Do you need a masters to get a PhD? The answer might surprise you. In this guide, we’ll break down when a masters degree is required — and when it’s not — so you can plan your academic journey strategically. Whether you’re eyeing a U.S. program, considering Europe, or targeting a specific field like psychology or STEM, understanding the masters vs. direct-to-PhD pathway is crucial.
Quick Answer
In many fields, you don’t need a masters to get into a PhD — especially in the U.S., where strong undergrad research can suffice. However, in Europe and fields like psychology, a masters may be required or preferred. Learn when to skip it, when to pursue it, and how to strengthen your application.
Terminal vs. Non-Terminal Masters Degrees: What You Need to Know
The question that often arises is whether to enroll in a terminal or non-terminal master’s degree before earning a PhD. What are the differences between the two? A master’s degree is simply terminal or non-terminal, depending on whether or not it leads directly to a PhD.
Terminal master’s degrees are for those who plan to pursue a career in research or academia and provide students with advanced knowledge within a specific subject area via the completion of a thesis or project. Other terminal master’s degrees (the MBA, MPA, or MPP for example) are for professionals who want an advantage in their current field, or those looking to shift careers entirely. They provide students with practical skills that they can apply directly in the workplace. In general, these programs take one to two years to complete.
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Non-terminal master’s degrees may involve completing coursework and passing an exam to earn the degree. Alternatively, some programs require writing a shorter thesis than what terminal master’s degree programs require. This can help students complete their master’s degree within one year and continue to pursue their doctoral studies.
However, it is important to note that although their goal is to lead graduates back to the job market, terminal master’s degrees are not necessarily the end of the road for many students. Many graduates of terminal master’s degrees end up applying and enrolling in doctoral programs successfully.
Can You Get a PhD Without a Masters?
Yes — in many fields, it is possible to enter a PhD program without first completing a standalone master’s degree.
This is most common in the United States, particularly in STEM fields, where doctoral programs are designed to provide research training from the ground up. In these systems, students may earn a master’s credential along the way, but it is not required for admission.
However, direct entry into a PhD is not the default path. It typically makes sense only for applicants who already demonstrate strong preparation at the undergraduate level.
Skipping a standalone master’s can shorten the overall training timeline for applicants who already have substantial undergraduate research experience and a clear academic direction. Successful direct-to-PhD applicants usually have completed an honors thesis or long-term research project, can articulate a focused research interest, and show evidence that they are ready for independent scholarly work.
This pathway is less common outside the U.S. In many European systems, and in fields such as psychology and education, a master’s degree is often expected or required as formal research preparation before doctoral study.
Bottom line: A PhD without a master’s is possible — but only in specific systems and for applicants who are already well prepared for doctoral-level research.
When a Masters Degree Helps Your PhD Chances
While it is possible to apply to a PhD program without a master’s degree, there are situations where completing a master’s first meaningfully reduces risk and strengthens readiness.
A master’s degree can strengthen PhD readiness by providing sustained research experience, advanced methods training, and clearer evidence of scholarly focus. This is especially valuable for applicants whose undergraduate programs offered limited research opportunities or whose academic interests are still developing.
A PhD is a demanding, long-term research commitment. For applicants who are unsure about academic research or lack sustained exposure to it, a master’s degree can provide a lower-risk environment to assess fit before committing to doctoral training. Through coursework, thesis work, and closer supervision, students gain a realistic understanding of what doctoral research actually involves.
In some fields, a master’s degree is not just helpful but expected. In psychology, education, and many European doctoral systems, the master’s serves as formal research preparation and signals readiness for advanced independent work. In these contexts, applying without a master’s can significantly weaken an application.
Bottom line: A master’s degree does not guarantee PhD admission, but it can clarify direction, strengthen preparation, and reduce uncertainty for applicants who are not yet fully ready for doctoral-level research.
Masters Requirement by Region and Field
PhD Application Differences: U.S., Canada, and the UK
While U.S. programs often offer direct-entry PhD options for standout candidates, requirements vary significantly across countries. For instance, in Canada, most PhD programs expect a master’s degree, though exceptional candidates may qualify for direct entry. To understand the Canadian system in detail, check out my complete guide to applying for a PhD in Canada.
In the UK, doctoral programs are typically research-driven and expect applicants to hold a master’s or MPhil. Direct-entry PhDs are rare and usually offered to candidates with first-class honors and a strong research track record. For an in-depth look at UK expectations and strategies, visit my detailed guide on PhD applications in the UK.
For example, the University of Cambridge typically expects PhD applicants to have a master’s or MPhil, while U.S. programs like those at MIT often admit strong candidates directly from undergraduate studies, particularly in STEM fields.
Interested in real-world experiences and tips? Watch my video on applying to PhDs in Canada and video about the UK PhD process to get insider strategies and advice.
Understanding these country-specific nuances can significantly improve your application strategy and readiness, ensuring you’re on the right track for success—wherever you apply.
When You Can Skip the Masters
In our opinion, your academic performance and career goals should determine if it is worth it or not to apply directly to doctoral programs without a master’s degree. If your heart is set on becoming an academic, you have already completed an undergraduate honors thesis with high marks, and have a high GPA and excellent standardized test scores (GRE), then it may be a good idea to apply directly to a PhD program instead of enrolling in a master’s program.
Your grades and research experience make you competitive and will allow you to compete with other solid applicants.
A strong CV can give you an edge when applying directly to a PhD program. Use our CV writing guide to highlight your research, achievements, and academic credentials effectively.
When You Should Consider a Masters Before a PhD
If your grades are less than stellar and if you are unsure about your academic career plans, then enrolling in a terminal master’s degree is a great option to simultaneously upgrade your profile as an applicant and provide you the opportunity to explore the world of research a little bit more before the plunge into doctoral studies
Earning a master’s degree before applying to a PhD program is a great way to increase your academic credentials. If you have a so-so undergraduate GPA, acing your master’s degree classes is a great way to offset your undergraduate academic performance. It will not only boost your GPA, but also make up for eventual lower standardized test scores.
Having a master’s degree does not guarantee admission to a doctoral program, but it can influence admissions decisions and make it easier for someone to be admitted into the program. Many doctoral programs prefer applicants who already hold a master’s degree because they have had the opportunity to refine their research skills, develop their knowledge in a specific area of study, and gain additional experience working in the field.
For example, the thesis project involved in a master’s program provides the opportunity to delve deeper into a particular field that you’re interested in. It’s a good way to ensure that both research-based work and your chosen field of study are suitable for you before committing to a PhD that may take several years to complete. Another benefit of pursuing a master’s degree thesis project is that it provides the chance to collaborate closely with a supervisor.
This experience can help you grasp the ideal communication frequency and student-supervisor dynamic involved in pursuing a PhD. You can use this new knowledge to find the most appropriate supervisor for your PhD project application.
FAQs About Master’s Degrees and PhD Admissions
Can I skip a master’s and go straight into a PhD?
Yes, in many cases — especially in the United States. Applicants with strong undergraduate research experience, clear academic direction, and strong letters of recommendation are often admitted directly into PhD programs without a standalone master’s degree.
When is a master’s degree required before applying to a PhD?
A master’s degree is commonly required or strongly expected in fields like psychology and education, and in many European doctoral systems. In these cases, the master’s serves as formal research preparation rather than an optional credential.
Does skipping a master’s degree save time?
It can, but only if you are already well prepared. Direct-to-PhD applicants are expected to enter with research experience and a clear sense of academic direction. Without that foundation, skipping a master’s can actually slow progress later.
What are the entry requirements for a master’s vs a PhD?
Master’s programs typically emphasize coursework readiness and foundational knowledge. PhD programs evaluate advanced research skills, intellectual focus, and long-term research potential, often expecting prior thesis work or sustained research experience.
Conclusion
A master’s degree is not a prerequisite for every PhD — but it is a strategic tool in the right situations.
Whether you should pursue a master’s before applying to a PhD depends on your field, your preparation, and how clearly you understand the kind of research training you are actually ready for. For some applicants, going directly to a PhD is efficient and appropriate. For others, a master’s provides the research depth, clarity, and credibility that makes doctoral success far more likely.
The mistake is not choosing one path over the other.
The mistake is treating the decision casually.
If you approach it strategically, both routes can lead to strong PhD outcomes — just on different timelines.
Read The Complete PhD Admissions Guide (2026) for a step-by-step breakdown of how committees evaluate research fit, potential, and readiness — from a former professor and admissions insider.
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Dr. Philippe Barr is a former professor and graduate admissions consultant, and the founder of The Admit Lab. He has helped applicants gain admission to top PhD, MBA, and master’s programs worldwide.
He shares weekly admissions insights on YouTube.