Is it received poorly to apply to a PhD and Masters program in the same department?

Application strategy
#1

This is specifically for CMU. I have an interest in both programs, even though they both go in different directions—the Ph.D. towards research and the Masters towards industry. It’s my ultimate goal to try to get a PhD, however, I don’t think I’m well equipped enough for the PhD. My rationale is to get a Masters first to get experience but if the PhD program admits me, then I would go towards that route. I’m also interested in UW MS in HCDE and PhD in HCDE.

However, would the department reject both of my applications because they go in separate directions?

#2

Hi there,

I believe the answer to this question will highly depend on which professor / which lab you want to work for in your PhD. It’s better to reach out to the specific person / group to get more info!