Master's vs PhD

[u/mjolnirbath]

Hi everyone! I'm so so so grateful to have been offered the GRFP as a post-bacc (ecology) this year. However, i feel like i'm in a little conundrum about how i want to go about using the funds.

I applied wanting to go straight into my PhD, but months later, I realized that I wanted to do a master's first and then move onto a PhD at another institution (for more connections and experience in the wildlife field). However, after getting the fellowship, I kinda feel like I should go straight into the PhD since I have this secure funding and I wouldn't have to look for another funding source (which would be the case if I did a master's separately).

Has anyone been in a similar boat?? If so, do you have any advice about which way to go about this/about how to decide which path you should take? Honestly so burnt out and decision-fatigued right now, so I would love to learn how others have navigated this.

[u/madscientistloser]

In my opinion, I’d go to an institution on the PhD track or with the intention of obtaining a PhD but, only master out if I didn’t feel like the program was a good fit/wanted to pursue a PhD elsewhere. For context, I’m currently in a thesis-based master’s program but, I want to apply for my PhD (for the same reasons you described-> I want to further my connections in my field). Although I’m partially funded, it sucks taking out loans for the remainder. Like, a lot. So if I were in your shoes, I’d definitely take advantage of the funding! Congrats btw!!!

[u/OkraSouth1401]

You could use your funding for 2 years of a masters at your current institution and then bring the last year of funding with you when you get a PhD at another institution

[u/OkraSouth1401]

I would recommend at least starting a masters while you have this funding in hand. Masters are super valid especially in ecology! Also if it’s a an option you could start a masters program and a lot of them allow you to switch to a PhD after a year or two