>...no one in their right mind will spend seven or so years in one of the toughest curriculums there is...
No one should be an engineer unless he enjoys learning the skills, and unless he can get a useful degree in 4 years.
To get a masters will typically take 6 years and sometimes seven.
And don't get me wrong, I love engineering. I just don't think it is a wise career choice.
Hope it works out differently for you.
Regards,
EEDUDE