Master of engineering impact on salary?

Question

I am making the decision of returning to my company I did an internship for as an intern or as a full time employee. I will have obtained my bachelors by this spring, but I have been considering staying 1 more year to finish a masters of engineering (not thesis). My main motivation to stay another year is to just be a student for a little longer and put somewhat minimal investment to end up with a masters. I will have finished my bachelors in 3 years, so taking a 4th to finish a masters seems ideal.

I am wondering how much getting a masters of engineering in cs would help me in my career? I figure most things I need to learn, I can learn on my own without spending another 20-30 grand. But will companies look that much more favorably on me because of it? Will I get higher salary offers because of it?

I'm also fairly eager to start my life in the city where my job would be, so that is influencing me a bit.

Any help or experience with this is appreciated!

TheSalGuy · Accepted Answer

As a CS student on a similar track, I’m planning on pursuing a one extra year master’s for several key reasons. Many specialized positions in both software engineering and management often require or strongly prefer candidates with advanced degrees. It’s not just about the immediate knowledge you’ll gain; having that master’s degree can differentiate you in an extremely competitive job market. Moreover, a master’s definitely can have a positive impact on your long-term earning potential. Considering you’d be finishing both your bachelor’s and master’s in a total of four years, investing in that extra year could be a game-changer for your career. This is just my opinion, and others may have different viewpoints, but this is how I’m justifying the decision for myself.

wishgranted · Answer

You may or may not get a higher salary depending on how much your company values a piece of paper with a degree on it. But if you’re just doing it for the potential salary increase (not to get your foot in the door of a complex field or for intellectual curiosity or something), then it’s usually not worth the time and tuition cost either way.

Pilotlight · Answer

Something good to keep in mind is that most companies offer some form of education compensation to their full time employees. Usually after about a year of work they will pay for your degree as long as it's relevant. So you get experience and more money, but don't get the degree as quick.

bn1972 · Answer

I’d look into getting a graduate TA position if you go down the full time Masters route. I managed to get my masters fully funded (+ stipend) by pursuing this route. If not, then I’d probably opt for the employer assistance and part time masters if that is an option

Master of engineering impact on salary?

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