<p>Miami offers a BS/MS program for any student that by the time they are a junior and have a GPA of at least 3.0 (not as easy as a 3.0 in other majors). The advantage of a Masters in five years instead if a BS in 4 (41/2) + 2 years Masters in another school are: cost, second, the opportunity to join the work force with a higher salary earlier , third the opportunity to start working toward your PhD if you desire or toward another Masters. Do not forget that great part of your education come from the work you will do in the real work and not just in school (unless you want to be a researcher). Miami is not an easy school. My niece comes from a very competitive HS and find herself challenged at UM. Not all MIT kids turn out famous or successful. Success does not resides in the institution, it resides in the student. If you do not believe in that you will not make it anywhere.</p>