Master's Degree Admissions (Electrical Engineering)

denizen
Fri, 29 Jul 2011 17:24:42 +0000

I disagree with Medwell on several counts.



1. If I only apply for MASTER’S admissions, does that give me a better chance of being admitted than if I applied for phD admissions?

Yes, although you’ll more likely have to pay for it yourself (if you did the PhD, it would likely be fully funded).



No. Masters programs are just as competitive as PhD programs. The number of applicants/accepted is roughly the same for Masters and PhD programs. The idea of 1-2 years and high(er) positions in industry is alluring to potential grad students.



2. Do engineering departments like to admit their own undergrads to grad school?

Engineering departments don’t “like” their own undergrads, although they aren’t usually averse to accepting them (especially for an MS program).



If you are well qualified, it doesn’t matter where you did your undergrad. I have several friends who are doing their grad studies at their undergrad school.



Also, does being accepted into the combined BS/MS program help my chances for grad school admissions?

I’m assuming you’re talking about PhD admissions here, since being in the combined BS/MS program would already involve being in grad school. The combined BS/MS program won’t really help you any more than a regular MS would, which is minimal. Research experience is what counts.



Having that MS will show adcoms you’re capable of handling graduate level work. The experience should give you an edge.



3. Electrical Engineering is one of the largest graduate departments at the University of Florida…does that give me a better chance of getting in?

Not particularly.



Yes! If the department accepts more students, of course you have a better chance of getting in, assuming you are relatively competitive.