Whats the difference between a Ph.D. degree and an M.S. degree?
The emphasis is on research. To earn a Ph.D. a student must complete a significant research project that advances knowledge in their field. The required courses and exams help the student prepare for their research projects, and in the final phase of the Ph.D. program the student presents a dissertation proposal, carries out the research, and then writes and defends the final dissertation. Participation in a research project is optional for M.S. students. Many of our M.S. students often do work on research projects, for example by enrolling in research seminars, or working as research assistants, or by writing an M.S. thesis. Usually these projects are part of a larger research program defined by a faculty member, whereas the research that is the basis of a Ph.D. dissertation is original research carried out individually by the student.
Related Questions
- If I pass the ECE PhD preliminary exam, earn the GT ECE MS degree, and begin my GT ECE PhD studies at a later date, do I have to take the preliminary exam again?
- Can any courses that I take for my MS or MEd degree be used toward a doctoral degree in ATPI (EdD or PhD)?
- Can I apply for the PhD program without having an MS degree?
