should i do masters before phd

Pros and Cons of Earning a Master's Degree Before a PhD

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As a potential applicant to graduate school you have a great many decisions to make. The initial decisions, such as what field to study , may come easily. However, many applicants struggle with choosing what degree to pursue, whether a master’s degree or PhD is right for them. Others know what degree they want. Those who choose a doctoral degree sometimes wonder if they should first complete a master’s degree. Do you need a master’s degree to apply to a doctoral program?

Is a master’s degree an essential prerequisite for gaining admission to a doctoral program? Usually not. Does a master’s degree improve your odds of admission? Sometimes. Is it in your best interest to earn master’s before applying to PhD programs? It depends.

Pros and Cons of Earning a Master's Before Applying to PhD Programs

There are both advantages and disadvantages to earning a master’s before applying to PhD programs. Below are some of the pros and cons:

Pro: A master’s degree will introduce you to the process of graduate study.

Without a doubt, graduate school is different from college. This is especially true at the doctoral level. A master’s program can introduce to you the process of graduate study and help you understand how it is different from undergraduate study. A master’s program can help you make the transition to graduate school and prepare you for making the transition from college student to graduate scholar. 

Pro: A master’s program can help you see if you are ready for doctoral study.

Are you ready for graduate school? Do you have the right study habits? Are you motivated? Can you manage your time? Enrolling in a master’s program can help you see if you have what it takes for success as a graduate student – and especially as a doctoral student.

Pro: A master’s program can help you see if you are interested enough to undertake a PhD

The typical college survey courses present a broad view of a discipline, with little depth. Small college seminars present a topic in more depth but it will not come close to what you will learn in graduate school. It is not until students are immersed in a field that they truly come to know the depth of their interest. Sometimes new grad students realize that the field is not for them. Others complete the master’s degree but realize that they have no interest in pursuing a doctorate.

Pro: A masters may help you get into a doctoral program.

If your undergraduate transcript leaves much to be desired, a master’s program may help you improve your academic record and show that you have the stuff that competent graduate students are made of. Earning a master’s degree shows that you are committed and interested in your field of study. Returning students may seek a master’s degree to obtain contacts and recommendations from faculty.

Pro: A master’s degree can help you change fields.

Are you planning on studying a different field than your college major ? It can be hard to convince a graduate admissions committee that you are interested and committed to a field in which that you have little formal experience. A master’s degree can not only introduce you to the field but can show the admissions committee that you interested, committed, and competent in your chosen field. 

Pro: A master’s degree can offer a foot in the door to a particular graduate program.

Suppose you hope to attend a specific graduate program. Taking a few graduate courses, nonmatriculated (or nondegree-seeking) can help you learn about the program and can help faculty learn about you. This is even more true for master’s students. In many graduate programs, master’s and doctoral students take some of the same classes. As a master’s student, you’ll have contact with graduate faculty – often those who teach in the doctoral program. Completing a thesis and volunteering to work on faculty research can help faculty get to know you as a competent and promising researcher. A master’s degree might offer you a foot in the door and a better chance of gaining admission to the department’s doctoral program. However, admission is not guaranteed. Before you choose this option, be sure that you can live with yourself if you don’t gain admission. Will you be happy with a terminal master?

Con: A master’s degree is time-consuming.

Typically a full-time master’s program will require 2 years of study. Many new doctoral students find that their master’s coursework doesn’t transfer. If you enroll in a master’s program recognize that it will likely not make a dent in your required doctoral coursework. Your PhD will likely take an additional 4 to 6 years after earning your master’s degree.

Con: A master’s degree is usually unfunded.

Many students find this a big con: Master’s students usually do not receive much funding. Most master’s programs are paid for out-of-pocket. Are you prepared to potentially have tens of thousands of dollars of debt before you begin your PhD.? If you choose not to seek a doctoral degree, what employment options accompany your master’s degree? While I’d argue that a master’s degree is always of value for your intellectual and personal growth, if the salary-return of your degree is important to you, do your homework and think carefully before enrolling in a master’s program prior to seeking your PhD.

Whether you seek a master’s degree before applying to doctoral programs is a personal decision. Also recognize that many PhD programs award master’s degrees along the way, typically after the first year and completing exams and/or a thesis.

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Should I Pursue A Master’s or A Ph.D.?

The first step in deciding on the right graduate program for you is to figure out which degree will best serve you—a master’s or a doctor of philosophy (Ph.D.). Here are a few factors to consider.

What are your career goals?

• Professional master’s: A good choice if you want to develop a particular skill set in order to practice a particular profession. This type of degree provides coursework focused on learning and practicing skills.
• Research master’s: A good fit if you want to gain expertise in a discipline and know how to teach it. A research master’s typically includes a research project or thesis and comprehensive exams in addition to coursework and provides experience in research and scholarship.
• Ph.D. (doctor of philosophy): Consider this option if your goal is to ground yourself in a body of research and develop the ability to add to that body of knowledge. Ph.D. study includes a major research project in addition to coursework, and a Ph.D. is the highest scholastic degree awarded by American universities. Contrary to common perception, career paths for Ph.D. graduates are quite varied, not just limited to academia. Ph.D. training helps you hones skills such as writing, research, teaching, data analysis, communicating complex topics—all of which can translate into many sectors, including industry, government, nonprofit, and entrepreneurship.

See career data for Duke graduate programs' alumni

How much time do you have to pursue a graduate degree?

Master’s degrees typically take two years to complete, while Ph.D. programs generally take five to seven years ( see Duke programs' time-to-degree ). That is a significant difference in commitment and opportunity costs. It might also play a key role in deciding which factors take higher priority as you evaluate a program. How does the length of the program fit with your career and family plans? How important is the surrounding community if you are going to be there for seven years instead of two? How long are you able or willing to go on a limited income while in graduate school?

How much can you afford to pay for a graduate degree?

Consider your personal financial situation (e.g., how much savings and student loans do you have), as well as how much financial aid you can get. Master’s and Ph.D. programs differ greatly in the amount of financial aid available. Ph.D. programs tend to offer significantly more financial support than master’s programs (but often will have research or teaching requirements). 

A typical Ph.D. financial aid package usually includes coverage of tuition and fees, a living stipend, and some level of support for health insurance for a set number of years. For instance, Duke’s standard Ph.D. package covers tuition, mandatory fees, and a stipend for five years, as well as health insurance premiums for six years. 

Within an institution, the level of financial support often differs across programs, so be sure to ask your specific program about the financial aid it offers. There are also many national organizations that provide competitive fellowships and scholarships for graduate students.

Know which degree you want to pursue? Here are some key things to look for in a program .

Master’s First or Straight to PhD?

So you know you want to do a PhD someday. Let’s assume you already have a Bachelor’s degree and that some of the PhD programs you are considering don’t require candidates to already have Master’s degree for admission. Do you do a Master’s first or apply straight to PhD programs? There are advantages (and disadvantages) to each option.

Master’s then PhD

This is the traditional route to earn a PhD and is still widely used in Europe.

• Time commitment -The initial time commitment for a Master’s degree (one to three years) is shorter than the PhD (three to seven years).
• Not as competitive -In general, admission for Master’s programs isn’t as competitive as for PhDs. This can benefit students whose undergraduate performance wasn’t strong enough to be admitted into PhD programs right away. By doing a Master’s degree they can get more research experience, add to their CVs, and build relationships with professors who can write better letters of recommendation. An outstanding Master’s record might even allow the student to apply to more selective PhD programs than they could straight out of undergrad.
• Explore your interests -For students that don’t have a clear idea of what they want to study at the PhD level, a Master’s is a great way to explore their options and figure out where their research interests lie. Doing a Master’s degree can also help someone who wants to change fields for their doctorate. By gaining research experience in their new field they will be a more competitive candidate for PhD programs.
• Might be required for PhD admission -In some fields such as public health and social work a Master’s degree is required or recommended for admission to a PhD program. Additionally, students intent on pursuing a PhD in Europe will need to to have a Master’s to meet the admissions requirements the majority of European PhD programs.
• Experience at multiple universities -Each university has a different academic environment and its own approach to research. An advantage of doing a Master’s and then a PhD is the exposure to academic life at an additional university.
• Get rid of doubts - If a student has any hesitations about pursuing a doctorate, a Master’s degree is a way to test the waters before committing to a PhD.

Disadvantages

• Funding -Depending on the field of study, funding for a terminal Master’s degree can be more difficult to come by. Sometimes there are grants, scholarships, or teaching positions available to these students to partially cover the cost, but not to the same extent as for PhD students.

Straight to PhD

In the United States, a Master’s degree is not required for admission to most PhD programs. It is possible and not unusual to be admitted to a PhD program straight out of undergrad. The number of direct entry PhD programs has started to rise in Canada as well, though earning a Master’s and then PhD is still more common. In Canada, it is also possible for academically promising students to begin a Master’s degree and then “fast track” or transfer to the PhD program without completing the requirements of the Master’s degree.

• Time commitment -Many American PhD programs do not offer significant coursework reduction for students who already have Master’s degrees. This means that they will have to do a five to seven year PhD on top of their one to three year Master’s. If this is the case, then starting a PhD directly out of undergrad is the faster choice.
• Funding -Funding is one of the top advantages of a direct entry PhD program. Most PhD programs offer students partial or full funding for their studies and many even pay them a stipend on top of a tuition waiver. There are also a greater number of external funding opportunities available to PhD students such as national grants and major fellowships which favour PhD work over Master’s studies.
• Long-Term Projects -The shorter time constraints of a Master’s degree make it difficult for students to set up and run the kind of long-term projects which might be necessary to properly address their research questions. It is more common for PhD students to go more in-depth and do multi-year experiments, lengthy studies, or a year of fieldwork as part of their degree.
• Start working right away -Students who have a clear understanding of their research interests and have already identified potential supervisors might prefer not to delay their PhD work by obtaining a Master’s first.
• Moving only once -While doing a Master’s first exposes a student to academic life at multiple universities, the flip side is that it requires moving twice: one for the Master’s and once for the PhD. Moving can be time consuming and expensive—especially if one or both degrees are done abroad.
• Will still earn a Master’s -Students in direct entry PhD programs will usually be awarded a Master’s degree along the way for course work completed during their doctorate.
• Withdrawing from the program -If the student decides to permanently withdraw from a direct entry or fast track PhD program they may be leaving without any degree. Depending on when in the program they withdraw it may be possible to be awarded a Master’s for coursework already completed, but this is dependant on the policies of the program.

Ultimately the decision about whether to do a Master’s first or apply directly for a PhD is a personal one that you have to make on your own. Take some time to think about these pros and cons as well as your own goals and priorities. Good luck with your applications!

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Pros and Cons of Getting a Master’s before a Doctorate, Part 2: The Pros and Cons of a Master’s Degree

Is the time and money of a master’s worth it? If you are considering going to graduate school, you are most likely pondering which degree to get. There are pros and cons to earning a master’s degree before pursuing a doctorate. Master’s degrees are more career-oriented and doctoral degrees focus more on research. If all you want is a raise, pursuing a doctorate is probably not the route to choose. If you love learning and you want to pursue a career in education or research, then the work required for a doctorate may be worthwhile.

When considering the advantages of each program, remember that masters and doctoral programs will give you in-depth training in a specialized field and the usefulness of each degree depends on your academic and career interests/goals. When carefully considered, graduate school earns you more than just another fancy paper to go on your wall.

There are numerous benefits of a master’s degree. There is a reason so many people return to school after working for a few years. A master’s program narrows your field of study and delves you deeper in to the field, forcing you to master the subject. While it may be difficult to consider more schooling, consider making graduate school your next step, especially if you want a job that requires more training or a higher starting salary. Unlike your undergrad degree, there are no general studies requirements in graduate school, which is ideal for those with a thirst for knowledge.

A Master’s Degree will introduce the Process of Graduate Study

Graduate work is on a different level than the work you did as an undergraduate. A master’s program will introduce to you the process of graduate study. Students coming straight from an undergraduate program will probably be surprised at how theoretical the material in a doctoral program is. People coming in with a master’s degree will have already learned some of this, and are less surprised at the content of doctoral courses. Typical college courses present a broad overview of a subject. Graduate school can be very competitive and is a lot of work. Many students who floated through undergrad are surprised to find that graduate programs require a much greater commitment, and it is not until students immerse in a field that they truly come to know the depth of their interest.

Although most undergraduate degrees allow students the opportunity to choose subjects of interest, a Master’s degree does this to a greater extent, where you will conduct independent research in order to develop your thoughts and ideas. For many students with passionate academic interests, there’s little need to question the value of a Master’s degree; the experience itself provides plenty of satisfaction by attending extracurricular activities and meetings, hearing from guest speakers and lecturers, and one-on-one supervision.

A Masters May Help Admission into A Doctoral Program

Become an expert in your area of interest. If you’re intent on contributing to the world, professionally or academically, you will need to know your field inside and out—starting with a master’s degree.

Not all college graduates are competitive doctoral program applicants right out of undergraduate school. A master’s program can help you improve your academic record and show that you are committed, interested, and qualified in your field of concentration.  As a master’s student, you will have contact with graduate faculty who teach in the doctoral program, as well as doctoral students (who often take many of the same classes as master’s students), which will give you a chance to get some insight from current graduate students on what life is like in a doctoral program. However, admission to a doctoral program is not guaranteed.**

** Before you choose this option, be sure that you can live with yourself if you don’t get accepted.**

Being a scholar has changed many lives in terms of job, personal success, and social status. Therefore, there are obviously many benefits of earning a doctorate. However, the way to the doctorate is very long and tiring. Here are some reasons many opt not to get a higher education.

A Master’s is Time Consuming

If you’re getting a doctorate, you’re going to be in school for many years. A doctoral degree can take over five years to complete. By that time, many college graduates with bachelor’s degree are well into their professional career. Getting a master’s on top of that adds 1–3 more years to your time in a graduate program. Is that something you really want?

As mentioned, typically, a full-time master’s program will require at least two years of studying; however, even though many doctoral and master’s students are in the same classes, many new doctoral students find that their master’s coursework doesn’t transfer into the doctoral program. So, if you decide to pursue a master’s degree before applying to doctorate programs, recognize that it will likely not make a dent in your required doctoral coursework. Your doctoral degree will likely take an additional 4 to 6 years after completion of your master’s program.

The prestige power of the postgraduate degree, however, is on the decline. With mass education, the number of doctorate holders is increasing, so that the elite membership and the high social status have deteriorated—especially in connection with a decrease in salary for academic professionals.  This raising the question: Why choose to specialize so narrowly, work so many hours, and for so little pay when one could more lucrative employment elsewhere for less credentialing?

A Master’s is Usually Unfunded

Are you prepared to have potentially tens of thousands of dollars of debt before you begin your doctoral program?  Many students find that master’s students have to pay for their program out-of-pocket, as they usually do not receive much funding for school, which is a huge con. Moreover, if you choose not to seek a doctoral degree, what employment options accompany your master’s degree? Do your homework and think carefully before enrolling in a master’s program prior to seeking a doctorate.

However, it is worth noting that you may be able to get more financial aid for pursuing a doctorate, since pursuing doctorates take longer to earn, schools recognize that those trying to get one need more financial assistance. Before choosing what kind of graduate degree to pursue, think about what you want to do after graduation. A master’s prepares students for careers that are not research focused. Therefore, if you want to work in any field of research, you need to get a doctorate.

Salary Differences

After considering the different responsibilities and commitments the two graduate programs require, look at the average salaries each program graduate. Below are the salary differences between master’s and doctoral program graduates as well as a comparison of the lifetime earnings of both degrees in respective occupations. Below is an income chart from the United States Census Bureau about employee work-life earnings of different occupations and education levels.

Overall, the average life earnings of doctorate holders are higher than other degree holders in the same industry. However, the life-earning gap between master’s and doctorates varies among different fields of study.

How Do You Decide Which Degree Is Right For You?

You may have to choose between a master’s and doctoral program depending on your educational and professional goals. Take time to determine what your career goals are and which degree would be most helpful to your success. You can find out more about the requirements in your field by doing some basic internet research, asking graduate faculty at potential programs, and speaking with professionals in your field(s) of interest. If you are unsure of your ultimate goal, consider:

·          Holding off on graduate school until you better discover and define your career goals;

·          Starting a master’s program and decide later whether to apply to a doctoral program.

Earning a postgraduate degree is an honor, but if you are just looking for ways to improve your career, obtaining a master’s degree may be worthwhile financially, as master’s holders receive similar work-life earning as postdocs (see above chart). As previously mentioned, in Part 1 of this blog , one way students can gauge whether they are cut out for a doctorate program is to take a few research-focused courses as an undergrad or master’s student. So, consider pursuing a doctoral degree if enjoy research and want to advance the knowledge of a field you truly love. If you are looking for a change in field, industry, or a promotion, then getting your master’s is most likely enough.

Knowing your professional goals will help guide your choices for graduate study. Certain career paths, such as a lawyer or surgeon, are clearly outlined with the necessary steps, including the required educational level and graduate degree. Other career paths are less restrictive and you will need to conduct more research to find out the steps. Thoroughly research your field of interest and have a strong understanding of the skills and knowledge will help inform you which degree option makes the most sense for your goals.

Ultimately, it’s up to you whether you should obtain a master’s degree before applying to doctoral programs. Also, keep in mind that some doctoral programs award master’s degrees along the way, so talk to graduate admissions advisors/faculty of programs you are considering. And, of course, if you are considering a master’s degree, discuss your educational options and career trajectory with professors or professionals in your field.

Still unsure on what program to pursue? Remember, when going to graduate school, be prepared for a different experience from your undergraduate years. When you enroll in a graduate degree program, it’s best to be and stay motivated by professional and academic goals. Read about other things PhDStudent advises to consider when deciding to go to graduate school here , here , and here .

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Should I do a PhD? 4 things I wish I knew before starting my PhD

Editor’s Note: This post is by Alon Loeffler, co-founder of Find My Pathway, who is completing a PhD in Physics at The University of Sydney after an undergraduate degree and honours in Psychology .

So you’ve finally finished 3-5 years of an undergraduate degree . Maybe an honours year too. Perhaps you’ve even taken a year off to travel and find yourself.

What now? Should you take on another 3-5 years of study, and take on the daunting task of doing a PhD?

Here are 4 things I wish I knew before ultimately making the decision to pursue my PhD.

“A night out with PhD colleagues at a bar, you might meet the next Nobel prize winner”

1. A PhD will give you so much more than just a career pathway

During my first year as a PhD student, I learned a lot about my new field. Neuroscience, Artificial Intelligence and Nanotechnology were not areas I had much experience in from a Psychology background. Pursuing a PhD in the school of Physics opened me up to a huge range of new topics, technologies and people, which I never would have been exposed to previously. Choosing to move cities from Melbourne to Sydney to undertake my studies also impacted my life drastically: a new house, new friends, and new experiences.

I learned more about myself in the past year than I did in the entirety of my undergraduate degree. Before my PhD, I never thought I could gain complex skills and adapt to a new discipline so quickly. I had to throw myself into uncomfortable, sometimes awkward social and professional situations. From all of this, I came out a better person – and much closer to the  real  me than I was before.

So many people I know opt to travel to find themselves, which is great. But for me, one year of a PhD did more than a lifetime of travel ever could (although travel is also a huge part of a PhD).

Pursuing a PhD will help you understand your limitations, both good and bad. You will learn how much better at learning new things you are than you believe, and you will face and overcome challenges that you didn’t even think possible. You will hone cutting-edge skills while meeting incredible people who have powerful, and deep-reaching connections.

At a night out with friends at a bar before your PhD, you might meet some fun, interesting people. But at a night out with PhD colleagues at a bar, you might meet the next Nobel prize winner .

How will a PhD help you in your career?

Visualise your career pathway and get personalised career guidance, opportunities and insights.

2. There are many different paths into a PhD

I’ve been asked many times about the requirements for pursuing a Doctorate degree. Are there qualifying exams for a PhD? Do you need to complete a masters degree to start a PhD? Can I do a PhD while working full time?

The answers to all of these questions will depend on which institution you apply to, and your personal circumstances. In Australia, there are no qualifying exams for PhD degrees. Having a masters degree might help you receive a scholarship for your PhD, but is not necessarily a requirement. Many Doctoral programs in Australia only require a year of honours as part of your undergraduate studies.

However, there are many exceptions to this as well. Most universities should allow you to start a Masters degree, and then switch to a PhD after one year. If you’re working full-time or part-time you can also pursue a PhD on a part-time basis, where the workload is much more manageable, but the duration of the program is increased. You might also be able to undertake an industry PhD program, where your company partners with a university to sponsor your doctoral candidature.

Interested in finding your pathway into a PhD? Take a look at the  Pathways  page and select your field.

3. What you plan to do is not always as great as what you accidentally do

Before you even start your PhD, you will be required to write plans about what your research will cover. Planning is a crucial component of completing a PhD within the time you are allocated. Without to-do lists, or general ideas about what you will be working, or search for during your doctorate, you will certainly be lost.

I use a really great note-taking and to-do list app called Typora  which offers a markdown editor with support for LaTeX styling.

Plans and to-do lists will help you keep track of your goals and research. But things don’t always go according to plan. There will be times where you get sidetracked and go off on a reading tangent about topics that seem unrelated; or situations where an unexpected result might push your research in a completely unexpected way.

When these serendipitous events occur, don’t be afraid to chuck out your plans and follow the unexpected. Some of the most important inventions to date happened completely by accident, many times during research on a completely separate topic (Penicillin, microwave ovens and Cornflakes are a few examples of this).

However, abandoning all your plans and pursuing an entirely accidental discovery could also be very costly. Plans can and should be broken when it is important to do so, but new plans should take their place, and help shape the altered course of your research as soon as possible. Make sure you meet regularly with your supervisor to track and update your plans, so that when something accidental and lucky does happen, you will feel comfortable enough to test it without losing all your hard work.

4. Everyone feels like they are inadequate sometimes

Imposter syndrome – my old friend. Imposter syndrome is the niggling feeling in your mind that you just can’t seem to get rid of, like an itch at the back of your throat. It’s a sensation of dissatisfaction and inadequacy in everything you do.

Imposter syndrome can be the hardest part of a PhD.

Sometimes you try and read a research paper, or a book, and the words all seem to blur together, none of it sinking in. Other times you might accidentally delete important data, or have a conversation with another student or professor who seems to know  so much more . You might feel like you will never be as good as that person, or that you are so far out of your depth and you’ve forgotten how to swim.

On the brighter side, imposter syndrome is incredibly common, and not just in PhD students, but even CEOs of major companies.

It took me over a year to realise this and come to terms with this feeling. I wish I had known to expect it before starting my PhD, and how to deal with it.

How do you deal with this feeling?

A lot of practice. Determination. Hard-word and self-kindness.

It doesn’t matter if your experiment didn’t work the first time, or if a guest speaker seems so much more knowledgeable than you. I guarantee two things: 1) They too have felt this way once, or still feel this way, and 2) You will one day be looked at by other people in the same light – an expert in your field.

Be kind to yourself. Believe in your process. Open up to your friends and supervisors regularly, and work to fix what you don’t like. If you do these things, imposter syndrome will become the easiest part of your PhD, and that means you’re in a really good place!

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Whether you've already graduated or are about to graduate from college, if you're asking yourself, "Should I get a master’s degree?" it’s time to dig deep and find the answer. A master's degree can be useful for particular careers — but it's also expensive and time-consuming. So is a master’s degree right for you?

In this guide, we go over what a master's degree is, four key questions to ask yourself before you decide to get one, the pros and cons of getting one, and three tips to help you decide on the best master’s degree program for you.

Feature Image: Illinois Springfield /Flickr

What Is a Master's Degree?

A master’s degree is a graduate degree that indicates you have high-level knowledge of a specific area of study or professional practice. These degrees are the first level of graduate degrees, followed only by doctoral degrees, such as the PhD.

Master's degree graduate programs are offered all over the world at public and private colleges and universities. Most people earn their master's degrees in one to three years of continuous full-time study . In the US, two years is a common length for many master's programs.

In terms of prerequisites, you’ll typically need to have at least a bachelor’s degree in order to enroll in a master’s degree program.

There are many kinds of master’s degrees you can earn. Here are some of the most common:

• Master of Arts (MA)
• Master of Science (MS)
• Master of Fine Arts (MFA)
• Master of Business Administration (MBA)
• Master of Engineering (ME, MEng)
• Master of Education (MEd)
• Master of Laws (LLM)
• Master of Architecture (MArch)
• Master of Public Administration (MPA)
• Master of Public Health (MPH)
• Master of Public Policy (MPP)
• Master of Social Work (MSW)

Should I Get a Master’s Degree? 4 Questions to Consider

If you’re wondering, "Should I get my master’s?" then it’s important to ask yourself the following four questions before you make any big decisions.

#1: Am I Passionate About the Topic I Want to Study?

First things first, are you passionate about the subject area you want to study at the master’s level? If your answer isn’t a resounding "yes," then it'll be better to reconsider getting a master’s degree — at least in that particular topic.

But why is passion so important?

The reality is that it can be difficult to find the willpower to finish grad school if you’re not all that invested in the topic you’re studying or are only in school because you don’t know what to do with your life.

I myself knew a couple of people who ended up dropping out of master’s programs once they realized it wasn’t actually the topic they wanted to study (for the record, they both switched to different master’s programs).

Leaving a master’s program isn’t a failure by any means, but trust me when I say that your life will be a lot easier if you have a clear idea of what you want to study (and why) before you apply to master’s programs.  You don’t want to feel as though you wasted time, energy, and money on a grad program that ultimately didn’t help you reach your academic or professional goals.

Before you decide to go for a master’s degree,  try to envision yourself as a grad student,  taking classes in the subject, researching it, and writing papers about it. If these thoughts excite you, then this field is likely a good fit for you. If you feel hollow or apathetic, however, you should reconsider whether it's truly worth getting a master’s degree in this subject area.

If you’re really on the fence about earning a master's degree — maybe the topic you’re thinking of studying is completely different from what you majored in as an undergrad — you might want to consider taking some community college courses in that field to help you get a much clearer sense of how grad school will be.

#2: Will Getting a Master’s Degree Help My Career?

Another important question to ask yourself is how this particular master’s degree can help you in your professional goals.

There are two general categories of graduate degrees :

• Academic degrees
• Professional degrees

Academic master’s degrees are primarily focused on increasing your mastery of a specific field of study that connects to your academic and intellectual interests (which you might or might not want to use in your career).

Many students choose to get a master’s degree as a step toward getting a doctoral degree —often a PhD —i n their field of study. Academic grad programs also generally require a master's thesis or capstone project and are more research-oriented.

Examples of academic master's degrees include the MA and MS.

By contrast, professional master’s degrees are much more strongly tied to your career interests, teaching you about the industry you want to enter and equipping you with key skills you will need to succeed professionally.

A professional degree is meant to prepare you for a specific career or field. Many careers, such as lawyers, doctors, and pharmacists, require you to earn a series of professional degrees (usually master's and doctoral degrees).

Examples of professional degrees include the MBA and LLM.

Ultimately, when it comes to getting a master’s degree, you must ask yourself: how much are you expecting your degree to help you in your career?  There is no right answer here, though ideally your master’s degree will help you either progress in or jump-start your career.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) , in certain professional fields, having a master’s degree will earn you more money than if you had only a bachelor’s degree. These fields include the following:

• Healthcare and social service

So if you plan to get a master’s degree in any of these four fields, you can rest assured that doing so will most likely have a positive effect on your career trajectory.

If you want to get a master’s degree in a field not listed above, don't freak out just yet —t his doesn’t mean your degree will be totally useless when it comes to your career. As long as you have an idea of how you’d like to use your master's degree and how it can provide you with the critical skills you need to succeed in a specific job, it'll most likely be a good choice to make.

#3: Will I Have to Pay for the Degree?

Unlike doctoral programs, many of which are fully funded for up to five years, master’s degrees in the US are rarely funded. Therefore, it’s important to find out whether you’ll have to pay for your master’s degree — and whether you think the program is worth the price tag.

Again, there’s no right or wrong choice here. Some people are perfectly content to pay for part or even all of their master’s degrees, especially if the degree is essentially guaranteed to help with their careers. Others, however, are adamantly against taking out loans and forking out thousands of dollars for a degree that might not actually help their careers or raise their earning potential.

My personal advice? Try to pay as little as you can for a master’s degree.

Often the cost simply isn’t worth it, especially if you’re planning to get an academic degree and not a professional degree (which is typically more likely to ensure you a steady career).

Remember that master’s programs in the US range significantly in how much they cost. According to the National Center for Education Statistics , the average annual cost (tuition + fees) for grad school in 2012-13 was $16,435.

In my experience, though, this number seems to be on the lower end of the spectrum. As The Best Master’s Degree notes, master’s degree programs in the US can cost in the range of $30,000 to $120,000, with some even exceeding this "maximum"!

This is why I strongly advise looking for master’s programs that award scholarships or fellowships. Grad programs often list scholarships on their program and/or financial aid pages.

You can also look for external scholarships geared toward grad students. For tips, check out our list of 47 grad school scholarships and our guide on how to find grad school scholarships .

#4: Am I OK With Not Working?

A master’s degree is generally a commitment of at least one year — usually two or three — which means you (most likely) won’t be working a full-time job during this time.

Before you decide to do a master’s program, make sure you’re 100% OK with taking a break from working (or, if you’re going straight from undergrad to grad school, delaying entering the workforce).

If you’re young (in your 20s or so), taking a couple years off for school shouldn’t have much of a negative effect on your career trajectory or professional options.

But if you’re older and more established —maybe  you have a successful career or a family to care for — taking time off from work to get a master’s degree could have more of a negative impact on your life than you might think.

For one, you likely won't be making much, if any, money while you’re a grad student (unless you’re receiving a stipend or working part-time), so this kind of lifestyle definitely requires sacrifice.

Secondly, it can be difficult to get back into the workforce once you get your master’s degree since you might not have the connections you once had and might lack some practical, on-the-job skills.

6 Pros and Cons of Getting a Master’s Degree

Now that you have a better idea of whether or not a master’s degree is right for you, let’s take a look at the biggest pros and cons of getting one.

Pros of Getting a Master's Degree

It’ll expand your knowledge of a particular subject area: This is perhaps the #1 reason most people opt for a master’s degree, whether it’s mainly to quench your own intellectual curiosity, bolster your career opportunities, or both. Getting a master’s degree also means spending your time reading, researching, and writing — all of which are incredibly valuable, transferable skills.

It can open up new career paths: Whether or not you need a master’s degree to nab a job you want, there’s no doubt getting one will make you more marketable in general and allow you to stand out in a positive light. This advantage is especially applicable to those getting a master’s degree in order to make a career switch.

It can increase your earning potential: According to the BLS, master’s degree holders in 2017 made a median $1,401 a week ; these median wages are higher than what bachelor’s degree holders ($1,173) and high school graduates ($712) made. In other words, earning a master’s degree means higher wages on average. (This is a general trend; weekly earnings can vary a lot depending on factors such as the field, amount of work experience, etc.)

Cons of Getting a Master's Degree

It’s expensive, especially if you don’t get any scholarships: As mentioned, scholarships and fellowships for master’s degree programs are unfortunately pretty rare, which means you’ll most likely have to pay a huge sum of money for your degree out of pocket, through student loans, or both.

It takes a while to get one: Master’s degrees in the US usually take around two years. Even though this isn’t as long as it takes to get a bachelor’s degree, it's still a decent chunk of time you’ll need to be willing to dedicate entirely to school, meaning you’ll be taking valuable time away from accumulating work experience.

It’s not guaranteed to get you a better job or higher salary: Despite the general benefits a master’s degree can have regarding jobs and salary potential, getting a master’s degree does not automatically mean you’ll be nabbing only the best jobs available and getting instant pay raises. A lot of your professional success will depend on not just what type of master’s degree you get but also how you use it, what kind of career you build with it, your location, how good you are at your job, and so on.

What Should You Get a Master’s Degree In? 3 Essential Tips

Even if you know you want to get a master’s degree, sometimes deciding what subject area to get a degree in can be tricky. Here are some tips to help you answer a key question: what should you get a master’s degree in?

Tip 1: Determine Your Biggest Passions and Interests

Regardless of whether your intellectual or professional passions have changed since you got your bachelor’s degree, take time to consider what kinds of topics you’re deeply interested in.

It should be a subject area you can readily envision yourself researching, reading about, and writing about as your day-to-day "job."  If the idea of studying this topic excites and inspires you, then it'll likely be a great field for you to pursue a master’s degree in.

But what if you’re equally interested in two topics? In this case, you have a few options:

• Pick the field that’s more relevant to your professional goals: For example, if you’re interested in both English lit and computer science but plan to go into web design in the future, a computer science degree will be far more useful.
• Consider doing a degree or dual degree that combines both fields: For example, if you’re interested in Chinese and law, you might want to look into dual degree programs that let you study both Chinese and law, such as the dual JD/MA program at the University of Michigan .
• Apply to programs in both fields and choose a program to attend based on factors such as location, funding, etc.: If you really can’t decide between the two, then it might be best to just apply to the programs that interest you in both fields. Once you find out which programs you’ve been accepted to, you can make your decision on where to go (and what field to study) based on other important factors to you, such as how much financial aid you received, where the school is located, and how highly ranked the program is.

Tip 2: Consider Your Professional Goals

Before choosing a field in which to get a master’s degree, try to visualize your future career path:

• What kind of industry or field do you want to work in?
• What kinds of jobs do you see yourself working?
• Do these jobs often require or strongly prefer a master’s degree?

It's helpful to  first figure out the general field you’re interested in studying at the graduate level. For example, say you majored in English and are now thinking of breaking into writing and editing. Options for possible master’s programs could include the following:

• English/literature
• Creative writing
• Professional writing
• Technical writing
• Communication
• Marketing/advertising

Once you have a general idea of the industry or field you want to have a career in, begin thinking about specific skills and topics you want to learn, and look for master's degree programs that can help you become an expert at these.

Say you're the English major interested in establishing a career in writing and editing. Maybe you’re not as interested in reading as you are in writing. So as a result, you start to think it might be better to look primarily at master’s degree programs that focus on how to write professionally.

In this case, a program that centers on writing as a career versus as an art, such as NYU’s MS in Professional Writing and Emerson’s MA in Publishing and Writing , would be a better fit for your goals.

Of course, this doesn’t mean you can’t apply to other programs, such as creative writing MFAs. But thinking about the skills you want to learn should help you narrow down what kind of program you think will benefit you the most in your future endeavors (whatever those may be).

If you’re struggling to determine what kind of career you want, there's no harm in  meeting with a job coach or getting in touch with your undergrad institution’s career services center.

Tip 3: Get to Know the Program

Once you have an idea of what topic you want to study in a master's program and what kind of career you envision yourself having, it’s time to figure out what programs will work best for you.

Here are some actions you can take once you’ve found a program you want to apply to:

• Read the program's official website:  Get online and read everything there is to know about the master's program you’re considering. Start with the college or university's official website, and pay special attention to pages that detail specific courses students must take, professors, and graduation requirements.
• Learn about the experiences of real students:  Get in touch with current/former students in the master's degree program you want to apply to. These are the people who can tell you what to expect in terms of classes, faculty members, the campus environment, professional networking opportunities, etc.
• Visit the campus, if possible: This isn’t a necessity, but oftentimes seeing the campus and program in-person can give you a clearer picture of how you’ll fit in on a day-to-day basis.
• Get to know the current faculty: This is generally more important for those seeking PhDs, but even for prospective master’s students, it’s definitely helpful to learn more about faculty members by reading their profiles on the school’s website, emailing them, or meeting them in person.
• Find out about funding: This primarily depends on your financial situation and what you’re willing to pay for grad school. But as I mentioned, it’s best to pay as little as you can for your master's degree. Find out whether the program offers scholarships and how many students get one each year. In general, better-funded master's degree programs should be higher on your list of schools — but this doesn’t mean funding is by far the most important factor.

Conclusion: Should I Get My Master’s?

To wrap up, there’s no clear answer to the question, "Should I get a master’s degree?" Indeed, your answer to this will depend on the future you envision for yourself. In other words, what kind of career do you want? And how will a master’s degree help you succeed in your endeavors?

Before you start applying for master’s degree programs, ask yourself these four critical questions:

• Am I passionate about the topic I want to study?
• Will getting a master’s degree help my career?
• Will I have to pay for the degree?
• Am I OK with not working?

There are many pros and cons to getting a master’s degree.  The biggest pros are that it’ll teach you more about a specific subject area, open up potential career paths, and possibly increase your earnings. The cons are that master’s degrees can be expensive, take a while to earn, and are by no means 100% guaranteed to nab you a better job or higher salary.

If you’ve decided to get a master’s degree, great! Now, it’s time to answer the next big question: what should you get a master’s degree in? Here are three tips to help you decide on the best program for you:

• Determine your biggest passions and interests
• Consider your professional goals
• Get to know the program

After reading this, you should now have a far clearer vision for your future, regardless of whether there's a master's degree in it or not!

What’s Next?

What exactly is grad school? Learn about why it might be a good idea for you to continue your education beyond undergrad to get a master's or doctoral degree . Also, our expert tips can help you decide whether grad school is worth it for you .

Paying for a master's degree can be tough. That's why it's important you know how to get the most out of FAFSA .

Hannah received her MA in Japanese Studies from the University of Michigan and holds a bachelor's degree from the University of Southern California. From 2013 to 2015, she taught English in Japan via the JET Program. She is passionate about education, writing, and travel.

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Frequently Asked Questions for PhD Applicants

If you have questions about the application process, please consult the Application FAQ

Program FAQ

• When is the application deadline?  December 7, 2023 11:59 PM PST is the application deadline for Autumn 2024-2025.
• I will have just earned my bachelor’s degree before starting graduate study at Stanford. Should I apply to the MS or the PhD program?  You should apply to the degree program that can fulfill your ultimate degree goal. For example, if obtaining a PhD is your ultimate goal, you should apply directly to the PhD program.
• Do I need to have a master’s degree before applying to the PhD program?  No; the minimum degree requirement is a bachelor’s degree. Students who enter the PhD program may opt to pursue the master’s degree along the way to earning the PhD.
• If I apply to the PhD program but do not get admitted, will I be considered for the MS program?   The Electrical Engineering Department does not consider PhD applicants not admitted into the PhD program for the MS program. 
• If I am admitted and enrolled in the MS program, may I enter the PhD program later?  Admission to the PhD program is possible only through the  annual general admissions process . Current MS students must reapply through this process to be considered for the PhD program.
• May I apply for a start term other than autumn? No; applications are reviewed on an annual basis for autumn quarter start only.
• How long does it take to complete the PhD?  Typical completion time for the PhD program is 5-7 years.
• How important is it to contact faculty before I apply?  Contact with faculty members is not a required part of the application process nor does it guarantee admission to our graduate program. Admissions decisions are made by the Admissions Committee, not by individual faculty members.
• Is financial assistance available for PhD students?  Yes; all PhD students who maintain satisfactory academic progress receive full financial support for the duration of the doctoral program. For more information, please see  Financial Assistance for PhD Students .
• What are the minimum GPA requirements for admission?  Applicants do not need to meet any minimum grade point average (GPA) to secure admission, and we do not release information about average GPAs of admitted students. As a guideline, successful applicants typically earn undergraduate cumulative GPAs among the top of their class. However, please keep in mind that admission to our graduate programs depends on a combination of factors, and all areas of a student’s application are weighed when applications are reviewed.
• Am I eligible to apply if my undergraduate major is not Electrical Engineering?  Yes; students who meet the minimum degree requirements with a strong technical background in engineering, physical sciences, or mathematics are welcome to apply. A bachelor's degree in electrical engineering is not strictly required.
• Are specific prerequisite courses required for admission?  No; we advise prospective applicants to review the  EE Graduate Handbook  and the  Stanford Course Catalog  to evaluate what prerequisites are needed for graduate-level courses in your area(s) of interest.
• What is the minimum level of study required of international applicants from an academic institution outside of the U.S.?  Please refer to  Stanford Graduate Admissions | International Applicants  for eligibility guidelines related to study outside of the U.S.
• What is the process for transferring to the PhD program from another institution?  Students who wish to transfer to our PhD program from another institution must complete the same application procedure as new applicants. If you are admitted and enrolled, you may request to transfer up to 45 units of coursework from your previous institution toward the PhD degree requirements at Stanford, by following the procedures for  Graduate Residency Credit . Students must complete one quarter at Stanford before requesting to transfer units, and all transferred units are subject to approval by the Registrar’s Office.
• If I am admitted to a EE graduate program, can my admission be deferred?  The Department greatly discourages deferral of matriculation dates.  Deferrals are granted only to PhD applicants, and only in exceptional circumstances such as for US military service or visa issues for students arriving from designated countries.  Admitted students wishing to defer admission must send a written request (along with documentation if possible) to  [email protected] . Requests will be reviewed by the Admissions Committee. MS and Coterm applicants cannot defer admission dates.

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Should I do a Masters?

Studying for a postgraduate course has many advantages but it’s also intense, costly and time consuming. If you’re questioning whether you should do a Masters you need to take the following into consideration

Why do a Masters?

Amy Smith, associate director of admissions and student recruitment at Nottingham Trent University explains 'some of the most common reasons we come across include:

•  a love of learning
• the need to gain in-depth knowledge about a particular subject or career area
• a plan to have a career in academia
• a desire to increase employment prospects.'

A Masters degree can also help you to enter a particular profession, progress a current career path, aid a career change, help you to gain chartership and provide useful industry contacts and connections.

However, Masters study is intense and often comes with a hefty price tag. You'll also need relevant  work experience  for entry onto a programme. In order to make the most of postgraduate study it's vital to have a solid reason for committing to a course.

Will a Masters help me get a job?

Masters degrees in the UK are highly regarded by employers. They are also popular among international students, indicating the UK's globally recognised strength in this area.

Holding a Masters qualification won't guarantee you a job, but the government's  Graduate labour market statistics 2022  show that graduates and postgraduates continue to have higher employment rates than non-graduates.

'In fact according to these statistics, postgraduates are around 12% more likely to be in a professional role than first-degree graduates,' says Amy. For example, 78% of all working-age postgraduates were in high-skilled employment, compared with 66% of all working age graduates.

For some roles, such as clinical psychologist, lawyer, librarian or teacher, a Masters degree is essential, while for many others it is highly beneficial. To check the entry requirements for particular roles, see  job profiles . To find out how a Masters can aid career progression see  conversion courses  and  professional qualifications .

Having a relevant Masters degree could give you a crucial competitive edge in a crowded job market - employers are increasingly looking for ways to distinguish between candidates, and this higher-level qualification shows your ability to commit to an intense period of work. Masters study may also be useful if you're looking to  change career .

If you're already working in your preferred industry, a postgraduate degree could lead to rapid career progression. It could emphasise your drive, determination and willingness to increase your ability in a chosen area. What's more, your employer may support you financially through  sponsorship .

You will only benefit fully from a Masters if it's complemented by relevant work experience. Without this, your employability will be weaker and you run the risk of getting into unnecessary debt. Read these  5 ways to benefit from your university's industry links .

Is it worth the cost?

Obtaining a Masters degree can be expensive and time-consuming. Therefore you need to weigh up your reasons for studying carefully.

As a rule, Masters study is cheaper than doing an undergraduate degree, although fees vary widely. In the majority of cases, international students pay more. The exception to this rule is the MBA , which is one of the most expensive qualifications available. To find out more about the financial cost of postgraduate study, see  what is a Masters degree?  To discover more about  financial support, see  funding postgraduate study .

On a positive note, postgraduates earn considerably more than their undergraduate (and non-graduate) counterparts. The Graduate labour market statistics 2022  report shows that working-age postgraduates have a median nominal salary of £45,000. This is £6,500 more than working-age graduates (£38,500) and £18,000 more than working-age non-graduates (£27,000).

Despite this, think about why you want to pursue a Masters before committing. Many applicants wrongly believe that a Masters degree will automatically allow them to earn more - yet this is only true if the qualification gets them closer to fulfilling their ambitions. To be certain that a Masters will meet your expectations, and be worth the high costs, you should:

• be passionate about your subject
• browse relevant job adverts to identify what employers value most, as industry certifications and accreditations are more important for certain roles
• consider everything in the context of your overall career plan, ensuring that the qualification offers the best way of achieving your career goals
• consider whether Masters study will boost your credentials significantly above your existing undergraduate education
• contact careers services, professional bodies or individual employers for further advice.

Avoid Masters study if you can't convince yourself it's the right move and don't pursue postgraduate study in the naïve hope that it'll automatically add to your CV or because you need more time to think about your career. Unless your goals are  clear, it might be better to spend some time in the workplace gaining experience, research your options, or take a  gap year .

To learn more about your options, see  what can I do with my degree?

Which Masters subjects are the most useful?

It depends on how you look at this. If you look at it from a salary perspective those that lead to high paying jobs, include subjects such as:

• architecture
• business and management
• engineering
• medicine and dentistry

If you look through the lens of which Masters subjects are most employable you'll find the following:

• medical science
• nursing and midwifery
• pharmacology and pharmacy
• social work
• sport and exercise science
• veterinary sciences.

Can I do a Masters with a 2:2 or a third?

You'll usually need a 2:1 at Bachelors level, or an equivalent qualification, to be accepted onto a Masters course.

However, those with a 2:2, a third, or no undergraduate degree at all may be considered provided they have appropriate professional experience. Contact the admissions department directly if you don't meet the criteria.

If you're worried that your lower-class degree may affect your chances of gaining postgraduate funding, this won't be the case. You'll be out of the running for merit-based funding, such as university scholarships and bursaries, but needs-based funding and postgraduate loans aren't awarded on academic merit, so you'll still be eligible to apply.

If English isn't your first language you'll also need to prove proficiency with a recognised language test, such as:

• International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
• Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
• Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic)
• Cambridge English Language Assessment.
• Language requirements differ between institutions and depending on your subject of study.

To check the entry requirements of a particular course,  search for a Masters degree .

International students can find more information about how their qualifications compare to those in the UK at  UK ENIC (National Information Centre for the recognition and evaluation of international qualifications and skills) .

Can I do a PhD without a Masters?

To be accepted onto a  PhD , which is the highest qualification a student can achieve, students usually need a relevant Masters degree.

This is because students cannot attain the requisite level of in-depth knowledge about a particular area without Masters study. Those looking to progress onto a PhD from Masters study can benefit from making contacts for future reference, and by surrounding themselves with students and colleagues who share their aims and interests.

However, the minimum entry requirement for most PhDs is an upper second class Bachelors degree, so it's possible for those without a Masters to gain entry onto a Doctoral programme. It's more common for science students to progress directly to a PhD from an undergraduate course, while those studying the arts and humanities will generally need a Masters.

PhD entry requirements vary so to check specific requirements,  search for a PhD .

Will I have time to do a Masters?

Masters study must fit around your lifestyle, so identifying the mode of study that's right for you is essential.

Full-time study is the most common, and suits continuing students. You'll work intensively for the duration of the programme, achieving your qualification as quickly as possible. Contact hours vary from course to course, but full-time study involves several lectures and seminars each week. Alternatively, it could require you to attend university from 9am to 5pm every weekday. Business, law and science courses generally require more contact time than programmes in arts and humanities. Regardless, you'll be expected to dedicate six to seven hours per day to self-study.

Part-time study, meanwhile, is primarily aimed at students with family commitments and/or in full-time employment. You'll usually study for around 20 hours every week. While qualification takes longer - often two to four years - teaching is flexible, and lectures and seminars take place during the day or evening. Sessions are commonly hosted during the weekends or even recorded for students to access online.  Working while studying  is particularly popular with those who are self-funding their course.

Other modes of study worth considering include:

• Blended learning  - combines face-to-face classroom time with online learning. You can interact with lecturers, tutors and fellow students, while also working from home. Learn more about blended learning .
• Block mode learning  - involves intense face-to-face study over a fixed period, often weekends or consecutive days allowing students to book time off work in advance.
• Distance/online learning  - entails learning from home in your own time. You'll get resources and support from a personal tutor, and can take as long as you need to complete the course. Find out more about  online learning , choosing an online learning platform and discover 5 tips for online exams .

Search for part-time and distance learning Masters .

If you’re determined to study a postgraduate programme but are worried about the length of time this will take you could consider a postgraduate certificate (PGCert) or diploma (PGDip) . Worth less credits than a Masters they take less time to complete one term (15 weeks) and two terms (30 weeks) respectively.

Am I ready to do a Masters?

Before committing to a Masters degree, ask yourself:

• Am I fully aware of the level of commitment required to undertake Masters study?
• Am I prepared to do more studying and less socialising than at undergraduate level?
• Am I excited by the opportunity to write another, even longer dissertation or research project?
• Can I afford Masters study, in terms of tuition fees and living costs?
• Am I willing to accrue more graduate debt, or alternatively make potentially lengthy applications for funding?
• Am I willing to live on a budget in order to cover living expenses, while my friends are in full-time employment?
• Will the postgraduate qualification improve my career prospects?
• Is the qualification rated highly by employers within my ideal industry?
• Will the qualification equip me with the specific skills needed for my  career?
• Will my studies allow me to qualify in my chosen field?
• Am I  passionate about the qualification and subject?
• Am I certain that the courses I'm looking at are right for me?

'There is a lot of information online that can help you answer some of those questions, and university admissions departments are always on hand to answer any questions you may have,' advises Amy.

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10 things you need to know before starting a PhD degree

So you want to do a PhD degree, huh? Here we've got everything you need to know about getting started.

So you want to do a PhD degree, huh? Are you sure about that? It’s not going to be an easy decision, so I’ve put together a list of 10 things you need to know before starting a PhD degree. Oh, and don’t panic!

I have recently graduated from the University of Manchester with a PhD in Plant Sciences after four difficult, but enjoyable, years. During those four years, I often felt slightly lost – and there was more than one occasion on which I didn’t even want to imagine writing up my thesis in fear of delving into fits of panic.

On reflection, I realise that – to quote a colleague – commencing my PhD was like “jumping in the deep end with your eyes closed.” If only I’d known to take a deep breath.

1. Are you sure you want to do a PhD degree?

Let’s be under no false impressions, completing a PhD isn’t easy. There will be times when you feel like Wile E Coyote chasing after the Roadrunner – a little bit out of your depth a lot of the time. It’s four years of your life, so make sure it is what you really want to do.

If you want to pursue a career in science, a PhD isn’t always necessary.

It is possible to make great inroads into industry without a doctoral degree. That said, a PhD can also be a very useful qualification with many transferable skills to add to your CV.

By the time you’ll have finished, you can include essentials such as time management, organisational skills, prioritising workloads, attention to detail, writing skills, presenting to an audience – and most importantly – resilience, to name but a few.

2. Choose your project, and supervisor, wisely.

This is  very  important.

Time after time, our experienced scientists at EI, including Erik Van-Den-Bergh (and I agree) say, “ make sure you’re extremely passionate about exactly that subject. ” When I saw the PhD opening that I eventually was offered, I remember being demonstrably ecstatic about the project before I’d even started it.

I was always interested in calcium signalling and organised a meeting with my potential supervisor immediately, which (to quote Billy Connolly) I leapt into in a mood of gay abandon.

Not only does this help you to keep engaged with your project even through the painstakingly slow times, it also greatly enhances your ability to sell yourself in an interview. If you can show passion and enthusiasm about the project and the science then you’ll be that one step ahead of other candidates – which is all the more important now that many studentships are competitive.

You have to  be the best  out of many, often exceptional candidates.

However, as important as it is to be passionate about your project, make sure that the person who will be supervising you is worthy.

Does your potential supervisor have a prolific track record of publishing work? What is the community of scientists like in the lab you may be working in? Are there experienced post-doctoral scientists working in the lab? Who will your advisor be? Is your supervisor an expert in the field you are interested in? Is the work you will be doing ground-breaking and novel, or is it quite niche?

There is nothing more frustrating – and I know many PhD degree students with this problem – than having a supervisor who is rarely there to talk to, shows little interest in your work, and cannot help when you are struggling in the third year of your project and some guidance would be much appreciated.

Personally, and I was very lucky to have this, I think it’s incredibly useful to have two supervisors. My PhD degree was split between the University of Manchester and the Marine Biological Association in Plymouth. Between my supervisors, I had two people with expertise in different fields, who could give me some fantastic advice from different perspectives. This also meant that I had two people to check through my thesis chapters and provide useful comments on my drafts.

Make sure you are passionate about your subject before taking it to PhD level. And by passionate I mean  really  passionate.

For a start, you will most likely have to write a literature review in your first three months, which if done well will form the main bulk of your thesis introduction and will save you a lot of stress and strain when it comes to writing up.

At the end of your first year, you will have to write a continuation report, which is your proof that you deserve to carry on to the end of your three or four years. This doesn’t leave much time for lab work, which means time management is incredibly important. If you think you’ll be able to swan in at 11 and leave at 3, think again.

Fundamentally, never, ever rest on your laurels! As tempting as it may be to slack-off slightly in the second year of your four year PhD, don’t.

4. Be organised.

This is a no-brainer but still, it’s worth a mention. Take an hour on a Monday morning to come up with a list of short-term and long-term goals. You’ll probably have to present your work at regular lab meetings, so it’s always worth knowing what has to be done (lest you look a pillock in front of the lab when there’s nothing to show for your last two weeks.)

It’s always good to have a timeline of what will be done when. If you have a PCR, maybe you can squeeze in another experiment, read a few papers, start writing the introduction to your thesis, or even start collecting the data you already have into figures.

The more good use you make of your time, the easier it’ll be to finish your PhD in the long run. Plus, it’s lovely to sit back and look at actual graphs, rather than worry about having enough to put into a paper. Once you’ve typed up your data, you’ll realise you’ve done far more than you had anticipated and the next step forward will be entirely more apparent.

5. Embrace change – don’t get bogged down in the details.

Felix Shaw – one of our bioinformatics researchers at EI – put it best when he said, “ it felt like I was running into brick walls all the way through [my PhD]… you’d run into a brick wall, surmount it, only to run straight into another. ”

You’ll find that, often, experiments don’t work. What might seem like a great idea could turn out to be as bad as choosing to bat first on a fresh wicket on the first day of the third Ashes test at Edgbaston. (Yeah, we don't know what that means either - Ed).

Resilience is key while completing your PhD. Be open to change and embrace the chance to experiment in different ways. You might even end up with a thesis chapter including all of your failures, which at the very least is something interesting to discuss during your  viva voce .

6. Learn how to build, and use, your network.

As a PhD student, you are a complete novice in the world of science and most things in the lab will be – if not new to you – not exquisitely familiar. This matters not, if you take advantage of the people around you.

Firstly, there are lab technicians and research assistants, who have probably been using the technique you are learning for years and years. They are incredibly experienced at a number of techniques and are often very happy to help show you how things are done.

There are postdocs and other PhD students, too. Not only can they help you with day-to-day experiments, they can offer a unique perspective on how something is done and will probably have a handy back-catalogue of fancy new techniques to try.

There are also a bunch of PIs, not limited to your own, who are great to talk to. These people run labs of their own, have different ideas, and might even give you a job once you’ve completed your PhD.

Don’t limit yourself to the labs directly around you, however. There are a massive number of science conferences going on all around the world. Some of them, such as the Society of Biology Conference, take place every year at a similar time in different locations, attracting many of the leaders in their respective fields.

If you are terrified by the prospect of speaking at a full-blown science conference and having your work questioned by genuine skeptics, there are also many student-led conferences which will help you dangle your fresh toes in the murky waters of presenting your work.

One such conference, the Second Student Bioinformatics Symposium, which took place at Earlham Institute in October 2016, was a great place for candidates to share their projects with peers, who are often much more friendly than veteran researchers with 30 year careers to their name when it comes to the questions at the end of your talk.

Another great reason to attend conferences, of course, is the social-side too – make the most of this. You never know who you might meet and connect with over a few drinks once the talks are over and the party commences.

7. Keep your options open.

You should be aware that for every 200 PhD students,  only 7  will get a permanent academic post , so it’s  incredibly unlikely that you’ll become a Professor  – and even if you make PI, it probably won’t be until your mid-forties.

You may also, despite having commenced along the academic path, decide that actually, working in a lab environment isn’t for you. Most PhD graduates, eventually, will not pursue an academic career, but move on to a wide range of other vocations.

It might be that Science Communication is more up your street. This was certainly the case for me – and I made sure that I took part in as many public engagement events as possible while completing my PhD. Most Universities have an active public engagement profile, while organisations such as STEM can provide you with ample opportunities to interact with schools and the general public.

You might also consider entrepreneurship as a route away from academia, which might still allow you to use your expert scientific knowledge. There are a variety of competitions and workshops available to those with a business mind, a strong example being Biotechnology YES.

I, for example, took part in the Thought for Food Challenge, through which I have been able to attend events around the world and meet a vast array of like-minded individuals. Many of the participants from the challenge have gone on to set up successful businesses and have even found jobs as a result of the competition.

8. Balance.

Remember that you still have a life outside of your PhD degree – and that this can be one of the greatest opportunities to make amazing friends from around the world.

A science institute is usually home to the brightest students from a variety of countries and can provide a chance to experience a delightful range of different people and cultures. Don’t just stick to the people in your lab, go to events for postgraduate students and meet people from all over campus.

There are usually academic happy hours happening on Fridays after work where you can buy cheap beer, or some lucky institutions even have their own bar. At Norwich Research Park, we not only have the Rec Centre, along with bar, swimming pool, calcetto, samba classes, archery, and a range of other activities, but there are also biweekly “Postdoc pub clubs” which are very fun to join on a Tuesday evening.

Maintain your hobbies and keep up with friends outside of your PhD and you’ll probably find it’s not that gruelling a process after all.

Plus, the people you meet and become friends with might be able to help you out – or at least be able to offer a sympathetic shoulder.

9. Practical advice.

If, after reading all of this, you’re still going to march forth and claim your doctorhood, then this section should be rather useful.

Firstly, make sure your data is backed up. It’s amazing how many people don’t do this and you’d be bonkers not to. Keep your work saved on a shared drive, so that if your computer decides to spontaneously combust upon pressing the return key, you won’t have lost all of your precious work – or have to go through every one of your lab books and type it all up again.

Secondly, don’t leave your bag in the pub with your half-written thesis in it. I did this, the bag was fine, I was in a state of terror for at least half an hour before the kind person at Weatherspoons located said bag.

Thirdly, read. Read broadly, read anything and everything that’s closely related to your project – or completely unrelated. It’s sometimes amazing where you might find a stroke of inspiration, a new technique you hadn’t thought of … or even in idea of where you might like to go next.

Finally, ask questions – all of the time. No matter how stupid it might sound in your head, everyone’s probably been asked it before, and if you don’t ask, you don’t get.

You’ll probably look far less stupid if you just ask the person standing next to you how the gradient PCR function works on your thermal cycler rather than standing there randomly prodding buttons and looking flustered, anyway.

10. Savour the positives.

At the end of all of this, it has to be said that doing a PhD is absolutely brilliant. There’s no other time in your life that you’ll be this free to pursue your very own project and work almost completely independently. By the time you come to the end of your PhD, you will be the leading expert in the world on something. A real expert! Until the next PhD student comes along …

Related reading.

A PhD, is it worth it? Just ask our students

The realities of doing a PhD

My advice for PhD students? See what bites

COVID and my PhD: to lockdown and back

How does a PhD work and how to find the right one

Building the confidence to take on a PhD

PhD life, 10 things we learned in our first six months

What’s the third year of a PhD like? Tips for navigating your PhD

PhD by experience

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5 Public Health Courses Premeds Should Take

Epidemiology and health policy are among courses that can help help aspiring medical students become physician leaders.

Premeds Take 5 Public Health Courses

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Studying health policy helps future doctors understand policies at local, national, and international levels, and teaches them to advocate for their patients.

As a premedical student, you can take public health courses that will allow you to better understand health at a population level. An understanding of public health can help you become a physician leader in the community.

The COVID-19 pandemic put a spotlight on the importance of public health . While not perfect, our local and national public health infrastructure allowed the public to understand the severity of the COVID-19 disease as well as create measures to protect the health of our communities.

While the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the importance of public health, there are other diseases where doctors are called upon to promote population-level changes while taking care of patients.

Doctors serve as leaders in their communities by providing medical expertise and advocating for public health initiatives. They can translate their insights from patient care to create hospitalwide and communitywide policies to protect other individuals, and doctors who are trained in epidemiology and community health can study the transmission of the diseases. They can also spearhead community public health initiatives, including health education campaigns and community clinics, to expand access to medical care.

Dr. Rishi Mediratta graduated from Johns Hopkins University in Maryland with a bachelor’s in public health studies. That degree gave him a foundational understanding of global health issues, public health theories and statistics that enabled him to conduct research and create community health programs in Ethiopia focused on combatting child mortality.

"Throughout college and during my first gap year before medical school, I founded the Ethiopian Orphan Health Foundation, a nonprofit organization that provided community-based health care and education to 91 orphans near Gondar, Ethiopia," he says.

"I integrated lessons that I learned from my classes in epidemiology and public health to partner with community members to help orphaned children. For instance, I saw how Ethiopians bonded during traditional coffee ceremonies. I used coffee ceremonies to create a dialogue with the community about stigmatized child health topics.”

Mediratta then pursued a master’s of science in public health at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine as a British Marshall Scholar.

“Further public health studies showed me the various stakeholders involved in creating global health policies for newborns and children. I learned how health policies were created based on synergies from multiple perspectives. These insights were instrumental when I worked with policymakers at the World Bank and World Health Organization.”

Mediratta received his medical degree at Stanford University School of Medicine in California, where he continued to spearhead initiatives to improve population health, primary care and global health. Now he is a clinical associate professor of pediatrics at Stanford medical school and a faculty fellow at the Center for Innovation in Global Health.

These public health classes and topics will be helpful for premedic students :

• Biostatistics • Epidemiology • Health equity • Health policy • Community health and community-based classes

Biostatistics

Biostatistics is the application of statistics to life sciences, including public health. In a biostatics class, premeds learn quantitative and qualitative data collection methods as well as when to use different types of statistical analyses.

Premed students who take biostatistics will be able to better understand the role of evidence in public health research, policy and clinical practice, critically evaluate medical literature and tailor their treatment plans for patients based on rigorous scientific evidence, Mediratta says.

Epidemiology

Epidemiology is the study of diseases or disorders within groups of people and ways to prevent or control them. Premed students who take an epidemiology course will be able to understand the causes, prevalence and distribution of a disease in the community. Doctors who understand the epidemiology of a disease can help make informed decisions about prevention and treatment for their patients.

“Knowing epidemiology allows me to appreciate nuances in the distribution of clinical symptoms, risk factors, and diseases in populations," Mediratta says. "For example, I learned how newborns in low- and middle-income countries die from prematurity, complications from birth and sepsis. I developed and validated a Neonatal Mortality Score that predicts which newborns are likely to die when they are admitted to neonatal intensive care units in Ethiopia. I hope that one day, health care providers can use our research to more quickly identify newborns who are at risk of dying and provide them with monitoring and interventions that save their lives.”

Health Equity

Health equity courses teach premedical students about health care disparities – which vary by income, race/ethnicity, sexual orientation and disability status – and inequities within populations. These courses also give students ways to advocate for disadvantaged individuals and populations.

Premedical students can take a general health equity class or seminars focused on specific populations or health systems that incorporate health equity. “Doctors who are knowledgeable about health care disparities can advocate for equitable access to health care services," Mediratta says. "Through research, advocacy and community involvement, physicians can address the social determinants of health that contribute to health inequities.”

Health Policy

In a health policy class, premeds will learn about health care systems and the stakeholders influencing health care policies. Studying health policy helps future doctors understand policies at local, national, and international levels, and teaches them to advocate for their patients by supporting policies that promote better access to quality health care and decrease health care disparities.

Reflecting on his clinical practice, Mediratta says, “understanding the factors that influence health policies has allowed me to help my patients navigate our complex health care system, such as connecting patients to services covered by their medical insurance or accessing transportation services to and from hospitals.”

Community Health and Community-Based Classes

A community health course explores the multifaceted factors influencing health outcomes, including social determinants of health and environmental factors, and also examines public health interventions. Some courses include an experiential learning component so students can conduct projects that address community health needs.

Mediratta, for instance, taught an elective at Stanford University that allowed students to collaborate with community partners to creatively implement projects that address COVID-19-related challenges.

"One student produced a children’s book that combatted vaccine hesitancy and created read-aloud videos of the book. Even after the class ended, the student organized workshops in elementary schools to educate children about vaccine. Our class serves as a model for how universities can implement medical service-learning courses to empower students while simultaneously addressing the community’s needs.”

Taking public health courses during your premedical career will give you strong foundational knowledge to be a health care leader. As a doctor, you will be able to help your patients navigate through the challenges of health care systems, participate in policymaking that affects millions of individuals, and direct research projects that advance the health of our communities.

Medical School Application Mistakes

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About Medical School Admissions Doctor

Need a guide through the murky medical school admissions process? Medical School Admissions Doctor offers a roundup of expert and student voices in the field to guide prospective students in their pursuit of a medical education. The blog is currently authored by Dr. Ali Loftizadeh, Dr. Azadeh Salek and Zach Grimmett at Admissions Helpers , a provider of medical school application services; Dr. Renee Marinelli at MedSchoolCoach , a premed and med school admissions consultancy; Dr. Rachel Rizal, co-founder and CEO of the Cracking Med School Admissions consultancy; Dr. Cassie Kosarec at Varsity Tutors , an advertiser with U.S. News & World Report; Dr. Kathleen Franco, a med school emeritus professor and psychiatrist; and Liana Meffert, a fourth-year medical student at the University of Iowa's Carver College of Medicine and a writer for Admissions Helpers. Got a question? Email [email protected] .

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