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After receiving a bachelor's in science, what are the path forward to continuing an education? I'm confused on the differences/hierarchy of graduate school, medical school, or pursuing a PhD.
I'm an undergrad in neuroscience and psych and a career in research is currently my plan.
#college #psychology #science
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5 answers
Updated
Herman’s Answer
Just to add in more point here: if you're interested in doing research, try your best to get involved with undergraduate research now! Not only will this give you insight into what research is like (which will help you validate whether it's what you want to pursue), it will also help you improve your application for grad school. A masters at minimum (and preferably a PhD) is essential for a real research career, and they'll typically want to see that you've had some research experience prior to applying.
You can get involved in several different ways. Read up on professors at your school and see which ones conduct research in areas that interest you. Then, try to read up a bit on their work. Approach them and talk to them about their research, and then see if you can get involved.
You can get involved on a volunteer basis over the school year / in the summer OR you can also try to secure funding (there should be programs to apply to in your school).
Good luck!
You can get involved in several different ways. Read up on professors at your school and see which ones conduct research in areas that interest you. Then, try to read up a bit on their work. Approach them and talk to them about their research, and then see if you can get involved.
You can get involved on a volunteer basis over the school year / in the summer OR you can also try to secure funding (there should be programs to apply to in your school).
Good luck!
Updated
Jenny’s Answer
Hi Christopher! You can do research during or after grad school or medical school. Graduate school would put you on the track of a Master's and / or PhD. Some PhD programs allow you to get a MS on the way since the first 1-2 years are likely the same. While med school would put you on the MD track. There are also combined options where you could gain a PhD and MD. My advice would be to find a research field that interests you and talk to the people who work there and what there background is. A lot of that type of research will likely require cross functional teams of MS, PhD, and MD so try to find the roll that seems the most intriguing to you.
Thank you for the feedback Jenny, much appreciated!
Christopher
Updated
Xinrui Alice’s Answer
Hi Christopher! Since you're currently in undergraduate school, I recommend talking to professors in the field of research you are interested in. They will most likely be able to give you concrete next steps for your specific goal. In general, graduate schools are for advanced degrees such as master's degree (MS) and doctoral degree (Doctor of Philosophy aka PhD or Doctor of Medicine aka MD). MS programs are usually 1-2 years, and research is optional for some MS programs. PhD programs in the STEM fields are typically 5 to 7 years with heavy emphasis on research. The MD degree is typically earned in four years with more emphasis in course work (more information here: https://study.com/articles/Doctor_of_Medicine_Steps_to_Become_a_Medical_Doctor.html). Because MS, MD, and PhD are so different, it's good to discuss with people already in the field you're interested in to see what is the best path to get there.
Look on job boards for job descriptions you are interested in for the future, and look for ways to meet the requirements on the job descriptions.
Talk to professors about which advanced degree program is best suited for you.
Xinrui Alice recommends the following next steps:
Networking is a great idea. Figuring out what you like and don't like is important.
Adele Suttle
Thank you for the feedback, it helped clear my confusion.
Christopher
Updated
Yasemin’s Answer
Hi Christopher! I agree with the previous answers! In addition, as you research what each path is focus on what you like as well. A PhD will allow you to get bench work and plenty of it and if you like to do research on interesting topics, especially as science is evolving and even contribute to one in the future, this is something to consider. As noted previously you can begin in undergraduate and that will help you plenty for graduate school. MD is being a licensed medical doctor, so you can diagnose and treat patients by writing prescription even going into surgery if that interests you! As a bachelor in science you take similar coursework with each pathway, the difference lies in experiences; you can meet up with a premed adviser at your college and get some information on applying to medical school and also you can check out AAMC.org that is the official website for all things medical school related. Also, you can volunteer in a hospital and get some face-time with actual patients and see how you feel about being in a medical setting. Of course this is all if you are interested and want to see what it entails. In medical school they do allow you to do combined programs, like MD/PhD or MD/MPH, or MD/MBA, however if you do consider the MD/PhD pathway I believe you will add another year to two. Admission committees really want to see serious undergrad research and even possibly a publication or presentation, to know that you are committed to pursuing this pathway. For Master's you get more involvement into your major and you can also get some serious professional work and even work alongside other researchers and gain experiences. On college campuses you can always find fliers or email notifications giving information on Master programs and sometimes there are 5 year programs for certain majors where you apply junior yea of college with some specific academic criteria and get accepted. My sister did a Master's in Biochemistry before medical school and worked in a lab for some time!
I think for now take your classes, do well and research around and see what interests you!
Best of luck!
I think for now take your classes, do well and research around and see what interests you!
Best of luck!
Updated
Priscilla’s Answer
If a career in research is your goal, continuing to a master's degree and PhD will allow you to partner with notable professors in your field, and you will be able to learn more and build the knowledge base for a topic or area that truly interests you.
Thank you!
Christopher