<p>I just wanted to hear some opinions on the return on investment/time on a masters degree. Currently a EE wanting to get a MS in EE. I got a pretty mid- to high GPA and probably could land a job at a good company (probably too late now). I'm just trying to see if getting an MS is worth it. I've heard from 80% of the undergrads I've talked that an MS is pointless. Then from of my relatives (who've worked in industry) I've heard that if you want to get into management roles or be a "good asset" to a company, an MS is desirable (in other words, companies would love individuals with an MS+ experience vs a BS+experience). Can anyone else chime in?</p>
<p>[Center</a> on Education and the Workforce -](<a href=“http://cew.georgetown.edu/whatsitworth/]Center”>What’s It Worth?: The Economic Value of College Majors - CEW Georgetown)</p>
<p>It all depends who pays for said MSEE. If you can get an assistantship of any kind that covers tuition and some living expenses, the year and a half or so is not wasted if you specialize and learn deeper skills. If you pay out of pocket and delay a good paycheck in the process, the value may not be there. </p>
<p>Also, any kind of research work will require an MS+ so if you’re looking for that kind of work, the MS may be useful.</p>
<p>If you’re from, ehem, “abroad” and require a helpful working visa, again, that’s another story. Also, if you’re competing with the throngs from, ehem, “abroad” for a position, many will have grad degrees from US schools and undergrads from some “abroad” place - in my time it was generally accepted that a BS from US was about where a BS from “abroad” + an MS from US + temp working visa so…</p>
<p>If you have a job more or less lined up, and a good degree from a good school go that path; if you like to learn or research, and can get funding, stay in school until they get tired of you. I did the latter.</p>
<p>A BS with a good GPA and some experience is plenty for most engineering positions. </p>
<p>A Master’s will generally make you more competitive when applying for technical lead or management positions later on in your career. </p>
<p>For research or teaching, a BS will not cut it. And in many cases, an MS won’t either.</p>