<p>Hello all. I find myself in a complicated situation, and I will need to make a decision on what I plan to do within the following months. I believe others must have had similar experiences or advice they can offer. First, a little bit of background:</p>
<p>I'm currently finishing up my second year as a MS/PhD student in computer science at the same institution I finished my undergraduate degree. The university I attend is, at least for undergraduate studies, perfectly reputable (ranked in top 50 for those who care about such things); however, the graduate program is not as mature and only recently added a PhD program within the last couple of years. I originally applied as a MS student and happily accepted because it offered TAshipfor MS students, which I know is less common. I was not looking at or applying to any PhD programs because I was unsure of whether or not I wanted to continue to that level. My cohort of grad students was the last to be offered funding for MS, as the new PhD program is now being pushed.</p>
<p>Before my first semester even started, the department approached me and asked if I would change my application to PhD; it meant a tiny bit extra money, and it would look good for them as a department. I was very upfront that I was not sure yet about finishing a PhD here, and it was agreed I could leave after an MS no issue at all. After finishing my first few semesters, it turned out I'm very happy what I'm doing confident that research is something I enjoy. </p>
<p>I feel I have really flourished where I'm at. I work in graphics and visualization, and in my first 3 semesters have had significant visualization collaborations with scientists outside CS. I have tremendous support from many of the professors here, and I'm working on stuff that I love. My advisor is fantastic, and I think it would be difficult to find someone better to work with. This is where things get complicated.</p>
<p>My department is very small, does not have extensive resources, and there are not enough grad students total (let alone with same interests) to put together research groups with more than 1-3 people. I am currently the only student working in the general area of visualization and graphics, and while this may change in the next few years, I can't help but feel the isolation is not a healthy thing. I've received accolade from everyone I've worked with, but I have no perspective without fellow grad students in my area. I have some very impressive peers, but I can't get feedback on deeper topics they are unfamiliar with.</p>
<p>Also, should I decide to go into an academic career, I am worried the stigma of receiving all degrees from the same institution coupled with its lack of history would be debilitating. I personally believe quality of work should outweigh any pedigree, but I know academia is highly elitist.</p>
<p>Finally, the most important factor of all is that I have a significant other. My girlfriend will be graduating in a year and likely going to graduate school. As much as I love what I'm doing, I don't think I would be happy where I'm at without her. If I stay here, I can finish my degree earlier; otherwise, we need to somehow get accepted to the same school -- I'm not even sure how realistic that is. My professors would write good recommendations for me if I decide to leave, unless I'm hugely mistaken. Although I am in the PhD program, I have been entirely honest and made sure they know exactly where I stand. I was even offered funding on a grant, but I turned it down to avoid hurting my advisor if I left.</p>
<p>Ultimately, my options are:
1) Stay where I am, finishing in probably 2.5 years. I know I'll be happy with what I work on, I'm comfortable with my advisor and fellow students. However, it may also block an academic career. I may have to spend a year apart from my significant other, although best-case I might be able to work remotely and spend a few months back and forth.</p>
<p>2) Complete my MS here and try to get into another school in Fall 2012. This may completely restart my PhD, I may not get into the same school as my GF, and I may not be happy with what I work on. Best-case, I would be together with my GF and potentially at a more prestigious program.</p>
<p>3) Finish my MS and forget about the PhD. I can probably find work wherever my GF is, and we will be more financially stable.</p>
<p>This is a very tough decision, and if anyone can offer an opinion or even dispel some misconceptions I may have, I would be very grateful. Thanks for your patience if you read this.</p>