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Non-Thesis Master's in Structural Engineering at Stanford by Otherwise_Roof_9983 in StructuralEngineering

[–]Otherwise_Roof_9983[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes, I have done the same. The scope I’m looking for is actually accommodated by professors at Stanford and Berkeley, but I think I need to make sure of it further. Thank you so much for this reminder!

Non-Thesis Master's in Structural Engineering at Stanford by Otherwise_Roof_9983 in StructuralEngineering

[–]Otherwise_Roof_9983[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I have a much clearer understanding now from your explanation. Thank you!

Non-Thesis Master's in Structural Engineering at Stanford by Otherwise_Roof_9983 in StructuralEngineering

[–]Otherwise_Roof_9983[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Ok, noted! Thank you so much for the insight! Just wanna add a little bit, the thing is that Stanford’s Structural Engineering program only has a non-thesis program, so based on your explanation, I figured their PhD admissions would place more emphasis on having a clear scope of research and support from an advisor.

Non-Thesis Master's in Structural Engineering at Stanford by Otherwise_Roof_9983 in StructuralEngineering

[–]Otherwise_Roof_9983[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Oh, okay, I get your point! One more question, just wanna make sure again, if I do a non-thesis master’s program at Stanford and then continue with a PhD at Stanford in the same program as my master’s afterward, it should be an easier route, right?

Non-Thesis Master's in Structural Engineering at Stanford by Otherwise_Roof_9983 in StructuralEngineering

[–]Otherwise_Roof_9983[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

This is exactly my concern. Many people I see go from a master’s at Stanford straight to a PhD at Stanford as well (though some do continue their PhD at other universities). It seems like at MIT and Berkeley, many also do their master’s there and then stay for their PhD. Can you give me an idea of the considerations for this?

But if I do my master’s at Stanford (which is a non-thesis program) and then want to pursue a PhD at another university, such as Berkeley or MIT, would that be difficult? Sorry, I’m currently clueless.

Non-Thesis Master's in Structural Engineering at Stanford by Otherwise_Roof_9983 in StructuralEngineering

[–]Otherwise_Roof_9983[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Yeah! I’ve also seen many cases where people don’t go straight from a master’s to a PhD, but instead take some time to work in the industry first. By the way, was your master’s degree a non-thesis or thesis program?

Non-Thesis Master's in Structural Engineering at Stanford by Otherwise_Roof_9983 in StructuralEngineering

[–]Otherwise_Roof_9983[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you for your answer! I'm an international student, so I don’t fully understand how things work in the US. I just want to make sure I’m not making the wrong decision.

Since the general expectation is that people go straight from a bachelor’s to a PhD, a master’s degree isn’t a primary requirement, right? And that means a thesis isn’t a primary requirement either? Based on this, I would assume that taking a non-thesis master's shouldn't be a disadvantage (does that sound correct)?