Should You Get a Masters or a PHD?

In this short video I talk about a few considerations when thinking about whether to apply to Masters or PhD programs. Do you have any advice for people? If so, please leave a comment below.

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[afzolkarim]

A good mathematician not only study for himself but motivate others to do good in maths..

[codeunited]

I like it when Sir. Issac Newton motivates me to achieve great things in my life.

[martinhawrylkiewicz]

Great advice! I got my Masters in Pure Math from Queens College in NY, and started a PhD program in the CUNY Grad Center but working full time, daily commute, lack of time to study took a toll on me so I had to stop. But I have met some really interesting mathematicians, PHd students, great faculty, studied many great math topics ...this experience stays with you for a life time.

[Litzow]

Thank you for uploading this video!
I always love your advice, and this one fits perfectly for me.

[lynntoytrainmuseum]

Great information. This channel is useful and, over time, all of these tips will ADD UP to a Ph.D. for me! Thanks!

[cyangtw]

As a Master's student in Electronic Engineering working part-time while studying, it is tough to maintain the balance between work and study, however, I stuck it through a year, hopefully, my advisor will let me graduate in next year, finger-crossed. I think choosing an advisor is very important as well, a good advisor will support you, and well, vice versa.

[wkgmathguy]

When I started grad school back in the stone age (University of Kentucky, GO BIG BLUE) there was plenty of funding for masters students. They were basically used to teach undergraduate students so the faculty could do their research and get grants, mostly from the NSF. I originally went in as a masters student but at the end of that had developed a crazy idea that I could get a Ph.D.

After >cough cough< (inaudible) years I emerged bloodied but unbroken with a shiny new doctoral degree in hand. Just a couple of weeks ago I celebrated 30 years at the University I ended up at.

[victorfinberg]

If what you posted is accurate, then you are describing a dire situation. When I went to grad school several decades ago (physics, Canada), then funding was available at all levels. Not guaranteed, mind you, just possible, although much of it was TA work.

There also the problem that a PhD program is much harder than a Master's program.

[valoraz]

I didn’t know you could do that, I am doing a PhD at the moment, having a Masters was a requirement.

[yuriakahumanity]

It can't be understated how hard working and going to graduate school is (save for working at the school itself)

[Coboundary]

Canadian masters programs have funding for international students!! It’s a great alternative for people who are considering a PhD cause you can get your masters, get a solid idea of what you want to do, and re-apply to PhD’s with a stronger application

[fyradur]

Actually in Sweden we are kinda required to take a master's before a phd since we need 4 years of credits but all programs are 3 years and we have no equivalent to an honours degree.

[jloiben]

As someone who got in to the Johns Hopkins Applied Math masters program, I can confirm there is basically no funding at the master’s level, at least at JH

[OleJoe]

Interesting...

When I waa applying to grad school, I went for the master's.

I put in applications to CSULB, CSUF, UCI and UCR.

I was accepted at CSULB, where I got my bachelor's and at CSUF and UCI, but not at UCR.

I remember talking to the graduate advisor about why my application was rejected.

They gave me some BS about my grades. It seems that I took some directed studies classes that they wouldn't count and I took a couple of PE classes on a CR/NCR basis. I got CR in one and an NCR in the other. (I got tired of the class and just quit).

UCR counted the CR as a C and the NCR as an F and took away my A and B from the directed studies classes, thus lowering my GPA.

The other schools did not do this.

Now, get this. This is the kicker. The advisor told my that although I was not accepted in to their Master's program, they would be happy to reconsider my application if I wanted to change to a PhD!

He then preceded to tell me about all the advantages of funding and teaching opportunities that were available to PhD students.

Go figure! I thought he was nuts.

Anyway, I went back to CSULB and got my Master's in Pure Math.

[michaelfuxeklint]

If you know what you want to do, it's better to establish maths in you everyday life during some years (if you work) before taking any decision at all, the rest will come naturally. (As an adult). Whatever, GOOD LUCK TO YOU ALL !!

[meteor]

Math Sorcerer, but what is your speciality in mathematics ? and what was your PhD thesis ?

[metildajoseph]

Greetings Mr.Professor,
Thanks for the Insightful Words Masters is Mastery of Subject while PhD is complete devotion to Subject. Good Overview about Grants for Academia involving PhD.
With regards,
RanjithJoseph (R.J)

[adityawankhede]

I haven't even started my undergrads, but damn this was some good advice.

[hanchisun]

The funding does not come for free. Master's programs are usually much easier than Ph.D. programs. A student who gets into a top school like Columbia University for a Master's might have a hard time getting into a Ph.D. program in a top 60-ish school like Ohio State. So if you have the money, you might consider buying yourself into Ivy League

[navjotsingh]

In the UK you can do masters level apprenticeships, you work full time for an employee and they pay for your masters which you do part time alongside working your employee. You work 4 days a week and have 1 day a week dedicated study time which you are paid for. It makes studying a masters and working more manageable because I can study 1 day in the week and do some more studying on the weekend etc. I’m starting an apprenticeship in data science which will be cool.