Masters degree and PhD restrictions for a specific college degree.

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the eligibility criteria for pursuing a master's degree in different fields, particularly focusing on interdisciplinary programs such as neuroscience. Participants explore whether specific undergraduate degrees are required and the possibility of transitioning from one field to another through special programs or additional coursework.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Debate/contested, Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant inquires about the eligibility of various undergraduate degrees for master's programs, specifically questioning if neuroscience is restricted to certain degrees.
  • Another participant suggests contacting specific departments for accurate information on admission requirements, noting that these can vary significantly between schools.
  • A different participant posits that most master's programs may be accessible with any college degree, contingent on departmental restrictions.
  • In response, another participant emphasizes the necessity of a solid foundation in the subject for graduate studies, indicating that while some crossover is possible, it generally requires related undergraduate coursework.
  • This participant also notes that interdisciplinary programs like neuroscience may accept students from diverse undergraduate backgrounds, depending on the program's focus.
  • The discussion highlights the importance of researching specific program requirements rather than assuming eligibility based on one's undergraduate degree alone.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the flexibility of transitioning between fields for graduate studies. While some believe that many master's programs may allow for diverse undergraduate backgrounds, others stress the importance of having a relevant foundation in the subject area.

Contextual Notes

Participants acknowledge that the requirements for graduate programs can vary widely and that assumptions about eligibility should be approached with caution. There is also an indication that some programs may have specific prerequisites that need to be fulfilled.

ninar
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Hello! How do I know which degrees grant me elegible to study a masters degree on a different study branch? For example, neuroscience, is it restricted to certain degrees? Or, is it possible to attend a special program to certify the credits needed for a particular specialization degree?
 
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The best way to answer this is by contacting the specific departments you're interested in studying at. For interdisciplinary or newer programs, the entrance requirements will likely vary from school to school. So, even if you don't know exactly which school you're interested in, start by checking the published admission requirements (which are generally available online or at least in school calendars), and if the answer isn't clear, email the department graduate or undergraduate advisor.
 
Hi! Thanks for the reply. So, in theory, all (or most?) masters may accessible with any college degree, and under the restrictions that the department imposes? For example, someone in physics>psychology... or finance>biology, etc?
 
I'm not sure that's the best way to look at it.

Graduate studies require a solid foundation in the subject matter. Thus, if you want to enter a psychology graduate program you need a psycholgy undergraduate degree. That would be the general rule, to which there may be exceptions. In some cases one can cross over from related programs. For example, one may be able to enter a physics graduate program with an undergraduate degree in engineering or mathematics, provided one has an acceptable (as determined by the graduate admissions process) number of courses in physics.

Graduate programs in subjects like neuroscience are interdisciplinary and may take students from an array of undergraduate majors: physics, biology, computer science, psychology, mathematics, etc. - often depending on the particular focus of the program.

The take home message is this: don't assume that you can cross over from one subject to another. Do your homework and as soon as you may be interested in a given program for graduate study, figure out what the entrance requirements are for it.
 

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