Age Limit for Graduate Study in US Sci Schools

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the question of whether there is an age limit for graduate study (Masters/PhD) in sciences at US universities. Participants explore the implications of age in the context of admissions policies and share examples of both young and older graduates.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants express skepticism about the existence of an age limit for graduate admissions, suggesting it would be unusual for universities to impose such a restriction.
  • One participant notes that it would be illegal for a university to have an age limit, arguing that if a candidate is qualified, there should be no reason for a university to refuse admission based on age.
  • Examples of exceptionally young graduates are provided, including individuals who completed their degrees at ages as young as 10 and 12, highlighting that age does not preclude academic achievement.
  • Conversely, there are references to older students pursuing degrees, with anecdotes about individuals in their 80s attending university, reinforcing the idea that age is not a barrier to education.
  • Participants share a general sentiment that a university with a maximum age limit would be undesirable.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that there is no age limit for graduate study in US universities, though there is some exploration of the implications and perceptions surrounding age in academia. No consensus is reached on the broader societal implications of age in education.

Contextual Notes

Some statements rely on anecdotal evidence and personal experiences, and there is a lack of formal references to specific university policies regarding age limits.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals considering graduate study in the sciences, educators, and those interested in the policies surrounding admissions in higher education may find this discussion relevant.

HMS
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Hello

Is there any age limit for graduate study (Masters/PhD) in Sciences in US universities?

Thanks
HMS
 
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I would find it extremely odd if a university had an age limit for admission to any of its programs other than sports.
 
No

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World's_Youngest_Graduate
He is listed in the Guinness Book as the world's youngest university graduate at the age of 10, receiving a bachelor's degree in anthropology from the University of South Alabama. This was after enrolling at Santa Rosa Junior College at the age of 6 years and 7 months, from which he graduated at the age of 8 with an associate of science in geology. He graduated from Middle Tennessee State University with a master's degree in chemistry at the age of 14, and taught in college at 17.

EDIT:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tathagat_Avatar_Tulsi

this guy got his masters degree at the age of 12.
 
Thank you for the responses. Does the Guiness say anything about the oldest graduate as well :smile: ?
 
Yeah, I thought you meant is there a maximum age limit. I would have to say that if a University had a maximum age limit for graduate study, or for any type of degree, I would probably want nothing to do with that universisity.
 
No, there is no age limit, and it would be illegal to have one. Think about it this way, assuming you are qualified, why would any university refuse money?
 
Of older students-

Age is no barrier for University’s oldest graduate
http://reporter.leeds.ac.uk/press_releases/current/cheema_graduate.htm

A tale of two sophomores
She's 15. He's 85. Both are serious in their quest for knowledge.
http://utamagazine.uta.edu/spring_2002/features/2sophomores.html

At my first university, there was one guy in his 80's taking undergrad courses. If one is qualified, I see no problem in obtaining an undergrad or graduate degree at any age.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Thank you. That is very encouraging and inspiring.
 

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