Q. I hold a bachelor’s degree in psychology. Now I wish to apply to US universities for higher education. I heard that it is possible to apply for a Ph.D. in the USA soon after an undergraduate degree. As an Indian student with an under-graduation of three years, is it possible for me to get into a Ph.D. course there directly after my bachelor’s?
Sara Deshpande, Panipat
A. As a repository of most valued international universities, the USA continues to remain the Holy Grail of education for many. With excellent programs and outstanding opportunities, graduates of these universities have guaranteed successful careers. As the country draws talented students like a magnet, it is not unusual for students worldwide to desire acceleration in career prospects.
Holding an edge over several countries, the USA offers a PhD programme to domestic and international students who wish to pursue a PhD in the USA soon after their bachelor’s degree. However, the universities do not allow students to skip the master’s degree directly. In most cases, they tend to club in your master’s programme with the PhD. While the duration of a standard PhD degree is 2-3 year, a combined programme like such will be for 5-7 years. This may also include a bridge year for completing 4 years of UG studies.
A combined degree is equivalent to a doctorate; therefore, the entry requirements will stand likewise. Higher demands and lack of availability raise competition and the standards of the criterion too. You will require more than a standardised test score and a minimum 3.5 GPA in BA to secure a seat. Since you plan to opt for doctoral studies right after your bachelor’s, you must prepare yourself to that level. Research projects, internships in Psychology, Letters of Recommendation and volunteer experience are the golden keys to your admission.
John Hopkins University, Harvard University, University of Chicago, University of Pennsylvania, Yale University, and Cornell University are some of the top Universities in the U.S. offering Ph.D. after bachelor’s degree.