Hello people,
I'm an undergraduate (Bachelors) applying to universities in the US for a graduate program in Chemical Engineering. I am interested in research and would want to do a PhD some day. Most of these universities have the option of opting for their PhD program at this juncture;
My worry is this: If I choose to apply to their PhD program, I would have to work through the Masters. However, if something goes wrong or if I find something unsuitable, would it be possible for me to change the university after my masters or quit with a terminal masters degree?
Thanx!

Hello anirudh1984!!! I am Laura, nice to meet you!!! I think it will depend on where you apply??? You should ask the universities that you apply to if this is possible??? Love Laura xxx

Hi Laura,
Thanx for the post!
Good to meet you too!
I dont think it'd be a very good thing to ask the universities as I've already applied to their Phd program and an enquiry like that might send a negative signal..
What do you think?

Hi anirudh_1984!

I know of a guy who started a PhD in computer science at a US university after obtaining his undergraduate degree. After doing the first year, he decided that the PhD wasn't for him, so he told his supervisor. It wasn't a problem at all - he did another year and graduated with a master's degree.

Maybe you shoudl follow that path as well - just try doing the PhD and if it doesn't work out, I am sure they will still let you graduate with only a masters. As far as I understand, the masters is part of any PhD in the US any way.

As Marbeaux said this may be good choice but if I am not wrong u would not like to take this risk as you don't know what kind of person you are joining. If your supervisor turned out to be a real strict one , it would be a hell for you and getting out would be extremely torturous.
And this is my personal experience.