<p>I'm in an Experimental Psychology master's program and my objective is to get a PhD in neuroscience. My undergrad research including the core of my classes were heavily neuroscience based. During undergrad studies, I did 4 years of research on animal behavior specifically with rodents. And currently, I'm in similar line of research although the root of the study is different. Previously it was spatial learning and currently it's psychopharmacology. In terms of my lab, I am happy. My advisor is wonderful, and I know that I will learn a lot and have many opportunities to give poster presentations of my research at SfN. </p>
<p>But, I come from a poor family. And poverty is still biting me in my rear-end. I'm having to work 2 jobs to feed myself while I go through this master's program. I'm considering applying to PhD programs that have funding and are more in line with my goals. I'm not very happy in this Psychology program, it's very different than what my purposes are with the degree I want to get. I want to be around neuroscientists and take neuroscience courses. </p>
<p>My concern is whether or not applying to PhD programs in the middle of my master's program is a good idea. I've been told by my adviser that because I'm working 2 jobs finishing in 2 years will be hard to do. </p>
<p>What should I do? I don't want to finish in 3 years. I'm also not happy studying strictly psychology. And I don't know how long I will be able to survive on 2 jobs and master's program without my grades suffering. Which is another issue. If my grades suffer which in turn makes my research suffer then getting into a PhD would be harder. But, if I can prevent that early on and move into a PhD now I can get funded, and study what I want to.</p>
<p>I’m not sure about neuroscience per se, but I know that in psychology programs an MA does not necessarily boost your chances too much unless your GPA from undergrad was pretty bad (sub-3.0). Nor does it really save you any time - at most, most programs will take about one semester’s worth of credit. A few programs might take a year, but an MS is generally not going to reduce your time to the PhD by 2 years, so you are really adding an extra year to your education for a dubious benefit. I think that’s especially true given that you want a degree in neuroscience but you are doing your MS in experimental psychology - there’s definitely overlap and relationship, but it doesn’t seem like a good fit.</p>
<p>So with that said, I don’t think you should rack up debt trying to complete this MS - especially if you still have 2.5 more years to go from this point.</p>
<p>Do you have excellent undergraduate research experience and a good undergrad GPA (3.3+)? If so, I personally believe you should cut your losses and leave the master’s program, find a job, and apply for PhD programs this year. You’ll save a ton of money and effort. You could investigate with your advisor the possibility of staying on in his lab as a non-student volunteer or even a lab manager or other paid associate. If he has no money to pay you, consider finding a position as a paid research associate in a different lab that does neuroscience research or something related to it at least.</p>
<p>If you don’t want to drop out of the program, then I think you try to apply out.</p>
<p>I appreciate your response. I thought perhaps my message would get lost or I would not be understood but you did such a wonderful job at answering my question. </p>
<p>One concern I still have is whether or not the PhD programs I apply to will look negatively at my situation. Do you think that could be the case and how could I convey to them that my unhappiness really comes from lack of funding, having to work two jobs, and the psychology program being not a good fit for the goals I have?</p>
<p>There’s no need to mention the first two reasons, but I would definitely explain that you left the program because it was not a good fit for your research and professional goals. You could mention it briefly in your statement, or (better yet) have a recommender address it in their letter. You could also explain it in interviews, if you have them. I wouldn’t mention working two jobs or not having funding; the important part is that this MS program is not giving you what you need academically.</p>