I was repeatedly questioned by many of my students- Should we go for a Masters degree or for a Phd degree ?                                   Adding more complexity is the third option -  A combined or integrated MS + PhD program.
A number of aspirants wanted to know whether they can apply directly to an Integrated Ms+Phd or a PHD degree right after completing their bachelor's degree.

My answer to both the questions is - YES.                                                                                                                                     

Most US universities accept students into their PhD or Integrated Phd programs right after a bachelors degree. US universities work according to the credit system. Each degree requires that the student earns a certain amount of minimum credits. In case of an integrated program, once you finish your master’s coursework (in 2-3 years) and earn the requisite credits/ grades you can dive into full time research and the PhD portion coursework. Some universities also give you the option of earning only Master's degree and dropping the Phd degree.

Entry requirements

The entry requirements of MS+Phd program are essentially the same that the school asks from its masters and PhD applicants. Undergrad grades, GRE scores, SOP & LORs and work experience all are taken into account.
But a word of caution - If you want to jump directly into a Integrated MS +Phd or a Phd program, your profile must be very strong and research driven. It should be strong enough to be considered. An applicant must prove that he/she has a strong inclination for research and can continue in the program for 5-6 or more years.
Further if English is not your native language, you have to prove your English ability by securing good grades in TOEFL / IELTS, particularly writing and listening.

Scholarships

Masters students have less chances of securing scholarships, Integrated programs have better and Phd programs have best chances of securing scholarship. Many schools at offer atleast some tuition waiver/scholarship to integrated international students. If chosen as a combined masters-PhD candidate it’s quite likely that the school will offer a fellowship and offer a TA/RA position. With a Phd offer, scholarship (full/ partial) is almost certain, atleast in US universities.

Summary
A bachelor degree holder can apply for any of these three degrees - MS , MS+Phd, Phd. The chances of acceptance are highest for MS programs and lowest in direct Phd programs but the scholarship is least in MS and highest in Phd.


Best of Luck !
Team MJA