What’s the difference between getting a Master’s and PhD degree?
A master’s degree typically takes 2 years, and is more focused on graduate-level coursework and a short-term research project. A full doctorate degree is similar to a master’s for the first 2 years, but then you continue on to work on a more involved thesis, for a few more years. A masters degree typically leads on to jobs in industry, or research assistants, while a PhD is normally required if you want to be a professor or a senior scientist in industry. For more information, BMES organizes a graduate mentor/mentee program for 3rd/4th year undergraduates who are interested in grad school but need some advice. Contact bmes.ucsd@gmail.com for details. (Margene Wight, 2007.06.
