The difference between Master and PHD in American science and engineering

There is a progressive relationship between graduate students and doctoral students in China. Only after graduating from a master's degree can one proceed to a doctoral degree.

But in the United States, master and PHD are parallel. You can apply for PHD directly, or you can study for master's degree first and then apply for PHD.

The application difficulty for Master and PHD is also different. PHD requires you to apply for a certificate with the professor, but most masters do not. Master does not value work experience, papers, scientific research projects, etc. so much. But PHD values ??these aspects. This is one of the reasons why some people work for a few years after completing a master's degree before going back to school to continue studying for a PHD.

However, to be honest, it is difficult to return to school after work. To give a simple example, especially after summer vacation when I was a child, the first week of school was always the most difficult, because it is not easy to take back ambitions. People who are already working will face a psychological change when they return to school.

Let’s go back to the issue of choice. In fact, you have a short-term plan for yourself now. You want to study for master’s degree and enter social work after graduation.

But have you ever thought about what happens after that? Do you want to make a difference in the industry you are interested in or have other plans? For example, want to start your own business?

The knowledge of the master is enough to support one's goal planning, so there is no need to waste time studying for a PHD. Some of the friends around me have joined big companies such as Facebook, Google, and Amazon, and some have returned to China to start their own businesses. They only read master, not PHD.

In everyone’s impression, it is normal to continue doing scientific research after completing a PhD. But in fact, not everyone goes into scientific research. Taking EE as an example, 80% of doctoral students go into industry. There are also many people who enter social work after graduating from PHD.

"The purpose of studying engineering is to transform it into the ability to solve practical problems in society." It has to be said that when it comes to creating something, just relying on the knowledge of the master is sometimes not enough to support it. You create it. But PHD is different, because with those experiences in school, it is not difficult for you to create.

Choose master or PHD?

The teacher’s suggestion is that you can try the school’s scientific research project first. If you are not opposed to it, then directly applying for PHD is a good choice. If you are still confused, it is better to study for master degree first. If during the study process, you find that you want to study further, it is OK to apply for PHD. Moreover, if you are applying for a PHD at this school, you and the professor already know each other. In addition, some PHD schools accept master transfer credits, which will be easier.

No matter what path you take, you will know whether it is suitable for you only after you have walked it. As you are still young, you have plenty of opportunities for trial and error. If you want to work, it's better to find an internship first and experience what it's like to work. If you really like it, then go down this path. The same goes for scientific research. If you don't mind it, studying for a PHD is certainly a good choice.

The advice the teacher gives you is one aspect. The most important thing is you. Take the first step and give it a try. Everything is difficult at the beginning, you have to try it yourself to know whether it is suitable for you. Pursue higher and better goals, and hope you can find your own broader and broader path.