<p>I received a BS and MS in the same field from the same school several years ago. I chose the same school for both degrees because the program is ranked the highest in the state.</p>
<p>Now I'm considering returning for a PhD. There are actually no other universities in the state that offer a PhD in this exact field. They only offer BS's and MS's. There are some semi-related programs at other schools in the state, but they are not as highly ranked and have lower entrance requirements.</p>
<p>It doesn't seem that unusual to receive a BS, MS, and PhD from this program. In my brief time there I knew several people that were did it or were planning on doing it. There aren't that many options in the state and it's supposedly one of the best. Others following the same path make me feel a bit better.</p>
<p>Anyway, does anyone think I would be better off switching to a slightly different program at another school? I do not plan to work in academia. From my brief reading, it seems the same degree in the same program issue is mainly related to working at university, which I do not want to do. I hope to work in private sector research.</p>
<p>Also moving out of state isn't an option for family and monetary reasons</p>
<p>Generally speaking, I tend to advise people to always move to different schools whenever they can, all other issues considered, such as strength of the program and financial concerns. Each different school will provide you with access to a different alumni network, which is one of the most valuable benefits of any degree program, particularly if you’re moving to the private sector. Business success is often times determined less by what you know than by who you know.</p>
<p>I don’t think it really matter but sakky was right about networking. What school are you talking about? if it was like Stanford, Harvard, MIT then I think it’s a great opportunity.</p>
<p>Nah, it’s not that prestigious. Sorry, I made it sound that way. It’s just best option for an in-state public university.</p>
<p>The lack of connections is my own fault. I never kept in touch with classmates. The MS program did not have a research or teaching requirement, so I didn’t develop a close relationship with a professor as I see many out here have. My lack of connections to professors is a whole other problem I was going to make a post about. I’m not sure how I’m going to get letters of recommendation.</p>
<p>I wish I had planned this better. When I was going for my BS I never planned to get an MS. When I was getting my MS, I never planned to go for a PhD. If I could go back I would tell myself to start at a lower perceived school and work my way up.</p>
<p>If you really want your Ph.D. and you don’t want to move out of state, it’s probably best for you to go back to your old U. There are plenty of folks out there who lead happy, successful lives who have earned all of their degrees at only one institution.</p>
<p>I agree with happymomof1. If you want your Ph.D. and can’t move due to personal circumstances, then pursue it where you are. Particularly if you aren’t going into academia, it’s really not going to matter. IMO the Ph.D. will open doors of opportunity for you and the rest is up to you and what you do with it anyway.</p>
<p>My DD will apply to Ph.D. programs to enter next fall. In looking at some of the schools that she’s planning to apply to, I’ve noticed that it doesn’t seem to be that uncommon any longer to see 3 degrees from the same institution and these are from the vitae of professors. Best of luck to you! I applaud you for continuing your education, regardless.</p>