<p>Hello- I hope this thread hasn't already been done, but it wouldn't surprise me if it has. Feel free to direct me to the OP.</p>
<p>I'm currently a senior planning to apply to graduate programs this fall.
I'm interested in several in the states, but also three in Australia and one in London. I've heard that PhD programs outside the US require a master's degree, but their master's degrees are longer and their PhDs are shorter. Conversely, here in the US you can go straight into a PhD program that will take longer, or do a quick master's (some are only a year).</p>
<p>Can anyone confirm this? </p>
<p>I want a PhD, here or abroad. What are the pros and cons of staying here versus going abroad?</p>
<p>Thanks in advance! :)</p>
<p>[I don't know if it makes a difference, but I'm interested in Marine Biology or Marine Science programs]</p>
<p>Generally speaking, European PhDs do require an MA/MS first because the PhD itself is just the dissertation phase. You’re not required to take any classes, just the dissertation itself (and maybe exams, I don’t know). So in order to have the foundational master’s level knowledge, you need the degree.</p>
<p>Master’s degrees aren’t universally longer, though; most European master’s programs I know of are 1-2 years, like most American ones.</p>
<p>People generally say that if you want to teach in the U.S., you should get an American PhD. The exception is top programs in your field or very top universities abroad, but even then the PhD will likely be expected to do an American postdoc (although you would be expected to do one anyway, in your field).</p>
<p>Conversely, American PhDs tend not to have as much of a problem going overseas, particularly to Australia. Europe may present more of a problem due to EU regulations on foreign workers, but professors can generally prove that the candidate is uniquely qualified to do the job in the department, at least in a way that’s satisfactory to immigration. Not sure about the UK.</p>