MS-only degree (i.e. non-PhD) discouraged?

[ntraft]

<p>I’m applying to UC Berkeley’s EECS department, and I thought applying for an MS rather than the full PhD might increase my chances. However, I found the following in their description of the Master program (emphasis mine):</p>

<p>

An MS-only program is available in both EE and CS, but admits very few students. It is appropriate for research-oriented students who may have particular reasons not to continue on to the PhD immediately or who want to try their hand at research without committing to the Ph.D. We do not guarantee any sort of financial support for M.S.-only students. The M.S.-only requirements are identical to those of the M.S. that is regularly obtained by Ph.D. students along the way, including a mandatory research project with written report or thesis. Applicants to the M.S.-only program are considered separately from those applying for a Ph.D. and can later apply for admission for the Ph.D., where they will be considered in competition with other Ph.D. applicants.

</p>

<p>I thought since most Master students pay out of pocket that this would make it less competitive. But does the above mean I should apply to the PhD anyway? Would applying as MS-only actually hurt my chances?</p>

[vader1990]

<p>Dear OP,</p>

<p>I don’t think applying to MS-only will hurt you. Note it also says that:</p>

<p>Applicants to the M.S.-only program are considered separately from those applying for a Ph.D. </p>

<p>Therefore, if what you want is an MS and NOT a PhD then do the MS-only program. But, if you plan to eventually go on and do PhD, then you should apply to the PhD. </p>

<p>I think it infact is easier to get into the MS-only program, especially based on what was said above (ie not being considered alongside other PhD applicants). </p>

<p>Best wishes,
-DV</p>

[ntraft]

<p>Considered separately, yes, but also in competition for a much smaller pool of seats. Impossible to say if the applicant-to-accepted ratio is better or worse. I thought that perhaps many schools would accept more Masters students than PhD students, since they pay their own way. And at a school like Berkeley, the MS applicants are likely to be just as qualified as the PhD candidates.</p>

<p>Still, your advice is well received. I’ll weigh it carefully.</p>

[aunt_bea]

<p>If you apply to the Ph.D program, would you be mainly interested in research? If you plan on working then an MS might be more appropriate since companies see Ph.D’s as more expensive and over-qualified for this economy.</p>

[ntraft]

<p>Well I am not looking to be a professor, but I do think I want to do research. It’d be nice to give the research a try before committing to it, but that’s not the most important thing. The most important thing is putting my best foot forward, since Berkeley is a reach for me and my #1 choice.</p>

[polarscribe]

<p>

@ntraft

I thought since most Master students pay out of pocket that this would make it less competitive.

</p>

<p>This is true at some schools, and not true at others. Cal apparently accepts very few MS-only students, so the number of available seats is quite limited.</p>

<p>As you’re finding out, the only generalization you can make about graduate programs is that you can’t really generalize about them.</p>