Yes, it is possible to do a doctorate without a master’s degree.
The traditional path for someone doing a doctorate is a bachelor’s degree, followed by a master’s degree, followed by a doctorate. However, some students choose to bypass a master’s degree by enrolling in a doctoral program after completing their bachelor’s degree.
Disadvantages
The MSc is designed to demonstrate that the student can study at a high level, and this qualification gives you the opportunity to practice the necessary research skills. It also determines whether you are engaged in a major research project. Also, at some UK universities, the master’s thesis is part of the doctorate, so you can get an extra year or two to make your original contribution to the field of study.
As with any doctoral application, it is important to check your eligibility with the universities you wish to apply to. Different institutions have different regulations, and in some cases a master’s degree may be required. Also, make sure you have plenty of evidence in your application as to why you would make a good PhD student by showing specific examples of your Master’s equivalent work. Also make it clear that you are motivated and committed to advancing your body of knowledge through innovative empirical research that requires persistence, hard work, determination and collaboration.
How to do a doctorate as an international student without a master’s degree?
In the United States, full-time doctoral programs take a few years longer than in other countries. Source: Roslan Rahman/AFP
It goes without saying that a good academic record is a big part of getting into a doctoral program once you finish your undergraduate studies, but that’s only one part of the equation. Doctoral applications require more paperwork, including a university-appropriate letter of intent and letters of recommendation from your former faculty that can confirm your potential as a candidate.
Why finance rather than other business majors?
Why study finance rather than business administration or accounting, for example?
You save time and money
Directly from the baccalaureate to the doctorate. You save time and money. You don’t need to finance the extra years of study and you can access the job faster.
You can’t turn down a great opportunity and wait to see if it’s still there after your Masters. If you skip a master’s, you have a chance to get a place in the doctorate. A program of your choice or the opportunity to work on a research project of your dreams, if accepted. The same goes for funding opportunities – you have to take them even if you skip your masters.