Does a Masters help me get a PhD position?

[jamalkoiyess]

Hello PF,

So in my country (Lebanon), we have this French system of education where masters come after Bsc. and then you can consider the Ph.D. position. Apparently, this is not the case in the US and one can get into a graduate program with just the Bsc.

I know they are equivalent but if one goes for the master's degree does he have to spend the same amount of time in his Ph.D. program? (assuming the masters focused on his Ph.D. topic or at least was related)

And does having a masters increase your odds to get accepted in better Ph.D. programs?

I am indecisive as what to do after graduation (which is yet another year ahead) and was wondering over this question. I mostly fear that the time invested in a master will go to waste (or partial waste). I also fear that having a masters may somehow send some negative impressions to the Ph.D. programs I am applying to.

 

[mfb]

"US" PhD programs are basically a combination of "European" MSc and PhD programs. The BSc is similar. You can start a PhD in the US with a BSc from anywhere, you can start a PhD in Europe (or regions with similar programs) with a MSc from anywhere.
Starting a PhD in Europe with a BSc only is difficult, while starting a PhD in the US with a MSc is possible - but takes more time in total. How much more and if you can shorten the PhD will depend on the individual university.

I mostly fear that the time invested in a master will go to waste (or partial waste).

If you are sure you want to do a PhD in the US, you can directly apply after your BSc.

I also fear that having a masters may somehow send some negative impressions to the Ph.D. programs I am applying to.

Would surprise me.

 

[FactChecker]

You can work toward a masters while taking more of the PhD-oriented classes. Where I went, the Masters degree required at least one of the PhD-preparation classes. By taking more PhD-preparation classes, one could pick up a Masters on the way or just stop at the Masters. You should be aware that the PhD-preparation classes may be loaded with more advanced students who are just reviewing material that they had before. The competition can be rough.

 

[jtbell]

starting a PhD in the US with a MSc is possible - but takes more time in total.

One reason is that universities will generally require you to take at least some of their graduate-level courses even though you've already taken master's coursework elsewhere. Graduate-level course credit doesn't transfer between universities as easily as undergraduate course credit.