3 ms·
At least at some schools, a spike at 2 years or so can also come from "mastering out". In my PhD program we get an MS after completing the required classes just
by cfallin 10y ago
At least at some schools, a spike at 2 years or so can also come from "mastering out". In my PhD program we get an MS after completing the required classes just by filing a form (and I think this is common). Someone who figures out quickly that they don't like research all that much is well advised to at least make it to that point.
- Balgair 10y agoTrue! Though not all schools are like that. My brother's made you do an extra masters thesis on top of the dissertation. Unsurprisingly, most PhDs then just have the doctorate, and not both. I also concur that the drop rates at 2 years are due to failing the quals. The more interesting part is then the 3+ year rates, as those are really the people that dislike research and not just the ones that can hack it.
- Obi_Juan_Kenobi 10y agoYes, mastering out is a good thing; they've accomplished something and didn't waste extra time on what might be a futile endeavor. In my program you had to throw together a thesis, but it was something available to anyone and not hard to do. I know a lot of 4th and 5th year students who wonder whether they should have done that, I know I did. They're data only shows attrition after 3 years, but it doesn't change much between 3 and 10 years in, so it definitely looks like the attrition comes at the beginning of the program for most people.