[anirudh_1984]

Hello people,
I'm an undergraduate (Bachelors) applying to universities in the US for a graduate program in Chemical Engineering. I am interested in research and would want to do a PhD some day. Most of these universities have the option of opting for their PhD program at this juncture;
My worry is this: If I choose to apply to their PhD program, I would have to work through the Masters. However, if something goes wrong or if I find something unsuitable, would it be possible for me to change the university after my masters or quit with a terminal masters degree?
OR am I bound to the University for the next 5-6 years of my life?

Thanx!

[Mitch]

Do not post the same topic in more than one forum!

You can leave most any PhD program with a masters. Coursework masters if you meet the minimum unit load or a research masters if you write something up.

[anirudh_1984]

Thank you and I apologize for posting this topic in two different forums; I wasn't too sure of the appropriate category that this message belonged to.

[Dan]

If I were you, I'd at least make sure you have the oppertunity to leave with a masters if you want to. If find you don't like the institution so much, you can move location or career direction if you wish to do so.
I would say, do the masters first, then decide on further study. Put it this way, would you sign a 5 year contract with a company at this point in your life?

It has been suggested (on this site) that there is some sort of odd stigma associated with having a master degree in the US, as it implies you are a PhD dropout. But I don't know much about this.

[enahs]

It has been suggested (on this site) that there is some sort of odd stigma associated with having a master degree in the US, as it implies you are a PhD dropout. But I don't know much about this.

I have never heard that.

Now, I know a few people with masters that virtually have a PhD but there field of study required them to work in the field some and write a paper on something new in that field, and defend it; but they never did as they got busy with the jobs they enjoyed while making tons of money.

[Borek]

http://www.chemicalforums.com/index.php?topic=8897.0