Masters programs are often used to print money for the department, especially for industries that have adopted the degree as an auto-salary-boosting credential.

Masters programs are often used to print money for the department, especially for industries that have adopted the degree as an auto-salary-boosting credential. You end up with a lot of vocational students that are treating it as an investment, which is entirely counter to the aims of an academic graduate program. The absolute worst are Masters in Education, followed by MBAs, with evening CS Masters programs trailing far behind.