I also left my PhD program shortly after passing quals. I think it's a great time to bail. There are too many great classes you'll have to pass on if you're o

I also left my PhD program shortly after passing quals. I think it's a great time to bail. There are too many great classes you'll have to pass on if you're only long enough to get a masters, and you haven't yet burned a ton of dissertation hours. (Assuming you do it right - I remember my advisor being quite miffed that I wouldn't stop signing up for a full load each semester.) Grad classes really are the best learning bang for the buck/hour I've ever experienced. Just make sure you fill out the paperwork so you do get that MS along the way...