Yes, but to varying degrees. I imagine the whole "fortune 500" deal probably gatekept more than it really needed to. While I don't think any specialization NEEDS a masters since 2-3 years of industry work in that field will do just as much 90% of the tie (a few may need PhD's, mostly for R&D labs), some can justify it more than others.
It's also cultural. From what I hear, the east cost US cares a lot more about prestige than the west coast that focuses a lot more on performance.
It's also cultural. From what I hear, the east cost US cares a lot more about prestige than the west coast that focuses a lot more on performance.