Master's from long ago abandoned PhD program?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on an individual seeking to obtain a Master's degree without starting from scratch after previously being in a PhD physics program. Despite having accumulated sufficient credits and experience, the university policy prohibits awarding a Master's to those who were once on the PhD track. The individual is exploring options for Master's programs that would recognize their prior academic work, potentially through exams or lab research, ideally within a semester. The conversation highlights the challenges of transitioning from a PhD program to a Master's degree in the context of academic policies.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of graduate-level academic policies
  • Familiarity with Master's degree requirements in physics
  • Knowledge of the University of Central Florida's academic programs
  • Experience with credit transfer processes in higher education
NEXT STEPS
  • Research Master's programs at the University of Central Florida that may offer credit for prior learning
  • Investigate alternative universities with flexible policies for transitioning from PhD to Master's
  • Explore options for competency exams in physics to demonstrate knowledge
  • Look into lab research opportunities that could fulfill Master's program requirements
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for individuals who have transitioned from PhD programs to industry, academic advisors, and prospective Master's students seeking to leverage prior academic experience for degree completion.

DizzyUFOPilot
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I'd like to earn a Master's, without starting from scratch, taking the whole bunch of classes again.

In the 1980s, I had been in the PhD physics program at a large midwestern university. After passing the PhD qualifier and spending a year as a technician at a major research lab, I left to go into the software industry instead. There was additional study at another university. As TA, I have even graded homework for graduate level quantum theory. I have earned enough credits, and done the other things, to count for a Master's at most universities - but the university won't give a Master's to anyone who was on the PhD track. I have asked several times over the years.

Since that departure from grad school, I've worked in industry and R&D among other things. Wanting to open new career doors, and impress future employers or clients better than with saying "I have the equivalent of a Master's degree", I'd like to know if there are any Master's programs that would take my previous study into account? Perhaps by taking exams, doing some lab research, in just a semester?

Currently I live near Univ. of Central Florida, FWIW.
 
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I'm afraid any reputable university will have a residency requirement of at least a year.
 

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