[tester756]

>though I was thinking it would be mecessary to go back and do a masters. It's interesting that that might not be required

Well, there are no universal rules

Sometimes it could make your life easier, sometimes it wouldnt change anything.

It's kinda luck dependent - what companies you apply for, what hiring manager needs at particular moment, etc.

But if your masters program is same length as mine (1.5 year) then if you feel like doing it, then I recommend it because 1.5 year will pass quickly and you'll have decent paper (and hopefully experience, knowledge, skills and networking) :p