<p>I'm a sophmore EE. How important is a master's degree? I don't want a big loan, so my goal was to just get my BS quickly and start working...but I don't want to be at a real disadvantage for jobs or regret it down rhe road, as it is harder to go back to school later. </p>
<p>Also, if I were to spend an extra year or so at school, would a masters or minor be more useful? Any response would be greatly appreciated!</p>
<p>Which area within EE? Minors are close to worthless professionally, by the way. It’s only useful for exploring personal interests and/or fulfilling honors requirements.</p>
<p>I’m leaning toward telecommunications.</p>
<p>Someone else more familiar with the area will have to help you there. I do know that communications is among the most R&D intensive industries and rivals semiconductors and biotech/pharma in % of revenue spent on research. That points to graduate degrees being useful.</p>
<p>Masters degrees are not required in engineering. Should you not have a job lined up by the time you graduate, a masters degree is a good place to park youself while waiting for the economy to rebound. Otherwise, getting a job is generally perferrable.</p>
<p>If you want to get a masters degree, your best bet is to get one part time and have your company fund it as part of their tuition reimbursement program. It will then be free and you gain valuable work experience while pursuing your degree.</p>
<p>Alright, thanks guys!</p>