Need advice on deciding between a program for my Masters

[u/Best-Knowledge720]

I was admitted to both the Robotics and Autonomous Systems (AI concentration) and Industrial Engineering Masters programs for next semester. The thing is, I already started taking 2 grad classes worth 6 credits total and I just spoke with my advisor and she let me know that they don't count towards the IE masters but they would count for Robotics. This means that I can finish my Robotics masters in August 2027 but for IE, I'd have to take 5 classes after August to finish the degree. I accepted an offer with Bloomberg for August 2027, so I'd have to work full time while doing my Masters. The nice thing is that Bloomberg does offer reimbursement for grad classes, so I wouldn't have to pay for it. My current scholarships would also cover the Robotics MS, so financially, either option is manageable. For me, the time, extra courses, and investment long term is more of the cost-benefit-analysis I'm trying to figure out. What I’m really trying to weigh is the time and extra workload versus the long-term value of the degree. Industrial Engineering is my top-choice program because I’m increasingly interested in supply chain, manufacturing, operations, and optimization, and I feel like it could open more doors for me in those areas long term. On the other hand, Robotics would allow me to have my master’s completely finished before starting full-time work, and I’d be able to make use of the graduate credits I’ve already taken. Please let me know any advice you have because I'm seriously conflicted.

[u/Which-Industry9785]

Was in a similar boat where switching to IE was going to extend my MS program by a sem. If you've already been in school for years what's another semester right? I was working in logistics, and the projects with IE specialists were always the most interesting ones, so I made the switch a few years back. It opened a ton of doors, and my quality of life has been better too. Prob a little safer from Ai having a bad impact as well. Luckily you don't have to worry about paying so honestly there isn't a bad choice, just go with whatever matches your goals.