Education sequence->bachelors to masters or bachelors to PhD

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SUMMARY

The discussion highlights the prevalent educational pathways in STEM fields, specifically contrasting the common U.S. route of progressing directly from a bachelor's degree to a PhD with the European approach of obtaining a master's degree before pursuing a PhD. Participants confirm that in the United States, many students opt to skip the master's program entirely, which raises questions about the relevance and structure of master's programs in this context. The conversation underscores the importance of understanding regional educational norms and their implications for academic progression.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of academic degree structures (bachelor's, master's, PhD)
  • Familiarity with STEM fields and their educational requirements
  • Knowledge of regional differences in higher education (U.S. vs. Europe)
  • Awareness of the implications of skipping master's programs in academic careers
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the differences between U.S. and European educational pathways in STEM
  • Explore the role and value of master's programs in various fields
  • Investigate the admissions criteria for PhD programs in STEM disciplines
  • Learn about the impact of educational choices on career opportunities in STEM
USEFUL FOR

Students considering advanced degrees in STEM, academic advisors, and educational policymakers interested in understanding trends in higher education pathways.

mmont012
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Hello All,

I am confused about something, and I am hoping that someone can clear this up! The more that I talk to people in "STEM" fields, the more it seems that their education sequence is to go from bachelors to PhD and they just skip the masters entirely.
Is this common? Or am I just meeting/talking with a select few?
If it is common, what happened to the masters program?

Thank you!
 
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mmont012 said:
Hello All,

I am confused about something, and I am hoping that someone can clear this up! The more that I talk to people in "STEM" fields, the more it seems that their education sequence is to go from bachelors to PhD and they just skip the masters entirely.
Is this common? Or am I just meeting/talking with a select few?
If it is common, what happened to the masters program?

Thank you!

In the states most do the bachelors to PhD route.
In Europe and elsewhere they tend do bachelors to masters and then masters to PhD.
 

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