What Is the Difference Between an M.S. and a Ph.D. in Physics?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the differences between a Master of Science (M.S.) and a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Physics, particularly in the context of choosing a university for undergraduate and graduate studies. Participants explore the implications of these degrees on future academic and career paths, as well as considerations for transferring between institutions.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant inquires about the differences between an M.S. and a Ph.D. in Physics while considering universities for their education.
  • Another participant states that an M.S. typically takes 1-2 years and is less intensive than a Ph.D., which requires 5-7 years of research training.
  • Some participants suggest that it is common to attend different institutions for undergraduate and graduate studies, emphasizing that the choice of undergraduate school should not limit graduate options.
  • A participant notes the importance of researching the career paths of alumni from the University of Vermont to inform their decision.
  • There is a clarification about the terminology of "transferring" between universities, distinguishing it from completing one degree and starting another at a different institution.
  • Concerns are raised about financial considerations related to visiting campuses and the potential need for student loans, highlighting the participant's anxiety about debt and financial aid limitations.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the distinction between M.S. and Ph.D. programs and the common practice of attending different institutions for graduate studies. However, there are varying interpretations of the term "transferring" and differing opinions on financial decisions related to campus visits.

Contextual Notes

Some participants express uncertainty about the implications of financial aid on scholarship eligibility and the impact of moving to a smaller city on job prospects.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals considering graduate studies in physics, students evaluating undergraduate programs, and those interested in the academic pathways in STEM fields may find this discussion relevant.

kaos86
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what is the difference between a M.S. in physics and Ph.D in physics? I ask this because I' am making my final decision on picking a university. The university I'm interested in is The University of Vermont. I want to move up there and maybe live in that small city. The problem is that they don't offer a Ph.D in physics(my GPA in college is 3.0 and I'm getting an A.A. degree this fall semester. I better pass the Spanish CLEP exam).

Oh, BTW, I'm sorry for making so many topics. I'm just excited that I'm finally leaving my parents home(23 yrs old is a great time to leave the nest...I guess).
 
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It's a huge difference. An M.S. takes a year or two and is just a slightly more advanced version of undergrad. A Ph.D will average 5-7 years and you are expected to do real scientific research. You're basically a scientist-in-training.

In either case, you're talking about going to an UNDERGRAD university. This has nothing to do with where you go for GRADUATE school. It's uncommon to go to the same school for both undergrad and grad school.

The grad school offerings should have nothing to do with where you go for undergrad.

Read ZapperZ's sticky post in this forum for all you could ever want to know about a physics degree.
 
Just a quick note: If you're still working on your bachelor's degree, don't worry if the institution doesn't offer a Ph.D. ... take things one step at a time (Jack21222 notes this above also). Typically you would attend somewhere else for your graduate degree anyway...

You may, however, want to see what the undergraduate alumni of the University of Vermont have done: what jobs they've taken after employment or what universities they've attended for graduate school.
 
Thanks for the understanding @physics girl phd and @Jack21222. I'm going to get my undergraduate degree(B.S. in physics) and hopefully transfer to a university that offers a Ph.D in Physics. I think a Ph.D in Physics works for me because I really want to research stuff and present theories in the future.
 
Keep in mind that 'transferring' refers to changing universities in the middle of a degree - finishing one degree and starting another somewhere else isn't transferring, it's normal. And a masters in physics took me and my friends 2-3 years; I've only seen people finish it in one if they enrolled in a BS/MS 5 year program.
 
eri said:
Keep in mind that 'transferring' refers to changing universities in the middle of a degree - finishing one degree and starting another somewhere else isn't transferring, it's normal. And a masters in physics took me and my friends 2-3 years; I've only seen people finish it in one if they enrolled in a BS/MS 5 year program.

There are some programs designed to be a 1 year program, but it might not be a pure physics program. One I had in mind is this:

http://www.aep.cornell.edu/eng10_page.cfm?webpageID=31

but that's more of an engineering program, not physics.
 
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eri said:
finishing one degree and starting another somewhere else isn't transferring, it's normal.

What do you mean by that? Normal as undergraduate admission?
 
kaos86 said:
What do you mean by that? Normal as undergraduate admission?

I don't usually answer for other members, but what eri means is the term "transfer" means you begin your BS degree at one institution and finish it elsewhere. This could mean getting an AA at one school, then moving on to a different school to finish your BS, like you're planning to do. Or it could mean just taking a class or several (not earning an AA), then moving on to a different school to earn your bachelor's.

But when you finish your bachelor's degree, then go to a different school to earn an MS or a PhD, that's not referred to as "transferring". In fact I don't think there's an actual word for that, which is why eri called it "normal" :smile:.
 
lisab said:
I don't usually answer for other members, but what eri means is the term "transfer" means you begin your BS degree at one institution and finish it elsewhere. This could mean getting an AA at one school, then moving on to a different school to finish your BS, like you're planning to do. Or it could mean just taking a class or several (not earning an AA), then moving on to a different school to earn your bachelor's.

But when you finish your bachelor's degree, then go to a different school to earn an MS or a PhD, that's not referred to as "transferring". In fact I don't think there's an actual word for that, which is why eri called it "normal" :smile:.

oh! Well, that answers my questions. Now, I need money to visit this campus. I have financial aid this semester and my refund will be $892. Should I get student loans to cover this trip? I have no job and I live in Orlando, FL. gain, moving to a small city will increase my chances of getting job(I hate getting into debt but its the only way). I want a scholarship, but I cannot receive any because of the financial aid(federal pell grant).

I really need some advice with this situation.
 

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