Should I do a Master's First? Well, Yes, Probably
Many think of the traditional route to a PhD - Bachelor's, Master's, then "hell", I mean, PhD. Not everyone takes this route though. In some countries, it is considered quite normal to progress to PhD without a Master's, either from having fantastic field experience, or an Honours degree, or some other fast-track opportunity.
I took my Masters, partly because it was expected, and partly because I needed that 'step' into Doctoral-level study. The learning curve - not only in understanding theory, methodology, and coming to grips with research - is huge. So too is the "self-discipline" required to be able to tackle advanced research. Not easily done on an undergraduate mindset. A "research Master's" provides a great training ground to ease junior researchers into the more complex nuances of research, and to the communication needs that an advanced degree at Doctoral level (PhD, DEd, DSc, etc) expects. It also ensures a nice "social" transition - between daily instructor-led classes to self-directed and self-motivated learning. A stepping stone, if you please.
If given a chance to "do-over", would I opt for a fast-track? No. Those two years of Master's 'classes + thesis research' helped me mature; something that was well-needed by the time I hit PhD level, and hit it running.
The following abridged article by Alexandra Oanca sheds light on to four (4) reasons why it's good to do a Masters first. From personal experience, I concur with the key observations; although my perspective on doing Masters and PhD at the same university differs (point 2, last paragraph).
1. A Master’s helps you see if you're ready to commit to a Ph.D.
During an undergraduate degree you will typically study general aspects of your chosen subject and you will specialise only a little bit through your final thesis or graduation project.
Even if you are attracted to a chosen study field or career path, you cannot know if it’s really for you until you immerse more into the subject. Considering that a Ph.D. without a Master’s requires about 6 years of commitment, wouldn’t it be better to be sure?
Because it is specialised and research-oriented a Master’s puts you face to face with what you’re planning to beat your brain with for quite some time.
At the same time, a Master’s will introduce to you the process of graduate study, which is more complex than undergraduate degrees. If you have the right study routine, the right motivation, and even time management skills during your Master’s, they will be the most relevant signs that you are ready for a PhD.
If, on the contrary, you find the Master’s overwhelming and not as interesting and appealing as you thought, then you’ll know that it is perhaps better not to undertake a Ph.D. At least not in that subject area.
2. You’ll get better positions as a Ph.D. vs a Master's
If you have a Master’s degree, you are just one or two years older than a B.A. holder but you’ll have much more experience that you can use in your doctoral project. And universities are not immune to that. It is a well-known fact that graduate schools tend to favour candidates with a Master’s, even in situations where a Master’s is not an absolute requirement.
Another way a Master's works in your favour is if you don’t have an above average academic track record. If you have lower grades in your Bachelor’s studies, graduating magna cum laude (or close) from a Master’s will certainly turn the tide in your favour.
And finally, doing a Master’s at the same university where you want to pursue your PhD is one of the smartest moves you can make. It shows loyalty to the university and gets you the right contacts among teachers. It’s almost a sure pass to a doctoral programme.
3. A Master’s is the only way to a Ph.D. in a new field
It does not matter where you want to pursue a Ph.D., if you don’t have the right academic background in a connected subject area, chances of being accepted to a Ph.D. are little to zero. So, if you want to change careers and pursue a subject at a doctoral level you will need a graduate programme to prepare you for it. A Master’s degree does not only introduce to your new study field, but it does so in a more specialised way.
4. A Master’s can help you finish doctorate programmes faster
In some departments, graduate schools and faculties, a Master’s does not only mean investing two extra years in your education. Quite the contrary, it might buy you time. Especially in the USA and Canada, but not only, you might be able to transfer some of the credits you earned during your Master’s towards a PhD. This can result in considerably reducing the time you spend getting your PhD.
Even if credits transfer is not possible, a Master’s still reduces the time you spend on a Ph.D. During your Master’s you win two years in which you can decide on a definitive research topic and you will inevitably gather a lot of info about it. When you start your Ph.D. you will be anywhere from one to two years ahead with your research, compared to fellow doctoral students who jumped from Bachelor’s to Ph.D.
If you are still unsure, the best advice we can give you is to ask for advice. Ask your professors, ask Master's and doctoral students, ask anyone that knows academia but knows you as well, to get personalized advice that can help YOU. Finally, choose with care, but don’t feel overwhelmed by it and remember that there is nothing wrong with changing your mind!
Full Article: 4 Good Reasons to Do a Master's before Your Ph.D. - MastersPortal.com
Image Source: Masters Vs PhD: The Difference Between Masters & PhD/Doctorates (gradschools.com)
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