Applying for PhD while in MS program?

[AgentEL]

Is this allowed?

I am in my first semester of a MS program at a California State college. MS is the highest degree offered. I would like to go for a PhD at a UC.

Is it bad, not allowed, or unethical to apply for a PhD program when you're already enrolled at a graduate program? I'll have to send them all my college transcripts, so they will see that I was enrolled in MS program already.

 

[alm4rr]

You'd prob get more accurate answers by asking your own school or reading the handbook

😉

 

[MrDingleDangle]

its not a problem at all...in fact its common

 

[AgentEL]

common? The program I am in now is a two-year program and I just started the first-year. If I was accepted to a UC for Fall 2004, I would just leave the school.

 

[whaleskinrug]

it's not a problem -- just be sure to explain why and convincingly include that in your statement of objectives

 

[CanOWorms]

Why don't you apply for a PhD after you finish your MS?

 

[AgentEL]

Originally posted by: CanOWorms
Why don't you apply for a PhD after you finish your MS?

I would if my MS program was better. The one I am at now does not feel like the "grad student experience." Funding is low. Teaching/Research assistantships are rare.

 

[cchen]

If your undergrad grades are good enough, then you can apply directly to a PhD program, which would mean transferring to that school and then finishing both your MS and PhD there