> But why do you desire the master's degree? Can't you meet great minds in private industry?
You absolutely can. However, I enjoy the academic environment as a platform for personal development and have made achieving a graduate degree a personal goal. I actually desire a Ph.D., but the 5+ year commitment doesn't exactly align with my other goals. I am also attracted to entrepreneurship and feel I would reach a point of diminishing returns at the 3-4 year mark. Hence, a master's degree (notably the programs I mentioned) are a good compromise.
But why do you desire the master's degree? Can't you meet great minds in private industry?