<p>I think I know what OP means.</p>
<p>BS and MS are virtually identical in job prospects. Sure some specific positions will want an MS over a BS, but in a larger sense there is no big difference. MS is just more advanced coursework over the BS.</p>
<p>PhD is a “license to do research”. If you want to be a professor, PhD is a must. But also if you want to do some high-level corporate research, PhD may be necessary (or at least a big plus). There are some PhD’s who work alongside those with BS or MS, however. If that is your final goal it may be a waste of time.</p>