assuming since I'm in the MS/PhD track, it's assumed I will stay at my current university, but have others had this experience?</p>

<p>Thanks for any advice! At the end of the day, I will still work hard for the next two semesters, but I want to know I have a chance to pursue other interests.</p>

2

<p>Yes, and no. The reasons that you are planning on transferring are the “good” reasons - namely, your research interests are changing and you no longer fit with this particular program. It happens.</p>

<p>I would be straightforward with your advisor; you will need his or her support in order to transfer, as he or she will need to write you a letter. Simply tell them what you said here - that your research interests have shifted and you intend to specialize in another field that is not offered here, and you would like to transfer and you are considering programs X, Y, and Z.</p>