Many have always wondered if it’s possible to get a PhD after a Bachelor’s
degree, without a Master’s degree. It’s possible, but it’s not as simple as we think. This system is more common in the United States, but it is not a norm anyway.
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In most cases, the doctorate is merged with a master’s program, due to the fact that
students with only a Bachelors may lack the experience of having an advanced degree or journal publication.
Earning a PhD after a Bachelor’s degree is very competitive with only 3-4 students admitted in one session. There are several factors you need to consider when applying for a PhD after a Bachelor’s degree in the US. Below are the requirements for obtaining direct PhD admission.
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Strong GPA
A candidate who wants to gain a direct PhD after a Bachelors must have a very strong Cumulative Grade Point Average, usually a First Class (4.5 and above) or a high Second Class Upper, something beteween 4.3 and 4.4 over a total of 5 points or its equivalent.
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Standardised Test Scores
Candidates are expected to excel in various standardized tests by scoring very high or beating the benchmark. Universities offering PhD after Bachelors admissions always require this. Here are the list of required standardized tests:
- GMAT: A candidate interested in having a PhD in management studies is required to take a GMAT test. Business schools requires you to have a GMAT score if want to study for a PhD in their wide range of management programmes.
- GRE: In the United States, candidates intrested in getting a PhD after Bachelors must know that a GRE test score is a mandatory requirement for all PhD programmes, including management studies. Students are also expected to submit the scores of all the courses taken.
- IELTS: IELTS is an English proficiency test for aspiring candidates who’re from non-native English speaking countries. This Test is mandatory if you fall under this category. This Test measures your command of the Use of English using four criteria – Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking.
- TOEFL: TOEFL is another English proficiency test that is a compulsory requirement for PhD for international students who’re from non-native English speaking countries. A very high score gives you an added advantage if you’re interested in earning a PhD in the US.
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Letter of Recommendation (LOR)
LOR is one of the most important requirements for students aspiring for a PhD programme after Bachelors. LOR is a attestation kind of letter written by the candidate’s former employers or previous lecturers attesting the student’s potential in character and in learning. It’s advisable that students interested in a PhD programme should have their former professors write their letters of recommendation. Universities in the US require two to three recommendation letters.
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Statement Of Purpose (SOP)
The SOP is another requirement that reflects your ability to undertake a PhD programme and how you’ll be able to use the acquired degree to solve real life problems. It’s advised that candidate’s SOP should reflect how the degree aligns with their life goals and it’ll benefit your community. It’s mandatory for all PhD programmes in the US.
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Résumé
A résumé is required to be submitted during an application for a direct PhD programme. The résumé should contain the student’s basic information such as date of birth, academic qualifications, publications, achievements and details of any previous work in his area of interest.
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Research Projects
It is an added advantage for a student aspiring for a direct PhD to submit research works such as journal articles, book chapters, a complete book (if any), or any project in the related field. It is advisable that the student must have undergone the rudiments of research methodology in his final year, during in his Bachelors studies.
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Interview
This is usually the last stage of the requirements, and it’s conducted for students who have been invited. Universities in the US hold separate round of interviews for aspirants, and the questions are often general and specific as well.
Featured Image Source: Brookings Institute
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This article was first published on 19th August 2021
nnaemeka-emmanuel
Nnaemeka is an academic scholar with a degree in History and International Studies from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. He is also a creative writer, content creator, storyteller, and social analyst.
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