Is It Possible to Pursue a Master's in Physics Without a Ph.D. Goal?

AI Thread Summary
A Master's in Physics can be pursued independently at US graduate schools, contrary to the common belief that it is merely a step toward a Ph.D. There are programs specifically for Master's candidates, but funding opportunities may be limited, especially for those who declare their intent to leave with just a Master's. Typically, funding is more accessible for Engineering Master's programs. Additionally, obtaining a Master's can benefit high school teachers by increasing their salary, leading some to pursue this degree after gaining teaching experience. Transitioning from a Master's to a Ph.D. program may be feasible, but the initial intent to obtain a Master's could impact funding prospects.
estedrich
Messages
10
Reaction score
0
Hi,
I am interested in getting a Masters in Physics at a US graduate school. I always thought that getting a Masters was an incidental event on the way to getting a Ph.D., but apparently it is possible to just go for the Masters. Does anyone know anything about this? Are there lists of schools that offer Masters programs? Do Masters candidates still receive funding, and is it easy to then carry on to go for a Ph.D.?

Thanks
 
Physics news on Phys.org
estedrich said:
Hi,
I am interested in getting a Masters in Physics at a US graduate school. I always thought that getting a Masters was an incidental event on the way to getting a Ph.D., but apparently it is possible to just go for the Masters. Does anyone know anything about this? Are there lists of schools that offer Masters programs? Do Masters candidates still receive funding, and is it easy to then carry on to go for a Ph.D.?

Thanks

I mentioned this before but in the US a physics masters is considered a "consolation prize" for people who choose not to or are unable to continue on to a Ph.D. This may be unfair but it is generally true. If you go into grad school with the declared intent to leave with a Masters I would be very surprised if you got funding. If you go for an Engineering Masters you may get funding.
 
High-school teachers generally get a higher salary if they have a master's degree, so they sometimes go to grad school for a master's after teaching for a few years.
 

Thread 'My Grade 11 Math mark is eating me alive. What do I do?'

I'm going to make this one quick since I have little time. Background: Throughout my life I have always done good in Math. I almost always received 90%+, and received easily upwards of 95% when I took normal-level HS Math courses. When I took Grade 9 "De-Streamed" Math (All students must take "De-Streamed" in Canada), I initially had 98% until I got very sick and my mark had dropped to 95%. The Physics teachers and Math teachers talked about me as if I were some sort of genius. Then, an...
View full post »

Thread 'What are the best A-Level options for someone wanting to do Physics?'

Bit Britain-specific but I was wondering, what's the best path to take for A-Levels out of the following (I know Y10 seems a bit early to be thinking about A-levels, but my choice will impact what I do this year/ in y11) I (almost) definitely want to do physics at University - so keep that in mind... The subjects that I'm almost definitely going to take are Maths, Further Maths and Physics, and I'm taking a fast track programme which means that I'll be taking AS computer science at the end...
View full post »

Thread 'Hepth programs in Europe'

After a year of thought, I decided to adjust my ratio for applying the US/EU(+UK) schools. I mostly focused on the US schools before, but things are getting complex and I found out that Europe is also a good place to study. I found some institutes that have professors with similar interests. But gaining the information is much harder than US schools (like you have to contact professors in advance etc). For your information, I have B.S. in engineering (low GPA: 3.2/4.0) in Asia - one SCI...
View full post »

Similar threads

Programs Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Masters online
Replies
6
Views
1K
Programs List of terminal master's programs?
Replies
25
Views
4K
Programs "Back door" into physics for a math major
Replies
8
Views
2K
Programs University of Edinburgh or King's College London for mathematical physics masters?
Replies
4
Views
2K
Programs Pursuing a Master's in Physics After an Architecture Degree
Replies
5
Views
2K
Can I pursue an MS in astrophysics with a BS in studio art?
Replies
7
Views
1K
Programs Need advice about applying to Ph.D. programs
Replies
2
Views
2K
Programs Does a Masters help me get a PhD position?
Replies
3
Views
1K
Programs Physics Masters at undergrad school before PhD?
Replies
16
Views
2K
Other How can I fill course requirements for Physics Master's program?
Replies
4
Views
890

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top