How do I tell my Professors I don't want a PhD?

jack63
Tue, 29 Sep 2009 23:56:07 +0000

I was in a similar situation years ago. I was pretty direct about it. Actually, some of these conversations with professors about this were some of the most frustrating conversations of my life. Be prepared. It is a good question and not a trivial issue.

Basically my profs wanted me to get a Ph.D. in a hard science and I wanted a Masters in a type of Engineering. Ironically, after getting the Masters and working in Industry as an engineer, I am in a Ph.D. program in Engineering.

It was not a good decision for me to pursue a Ph.D. at the point were I had the original conversation with these professors. It was an even worse decision for me to pursue Ph.D. in a Hard Science where the opportunities are more limited.

My recommendation is to clearly explain your alternative to getting a Ph.D. Also, keep the idea of a Ph.D. open for the future. Explain to them that you may want to do other things before pursuing a Ph.D. I never though I’d ever pursue a Ph.D. when I went for a masters after undergrad. Things can change! You still may want these professors as references some day, so be kind and appreciative. Really give these supportive professors the time of day.