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How to Transfer Graduate School: 7 Key Steps

You’ve researched grad schools, chosen your desired master’s program, and have been admitted to an institution. But what if you change your mind?

Luckily, you don’t have to be stuck in a program that doesn’t suit you: It’s absolutely possible to transfer graduate schools (and even transfer master’s credits). Read on to discover the key steps – and questions you should be asking – when it comes to transferring grad credits.

Table of Contents

Why Do Some People Transfer Grad Schools?

These days, it’s actually pretty common to switch institutions. Some students:

• desire a degree from a more prestigious school to increase job prospects
• switch because their current school doesn’t fit their personal needs or budgets
• have goals or interests that have shifted
• don’t like the learning style at their institution

How to Transfer Grad School: 7 Easy Steps

Sure, you can transfer grad schools. But if you’ve committed to changing your educational institution, you’ll first need to determine how to make the process as smooth as possible.

1. Understand Your Needs

Transferring grad schools may be your only option to complete your degree, but you should have a clear answer about why you want to switch schools . It would be pointless if your new institution didn’t meet your needs. To figure out whether a transfer is right for you, consider the following points:

• Think about how much time the transition will take. Will it delay your graduation?
• Assess whether a switch like this will resolve the issues you currently have.
• Speak to your current advisor, registrar, or another school representative about issues you’re facing. Can they be resolved without switching schools?
• Ensure that you’ll be able to complete a new grad program (without losing any credits) by speaking with the admission advisors at your potential school.

Remember: You wouldn’t want to get admitted elsewhere only to face the same problems. Take the time to assess your situation.

2. Check the School’s Requirements

Once you’re sure that you want to transfer grad schools, start obtaining detailed information on the grad school transfer eligibility criteria. It is not as simple as switching to a new university for an undergrad degree: Graduate programs are generally more complex.

Check guidelines regarding graduate transfer credits on the school’s student web pages. Since grad school requirements  depend on the institution, discuss your requirements with the transfer office over the phone, via email, and/or in person. They’ll give you a stronger idea of what’s needed to get your transfer request approved.

3. Pull Together Your Transcripts

Before you can start applying, your new school will need to see evidence of your completed courses. You’ll need an official transcript from your old/current school  as quickly as possible, as official transcripts can take up to several weeks to receive.

I’m Not a Current Student – Can I Still Transfer Graduate Credits?

You don’t need to be currently enrolled to transfer graduate credits. While it depends on the field of study, most credits don’t have an expiration date if they’re from a nationally-accredited institution. Even if you dropped out of grad school three years ago, you might be able to transfer some – or all – of your credits.

However, some grad school credits can only be transferred within a certain period of time (typically between five and seven years).

For example, say that you apply to a master’s program with a completion time of seven years. You will then need to transfer credits earned from a previous program you completed five years before. In this case, you may need to complete all of the credits to earn your degree within two years (a total of seven years since you commenced your studies). Therefore, transferring credits can occasionally put pressure on students to complete their degrees in a faster time frame.

Will All of My Grad School Credits Transfer?

You may not be able to transfer all of your credits when switching schools. This depends on the school’s policies – and these vary widely . Most schools place a limit on the number of transferable credits, while others institutions don’t accept any! You should always check the institution’s own rules and requirements before applying for a transfer.

Usually, you’ll be able to transfer more credits if seeking a similar degree (like if you relocate from one  AACSB-accredited  MBA to another). However, your options will certainly be more limited if you change to a completely different master’s degree.

I Studied Online or Off-Campus – Will My Credits Transfer?

Generally, you can transfer online graduate program credits to a campus program.

Most institutions aren’t concerned if students completed their previous studies online or on campus. It’s important that these credits were earned at a recognized, accredited school  (and that you hold a decent GPA).

4. Write a Strong Statement

While this depends on the institution, students will usually need to go through the normal application process when transferring graduate schools. This often includes  writing a personal statement  that outlines their experience/qualifications and explains their motivations.

As a transfer student, it’s important to address the elephant in the room when writing your personal statement: Why are you looking to transfer schools? Your new institution may be concerned that you are undedicated or have had problems working with your professors or advisors. All institutions desire graduate students that become a credit to the school, so be prepared to create a strong statement – and even meet the selection committee in person to explain why you want a transfer.

5. Get Recommendation Letters

As part of your application, you may also be required to submit letters of recommendation. These documents are critical and increase your chances of being selected for the program, so be sure to request a recommendation letter from your professors and advisors.

Even if recommendation letters aren’t required, presenting two or three is good practice to increase your chances. If you have a strong track record at your current institution, your new school may waive certain admission requirements (such as the GMAT and GRE ).

6. Submit Your Application & Apply for Credit Transfers

Once you have all these elements in place, it’s time to submit your application. Once you’ve been accepted, the next step is to complete the process to transfer master’s programs.

To do this, you’ll need to arrange for your grad school credits to be transferred to your new institution. You want to make sure that you transfer as many credits as possible (since you’ve put a lot of hard work into your degree).

How to Use a Transfer Credit Request Form

Generally, your new school will need you to fill out a transfer credit request form. This may be called a “Transfer of Graduate Credit” or something similar, but the school’s graduate admission office can tell you specifics. You’ll need to specify the credits you want to transfer, then detail the coursework to show how it meets your new school’s requirements.

Complete the transfer credit request form, attaching your official academic transcript, recommendation letters, personal statement, and any other required documentation.

7. Wait for Approval

Once you’ve put in your application, the only thing left to do is wait! Remember: There’s no guarantee that your new school will accept all your credits, so wait for the green light before proceeding. If the school doesn’t accept all your graduate credits, you may want to consider other institutions (or stick with your current program instead).

Questions to Ask Before Trying to Transfer Grad Schools

Depending on your individual situation, transferring grad schools may be an excellent move, or it might not be such a good idea.

Ask yourself these questions before you initiate the process of trying to transfer grad schools:

• Does my prospective graduate school accept transfer students?
• When do I need to apply to grad school ?
• What is the institution’s policy for transferring credit hours?
• What are their admission requirements (e.g., minimum GPA, entrance exams)?
• Will they waive any admission requirements and consider my previous experience?
• What is my main motivation for transferring graduate programs? Will this move meet these objectives?
• What is it about my current program I don’t like? Is it the school, the program, or the area of study in general?
• Will I be able to continue my current research or thesis if I transfer?
• Will transferring master’s programs push back my completion date?

Top Tips to Transfer Graduate Schools with Minimal Hassle

Research the process.

Transferring graduate programs can be a complex process and involve a range of document submissions (like transfer credit request forms) and a formal application. To avoid delaying your graduation date, do your groundwork, keep track of submission deadlines, and start the process as early as possible.

Keep Your End Goal in Mind

Before you decide to transfer to a new program, take a step back and consider why you chose your graduate program in the first place:

• What were your key motivations?
• What were you trying to achieve through graduate studies?
• Where did the institution fall short?

Critically assess whether your new graduate school will address your current issues. Will it allow you to meet your goals?

Ask about Credits for Training and Experience

Formal training or certification courses completed during your academic career might be eligible for transfer credits, even if they weren’t conducted at a university. Your new school may offer credits for work experience if you’re a seasoned professional. Chat with your admissions advisor to discuss possible credit for previous training.

Only Transfer If It’s a Step Up

Transferring grad schools takes a lot of time and effort – and you may need to make up for credit hours that aren’t possible to transfer. Add in the complexities of adjusting to a new school and getting to know your peers/professors. Even though it’s a good idea to  apply to multiple grad schools , ensure there are enough benefits. After all, there’s no point in going through all of this for a “safety school.”

It’s Not Always Worth Transferring Credits

Graduate students occasionally find that the restrictions around transferring older credits means that they’re not left with much time to finish their program. If a handful of credits are fairly old, it may not make sense to transfer them. In fact, it may actually be better to start fresh so you won’t be under pressure to complete your program within a short time frame.

Maximize Time in Your Current Program

Once you’ve applied for a transfer, you may have to sit out of your current program before you can make a move. Why not take advantage of this period by taking electives that can be transferred as credit to your new studies? If that option isn’t possible, consider reducing your course load and using the time to get work published in a journal or gain work experience as a community college adjunct professor.

Take Advantage of Your New Start

Once you’ve successfully transferred to your preferred graduate program, make the most of it: Learn from your mistakes and approach university with a new focus.

Are There Alternatives to Transferring Graduate Schools?

If you’re unhappy with your current grad school – or feel it doesn’t meet your career goals – switching isn’t your only option. There are a few alternatives to transferring grad school that might help address your concerns.

Look into Outside Collaboration

If your main issue is not getting along with your advisors (or you feel they can’t best support your research goals), you may be able to access external collaboration opportunities without transferring schools entirely.

Ask If You Can Continue Working with Your Advisor

If your advisor has moved to a different school and you want to continue working with them, see if it’s possible through external collaboration (instead of changing schools).

See If Online Classes Are an Option

Some graduate programs allow students to take some of their classes remotely. If your main issues with your current program are logistical problems or scheduling conflicts, see if your school will meet some of your course requirements online. This could go a long way to resolve your concerns, all without finding an online master’s program .

Transfer Credits to Your Original School

If you’re close to finishing your degree, it might make more sense to take a few courses elsewhere –  then transferring those credits back to your original school . Not all programs will facilitate this, but it’s worth asking!

Go for a Terminal Master’s Degree

If you can’t see yourself completing your doctorate, you may be able to apply your studies toward a  terminal master’s qualification . This would give you the option to leave school and find a job after two years or transfer to a different Ph.D. program (if you think a related area of research would be a better fit).

Frequently Asked Questions

Will my  new school accept my credits for a master’s program.

You can submit a request for previously-earned credits to be considered for your new master’s program. In many cases, your new school will accept some – if not all – of your credits. However, there is no guarantee: Most institutions only accept the credits earned from reputable, nationally-accredited schools. Others have a policy not to accept transfer credits at all.

Do Graduate Schools Look at Transfer GPA?

This depends on the school and the admissions process, but most grad schools use your current grad program’s GPA as one of their main criteria for accepting your application.

Will They Consider My Undergraduate GPA?

Again, this depends on the graduate school. If they assess your application like any other applicant, the institution will almost certainly consider your undergraduate GPA. However, a strong academic transcript from your graduate program and excellent recommendation letters may help offset a problematic undergrad GPA.

Will I Need to Sit an Entrance Exam Like the GRE/GMT?

To determine program eligibility, you may need to take an entrance test (if you didn’t already sit the required test as part of applying to your initial school). GRE and GMAT are the most popular entrance tests for transfer students. An entrance test may or may not be required, but this depends on the school, your academic record, and any professional credentials.

How Long Do You Have to Transfer Graduate Credits from One School to Another?

When graduate students transfer their credits, schools usually set a time limit (this depends on the program). Ask the college admissions office to check their rules around transferring credit hours. Transferring older credits may also mean you’ll need to complete your degree within a shorter time frame (i.e., before those transfer credits expire).

Can You Transfer Credits That Weren’t Part of a Graduate Degree Program?

Yes, in some cases, you can get credit for formal training and education you’ve completed, even if it wasn’t part of a graduate program. This is, however, at the discretion of the admissions office. You may even be able to get credit for professional work experience if it was extensive enough.

Can You Transfer Ph.D. Programs?

Graduate students working towards a doctorate may be able to transfer to another Ph.D. program, but this isn’t as common. Ph.D. students typically work closely with a supervisor on a specific piece of research, so transferring to another school (and a different supervisor) may be impossible. Generally speaking, the further along you are with your Ph.D., the more challenging this will be.

Final Thoughts

It can be tricky to transfer graduate schools, but with a bit of research and the right approach, you’ll soon find the best graduate school for transfer students and be able to start the next part of your academic career without too much hassle.

Don’t let your uncertainty about how to transfer grad school get in the way of pursuing your dreams!

To help you put together a strong grad school application, check out these related guides:

• What to Ask in Your Grad School Interview
• How to Request a Recommendation Letter from Your Professor

Lisa Marlin

Lisa is a full-time writer specializing in career advice, further education, and personal development. She works from all over the world, and when not writing you'll find her hiking, practicing yoga, or enjoying a glass of Malbec.

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•       Resources       How to Transfer College Credits in Grad School

How to Transfer College Credits in Grad School FAQs & Tips for Master's & PhD Students

Many students know that transferring as an undergrad is fairly common -- over one third of undergraduate students transfer schools at least once over six years -- but transferring graduate schools doesn't seem to get the same attention. This can make figuring out how to transfer at the graduate level a bit mystifying. Transferring as a master's or PhD student isn't impossible, but it does come with its own unique set of challenges and parameters. With some preparation and expert insight, students can successfully transfer schools or programs during their graduate studies, or find alternatives to transferring that better suit their circumstances.

• How to Transfer Grad Schools
• Tips on Transferring
• Why Students Transfer Grad Schools
• Alternatives to Transferring

FAQs About Transferring in Graduate School

Featured online schools.

It's natural for students to have questions and uncertainties about transferring graduate programs. After all, many graduate students don’t even know that transferring may be a viable option for them. These frequently asked questions can help prospective transfer students get a better understanding of the graduate transfer process.

Yes, although the process may sometimes be closer to applying as a first-year student. In general, students apply to a program and then request that previously-earned credits be considered for transfer. Since some master's programs have curricula and research specific to a university, certain credits may not be accepted. However, this varies by school and program of study, and students can contact advisors and admissions specialists to see how feasible the process is.

Some schools do allow students to transfer PhD programs, but it's not as common as transferring master's programs. Many PhD programs have students work closely with an advisor to conduct research, which can make transferring difficult, especially if they have made considerable progress in their studies. Students who transfer after earning a master's degree may have more opportunities.

This varies by institution and individual program. Between nine and 15 is common, but the number of transferable credits can range from three to 30 or more, depending on the program and degree level. PhD programs that allow transfer students may accept more transfer credits than master's programs.

Graduate programs typically must be completed in a specified amount of time, like five, six or seven years. Students can usually transfer credits that fall within that time frame, but they should be mindful of how those credits will affect the amount of time they have to complete their program. For instance, if a student applying to a 36-credit graduate program transfers nine credits earned four years earlier, and the program has a required completion time of six years, the student only has two years to earn the additional 27 credits needed to graduate.

Schools may require students to submit transfer credit requests within a certain period of time after starting their program, such as within the first semester or year. Students should contact admissions, a transfer advisor or the registrar's office for specific information before applying to ensure they have enough time to prepare their transfer credit request forms.

Yes, but the circumstances in which this is possible may be limited. Typically, students can transfer graduate credit between degrees if the degree programs are closely related. For instance, students who switch into an MBA program from another business-related master's program, like accounting, may have crossover between courses and can successfully transfer credits.

Students should be able to transfer between online and on campus programs, as long as prior coursework was completed at a regionally accredited institution, and the student's prospective school finds that the coursework meets equivalency standards. As with traditional transfers, credit transfer between online and on campus programs may be determined on a case-by-case basis.

It's possible. Whether or not credits earned outside of a degree program will transfer into a degree program depends on the particular courses taken and whether or not a student's prospective graduate school deems the coursework appropriate and equivalent to coursework within their program. Students who earn a B or higher in non-degree classes can submit a transfer credit request to their school and see if they are granted credit.

How to Transfer Grad School Credits

Transferring credits from one graduate school to another can take some time, but the process is fairly straightforward. Exact procedures and transfer eligibility guidelines vary by institution, so it's important that students check with their prospective graduate schools for details. The following steps should give students a general idea of what they can expect when transferring credits.

Check your school’s graduate transfer page

This is where students can find the detailed steps and requirements for transferring graduate schools. The University of Oregon , University of Indiana Bloomington and Columbia University Graduate School of Arts and Sciences provide good examples of what students should look for. Students should make sure they meet all transfer requirements delineated on their school’s graduate transfer guidelines page before proceeding. Contact the school directly with any questions.

Request official transcripts from your previous institution

A student’s prospective graduate school will need to see proof of course completion before granting transfer credit. Ordering and receiving official transcripts can take a few days or weeks, so it’s wise to do this step early.

Fill out a Request for Transfer of Graduate Credit form

Students usually have to complete a transfer credit request form, often titled Request for Transfer of Graduate Credit, or something similar. This form generally involves writing out which credits the student would like to be considered for transfer, including a description of the coursework and how it meets the requirements at their prospective graduate school.

Submit transcripts, request form and any additional documents or letters

When submitting their transfer credit request forms and transcripts, students may also need to include other documentation, like their previous institution’s course descriptions, letters of recommendation or test scores.

Wait for written approval from both the graduate school and your department of study

Sending in the request does not guarantee credit transfer. Wait for written approval to be sure that credits have successfully transferred.

Depending on their program, PhD students may have to meet with an admissions committee to explain why they want to transfer out of their previous school and into a new one. This may take extra time and preparation, so students should plan their time accordingly to give themselves the best chance at getting accepted into a new program.

Questions to Ask Before Trying to Transfer Grad Schools

Transferring graduate schools can be intimidating, but a little preparation can help. Students can ease their nerves and make sure they are ready to begin the transfer process by asking themselves a few key questions.

• Does the program I want to attend accept transfer students?
• Is there a minimum GPA, and do I meet it?
• Are additional entrance exams needed that I haven't already taken for my current/previous program?
• Do I meet the new program’s admissions requirements, or can any be waived due to experience?
• How many credits am I allowed to transfer? How many will I lose?
• Why do I want to transfer?
• How will transferring affect my research or thesis?
• How long will it take for me to complete my program if I transfer?
• What will additional time in the program cost me?
• Will work or family life be a conflict?
• Why did I choose the program in the first place? Was the school a bad fit, or is it the area of study?

Grad School Transfer Tips

Deciding to transfer graduate schools is, for many students, a significant step toward successfully completing their graduate studies. These tips can help make the transition process as smooth and stress-free as possible.

Sometimes, transferring is a student’s only option, but it’s often important for students to consider why they want to transfer schools as graduate students. Doing a self-assessment can help students figure out if transferring is going to work for them.

Dana Bearer, Associate Director of Graduate, Transfer and Adult Admissions at Clarion University, notes that there are several things students should take into consideration when deciding whether or not to transfer, such as why they chose their program, how much time a transfer will add to their completion time and whether the issues that caused them to leave their initial program will be problematic in the future. "Students need to be prepared to put in the necessary work the second time around to complete their program."

Many schools make transferring at the graduate level easy and streamlined, but starting early will help students make sure they meet all program requirements and have adequate time to fill in any gaps. Discovering you need to take a series of exams and gather recommendation letters from former instructors a month before the term begins can be a huge setback that’s best avoided.

Bearer stresses the importance of accounting for credits lost during the transfer process and the extra time it may take to complete a program at a new institution. She also reminds students of the possibility that none of their credits will transfer, and they’ll have to start over. Students may want to see if they can request transfer credit evaluations at multiple institutions before applying to a new graduate program.

While transferring as a master’s student is usually pretty simple, PhD students may have to do some considerable legwork when it comes to changing schools or programs. Admissions committees may be suspicious or skeptical of a student’s desire to transfer schools. Is their research going poorly? Do they not work well with their advisor? Did they attend a "safety school" but want a degree with a more prestigious name?

It may be crucial for students to spend some time crafting a smart statement of intent or, in cases where students meet with the admissions committee in person, a verbal explanation of their transfer request.

In circumstances where students need to defend their decision to transfer, it may be smart to request recommendation letters from doctorate advisors and instructors. Sometimes this is a requirement, but even if it isn’t, a strong set of recommendations may help a student transfer into PhD programs, which typically have limited seats and numerous applicants. Requesting recommendations from an institution you plan to leave can be uncomfortable, but a sincere and honest approach can aid in a successful transfer.

"Students should talk to their advisors before they transfer and make every effort to complete the program before they stop out or transfer," says Bearer.

If students are unable to work out the issue that’s leading to their need to transfer, they should ensure they don’t repeat the same problem in their new school. "Students should talk to an advisor at the other school they’re considering to ensure the program is a fit for them before they begin," says Bearer. "Most issues can be solved before students begin their programs."

Transferring schools may not be the only or even the best solution for graduate students. Considering why they want to transfer and other potential ways to meet that end can help students make the right decision for their academic, professional and personal lives.

Why You Might Want or Need to Transfer Grad Schools

Like undergraduates, graduate students may find themselves in a wide range of circumstances that lead them to transfer schools. However, the common reasons graduate students make a change in their program of study are usually different from or more nuanced than undergraduate woes and may require more reflection.

One of the most common reasons I see graduate students transfer is cost," says Bearer. Students may find that after starting a graduate program, they are not able to sustain their studies for financial reasons. Whether something unexpected happens with their financial aid, a work situation changes, the program takes longer to complete than expected or something else, students may need to look for a different graduate program in order to finish their degree.

Bearer notes that job and family issues often play a role in causing graduate students to transfer. She says that family or work will cause students to drop out of a program for a length of time. “At that point, they usually decide that their work or family life conflicts with the program, so they stop enrolling.” However, transferring to a program that provides the flexibility or proximity they need may be a better solution for graduate students that allows them to finish their degree.

Usually students go into their graduate programs with a pretty solid idea of what they want to study, but sometimes students find that the program isn’t what they expected and another field might better suit their interests. In this case, students may be able to transfer graduate programs within the same school, which can increase the possibility of credit transfer if the programs are closely related.

Graduate students, especially PhD students, may conduct extensive research as part of their degree programs. Students often choose their graduate school based off their research interests and how closely those interests align with their department’s expertise. However, students may begin their research only to find that their advisor’s interests lie elsewhere, and they don’t get to conduct the research they wanted. Graduate students may feel that transferring schools is will give them a better opportunity to conduct research that fits their interests and goals.

Sometimes students don’t do as well as they expect in their graduate program. "Unfortunately, a student may be earning failing grades and have been dismissed from the program, thus resulting in a need to transfer," says Bearer. If a student’s overall GPA causes them to be dismissed from their program but they’ve maintained a B or higher in a few classes, they may be able to transfer those particular credits to a different graduate program.

PhD students work closely with advisors to conduct research and develop their theses. Every now and then an advisor will pass away or switch schools, leaving students with a difficult decision. For the sake of their research, students may officially follow their advisor to their new school or opt to find a new advisor elsewhere.

Alternatives to Transferring Graduate Schools

Transferring graduate schools isn’t as difficult as it may seem, but that doesn’t necessarily make it the best option for all students. Students should carefully consider why they want to transfer and see if any alternatives make more sense given their circumstances and goals.

If family or work obligations, or other circumstances make attending classes at the same schedule impossible, students can consider taking some of their course requirements online rather than transferring to a new program. More and more schools are offering online options, so it may be possible to complete some courses online even if the student originally enrolled in a fully on-campus program. Check with the admissions department to see if it’s possible.

If students can stick their PhD program out for at least two years, they may be able to transfer out and receive a terminal master’s degree instead. Students can then switch to a different PhD program or stop at the master’s level.

Students who have advisor-related issues, like differences in research goals, may be able to collaborate with students and instructors at other universities while still completing their coursework at their current institution. Similarly, if an advisor moves schools, students may still be able to work with that advisor for research without formally enrolling in the other school.

In some cases, Bearer suggests that a student may be able to complete a small number of credits in a new program and transfer those to complete a degree in the student’s original program. “This might be an option if the student is only a few classes from completing the program and their home school is willing to accept the classes,” she says.

Schools cap the number of credits a student is allowed to transfer, so those who need to transfer near the end of their programs could be at a huge loss. However, if they are able to take the last few credits they need at a new institution and then transfer back to their original program, students may be able to make the most of an unfortunate situation.

If students transfer credits after a significant hiatus, they may not realize how little time they have left to complete a program, especially if not all of their credits transfer. “Consider the cost of transferring and how many credits you have left to complete the program,” advises Bearer. Sometimes it’s more cost-effective to start fresh rather than transfer a few older credits and risk not finishing a program on time.

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Can I get a masters degree if I drop my PhD?

I am an undergraduate right now, looking to apply to Grad schools. I am just confused about the kinds of degrees offered by graduate schools. Some state they have a "M.S, M.S/PhD, and PhD" programs. I have read a lot that students who quit their Ph.D in between after realizing that the program is not for them can leave with a masters but is this available for (almost) any PhD program or just the M.S/Ph.D program? Does a university that simply states an offering of a "Ph.D" program also allow students who quit in between to leave with a masters?

• graduate-admissions
• graduate-school

• 4 This is going to vary widely by both field and country. Can you update your post with that information? –  Jeff Commented May 23, 2021 at 0:48

2 Answers 2

My field (economics) in the US generally works the way you're describing - you can quit in the middle of your PhD and leave with your masters. At my program, once we completed some number of graduate credits (I think it was around 2.5 years worth) we simply filled out an application on the student management portal for a masters, and they awarded it. It was like five extra minutes of work, so I think all of my classmates did it. They called it an "incidental masters degree"

That said, PhD programs frown heavily on entering a PhD with the goal of leaving in the middle with a masters degree. They offer funding to PhD students with the goal of putting quality applicants on the job market, which masters students can't do. Conversely, students who enroll in a masters program not only aren't funded, they usually pay a lot in tuition.

It does make for a nice consolation prize for the few classmates I have who never finished though, since they at least come out of the program with a masters.

• Sounds like it's heavily incentivized to enroll in a PhD program to get the masters degree. Frowning upon ppl that don't want to pay for something they can get paid for instead of solving the underlying problem sounds like an, er, interesting approach. –  DonQuiKong Commented May 23, 2021 at 9:04
• @DonQuiKong I mean, you're not wrong. I've never been on an admissions committee, but I imagine they expend a fair bit of effort looking for students who will actually finish their PhD. –  Jeff Commented May 23, 2021 at 14:01
• So you're saying they are additionally favoring good liars? ;) –  DonQuiKong Commented May 23, 2021 at 16:57

This varies, but in my experience (US/Canada, biology/math/statistics),

entering an "M.S." program assumes that you will want to complete the Master's degree and leave (for industry or a PhD program elsewhere).

in an "M.S./Ph.D." program you are initially enrolled for a Master's; if, toward the end of the Master's program, it looks like you are doing well and you want to continue on with a Ph.D. in the same program, you can do some paperwork (in my old institution this was called a "Master's bypass") and be automatically enrolled in a PhD, without writing your Master's thesis, defending it, re-applying for the PhD program, etc.. In this case your Master's work would typically be rolled into the first chapter (or two) of your Ph.D. thesis.

Under this option there would not be any stigma associated with stopping with a Master's degree; part of the intention of an M.S./Ph.D. program is precisely to allow students to decide whether they want to continue with a Ph.D.

This option may be limited to students who plan to continue with the same supervisor.

There may also be an option for students who want to go through the process of getting their Master's degree (written thesis, defense, etc.) and then start the Ph.D. program; not much difference except that you do have to do the write-up and defense, and you get to add a degree to your CV.

In programs with an M.S./Ph.D. program, entry into the Ph.D. program would typically be reserved for students who already had a Master's degree in the relevant field.

Many schools will "offer" a terminal master's ; this is a consolation prize for students who enrolled in a Ph.D. program but for some reason are unable to complete it (e.g. they are performing so poorly that they are being kicked out of the program, but well enough that some level of certification of achievement seems appropriate, or because they decided they were unhappy). "Terminal" means that such students would not typically be eligible to apply for a Ph.D. in the same program.

At most programs that offer both MS and PhD degrees, whether or not they have a formal MS/PhD track, it is usually pretty easy to get accepted into the PhD program if you do well in a Master's degree.

As may be clear from all of the above, these programs are usually flexible; if you started a "Ph.D. only" program and decided to drop out, you might have the option to write up your work and finish with a Master's. The M.S./Ph.D. is somewhat less stressful as it gives an explicit choice point.

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• Faculty Issues

Mastering Out

By  Colleen Flaherty

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Chelsea Corkins graduated Kansas State University in August 2013 with a joint undergraduate and master’s degree in biological and agricultural engineering. Later that month she headed to Virginia Tech for a Ph.D. program in biological systems engineering.

In many ways, Corkins thrived at Virginia Tech. She liked what she was learning, had friends and took on leadership roles that eventually led to her to being elected president of the Graduate Student Assembly. But doubts about pursuing a Ph.D. were creeping in. She wasn’t enthralled with research and looked forward to teaching undergraduates and maybe even high schoolers, not graduate students.

With the support of her dean, Karen dePauw, and several faculty teaching mentors, Corkins considered options beyond the Ph.D. -- including leaving with a master’s. Because she already had a master’s in her field, though, she changed tracks a bit. After taking some time off to work in an agricultural education program through Virginia Tech, she re-enrolled as a master’s student in agricultural leadership and community education.

Corkins graduated this year and is now working as a community engagement specialist in agricultural extension at the University of Missouri.

All told, Corkins took six years to get that second master's. But she doesn’t regret it -- or her choice to leave her Ph.D. program. She’s convinced that experiences she gained during and between her studies landed her the position she holds today.

“There is no required timeline for graduate school. And beginning a Ph.D. program should not require that you finish that program,” she said. “Many students are still very young and exploring what they like to do. You’re not signing your soul away when you sign up for a program. Those five or so years aren’t set in stone, and there’s a reason for that.”

She added, “You’re not indebted to anyone. It’s all part of the experience.”

That said, Corkins didn’t take her decision lightly, and says she could not have made it without the help of mentors. Without them, she might even have walked away from her time at Virginia Tech with no degree.

Others students complete their programs with few to no doubts. But Corkins said she still encourages current Ph.D. candidates to check in with themselves on a regular basis, starting early on. What are their career goals, have they changed of late and is a doctorate still compatible with them? How are students feeling about graduate school -- and life in general?

Corkins’s choice is one way to “master out” of a Ph.D. program, although she prefers the term “pivot.” More typically, “master out” is used to describe students who enroll in a Ph.D. program and exit with a master’s degree in that same field instead.

It’s unclear how often this happens. Over all, 50 percent of Ph.D. students don't finish their programs. But there is no national data on how many master out, as opposed to just leave, and institutions don’t typically track this path. But it probably happens more than we think. And those who have done it say it should be a more visible choice.

Beth Davey, a graduate student working at Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research in Australia, recently announced her decision to master out on Twitter. In a popular thread , she described a cycle of doubt about whether she wanted, needed or even deserved a Ph.D. Ultimately a friend’s decision to master out of a graduate program was the confirmation she needed that doing so was OK. That she would be OK.

She added, “I also believe I rushed into my Ph.D., as it was the next logical step for me in academia, and I didn’t really know what else to do with my honors degree aside from a higher degree,” or working as a research assistant or technician, which she did for nine months.

Davey needs to finish her thesis to receive her master’s. She’s unsure about her exact career goals but hopeful she’ll be in a better place to contemplate them following graduation. Still, while she’s writing, she’s reaching out to her various networks and talking to people working in research, but not necessarily as researchers -- think project management, science communication and education. She also works at a science education center for K-12 students.

Suzanne Ortega, president of the Council of Graduate Schools, said there are multiple reasons that doctoral students leave with a master's, including family and life circumstances, “evolving career objectives, and a recognition that the master’s degree offers appealing options.”

Chris Golde, assistant director of career communities for doctoral students and postdoctoral fellows at Stanford University (and a columnist for Inside Higher Ed ), said a Ph.D. is a “very long commitment that’s not for everyone.” People can lose enthusiasm and “any number of things that happen in life can happen along the way.”

Still, students’ identities often became wrapped up in their Ph.D. goals, and some who might want to leave with a master’s don’t consider it (Golde doesn’t like the term "mastering out," either) because “any choice that’s not very visible is a harder one to make.”

Not a ‘Consolation Prize’

Yet Ortega said that exiting a doctoral program with a master’s degree “can be a very successful outcome, and one the higher education community should accept and support.” Regardless of why they leave, “students should know their degree is valued and can opens doors to additional career pathways and advancement.”

Jerry B. Weinberg, associate provost for research and dean of the Graduate School at Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville, said that the master’s degree is no longer the “consolation prize” for opting out of the doctoral track, but rather a “sought-after degree by employers in quite a few fields of practice.”

In many fields, such as natural science, technology, engineering, math and health care, he said, employers see the master’s degree as the “expected or preferred level of entry.” The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment in master’s-level occupations is projected to grow by almost 17 percent between 2016 and 2026, the fastest of any education level, Weinberg noted. And many recent employees without a master’s are returning to school as “a pathway to promotion and raises.”

Weinberg also said that Council of Graduate Schools data show how master’s degree applications and conferrals have increased continually over the last 10 years, with significant gains in the last five. About 84 percent of all graduate degrees conferred are at the master’s level, and institutions have changed the way they deliver programs to meet the needs of all students.

Instead of “mastering out,” Weinberg said it would be more accurate to say that students are mastering “in,” due to the increased demand.

Leonard Cassuto, professor of English at Fordham University who has written about and long advocated  changing graduate education to focus on students, said a candidate’s decision to master out (or in) should never come as a total surprise to a department. Students should feel comfortable exploring their various degree and career options with their faculty mentors. And when they don’t, he said, the department has failed -- not the student.

Such conversations and decisions are better made earlier rather than later, Cassuto also said. It’s only natural for some students to decide, through a few years of graduate exploration, that a Ph.D. is not for them. But students leaving well into their research programs because that kind of work isn't for them also signals institutional failure, he said.

Centering Students

“Graduate education has centered on the Ph.D. since its inception, and that’s not necessarily a bad thing, as the Ph.D. can provide an organizing principle,” Cassuto said. “But as a professional institution, we haven’t done very much to think beyond the Ph.D., or people who don’t necessarily need it but are in graduate school anyway.”

In today’s academic job market and overall climate, in particular, he added, “no one can afford that kind of indifference.”

Golde, at Stanford, said students don’t necessarily need to share all their doubts with their faculty mentors and advisers, but rather explore them with someone. That’s why institutions need to develop infrastructures to support graduate students, including career centers and mental health facilities. Pre-existing anxiety and depression can make gradate school harder, she said, and can sometimes surface in graduate school.

Unfortunately, she said, many institutions are still playing catch-up when it comes to supporting graduate students in multiple ways, as they do undergraduates.

Master’s degrees are typically not conferred automatically. In Cassuto’s department, for example, Ph.D. students who enter without a master’s become eligible to get one after they pass their comps. But they have to formally request it from the graduate school.

At Stanford, Golde recommends that all Ph.D. students complete the paperwork and other necessary steps to get a master's for this reason -- what she joked was “credit for time served.”

At Virginia Tech, the master’s isn’t automatic, either. But dePauw, the dean who mentored Corkins, said the university accommodates students who decide they want to leave with a master’s instead of a Ph.D., such as by allowing them to stay on to complete any necessary requirements.

Some institutions, including Virginia Tech, have worked to provide the kind of infrastructure Golde mentioned and to promote cultural change. DePauw helped developed the Transformative Graduate Education initiative, which includes programs and courses that transcend departments and promote inclusion, interdisciplinarity and community. The campus also has a Graduate Life Center that houses courses, programs and events, administrative offices, and even graduate student apartments.

Still, dePauw said, there’s more work to be done to change graduate education and the way it influences students’ paths.

“Underlying some of these things is impostor syndrome and the personal angst and stress that goes on. Some people will kind of stick it out and persevere, but my philosophy about graduate education is that we should be thriving, not surviving,” she said. “We need to get these things out in the open and talk about them -- perfectionism and stress and work-life balance, and do more to make all of it easier. We have to change the culture of graduate education.”

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