phd with pass in masters

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How the PhD Program Works

Program Overview

Completing your doctorate at Wharton requires 5 years of full-time study. The first 2 years in the program prepare you for admission to candidacy by taking courses, qualifying exams, and starting research projects. In the last few years, you are primarily conducting research full-time including writing and defending your doctoral dissertation.

Admission to candidacy.

You begin by taking courses required for your program of study. All programs requires a preliminary exam, which may be either oral or written.

Some programs may have further requirements, such as an additional exam or research paper. If you enter with a master’s degree or other transfer credit, you may satisfy the formal course requirements more quickly.

Beginning the Wharton PhD Curriculum How the first two years of the Wharton program helped students discover their interests, learn the tools of the profession, and fuel their passion for teaching.

The Doctoral Dissertation

Upon successful completion of coursework and passing a preliminary examination, you are admitted to candidacy for the dissertation phase of your studies.

Your doctoral dissertation should contain original research that meets standards for published scholarship in your field. You are expected to be an expert in the topic you choose to research.

You are admitted to candidacy for the dissertation phase of your studies upon successful completion of coursework and passing a preliminary examination, but you can start thinking about and working on research of relevance at any time.

The dissertation process culminates with a “defense,” in which you defend the proposal orally before your dissertation committee.

While working on your dissertation, you interact extensively with Wharton faculty. Together with interested faculty, you create your own research community that includes your dissertation advisor and dissertation committee.

Policies and Procedures

Get more detailed explanation of course requirements, academic standards, the Teacher Development Program, time limits, and dissertation procedures and requirements.

Sample Program Sequence

Years 1 & 2.

Coursework Examination Research Papers Research Activities Field-Specific Requirements

Directed Reading & Research Admission to Candidacy Formulation of Research Topic

Years 4 & 5

Continued Research Oral Examination Dissertation

Hear From Our Doctoral Community

Conducting ground-breaking research at wharton, how this phd student discovered a dynamic research community at wharton, from undergrad to phd.

Can I Do A PhD With A Pass Masters: Taking The Next Step

If you wish to earn a higher degree, ask yourself, “Can I do a PhD with a pass masters?” You are not alone in this scenario. Don’t worry. I’ll help you.

Higher education and advanced degrees shape one’s academic and professional journey. For individuals who have obtained a Pass Masters degree, the question of whether they can pursue a PhD may arise.

In this article, I’ll explore the possibilities and considerations for individuals in the UK who hold a Pass Master’s degree and aspire to attain a Ph.D.

Understanding The Pass Masters Degree

A Pass Masters degree typically indicates that a student has fulfilled the basic requirements for a postgraduate qualification. While it may not have the same distinction level as a Merit or Distinction, it is still a recognized academic achievement.

However, there are often misconceptions and limitations associated with a Pass Master’s degree, leading some to believe it may hinder their chances of pursuing a Ph.D.

Admission Requirements For PhD Programs In The UK

To gain admission into a PhD program in the UK, candidates need to meet specific requirements. While there are general criteria, such as a minimum grade point average and English language proficiency, the evaluation process for applicants with a Pass Masters’s degree may differ.

Admissions committees typically consider factors such as research experience, academic achievements, and the applicant’s potential for contributing to their chosen field of study.

Factors Influencing Acceptance Into A PhD Program With A Pass Masters

While a Pass Master’s degree may not be the ideal starting point for a PhD, several factors can influence acceptance into a program. The support of a potential supervisor and how good and realistic the study proposal is can greatly affect the decision-making process. Additionally, relevant work experience, publications, and a demonstrated commitment to research can enhance the chances of acceptance.

Strategies For Enhancing PhD Application With A Pass Masters

Individuals with a Pass Master’s degree can take proactive steps to strengthen their Ph.D. applications . Participating in more courses or research projects can help build and show off research skills.

Independent study projects with published results can also show a real interest in the subject. Building strong recommendation letters from academic mentors who can vouch for the applicant’s potential can further enhance the application.

Can I Do A PhD With A Pass Masters?

Getting a PhD with a Pass Masters may take more work and planning, but it is not impossible. People can improve their chances of getting into a PhD program by knowing the specific requirements, drawing on related experiences, and writing a compelling research proposal. 

There are other ways to get a PhD, like postgraduate diplomas or MPhil programs. However, getting a PhD with a Pass Masters is a special chance to grow academically and professionally. People with a Pass Masters can start a rewarding journey to get a PhD and make important contributions to their field of study if they are determined and take the right steps.

Success Stories: Examples Of Individuals With Pass Masters Pursuing PhDs

To inspire those considering a PhD with a Pass Master, examining the success stories of individuals who have taken this path is helpful. One example is Dr. Sarah Evans, who obtained a Pass Masters’s degree and pursued a PhD in Environmental Science.

Despite initial doubts about her chances, Dr. Evans developed a compelling research proposal, gained support from a renowned supervisor, and completed her doctorate. Her story showcases that it is indeed possible to achieve a PhD with a Pass Master.

Alternatives To PhD And Options For Advancing Academic Qualifications

While pursuing a Ph.D. is a common aspiration, it is important to acknowledge that there may be alternative pathways for individuals with a Pass Masters degree to enhance their academic qualifications.

P ostgraduate diplomas and specialized certificates in their interest can provide additional credentials and expertise. Another option is a Master of Philosophy (MPhil) program or an Integrated Ph.D., which may offer a stepping stone toward a full-fledged Ph.D.

PhD Without Masters UK

While pursuing a Ph.D. with a Pass Master’s is a viable option, it’s worth noting that some universities in the UK. It may allow direct entry into a PhD program without a Masters’s degree. We know this alternative route as a “PhD without a Master.”

In such cases, candidates must demonstrate exceptional academic achievements, research experience, and the ability to undertake independent study at a doctoral level. Because the availability and eligibility criteria for a PhD without a Masters’s degree can vary. It is critical to investigate and understand each institution’s needs and rules.

How to do PhD without Masters

Frequently Asked Questions

There are several ways to enhance your PhD application with a Pass Masters degree. You can focus on developing a compelling research proposal, gaining relevant research experience, publishing findings, and obtaining strong letters of recommendation highlighting your potential as a researcher.

Yes, several UK universities are known to consider applicants with a Pass Master’s degree or a 2.2 classification for PhD programs. Universities like the University of East London, Leeds Beckett University, and the University of Bedfordshire are generally more open to accepting candidates with a 2.2. 

Final Thoughts

Individuals with a Pass Masters degree in the UK can indeed pursue a PhD, albeit with certain considerations and strategies in place.

Understanding the admission requirements, highlighting relevant experiences, and developing a strong research proposal. It can significantly increase the chances of acceptance. While alternative pathways are available, the journey toward a PhD with a Pass Master is possible and can lead to significant personal and professional growth.

So, if you ask, “Can I do a PhD with a Pass Masters?” remember that with dedication, perseverance, and a well-crafted application, you can.

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• Master’s vs PhD | A Complete Guide to the Differences

Master's vs PhD | A Complete Guide to the Differences

Published on November 27, 2020 by Lauren Thomas . Revised on June 1, 2023.

The two most common types of graduate degrees are master’s and doctoral degrees:

• A master’s is a 1–2 year degree that can prepare you for a multitude of careers.
• A PhD, or doctoral degree, takes 3–7 years to complete (depending on the country) and prepares you for a career in academic research.

A master’s is also the necessary first step to a PhD. In the US, the master’s is built into PhD programs, while in most other countries, a separate master’s degree is required before applying for PhDs.

Master’s are far more common than PhDs. In the US, 24 million people have master’s or professional degrees, whereas only 4.5 million have doctorates.

Table of contents

Master’s vs phd at a glance, which is right for you, length of time required, career prospects, costs and salaries, application process, other interesting articles, frequently asked questions about master's and phd degrees.

The table below shows the key differences between the two.

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A PhD is right for you if:

• Your goal is to become a professor at a university or some other type of professional researcher.
• You love research and are passionate about discovering the answer to a particular question.
• You are willing to spend years pursuing your research even if you have to put up with a lot of dead ends and roadblocks.

A master’s degree is the better choice if any of the following apply:

• You want to continue studies in your field, but you’re not committed to a career as a professional researcher.
• You want to develop professional skills for a specific career.
• You are willing to pay a higher upfront cost if it means finishing with your degree (and thus being able to work) much faster.
• You want the option to study part-time while working.

The length of time required to complete a PhD or master’s degree varies. Unsurprisingly, PhDs take much longer, usually between 3–7 years. Master’s degrees are usually only 1–2 years.

Length of a master’s

Master’s degrees are usually 2 years, although 1-year master’s degrees also exist, mainly in the UK.

Most of the degree consists of classes and coursework, although many master’s programs include an intensive, semester-long master’s thesis or capstone project in which students bring together all they’ve learned to produce an original piece of work.

Length of a PhD

In the US, a PhD usually takes between 5 and 7 years to complete. The first 2 years are spent on coursework. Students, even those who choose to leave without finishing the program, usually receive a master’s degree at this point.

The next 3–5 years are spent preparing a dissertation —a lengthy piece of writing based on independent research, which aims to make a significant original contribution to one’s field.

Master’s degrees tend to prepare you for a career outside of academia, while PhDs are designed to lead to a career in research.

Careers for master’s graduates

There are two types of master’s degrees: terminal and research-intensive. The career prospects are different for each.

Terminal master’s degrees are intended to prepare students for careers outside of academia. Some degrees, known as professional degrees, specifically prepare students for particular professions; these include the Master of Public Policy (MPP), Master of Business Administration (MBA), Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT), Master of Fine Arts (MFA), and Master of Public Health (MPH) degrees.

Other master’s degrees, usually Master of Arts (MA) or Master of Sciences (MS or MSc) degrees, do not necessarily lead to a specific career, but are intended to be a final degree. Examples include an MS in Communications or MS in Data Analytics.

In research-intensive master’s programs, students take coursework intended to prepare them for writing an original piece of research known as the master’s thesis . Such programs are usually intended to prepare for further study in a doctoral program.

Careers for PhD graduates

As research degrees, PhDs are usually intended to lead to an academic career. A PhD can be thought of like an apprenticeship, where students learn from professional researchers (academics) how to produce their own research.

Most students aspire to become a university professor upon the completion of their degree. However, careers in academia are highly competitive, and the skills learned in a doctoral program often lend themselves well to other types of careers.

Some graduates who find they prefer teaching to producing research go on to be teachers at liberal arts colleges or even secondary schools. Others work in research-intensive careers in the government, private sector, or at think tanks.

Below are a few examples of specific fields and non-academic careers that are common destinations of graduates of those fields.

• Computer Science
• Lab Sciences

Many government jobs, including economists at a country’s central bank, are research-intensive and require a PhD. Think tanks also hire economists to carry out independent research.

In the private sector, economic consulting and technology firms frequently hire PhDs to solve real-world problems that require complex mathematical modeling.

Graduate students from the humanities are sometimes hired by museums, who can make use of their research and writing skills to curate exhibits and run public outreach.

Humanities PhDs are often well-suited to research and grant-writing roles at nonprofits. Since so much of research is funded by grants, PhD students often gain a lot of experience applying for them, which is a useful skill in the nonprofit sector.

There are a wide range of non-academic research jobs for lab scientists with doctorates in subjects like chemistry, biology, ecology and physics.

Many PhD graduates are hired by pharmaceutical companies that need to perform research to create and test their products. Government agencies, such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), also hire lab scientists to work on research projects.

Job prospects after graduation vary widely based on the field. In fields like management, computer science, statistics, and economics, there’s little underemployment—even graduates from less well-known programs can easily find jobs that pay well and use the skills they’ve gained from the PhD.

However, in other fields, particularly in the humanities, many PhD graduates have difficulty in the job market. Unfortunately, there are far more PhD graduates than assistant professor roles, so many instead take on part-time and low-paid roles as adjunct instructors. Even non-academic careers can sometimes be difficult for PhDs to move into, as they may be seen as “overqualified”  or as lacking in relevant professional experience.

Because career options post-PhD vary so much, you should take the time to figure out what the career prospects are in your field. Doctoral programs often have detailed “placement” records online in which they list the career outcomes of their graduates immediately upon leaving the program. If you can’t find these records, contact the program and ask for them—placement information should play an important role in your choice of PhD program.

Although PhDs take far longer to complete, students often receive a living stipend in exchange for being a teaching or research assistant. Master’s degrees are shorter but less likely to be funded.

Both master’s degrees and PhDs lead to increased salaries upon graduation. While PhDs usually earn a bit more than those with a master’s degree, in some fields, the wages are identical, meaning that no financial benefit is gained from going on to a PhD.

Cost of a master’s

The upfront cost of a master’s degree is usually higher than a doctoral degree due to the lower amount of financial aid available. However, increased salaries also arrive faster than with a doctoral degree, because people graduate much earlier from a master’s program.

Some master’s students do receive stipends for their degrees, usually as compensation for being a teaching or research assistant. In addition, many people complete master’s degrees part time while working full-time, which allows them to fund their living costs as well as tuition.

The cost varies significantly by school and program. Public schools are usually cheaper than private ones. Some master’s degrees, such as MBAs, are notoriously expensive, but also result in much higher wages afterwards that make up for the high cost.

The master’s wage premium , or the extra amount that someone with a master’s degree makes than someone with just a high school diploma, is 23% on average. Many universities provide detailed statistics on the career and salary outcomes of their students. If they do not have this online, you should feel free to contact an administrator of the program and ask.

Cost of a PhD

PhDs, particularly outside the humanities, are usually (though not always) funded, meaning that tuition fees are fully waived and students receive a small living stipend. During the last 3–5 years of a PhD, after finishing their coursework (and sometimes before), students are usually expected to work as graduate instructors or research assistants in exchange for the stipend.

Sometimes students can apply for a fellowship (such as the National Science Foundation Graduate Research Program in the United States) that relieves them of any obligations to be a teaching or research assistant. Doctoral programs in the US tend to be better funded than in the rest of the world.

Sometimes, PhD degrees can be completed part-time, but this is rare. Students are usually expected to devote at least 40 hours a week to their research and work as teaching or research assistants.

The main cost of doctoral programs comes in the form of opportunity cost—all the years that students could be working a regular, full-time job, which usually pays much better than a graduate school stipend.

The average wage premium for PhDs is 26%, which is not much higher than the master’s degree premium.

In the US, the application process is similar for master’s and PhD programs. Both will generally ask for:

• At least one application essay, often called a personal statement or statement of purpose .
• Letters of recommendation .
• A resume or CV .
• Transcripts.
• Writing samples.

Applications for both types of programs also often require a standardized test. PhDs usually require the Graduate Record Examination (GRE), which tries to measure verbal reasoning, quantitative, critical thinking , and analytical writing skills. Many master’s programs require this test as well.

Applying for a master’s

Master’s degrees programs will often ask you to respond to specific essay prompts that may ask you to reflect upon not just your academic background, but also your personal character and future career ambitions.

Northwestern University’s Kellogg Business School requires Master’s of Business Administration (MBA) applicants write two essays, one about a recent time they demonstrated leadership and the second about their personal values.

Who you should ask for your letters of recommendation varies by program. If you are applying to a research-intensive master’s program, then you should choose former professors or research supervisors. For other programs, particularly business school, current work supervisors may be a better choice.

Some professional master’s programs require a specific test. For example, to apply to law school, you must take the Law School Admissions Test, or LSAT. For business school, you must take either the GRE or the Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT).

Applying for a PhD

When applying for a PhD, your resume should focus more on your research background—you should especially emphasize any publications you’ve authored or presentations that you’ve given.

Similarly, your statement of purpose should discuss research that you’ve participated in, whether as an assistant or the lead author. You should detail what exactly you did in projects you’ve contributed to, whether that’s conducting a literature review, coding regressions, or writing an entire article.

Your letters of recommendations should be from former professors or supervisors who can speak to your abilities and potential as a researcher. A good rule of thumb is to avoid asking for recommendations from anyone who does not themselves have a PhD.

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A master’s is a 1- or 2-year graduate degree that can prepare you for a variety of careers.

All master’s involve graduate-level coursework. Some are research-intensive and intend to prepare students for further study in a PhD; these usually require their students to write a master’s thesis . Others focus on professional training for a specific career.

A PhD, which is short for philosophiae doctor (doctor of philosophy in Latin), is the highest university degree that can be obtained. In a PhD, students spend 3–5 years writing a dissertation , which aims to make a significant, original contribution to current knowledge.

A PhD is intended to prepare students for a career as a researcher, whether that be in academia, the public sector, or the private sector.

This depends on the country. In the United States, you can generally go directly to a PhD  with only a bachelor’s degree, as a master’s program is included as part of the doctoral program.

Elsewhere, you generally need to graduate from a research-intensive master’s degree before continuing to the PhD.

This varies by country. In the United States, PhDs usually take between 5–7 years: 2 years of coursework followed by 3–5 years of independent research work to produce a dissertation.

In the rest of the world, students normally have a master’s degree before beginning the PhD, so they proceed directly to the research stage and complete a PhD in 3–5 years.

A master’s degree usually has a higher upfront cost, but it also allows you to start earning a higher salary more quickly. The exact cost depends on the country and the school: private universities usually cost more than public ones, and European degrees usually cost less than North American ones. There are limited possibilities for financial aid.

PhDs often waive tuition fees and offer a living stipend in exchange for a teaching or research assistantship. However, they take many years to complete, during which time you earn very little.

In the US, the graduate school application process is similar whether you’re applying for a master’s or a PhD . Both require letters of recommendation , a statement of purpose or personal statement , a resume or CV , and transcripts. Programs in the US and Canada usually also require a certain type of standardized test—often the GRE.

Outside the US, PhD programs usually also require applicants to write a research proposal , because students are expected to begin dissertation research in the first year of their PhD.

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The first milestone in the Mathematics PhD program are the qualifying exams. Exams are offered in Fall (before the academic year begins) and in Spring. PhD students must pass at least one exam before the start of their 4th quarter. All exams must be completed before the start of the student's 7th quarter. Failure to meet these deadlines is cause for dismissal from the program. Carefully read the Guidelines for Graduate Qualifying Exams document.

Exam requirements are different depending on which program a student is in. Please refer to the UCSD catalog for specific requirements:  https://www.ucsd.edu/catalog/curric/MATH-gr.html .

During any examination period the student may take as many exams as he or she chooses. The qualifying exams are written and graded by the faculty who teach the courses. The scores are brought before the Qualifying Exam Appeals Committee (QEAC) and the grades are discussed. The final decision as to whether the student has failed or passed (and at what level) is made by QEAC. This decision is based upon exam performance, and performance in exam cognate coursework, though the QEAC is free to consider additional circumstances in rendering its decision. After the QEAC meeting, the PhD staff advisor will inform students when/how they can find out their results.

Students can request to see their exams after grading in order to find out what they did well/poorly on. Students who wish to see their exam for purpose of contesting the grading should be advised that there will be a very strong burden of proof needed to sustain a grade appeal on a graduate exam because of the nature of the exam writing and grading process. Such an appeal is most likely not going change the exam result.

Qualifying Exam Requirements, Old and New

The Department of Mathematics has undertaken a reform of our Qualifying Exams. This brief note explains the old/current system, the new system, and how the changes are being phased in. These requirements apply to PhD students in Mathematics ; Statistics and CSME PhD students have separate requirements administered by the faculty.

Qualifying Exam Courses and Areas

There are 7 qualifying exams administered each Spring and Fall. Each corresponds to a three-quarter graduate course. They are organized into three Areas.

Old/Current Requirements

For PhD students who entered our program in Fall 2023 or earlier, the following are the current requirements to complete the qualifying exams.

• Each exam is assigned one of four grades: PhD Pass, Provisional PhD Pass (also known as PhD- Pass), Masters Pass, and Fail. The grade cutoffs are determined by the instructors who create/grade the exams; those cutoffs are not released to students.
• At least one exam must have a PhD Pass.
• At least one additional exam must have a Provisional PhD Pass or better.
• At least one additional exam must have a Masters Pass or better.
• Students must pass at least one exam from Area 1 , and at least one exam from Area 2 .
• Students must have two exams, each with a Provisional PhD Pass or better, from two different Areas .
• Students must pass at least one exam with a Provisional PhD Pass or better before the start of their 4th quarter .
• Students must complete all the qualifying exams before the start of their 7th quarter

New Requirements

For students who enter our program in Fall 2024 or later, the following are the requirements to complete the qualifying exams.

• PhD Area Pass indicates readiness to begin research in that area. This grade is equivalent to PhD Pass in the current system.
• PhD General Pass indicates sufficient familiarity with the subject to begin research in a different area. This standard is lower than Provisional PhD Pass, and higher than Masters Pass .
• Masters Pass is only relevant for Masters students. A Masters Pass no longer counts towards completion of qualifying exams for PhD students.
• At least one exam must have a PhD Area Pass.
• At least two additional exams must have a PhD General Pass or better.
• Students must complete qualifying exams from at least two different Areas .
• Students must pass at least one exam before the start of their 4th quarter .
• Students must complete all the qualifying exams before the start of their 7th quarter .

Principal Differences

The new system has more flexibility: students no longer have to take quals from both Areas 1 and 2, simply from 2 distinct Areas among 1, 2, and 3. The standards for completion are simplified. Although Masters Pass is no longer a sufficient standard for PhD students, the PhD General Pass standard is lower than the old Provisional PhD Pass standard, and more consistent with the intent of the exams: to prepare students for focused research in one main area.

Phasing In Period

Any current PhD students (who entered in Fall 2023 or earlier) still progressing towards completing the qualifying exams may satisfy either the current or the new requirements . To be precise:

• Each Spring and Fall (in fact starting this past Fall 2023), qual instructors will select cutoffs corresponding to all five possible grades:

PhD Pass = PhD Area Pass > Provisional PhD Pass > PhD General Pass > Masters Pass > Fail

• At each qual session, each PhD student’s file will be evaluated using both the current and the new requirements. It will be judged complete if it satisfies the current requirements or if it satisfies the new requirements.

Caveat : students who entered in Fall 2022 or earlier already have qualifying exams graded only using the old cutoffs. Qualifying exams from Spring 2023 or earlier will not be regraded to compute PhD General Pass cutoffs.

Other Aspects of Qualifying Exam Reforms

In addition to the logistical changes described above:

• Faculty will be undertaking the creation of standardized syllabi for all seven qualifying exams, to be available to PhD students upon entry. This is a process that will take the faculty significant time and energy to complete, and is planned to be available starting in Fall 2024 .
• In the meantime, qualifying exam course instructors will give detailed syllabi in each course (as always, per Academic Senate regulations), and content cutoffs for the exams will be communicated to students by the Graduate Advisor in advance of the qualifying exams. The same content cutoffs will apply to both Spring and Fall qualifying exams, as has been standard.
• There will be closer coordination of mentoring efforts by course advisors and the Vice Chair for Graduate Affairs. All advisors for first-year PhD students will formulate plans for course enrollment for the full year, as well as plans for which qualifying exams to take in Spring 2024 . Advisors should meet again with their advisees before the beginnings of Winter and Spring quarters, and possibly make adjustments at those times.
• Preliminary full year course and qualifying exam plans should be submitted by the advisors to the Graduate Vice Chair by the end of Week 1 of the Fall quarter.

Sample Qualifying Exams

Algebra (Math 200A/B/C): SP04 ,  SP05 ,  SP06 ,  FA06 ,  SP07 ,  FA07 ,  SP08 ,  FA08 ,  SP09 ,  FA09 ,  FA10 ,  SP11 , FA11 ,  SP12 ,  SP13 ,  FA13 ,​​​​ SP14 ,  FA14 ,  SP15 ,  SP16 ,  SP17 ,  FA17 ,  SP18 , FA18 ,  SP19 ,  FA19 ,  SP20,    FA20 ,  SP21 , FA21 , SP22 , FA22 , SP23 , FA23

Applied Algebra (Math 202A/B/C): SP04 ,  FA04 ,  SP05 ,  SP06 ,  SP08 ,  FA06 ,  SP07 ,  FA07 ,  FA11 ,  SP11 ,  SP13 ,  SP15 ,  SP17  ,  FA17 ,  SP18 ,  FA18 ,  SP19 ,  SP20 ,  FA20 ,  SP21 , FA21 , SP22 , FA22 , SP23A , SP23B , FA23A , FA23B , FA23C

Complex Analysis (Math 220A/B/C): SP04 ,  SP05 ,  FA05 ,  SP06 ,  FA06 ,  SP07 ,  FA07 ,  SP08 ,  FA08 ,  SP09 ,  FA09 ,  FA10 ,  FA11 ,  FA15 ,  SP11 ,  SP12 ,  SP13 ,  FA13 ,  SP15 ,  FA16 ,  SP17 ,  FA17 ,  SP18 ,  SP19 ,  FA19 ,  SP20 ,  FA20 ,  SP21 , FA21 , SP22 , FA22 , SP23 , FA23

Numerical Analysis (Math 270A/B/C): SP99 ,  SP00 ,  FA00 ,  SP01 ,  FA01 ,  SP02 ,  FA02 ,  SP03 ,  FA03 ,  SP04 ,  FA04 ,  SP05 ,  FA06 ,  SP06 ,  FA07 ,  SP07 ,  SP08 ,  FA08 ,  SP09 ,  FA09 ,  FA10 ,  SP11 ,  SP13 ,  FA15 ,  SP17 ,  FA17 ,  SP18 ,  SP20 ,  FA20 ,  SP21 , FA21 , SP22 , FA22 , SP23 , FA23

Real Analysis (Math 240A/B/C): SP04 ,  FA04 ,  FA05 ,  SP06 ,  FA06 ,  SP07 ,  FA07 ,  SP08 ,  SP09 ,  FA09 ,  FA10 ,  FA11 ,  SP11 ,  SP13 ,  SP15 ,  FA16 ,  SP16 ,  SP17 ,  FA17 ,  SP18 ,  FA18 ,  SP20 ,  FA20 ,  SP21 , FA21 , SP22 , FA22 , SP23 , FA23

Statistics (Math 281A/B): SP99 ,  FA99 ,  SP00 ,  FA00 ,  SP01 ,  SP02 ,  FA02 ,  SP03 ,  FA03 ,  SP04 ,  SP05 ,  SP06 ,  SP07 ,  SP08 ,  SP09 ,  FA10 ,  SP11 ,  SP13 ,  FA15 ,  SP17 ,  FA17 ,  SP18 ,  SP18 Formulas ,  SP19 Part A ,  SP19 Part BC ,  FA19 (Part A) ,  FA19 (Part BC) ,  SP20 ,  FA20 ,  SP21 , FA21 , SP22 , FA22 , SP23AB , SP23C , FA23AB , FA23C

Topology (Math 290A/B/C): SP00 ,  SP01 ,  SP02 ,  FA02 ,  FA03 ,  SP04 ,  FA04 ,  SP05 ,  SP06 ,  SP07 ,  FA06 ,  FA07 ,  SP08 ,  FA08 ,  FA09 ,  SP10 ,  FA10 ,  SP11 ,  SP13 ,  FA15 ,  SP17 ,  FA17 ,  SP18 ,  FA18 ,  FA19 ,  SP20 ,  FA20 ,  SP21 , FA21 , SP22 , FA22 , SP23 , FA23

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MS/PhD Requirements

Most Computer Science graduate students are admitted to the MS/PhD track. That means they are intending to work toward a PhD, but will acquire a masters degree along the way. During the first stage of a student's graduate career, he or she will be simultaneously working toward the MS degree and compiling a portfolio, both of which are requirements of the PhD. There are links below to the pages which list the program requirements for student admitted to the MS/PhD track.

The College expects that students starting work in the MS/PhD track have a solid undergraduate background in Computer Science. If you are unsure of your background, you should consult your advisor .

M.S/Ph.D. Students are required to:

• Actively participate in research under the guidance of an advisor
• Satisfy 6 Core Requirements  across the areas of Systems, AI and Theory
• Complete 30 course credits (6 core courses taken to satisfy core requirements are included)
• Complete a 6-credit MS Project  (Synthesis)
• Graduate with an M.S. Degree (before or after portfolio submission)
• Pass the College of Information and Computer Sciences Qualifying Exam- Portfolio
• Form a Committee
• Propose a Thesis
• Complete 18 Dissertation Credits & 1 600-level course & 1 elective course
• Pass the Teaching Assistant Requirement
• at least 9 credits, each semester, in back-to-back semesters which is usually satisfied with the dissertation credits
• Defend and Submit a Thesis

Sample schedule (MS/PhD)

The following schedule shows one way in which an MS/PhD student could progress through the program to complete both the MS and PhD in five years (most students who complete in five years actually complete in the summer after their 10th semester). Because people have different backgrounds and different skills, your progress will almost certainly vary somewhat from this. It can be a helpful guide nonetheless. Students supported by an RAship will be able to make progress more efficiently if their Masters and Synthesis projects as well as their dissertation are well aligned with the RAship.

Most MS/PhD students are supported by research or teaching assistantships .

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PhD Qualifying Exam

Quals form :  application for qualifying examination, guidelines for conducting the phd qualifying exam via zoom:  zoom qualifying exam guidelines.

All PhD students need to complete and pass the qualifying exam, prior to the end of winter quarter of their second year of study (last day of class).   You must be registered in the quarter you take the qualifying exam.

The qualifying exam is an oral examination intended to provide the examination committee with evidence of your research preparedness and capabilities and allow the committee to give you useful feedback on your research direction.

Examination Committee

Your committee consists of 3 members, your advisor and two others. All committee members must be on the Academic Council, and at least two members must be EE faculty (not courtesy). 

You will be responsible for forming your exam committee and scheduling the exam date and room. Once the details of your event are finalized, bring the  Application for Qualifying Examination  form to the Degree Progress Officer. 

Room Scheduling

You are responsible for reserving a room for your exam. After you have located a room, check with your faculty administrator to book the room in Packard building or AllenX building as the Registrar rooms are not open. If your faculty administrator is not in EE (e.g., CS, Ginzton Lab, etc.), please have the administrator connect with Anna Lue ( [email protected](link opens email) ) for assistance on scheduling a room.

Examination Format

• 15 minutes for the student to present background and proposed research.
• 15 minutes for the committee to ask questions. Question topics can include the presented research or related general topics.
• (Optional) 15 minutes for committee members to make suggestions.
• The Faculty committee will then deliberate. 

Final Reporting Procedures

After the qualifying exam, students must remind their committee to submit their vote at  gradapps.stanford.edu/QualsVote . 

If there is a split vote (2-1 for or against), the Degree Progress Officer will give the results to the Associate Chair for Graduate Education, who will make the final decision.

Exam results will be sent to you via email within 1 week.

QUESTIONS? 

Feel free to contact the Degree Progress Officer, Laura Wuethrich, Packard 165 or email  [email protected] .

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Earn your MBA and SM in engineering with this transformative two-year program.

Combine an international MBA with a deep dive into management science. A special opportunity for partner and affiliate schools only.

A doctoral program that produces outstanding scholars who are leading in their fields of research.

Bring a business perspective to your technical and quantitative expertise with a bachelor’s degree in management, business analytics, or finance.

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This 20-month MBA program equips experienced executives to enhance their impact on their organizations and the world.

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A non-degree, customizable program for mid-career professionals.

PhD Program

Program overview.

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Rigorous, discipline-based research is the hallmark of the MIT Sloan PhD Program. The program is committed to educating scholars who will lead in their fields of research—those with outstanding intellectual skills who will carry forward productive research on the complex organizational, financial, and technological issues that characterize an increasingly competitive and challenging business world.

Start here.

Learn more about the program, how to apply, and find answers to common questions.

Admissions Events

Check out our event schedule, and learn when you can chat with us in person or online.

Start Your Application

Visit this section to find important admissions deadlines, along with a link to our application.

Click here for answers to many of the most frequently asked questions.

PhD studies at MIT Sloan are intense and individual in nature, demanding a great deal of time, initiative, and discipline from every candidate. But the rewards of such rigor are tremendous:  MIT Sloan PhD graduates go on to teach and conduct research at the world's most prestigious universities.

PhD Program curriculum at MIT Sloan is organized under the following three academic areas: Behavior & Policy Sciences; Economics, Finance & Accounting; and Management Science. Our nine research groups correspond with one of the academic areas, as noted below.

MIT Sloan PhD Research Groups

Behavioral & policy sciences.

Economic Sociology

Institute for Work & Employment Research

Organization Studies

Technological Innovation, Entrepreneurship & Strategic Management

Economics, Finance & Accounting

Accounting  

Management Science

Information Technology

System Dynamics  

Those interested in a PhD in Operations Research should visit the Operations Research Center .  

PhD Program Structure

Additional information including coursework and thesis requirements.

MIT Sloan Predoctoral Opportunities

MIT Sloan is eager to provide a diverse group of talented students with early-career exposure to research techniques as well as support in considering research career paths.

Rising Scholars Conference

The fourth annual Rising Scholars Conference on October 25 and 26 gathers diverse PhD students from across the country to present their research.

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The goal of the MIT Sloan PhD Program's admissions process is to select a small number of people who are most likely to successfully complete our rigorous and demanding program and then thrive in academic research careers. The admission selection process is highly competitive; we aim for a class size of nineteen students, admitted from a pool of hundreds of applicants.

What We Seek

• Outstanding intellectual ability
• Excellent academic records
• Previous work in disciplines related to the intended area of concentration
• Strong commitment to a career in research

MIT Sloan PhD Program Admissions Requirements Common Questions

Dates and Deadlines

Admissions for 2024 is closed. The next opportunity to apply will be for 2025 admission. The 2025 application will open in September 2024. 

More information on program requirements and application components

Students in good academic standing in our program receive a funding package that includes tuition, medical insurance, and a fellowship stipend and/or TA/RA salary. We also provide a new laptop computer and a conference travel/research budget.

Funding Information

Throughout the year, we organize events that give you a chance to learn more about the program and determine if a PhD in Management is right for you.

PhD Program Events

May phd program overview.

During this webinar, you will hear from the PhD Program team and have the chance to ask questions about the application and admissions process.

June PhD Program Overview

July phd program overview, august phd program overview.

Complete PhD Admissions Event Calendar

Unlike formulaic approaches to training scholars, the PhD Program at MIT Sloan allows students to choose their own adventure and develop a unique scholarly identity. This can be daunting, but students are given a wide range of support along the way - most notably having access to world class faculty and coursework both at MIT and in the broader academic community around Boston.

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Profiles of our current students

MIT Sloan produces top-notch PhDs in management. Immersed in MIT Sloan's distinctive culture, upcoming graduates are poised to innovate in management research and education.

Academic Job Market

Doctoral candidates on the current academic market

Academic Placements

Graduates of the MIT Sloan PhD Program are researching and teaching at top schools around the world.

view recent placements 

MIT Sloan Experience

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The PhD Program is integral to the research of MIT Sloan's world-class faculty. With a reputation as risk-takers who are unafraid to embrace the unconventional, they are engaged in exciting disciplinary and interdisciplinary research that often includes PhD students as key team members.

Research centers across MIT Sloan and MIT provide a rich setting for collaboration and exploration. In addition to exposure to the faculty, PhD students also learn from one another in a creative, supportive research community.

Throughout MIT Sloan's history, our professors have devised theories and fields of study that have had a profound impact on management theory and practice.

From Douglas McGregor's Theory X/Theory Y distinction to Nobel-recognized breakthroughs in finance by Franco Modigliani and in option pricing by Robert Merton and Myron Scholes, MIT Sloan's faculty have been unmatched innovators.

This legacy of innovative thinking and dedication to research impacts every faculty member and filters down to the students who work beside them.

Faculty Links

• Accounting Faculty
• Economic Sociology Faculty
• Finance Faculty
• Information Technology Faculty
• Institute for Work and Employment Research (IWER) Faculty
• Marketing Faculty
• Organization Studies Faculty
• System Dynamics Faculty
• Technological Innovation, Entrepreneurship, and Strategic Management (TIES) Faculty

Student Research

“MIT Sloan PhD training is a transformative experience. The heart of the process is the student’s transition from being a consumer of knowledge to being a producer of knowledge. This involves learning to ask precise, tractable questions and addressing them with creativity and rigor. Hard work is required, but the reward is the incomparable exhilaration one feels from having solved a puzzle that had bedeviled the sharpest minds in the world!” -Ezra Zuckerman Sivan Alvin J. Siteman (1948) Professor of Entrepreneurship

Sample Dissertation Abstracts - These sample Dissertation Abstracts provide examples of the work that our students have chosen to study while in the MIT Sloan PhD Program.

We believe that our doctoral program is the heart of MIT Sloan's research community and that it develops some of the best management researchers in the world. At our annual Doctoral Research Forum, we celebrate the great research that our doctoral students do, and the research community that supports that development process.

The videos of their presentations below showcase the work of our students and will give you insight into the topics they choose to research in the program.

How Should We Measure the Digital Economy?

2020 PhD Doctoral Research Forum Winner - Avinash Collis

Watch more MIT Sloan PhD Program  Doctoral Forum Videos

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Faculty Directory

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• The Graduate Experience
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Master's in Passing

The Department of English may grant the master's-in-passing to Ph.D. students not already holding a Master' degree. Regularly admitted students in the doctoral program can be considered for the M.A.-in-passing when they have completed 33 hours of course work judged to be equivalent to the M.A. distribution requirement and submit an acceptable portfolio of papers that constitute Part I of the doctoral examination process. The student's dissertation committee will be responsible for determining if all course requirements for the proposed degree have been met, as indicated in an M.A. program of study, and if the portfolio requirement has been fulfilled.

The culminating experience for the master's-in-passing will be the portfolio component of the doctoral examination process. Once the portfolio has been judged acceptable, the student can apply for a master's-in-passing.

Ph.D. students who have met the above requirements and wish to be awarded the master's-in-passing should submit a Masters In Passing Request to   Sheila Luna  who will approve it and submit it to the Graduate College.

The Graduate College will confirm the student's eligibility for the master's-in-passing and then work with Graduate Admissions to make the necessary system changes that will allow the student to submit the master's-in-passing iPOS online through MyASU. Once that is done, the student will be sent an e-mail alerting them to file the iPOS.

The student will submit the iPOS through the normal procedures to the department for approval. Please note that the Graduation Office will not review the iPOS for a master's-in-passing until the student has applied for graduation. The student must apply for graduation within six years of the first course listed on the MIP ipos.   Once the student has applied for graduation, the graduation office will review the master's-in-passing iPOS. If the iPOS is approved, the Graduate College will also enter the culminating experience results at that time.

The master's-in-passing will be awarded at the end of the semester, with all other degrees, per normal graduation procedures.

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Managing The Transition From Masters to PhD – Top Ten Tips

Taking The Research Leap

So you have completed your Masters. You enjoyed the experience of postgraduate work. And you’ve caught the bug. You’re going to make the leap to the next research step: the PhD . This article aims to provide ten top tips for managing the transition between a Masters (whether taught or research) and PhD work . It is intended for PhD students in the Humanities and Social Sciences, though some of the tips might also be suitable for Science PhD students. The principle is still the same: taking the next step on your academic journey is not always as tough as it seems.

Be prepared to be overwhelmed

A PhD is generally 80, 000 words. A Masters thesis tends to be around the 20,000 word mark. Starting out on a PhD can, therefore, be truly overwhelming; there seems to be so much time, and so many words, to explore your research topic. Prepare for this by planning short-term goals rather than getting lost in the expanse of the three or four years you have ahead of you.

Go to visit your supervisor

Your supervisor may be someone you already know, or they might be completely new. In any case, they are your first point of contact and—generally—they will have experienced the PhD experience first-hand. Try to arrange regular meetings and ask them to give you some immediate goals to achieve.

Don’t let the scale of the research get you down

A common first step on a PhD is to undertake a form of literature review. This can either be very specific or rather vague and can seem like an unassailable mountain. Concentrate on a specific area or theme at any one time and check in regularly with your supervisor to make sure this research will actually add to the PhD.

Build on the skills gained from your Masters

In some cases, students are able to write a PhD thesis on a broadly similar topic to their Master’s dissertation. Don’t let the work you did then go to waste—draw on the initial Master’s research and indeed the skills, like time management and organisation, essential to completing the Master’s.

Go to support classes and networking events

Meeting fellow first-year PhD students can be a great way to share experiences and develop common research and reading strategies. Networking events are also a great way to get out of the isolation that often accompanies a PhD in the Humanities and Social Sciences, while you can also meet later-stage PhD students who may be working on similar areas.

Write little and often

Master’s often tend to be centred on long essays and a dissertation, which may well deal with very discreet topics. Working on a PhD on one topic necessitates regular writing to keep a track of your research findings and to reflect on the future direction of the project. Writing short pieces, and submitting these to your supervisor to read through, can lead to a narrowing of the research project that will fit the confines of an 80,000-word thesis.

Read the requirements of the degree

It might seem a little odd to suggest reading the regulations about the conferment of a PhD degree when you have already obtained a place to study. Yet looking at the precise requirements of the degree, which generally mention the need for a substantial piece of original work, can focus the early research stages and prevent getting too carried away with interesting, though not particularly helpful, side projects.

Make a point of being collegial

A PhD is frequently seen as a stepping stone to the next stage of an academic career. Regardless of your motivations for studying a doctorate, the big difference between a Master’s and a PhD is your change in status. You are now a researcher and as such, it can be really helpful to seize the opportunities that come with this: opportunities to attend research seminars, the potential of a research mentor or indeed teaching mentor and opportunities to talk less formally with academic staff.

Read up on the upgrade process

Many PhD degree programmes require an upgrade from MPhil to PhD status, normally after the first year of study. Discuss this process in advance with your supervisor and other members of staff (such as the Director of Graduate Studies) to plan in advance and ensure that your work from the first year will be sufficiently focussed to pass the upgrade process. Some institutions have more stringent requirements than others, so it pays to prepare some time in advance.

Enjoy, reflect, respond

The first year of the PhD can pass very quickly; try to enjoy this initial experience and use it as a stepping stone between the very focussed Masters programme and the comparative autonomy to widen your research project. Reflecting on a regular basis—on a blog or through a diary—on the progress made in the first year can be really helpful to show how far your project has developed. And finally, be open and responsive to the suggestions of your supervisor and other academics, at your own institution or elsewhere; their feedback matters more now than it ever did during the Master’s and can really help to shape a successful PhD.

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Can You Get a PhD without a Masters?

• Applying to a PhD

Yes, it’s possible to get a PhD without first having a Masters degree.

The conventional route for someone who earns a PhD is to pursue a Bachelor’s degree, followed by a Masters degree and then a PhD. However, several students opt to bypass a Master’s degree by enrolling onto a doctoral programme as soon as they complete their undergraduate degree.

Before we discuss how this can be done, it is worth mentioning the advantages and disadvantages of this route.

Advantages of Applying to a PhD without A Masters

The motivations for undertaking a PhD immediately after an undergraduate course are largely in saving money and time. This is because you will essentially eliminate a year of study. Another advantage of immediately enrolling onto a doctorate degree is project availability. If you find a project that you’re really interested in, it’s unlikely that it will still be available in a years’ time. Therefore, bypassing a Masters and enrolling directly into a PhD will increase your chances of securing the research project before it becomes unavailable.

Disadvantages of Applying to a PhD without A Masters

Although a Masters degree will add a year onto your academic journey, it can be incredibility helpful for your development and can help prepare you for a doctoral degree.

Not having a Master’s degree may prove to be a hindrance during your application process. This is because many other students will also apply to the same research projects, and it’s likely that the majority will hold a Masters. This will put you at a disadvantage to them.

Besides this, the dissertation project you’ll be required to undertake on a Master’s programme will provide you with a taste of what it is like to work on a research-based project. In addition to this, it’s likely that you’ll be able to select your own dissertation topic. As such, you can explore a specific field you’re interested in in further detail. This is a great way to confirm that both research-based work and the specific field you’re interested in are right for you before committing the next few years to it via a PhD.

Another advantage to the dissertation project associated with a Masters degree is the opportunity it provides you with to work closely with a project supervisor. This will help you understand the PhD student-supervisor relationship and communication frequency that works best for you. You can then use this knowledge to find supervisors who would compliment you when it comes time to find a PhD project to apply to. For tips on how to find a great PhD supervisor, check out our supervisor guide .

PhD without a Masters – How Does It Work?

To be considered for a PhD without a Master’s, at a minimum you will be expected to have a Bachelors degree. For students looking to enrol onto a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) PhD, a relevant Bachelors in a 3-year undergraduate course is usually expected. However, this is not the case for students looking to apply to non-STEM PhDs. Rather, students looking to apply to doctorates in subjects such as those surrounding Arts and Humanities are usually expected to have a relevant Bachelors from a 4-year course.

In addition to this, you will need to have demonstrated strong academic performance during your undergraduate course. This means that your Bachelors will need to be at least a UK Upper Second-Class Honours (2.1) for nearly all institutions to consider you.

Should you be accepted into a PhD programme without a Masters, the usual process will be to first register you as an MPhil student. You will then have a year to prepare and submit a thesis. Your thesis will need to detail the research you have carried out within that year and outline how you intend to continue it into a full PhD study. There are three outcomes of this MPhil thesis review:

• Failure and you’re not awarded anything.
• You pass, however, the supervisor doesn’t believe you’ve demonstrated strong research skills. You’re awarded an MPhil but they do not upgrade your course to a PhD programme.
• You pass and the supervisor believes you have proven yourself as a capable researcher. Your course is upgraded to a PhD as opposed to you being awarding an MPhil.

For more information on these outcomes, read the outcomes section of our PhD Viva guide .

Integrated PhD

Some universities offer Integrated PhD degree programmes (also known as an Integrated Masters degree). These are four-year programmes comprising of a one-year Masters degree immediately followed by a three-year PhD degree. These can prove a great option for graduate students who are looking to undertake a PhD without a Masters but are struggling to meet the eligibility requirements. You can read about the many benefits of  integrated degrees here .

Finding a PhD has never been this easy – search for a PhD by keyword, location or academic area of interest.

PhD without a Bachelors – Is It Possible?

Yes, it is possible to get a PhD without a Bachelor’s, however, this is extremely uncommon.

When this occurs, it is almost always reserved for very mature individuals. For example, an individual may not be in active academia but still may have significantly contributed to their field. This contribution could be through the work they have undertaken as part of their career, or as part of a long-term study project, they have undertaken out of self-interest.

In either case, the individual would need to prove that they have extensive experience in their field and have directly contributed to new knowledge within it. The key factor here is that their work has pushed the boundaries of existing knowledge. It is not enough for an individual to be regarded as an expert in their field – they must have contributed something new and meaningful. It’s common for individuals awarded a PhD through this means to have produced several publications within their lifetime. It’s also common for the individual to have gained several professional accreditations within their field before even being considered suitable for a PhD research degree.

Universities Offering PhD without a Masters

Unfortunately, there is not a centralised list of universities which offer PhDs without a Master’s degree. The reason for this is that the edibility requirements differ from PhD to PhD and from department to department.

Therefore, you will need to check the guidelines for each individual university and the requirements for each specific PhD you’re interested in.

Should you find a PhD programme you can apply to with a Bachelors, make every effort to make your application as strong as possible. This is because you will be competing against other candidates, most of who will have a Master’s degree.

Not only can you strengthen your application by having a Bachelors with a First-Class Honours (1st), but you can also do so by showing the traits of a successful researcher. This includes showing a genuine interest in the project, a high work ethic, and exceptional communication skills.

Additionally, a strong letter of recommendation from a respected university lecturer will prove very beneficial. This is especially true if the lecturer supervisors his or her own PhD students. This is because the lecturer will understand the skills required for an adept research student.

For more advice on how to apply to a PhD degree, check out our Application Process Guide.

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Physician Assistant, Master's

The University of Maryland Baltimore Graduate School (UMB) promotes excellence in education to foster the development of competent, ethical and compassionate primary care providers. We value diversity, lifelong learning, research, and scholarship. To accomplish this mission, emphasis is placed on both academics and professionalism. Our students are expected to exemplify the virtues of integrity, honesty, respect, and ethical behavior. The University of Maryland Baltimore Graduate School Physician Assistant Licensure Disclosure can be found below.

• Licensure Disclosure

Details, Dates & Deadlines

Program details, class format, program location.

University of Maryland, Baltimore Campus

Program Length

Credits to complete, cost/credit hour.

In State: $764 Out of State: $996

Bachelor's degree or higher

Completion of the following prerequisite courses with a minimum grade of B:

• General Microbiology
• Anatomy and Physiology 1
• Anatomy and Physiology 2

Dates & Deadlines

Applications Open: April 27, 2024

Application Deadline: September 1, 2024

Program Start Date: Summer, 2025

Career Outlook

Health care is poised to experience the greatest employment growth of any sector in the U.S. over the next few years. In fact, the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics is predicting the field will experience 19% growth across the nation by 2024. Additionally, the demand for physician assistants is projected to grow 30% from 2014 to 2024. The knowledge and training you'll receive in the   M.S. Health Science with Physician Assistant Concentration will prepare you to capitalize on this growth in a number of fields, including:

• Primary Care
• Emergency Medicine
• Medical Specialties
• Public Health
• Health Research
• Healthcare Planning
• Healthcare Administration
• Academic Research Institutions
• Public Policy

Program Structure

For students who are currently enrolled, the Physician Assistant Program is a 25-month, 116-credit program offered by the University of Maryland Baltimore (UMB).

Beginning with the Class of 2025 (matriculating May, 2023) and beyond, the Physician Assistant Program is a 24-month, 116-credit program offered by the University of Maryland Baltimore (UMB)

Current Program Curriculum

Learning Outcomes

Students will become competent, ethical and compassionate health care providers who are ready to fulfill the roles and duties of the primary care physician assistant, recognize and promote the value of diversity and who are committed to lifelong learning. Students who complete all course work from University of Maryland Baltimore Physician Assistant Program will be eligible to sit for the national certification exam for Physician Assistants.

In addition, at the conclusion of their study, students in the Physician Assistant Program will be prepared to:

• Search, interpret and evaluate the medical and public health literature; including qualitative and quantitative studies.
• Examine and critically appraise healthcare delivery systems and health policy at the local and global level.
• Discuss and inform health care system care delivery, patient safety, quality and risk management.
• Apply knowledge to improve prevention of disease, maintenance of public health and participate in disease surveillance, reporting and intervention.
• Articulate and explain principles and practice of medical and public health ethics.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Do I have to apply through CASPA? YES, all applicants must apply through CASPA and the application must be completed and received by UMB by September 1 for consideration.  UMB will send notification via e-mail when the application is received and instructions regarding how to proceed with the admission process Applicants are encouraged to submit their CASPA applications by July 1, 2022 to ensure the application is completed by the September 1, 2022 deadline.  Only applications that reflect all of the completed program requirements will be reviewed . Applications that do not reflect all of the listed program requirements will be considered incomplete; applicants still working on the listed program requirements are encouraged to wait until the next admissions cycle to apply. Please review the applicant’s checklist prior to clicking “submit” on your CASPA application to be sure it is a complete application.
• Do my prerequisites need to be completed by the application deadline? All prerequisites must be posted with grades on official transcripts submitted to CASPA.
• Does my degree need to be completed by the application deadline? Conferred degree and date must be posted on official transcripts submitted to CASPA.
• Does the type of bachelor’s degree matter? No, any bachelor’s degree or higher from a nationally recognized institution is acceptable.
• If I retake a course, which grade will count for my GPA? For cumulative GPA and science GPA (as calculated by CASPA) ALL courses will be counted in the GPA. UMB uses the GPA calculated by CASPA.
• Do I need to take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE)? No, starting with the 2024 - 2025 application cycle, we will no longer require the GRE.
• Can I work while I am in the UMB Physician Assistant program? The program is very challenging and students need a time commitment for studying and clinical education. For your success in the program, we do not recommend that you work while matriculating in this program.
• Can I get credit for previous academic work or work experience? No, the UMB PA Program does not grant credit for prior academic or work experience. Prerequisite requirements and work experience are factored into the ranking system used to evaluate applicants. Work experience is verified as needed through the admission and CASPA application process.
• How often do you admit students? Once a year. Since the CASPA cycle opens mid-April, we recommend submitting a CASPA application by July 1 so that a completed CASPA application is received by UMB by the deadline date of September 1. Interviews are held in the fall for competitive applicants and selections are made for the new class that begins in the following May of each year.
• Do you offer a part-time PA program? No, our program is a 25-month, full-time program.
• I am a foreign educated applicant; will you accept my foreign transcript? After completing the CASPA application, UMB may request official evaluations for all foreign transcripts (for all higher-level institutions attended), evaluated   (course by course evaluation)   by one of the following organizations: World Education Services (WES) at  wes.org , Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE) at  www.ece.org   or SpanTran at   https://spantran.com/web/services/evaluations . No other evaluation services will be accepted. University of Maryland, Baltimore  will not  evaluate these documents prior to going through this process. 
• I am foreign educated; do I have to take the TOEFL? All foreign educated students whose native language is not English must take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) prior to submitting their CASPA application. The minimum acceptable TOEFL score (reflected on the CASPA application) for admission is 250 for the computer-based test and 100 for the internet-based test. Please note that TOEFL scores are only valid for two years from the date the CASPA application is submitted.
• If I send letters of recommendation to CASPA, do I need to submit them to UMB as well? No, UMB obtains letters of recommendation from CASPA. It is the student’s responsibility to make sure that CASPA receives all three letters of recommendation.
• I do not have a background in the health care field. How can I obtain patient contact experience? Patient contact experience is recommended; however, it is not required. A student who does not have patient contact experience can take a one-semester course and possibly earn a professional certificate in just four months and begin to accrue patient contact experience hours as a paid health professional (or nationally certified professional such as an EMT). Volunteer and student hours are not considered under the program’s current definition for patient contact experience.
• What are the PANCE first-time pass rates? Please review the  5 Year Pance Report .
• How many seats are available in the PA program? Starting with the Class of 2025 there are 60 seats available.
• How many applications does your program typically receive? The typical number of applications received is more than 800.
• If I am offered a seat in the program, how do I apply for financial aid? Financial aid for the program is completed through the University of Maryland Baltimore (UMB) Office of Student Financial Assistance. The school code is  002104  and you can contact them directly at 410-706-7347 or email:  [email protected]  or visit the   Financial Assistance page here .
• I am a graduate from the program.   How do I obtain degree and transcript verifications? If you graduated in 2019 or before, please refer to the Anne Arundel Community College   Office of Records and Registration . Individuals who graduate in 2020 and after, please refer to the   University of Maryland Office of the Registrar .

Program Contacts

Karen Frank Assistant Director of Admissions  [email protected]   410-706-5242

General Inquiries

[email protected]   410-706-5242

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What it means to be a Junior Patron. Here are 9 activities that can complete a Masters passport

A Thursday weather delay didn’t stop Matthew Mosely from arriving early to Augusta National. 

All he desired was another moment as a Junior Patron.

“I came last year and had the best day ever,” said Mosely, 12, as he waited in line for the front gate to open. “I can’t wait to do the scavenger hunt again.”

The Junior Pass Program began in 2008 , allowing an accredited patron to invite one junior, age 8 to 16, free of charge each tournament day. According to Augusta National, the program was created to forge lasting memories in the minds of current and aspiring young golfers.

When Mosely — and all other Junior Patrons — reach the front of the North Gate, they are greeted by an Augusta National member and presented with a lanyard and blue commemorative pin that reads “2024 Masters Junior Patron.”

But as Mosely admits, it’s the Junior Patron Passport that he covets most. 

“I love trying to find the answers,” he said.

The passport includes nine activities that junior patrons can complete throughout their day watching the Masters. 

When exiting the tournament, they are asked to show their passport at the information desk across from the practice area, where they receive a medallion for their accomplishment.

The nine activities in the Masters 2024 passport

1. How many bunkers are on the practice range?

2. What are the four Masters Tournament Foundation events?

3. How many flags are on top of the main scoreboard?

4. How many striped umbrellas are on the clubhouse terrace?

5. Have your picture taken at Founders Circle.

6. What’s the total cost for a pimento cheese sandwich, iced tea and caramel popcorn?

7. Each caddie is assigned a number. Match your favorite player with his caddie number.

8. Which three past champions would you want to have dinner with?

9. The Hogan and Nelson Bridges cross Rae’s Creek to reach which green and which tee box?

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Tiger Woods Made a Masters Fan’s Day By Throwing a Perfect Pass With His Golf Ball After Finishing Hole

• Author: Patrick Andres

Who says golfers aren't athletes?

Tiger Woods was a baseball player in his youth; his father played collegiately at Kansas State in the 1950s. Even at the age of 48 with a slew of surgeries under his belt, he still has somewhat of an arm.

The 15-time major champion proved that Tuesday afternoon after a Masters practice round, when he tossed a pinpoint pass to a fan in the gallery who motioned for Woods to throw him his ball by putting his hands up like a wide receiver.

The fan caught the ball off a bobble, and Woods saluted his catch by raising his club.

. @TigerWoods playing a little QB at @TheMasters . Dropped it right in the bucket for that lucky fan. 🎯 (via @AlisonWSB ) pic.twitter.com/14PoxXvusC — NFL (@NFL) April 10, 2024

After the throw, WSB-TV reporter Alison Mastrangelo tracked down the fan.

"We were just there sitting. It happened to be quiet. I was just looking at him," the fan said. "I yelled at him, 'Tiger, I'm open!' And he kinda smirked."

At the end of Tiger Woods practice round at #themasters a quick thinking fan got a souvenir he will cherish forever. pic.twitter.com/y4n0fBpgEE — Alison Mastrangelo (@AlisonWSB) April 9, 2024

Woods then turned and fired his ball in the fan's direction.

"He throws a fastball. My hand was throbbing for a little bit," he said. "Good arm, Tiger."

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U.S. News & World Report Rankings for Best Public Affairs Programs show Pitt on the move

The Graduate School of Public and International Affairs (GSPIA) at the University of Pittsburgh has moved up in the 2024 edition of U.S. News & World Report’s Public Affairs Graduate Schools rankings. GSPIA has consistently ranked in the top 15% of programs nationwide, and this year moved up five places to #34, sharing the spot with University of Virgina’s Batten School of Leadership and Public Policy, University of Delaware’s Biden School of Public Policy and Administration, University of Illinois—Chicago’s Public Affairs School and Cornell University’s Brooks School of Public Policy.

GSPIA also achieved rankings in three specialized fields, advancing in various specialties, demonstrating the expanding range and depth of the school's expertise across numerous disciplines within public affairs.

Specialty areas include:

• #6 in International Global Policy & Administration, up three places from last year, and remaining the #1 Public University in the specialization
• #16 in Urban Policy, up six places from last year
• #31 in Public Policy Analysis, a new recognition this year for the school

"We're grateful to be recognized by U.S. News and our peers across the country," shared Dean Carissa Slotterback.  "The upward momentum of the school reflects the collective efforts of our graduates, faculty, staff, and students, and recognizes the efforts that we are making to engage and collaborate with peers in our fields of public and international affairs. Our progress underscores the relevance and impact of our work in addressing the most pressing challenges facing communities locally, nationally and globally.”

The rankings by U.S. News & World Report are generated through assessment surveys. In early 2024, surveys were conducted among deans, directors, and department chairs representing 270 master's programs in public affairs and administration. They were tasked with rating the academic caliber of each program on a scale ranging from marginal to outstanding. The rankings for specialty areas are also determined by assessments provided by educators at peer institutions.

“In an era that requires leaders to be ready to tackle society’s greatest challenges, our graduates are at the forefront of positive change in diverse fields and sectors,” shared Dean Slotterback. “We’re what comes next for students who share our vision for driving meaningful change and we invite them to join us at the University of Pittsburgh.”

UNC-Chapel Hill graduate programs ranked among best in nation

U.S. News & World Report’s 2024 “Best Graduate Schools” list named multiple Carolina graduate degree programs in the top 10, including UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy at No. 1.

Numerous UNC-Chapel Hill graduate programs received high rankings – 20 were among the top 10 in the nation in their respective categories – as part of U.S. News & World Report’s “Best Graduate Schools” list.

For the third time in a row (2016, 2020 and 2024), UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy is the top pharmacy school in the U.S. The rankings are based on a survey of peers from accredited pharmacy schools across the country and are published every four years.

The Gillings School of Global Public Health was ranked second out of 213 schools and programs of public health in the U.S. for the seventh consecutive rankings period. The Gillings School has also maintained its position as the top public school of public health and has been ranked among the top schools and programs of public health by U.S. News since the magazine first ranked public health schools in 1987. U.S. News & World Report does not rank all graduate programs each year.

“Carolina’s graduate programs are exceptional, and it’s no surprise that our schools are ranked so highly among peer institutions by U.S. News and World Report, as well as other measures,” said UNC-Chapel Hill Interim Chancellor Lee H. Roberts. “Carolina is always proud to be recognized for our dedication to a world-class education. Every one of our graduate programs contributes to making us the leading public research university.”

Altogether, 23 programs increased their rankings, including multiple programs in the Gillings School of Global Public Health, School of Nursing, School of Education, Kenan-Flagler Business School and UNC School of Law.

“These rankings represent the hard work of our faculty, staff and students who are dedicated to moving Carolina forward through their incredible efforts each day,” said UNC-Chapel Hill Provost Chris Clemens. “It is gratifying to see this public recognition of their commitment to the mission of our graduate programs in research, teaching and public service. Even more than in the rankings, the proof of their work is the quality of our students and our passionate alumni who lead in so many fields.”

The School of Social Work moved up three spots in the latest rankings to a tie for fourth overall and is tied for second among public universities.

This year marks the first time since U.S. News & World Report began ranking law schools in 1987 that UNC School of Law has reached No. 20 out of 196 law schools. The UNC School of Law is also the seventh-ranked public law school.

Additional UNC-Chapel Hill rankings for 2024 follow.

Please note: Not all graduate programs are ranked by U.S. News & World Report every year. For a complete list of rankings for UNC-Chapel Hill, visit the U.S. News & World Report website .

UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy

Gillings school of global public health.

• First public, second overall

Specialty Areas

• Health Behavior, second
• Biostatistics, third
• Epidemiology, third
• Health Policy and Management, fourth
• Environmental Health Science, eighth

School of Social Work

• Tied for fourth

School of Nursing

• Nursing Schools, Master’s Programs, tied for eighth
• Nursing Schools – DNP Programs, tied for 17th
• Nursing Master’s, Administration/Management, fourth
• Nursing Master’s, Nurse Practitioner: Psychiatric/Mental Health, fourth
• Nursing Master’s, Nurse Practitioner: Family, tied for sixth
• Nursing DNP, Psychiatric/Mental Health, third
• Nursing DNP, Family, tied for sixth

UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School

• Tied for 20th
• Real Estate, ninth
• Accounting, tied for 13th
• Executive MBA, 14th
• Management, 16th
• Production Operations, 16th
• Finance, 20th
• Marketing, tied for 25th

UNC School of Education

• Tied for 25th
• Special Education, tied for 13th
• Elementary Teacher Education, tied for 14th
• Educational Psychology, tied for 15th
• Education Policy, tied for 16th
• Secondary Teacher Education, tied for 17th
• Educational Administration, tied for 17th
• Curriculum and Instruction, tied for 22nd

College of Arts and Sciences

Computer science.

• Overall, 27th

Public Affairs

• Overall, 39th (Master of Public Policy)

As part of the public affairs category, U.S. News and World Report ranked Carolina programs and specialty areas based in the School of Government and the College of Arts and Sciences’ department of public policy.

School of Government

• Public Affairs, 23rd (Master of Public Administration)
• Local Government Management, second
• Leadership, 10th
• Public Finance, 18th

UNC School of Law

• Legal Writing, tied for 20th
• Criminal Law, tied for 20th
• Tax Law, tied for 20th
• Business/Corporate Law, tied for 22nd
• Clinical Training, tied for 23rd
• Contracts/Commercial Law, 23rd
• Health Care Law, tied for 28th
• Constitutional Law, tied for 29th
• Environmental Law, tied for 45th
• International Law, tied for 52nd
• Intellectual Property Law, tied for 53rd
• Trial Advocacy, tied for 118th

UNC School of Medicine (additional Rankings will be available at a later date)

• Audiology, tied for third
• Occupational Therapy, fifth
• Physical Therapy, 11th
• Speech Language Pathology, 12th

School of Education students networked in Raleigh with representatives from 11 state agencies.

Global studies scholar aspires to diplomacy

After earning a master’s degree, Kat Goodpaster became assistant director of Carolina’s Russian Flagship Program.

Public Service Awards go to 7 people, 2 groups

The Carolina Center for Public Service honored work on health disparities, refugee aid and more.

Broadway writer brings new comedy to PlayMakers

Fresh off the debut of her musical adaptation of “The Notebook,” Bekah Brunstetter ’04 will debut “The Game” in Chapel Hill.

Arts Everywhere Day set for April 12

The eighth annual campus-wide event celebrates artists creating in all mediums.

Are you ready to run, hide and fight/defend?

Active Shooter and Critical Incident Response training customizes emergency preparedness to your workspace.

Brandwein’s Bagels offers authentic NYC flavor

MBA graduate Alex Brandwein turned his love of New York-style bagels into a local business.

Bernice Meja has a passion for fixing broken systems

The discovery led her to a master’s program at the School of Information and Library Science.

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