<p>Okay so, my school (GWU) offers two 5 year programs for business school undergrads.</p>
<p>BBA/Master of Science in Information Systems Technology</p>
<p>and </p>
<p>BBA/Master of Tourism Administration</p>
<p>Now, I'm not entirely sure what I want to do yet since I'm an incoming freshman, but what are the perks of having a Master's in SIST or TA? Does it look better on a resume and does it give me access to higher level positions or more earning power? </p>
<p>I can see the obvious benefit of having that 5th year for internships in the summer prior or during that year, but what else is there? And is it totally necessary? (assuming the cost of another year would be only ~5000 more worth of debt)</p>
<p>Master’s degrees tend to earn more than bachelor’s degrees, provided both are in the same field.</p>
<p>Normally a master’s degree takes about two years to earn, but for 5 year programs, you take graduate classes in your “senior” year and finish up the master’s coursework in the fifth year. If you’re interested in getting a master’s in one of these fields, a 5-year program is probably the best way to do it.</p>
<p>Usually when a business school offers a 5-year program, it is for accounting students who will need the extra hours to sit for the CPA exam anyway. The programs mentioned may or may not be necessary or worth-while, you should do research while you’re in school there (ask older students, faculty, employers you want to intern with/work for, etc.) and form an opinion on that.</p>