masters Archives - Hello PhD

183. Mailbag: Finding Balance, Master’s En Route, et al!

October 18, 2022October 18, 2022 Daniel Leave a comment

This week, we open the mailbag to answer your questions! We hear from a new grad student who has some old responsibilities, and learn about how to earn your Master’s degree while enrolled in a PhD program!

173. Mailbag: I Have a Master’s Degree – Now I Want a PhD

April 20, 2022April 20, 2022 Daniel Leave a comment

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There are many paths to a PhD. In the humanities, it’s common to earn a Master’s degree first (or so we’re told…)

In the biomedical sciences, students regularly skip the Master’s degree entirely, enrolling in a PhD program that includes coursework.

This week, we hear from two aspiring scientists who used the Master’s degree as a stepping stone, and now they’re looking to take the next leap.

170. Mailbag: Should I Quit Grad School?

February 15, 2022February 15, 2022 Daniel Leave a comment

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If you’re a grad student who hasn’t thought about leaving your PhD program at least once, you might not have a pulse. When experiments fail, grants are rejected, or you get reprimanded by the PI, it’s often comforting to remember that all of this suffering is self-imposed and you could simply leave the University and start a book shop somewhere.

For most students, that moment passes and they move on with their training and career. But sometimes, the moment doesn’t pass, and students begin to ask more fundamental questions.