<prompt> Human: So I dont know if this is the exact thread to be asking in but I feel my question is somewhat related-- if not, please tell what the appropriate thread would be. Anyway, currently I am a MSc student in neuroscience and have the option to do a PhD and am wondering if it is worth it to do a PhD... I am hesitant because I feel another 4 years without being in the working world is a huge disadvantage. I know I want to work in the business side of pharmaceuticals and am worried that if I dont have a PhD I wont be able to advance my career...but at the same time I feel a MSc degree is somewhat of a door opener as well. Can anyone offer any advice? People in the field...those that have done PhDs? edit: I just want to note that Im Canadian, where STEM graduate degrees are often covered by stipends. So its not about debt, but more about the loss of time.  <response>: its basically depends on what exactly you wanna do. Ive heard from my professors that once you go for PhDs, its not really about the money anymore but that you like that field. Its because usually once you go for a PhD, the return you get for that time investment is a lot lower than the return you get from just a masters. 