Should I get a Masters before going for DSc?

I am completing a BS in Com & Network Security.
I am considering to complete the Cyber Sec. DSc at Dakota State University.

Anyone know if I can transfer credits into the DSc program from an in-field Masters, and how many credits?

I cannot see any Masters requirement to enter the DSc. Anyone entered any of their DSc program with "just" a BS? If they allow it, I cannot see why would I "waste" time with a Masters, unless they allow all credits to be transferred.

I sent DSU these questions, but yet to hear back from them...

Thank you!:biggrin:

 

Timelines and Requirements | Dakota State University

from their website.

oh, and GRE can be waived if your GPA is 3.25 and higher.

 

Thanks! I did review those pages. It is not exactly clear to me from that page (or others), if there is any benefits to getting a Masters.

 

I feel like I've mentioned this earlier, but I think it warrants restating.

I have a colleague. He has a Ph.D. in Engineering. And he doesn't really "use" his doctorate. He's not interested in research. By his own admission, since graduating with his doctorate, all of his work has been the sort of thing you would expect of a Masters level (arguably, even a Bachelors level) engineer. When you ask him about it, he's pretty open with it. As a 22 year old, he thought it would be awesome to have a Ph.D. from a top tier school. It didn't take him long to realize that he really didn't like doctoral level research. He hated publication. He tells me that, were he given the opportunity for a do-over, he likely would have done a one year M.Eng. and then hit the workforce rather than finish the Ph.D. Why didn't he just leave the program? He chalks it up to ego. He talked himself up to all of his former classmates and family members. He felt like going back with anything less than his doctorate, after all of that crap talk, would be a failure. So, he spent a bunch of years working on a degree he really didn't intend to "use."

Every job he's had since grad school has been a job that he could have had with a Masters (his entry position only required a bachelors and, at the time of his coming to the company, the B.S. requirement could be waived if you had a few years of experience as an engineering technician under your belt). But he's happy. He also hates it when people call him "Doctor."

His story is obviously not typical of most Ph.D. holders. Many go on and finish the degree and then teach/spend the rest of their days researching. Those who don't like it tend to leave. And no one can really have an objective answer as to which path (direct from bachelors versus Masters first) is "better." The best people can do is give you examples from their own lives (or the lives of colleagues, in this case) and hope that it sparks some introspection on your part so that you can make the best decision for you.

 

Appreciate the insight Neuhaus.

I am interested in getting a D.Sc. for multiple reasons, including continue to research, and teach. The D.Sc. (or Ph.D.) would allow me to continue to do these in the private sector.

 

My thoughts:
1) I have imagined that when applying to a very competitive doctoral program it might be an advantage to have a Masters degree already.
2) Some doctoral programs will award a Masters en route to the PhD. This can be useful because a large percentage of doctoral students wash out while in the ABD phase.
3) Sometimes students think they want a PhD but once they plow through a Masters degree the prospect of 4-6 more years seems unappealing.
Best of luck whatever you choose to do.

 

Then I wouldn't waste my time going through a masters program. Just go straight to the DSc. Most doctoral programs allow you to start with just a bachelors. If you decide it isn't for you, you can usually leave with a masters if you make it to the ABD stage.

 

Thank you all for the feedback!

 

If you are not in the academia, I highly recommend you to complete your Master before starting your Doctorate. The reason for that because not everyone start a Doctorate will finish, some even end up with ABD (All But Dissertation) and never come back.

If you are in the academia, you know that a Doctorate will help you better opportunity and that is your objective to complete it. I am working on my Ph.D after having 2 master degrees, frankly it does not help to find a job. I am thinking about dropping it because family problems, and I am ending up being single dad with two toddlers. And I am making $180K per year living Texas, so I don't think a Ph.D is necessary for my career.

 

Thanks TEKMAN.

I am on the fringes of academia, in a round-about way. I could continue my work where I am now, without a D.Sc./Ph.D.

The D.Sc. is indeed for future public sector academia and research. Although it will not increase (most likely the opposite) my compensation, but by adding the degree, my potential to relocate almost anywhere and continue in my field(s) of interest expands dramatically. It also opens additional venues in my career. (My current employer ties me to specific theaters on an as-needed basis.)

I am almost certain I will go directly for my D.Sc. Since I have a high GPA, I do not need the GRE, and the cost is a fraction compared to other places. The only thing not resolved is the residency requirement for that single class. There is no details on the class other than "few days" and "annually". Is that few days as in a week, or few days every week for 14 weeks? . . . Sent e-mail but no responses yet. I will share with the rest when I get definite details.

 

You can conduct research with a Masters. Heck, you can conduct research with a Masters (if you're really into the subject, you can conduct research without any degree at all!).

Just sayin'

 

I already research & teach without a Baccalaureate. I am tied to my employer, who has only certain locations. I am also using too much of my personal funds, space and family patience at home with my research. Colleges and Universities are all over the world, and I can research & teach - but require higher level of formal education to teach, and certainly to use research funds.

:drillsergeant:

 

I talked to "Tom" at DSU and he indicated that the residency is a short (less than a week) event, three times, over three years.