Most elite schools do not have a MS program for their academic area — but accept students directly into their PhD program with a BS or an MS from a different school. They will give you a MS as a booby prize if you do not finish.

Those who went to a less prestigious undergraduate school usually get a MS at a mid-ranked school before applying to PhD programs. Thos who go to good undergraduate schools usually go directly into a PhD program.

The PhD should take anywhere from four to seven years to complete. I did mine in four years.

I disagree with the other poster. Most MS degrees take one or two years — not three. Getting a MS before a PhD might take one year off the PhD — but no more. And I feel that it is a particularly bad idea to get a PhD part time, as she suggests.

4 years (Bachelors Degree)

3 years (Masters Degree)

4 years (PhD — ESPECIALLY for social science majors)

So, all together … 11 years.

I forgot to add:

Now, if you decide to skip your Master’s Degree, you can still apply for a PhD program. However, your PhD will take you longer to earn — you’re looking at about five to eight years. So I suggest you earn your Masters first, get a job, and slowly earn your PhD while you make money working.