Getting a masters at same university as BS, then going for PhD.

[DrManhattanVB]

is this a bad practice? if my GPA does not look high enough for grad school, I may stay and get my masters at my undergrad university, and then look to get a PhD elsewhere.

 

[fss]

If your GPA isn't "high enough", what makes you think you'll get accepted into a (rare) terminal Masters' program? Usually you have to be accepted into a PhD program and earn your Masters' on the way.

 

[Jack21222]

Are you in the United States? If so, why bother with a masters before the Ph.D?

 

[ZapperZ]

is this a bad practice? if my GPA does not look high enough for grad school, I may stay and get my masters at my undergrad university, and then look to get a PhD elsewhere.

This is actually a very good strategy.

For many students who think that their undergraduate GPA is weak and may be a challenge to get into a good Ph.D program, getting a Masters Degree and trying to get a stronger GPA is a viable alternative. Of course, one may need to do that at schools that will accept the weak GPA in the first place, but there are plenty of terminal Masters program in the US that may consider a conditional acceptance if one's GPA is that weak.

What this will allow you to do is to re-take some of the courses that you may have not done as well, and then go on with your graduate level classes. If you can get a higher GPA by the time you graduate, then your chances of doing a Ph.D will be significantly higher than if you rely solely on your weak undergraduate GPA. It will also help if you did some research as part of your Masters dissertation.

Zz.

 

[rezeew]

I cannot determine whether this is a bad practice or not, as it ultimately depends on individual circumstances and goals. However, it is important to consider the potential benefits and drawbacks of getting a masters at the same university as your undergraduate degree before pursuing a PhD elsewhere.

On one hand, getting a masters at the same university as your undergraduate degree can provide continuity in your education and research experience. You may already have established connections with faculty and have a good understanding of the research resources available at the university. This can make the transition into a masters program smoother and potentially lead to stronger letters of recommendation for your PhD applications.

On the other hand, some may argue that getting a masters at the same university may limit your exposure to different research perspectives and techniques. Additionally, some PhD programs may place more weight on applicants who have earned their masters at a different institution, as it demonstrates the ability to adapt to new environments and work with diverse research teams.

Ultimately, the decision should be based on your individual circumstances and goals. If your GPA is not high enough for grad school, obtaining a masters at your undergraduate university may provide an opportunity to improve your academic record and potentially strengthen your PhD application. However, if your goal is to broaden your research experience and gain exposure to different perspectives, pursuing a masters at a different university may be more beneficial. It is important to carefully consider your options and speak with advisors and mentors before making a decision.