Leaving PhD program with a Masters

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the implications and considerations of starting a PhD program with the intention of leaving after two years to obtain a Master's degree. Participants explore ethical concerns, institutional policies, and personal decisions related to this path.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested, Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant inquires about the feasibility and potential issues of leaving a PhD program after two years to obtain a Master's degree, particularly regarding recommendation letters.
  • Another participant argues that it is unethical to occupy a PhD position without the intention to complete it, suggesting that it could prevent another student from finishing their degree.
  • A different participant notes that some institutions have policies against leaving a PhD program midway, sharing their experience of being advised to pursue a Master's first before considering a PhD.
  • A later reply indicates a personal decision to pursue a Master's degree instead of a PhD to avoid potential awkwardness after two years.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the ethics of leaving a PhD program early, with some emphasizing the potential negative impact on others, while others focus on personal circumstances and institutional policies. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the best approach to this situation.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include varying institutional policies on PhD programs, differing ethical perspectives among participants, and personal motivations that influence decisions about pursuing graduate education.

collectedsoul
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Could someone advise me on starting a PhD program and leaving after 2 years with a Masters? Do people do this and what are the problems associated with such a course of action? For example is getting recommendation letters a problem and so on...

The reason I need to know about this is that it is quite possible that I'll be accepted to only 1 grad program where they don't really do research in an area I'm interested in, so I will want to move to another school after 2 years that does do research in an area I like.
 
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It's unethical to waste other peoples' time and money on a PhD spot that you don't intend to finish. Another student who would have have finished could take it.
 
On top of ethical issues, some schools simply don't allow it. When I was enrolling my MSc in Auckland's department of physics, I was told if I want to quit half-way through my PhD, I get absolutely nothing. So In my case they suggest I start with MSc and switch to PhD if I'm still interested.
 
You might be pleased to know that I've decided to not do what I thought of and take up a Masters option instead. I figured I didn't want awkwardness after 2 years into the PhD.
 

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