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Part of the problem is that most IT programs, which are really CIS programs, are not well-designed. Most of them don't even begin to address the actual problems that most people will face in IT, and instead a bachelor's degree in Computer Information Systems jams together an associate's-level understanding of computer science with an associate's-level understanding of business, with most of the coding classes gutted out and maybe replaced by a course on TCP/IP networking. It's like being a level-3 Fighter/Mage when the rest of your party is all level 7 Fighters and level 7 Mages. You can be all, "Magic Missile!" but you're only shooting two missiles and you can't even cast while wearing armor. That being said, a lot of the ire is that even at an otherwise well-respected college, there's a good chance that if you're a CIS major, you're wasting time that's better spent gaining practical work experience, because the program probably won't teach you enough about business or IT to be actually useful in either. I'm inclined to agree with this assessment; if you want to get into IT but hate code, you're probably better off just majoring in business or English and picking up the job skills on your own time.
cesar602 wrote: » SO i am transferring to ASU (Arizona state university) in Spring 2014 from a community college, i really like math and computers but CIS seems like it's more business and computer's. I'm wondering if CIS is worth it, are the jobs out there or if i should switch majors for something more math and computer's like engineering?
charlemagne wrote: » I used to be a professor and student adviser. Just my opinion but, if you like both mathematics and computer science my advice (and I base this upon recent employment figures and you should do some research since a lot of info is out there) is: Yes. If you want a degree that is in engineering and has perhaps the lowest unemployment rate, petroleum engineering (BS) will land you a great job. If not this, then having a strong foundation in mathematics (knock out the chemistry and physics since there probably required additional courses in a BS in any engineering, computer science, physical science major. Also, don't feel rushed. You are, I am only guessing, a "traditional" age college student. If so, then whatever path you take be sure to 1) Do not listen to some old professor (yes, I know...I was one but I'm not "old") that hasn't looked for a job in 20 years or more. It's a mistake I've seen many students make and it led to lots of loans and burn out due to believing that "Dr" (insert name) must "know" what s/he is talking about. No. Believe me, or don't as you can ask others on this, do your own research. The librarians are your friends on campus and have no vested interest in keeping you in a major so they can lead you to sources of great career advice and stats on the "best" fields. You have options. Use your free electives wisely. You could have a double major but that is up to you. Bottom line: Get the degree since you state your interests are math and engineering (software engineering? Just a thought). ASU has some good programs. Don't fall into the certification trap as some will say here that you don't need a degree. Well, that is up to you but research three or four fields, look at the programs, speak to some recent grads of these programs and you'll find your way. It isn't going to be easy or quick. Do not seek the "path of least resistance." But, your goals, your degree, is an investment. Really. It's not some esoteric thing that professors made up to sound good. You're young once. Better now than when you're 40...like me. But, I wish you the best and I know some people at ASU. Anyway, good luck. Take all advice (even mine) with some healthy skepticism. Not that any advice here is not true but always research for your own goals. *And choose a major that requires an internship or some type of practicum to graduate.* It's a good way to get experience and internship/practicum based programs are, generally, a better choice than one that doesn't offer this.
cesar602 wrote: » Wow, thanks alot! So i can have a double major? I didn't even know it was possible. Is it to late to even change my CIS major to something else since i only have one more semester in my community college.
cesar602 wrote: » Seems because i am a new user i cannot send messages, sorry. I am currently attending phoenix college and here is the degree im going to complete and transfer it toward ASU here
charlemagne wrote: » Got it. I know, now, the precise college you attend. I know someone that used to teach there. I wanted to respond so you'd know I have the link. I will look through it today when I have more time (after 2:00pm). I'll PM you and then see if you can respond. If not, then here is okay. First, how many credit hours have you completed? Use the 6 hour of free electives toward something that will be applicable to any engineering or computer science field. Let me review the courses they offer at your college now and let me know: 1) How many hours you still need? 2) Which courses in math you've already completed? 3) Which courses in computer science/computer (anything) and course numbers (i.e. "101, 102...the courses) you have completed and those you still need. 4) which general ed courses you still need...sometimes you can fit good choices in this category. I will look into it and let me know about 1-4, as soon as you can.
sratakhin wrote: » I agree with going for a CS degree. I majored in MIS (pretty much the same thing as CIS) and it didn't really provide me with any useful skills or knowledge. Had I not studied on my own, I wouldn't even have gotten my current job. If I could go back in time, I would prefer to find another school with a CS degree. The only reasons why I ended up studying MIS were because the classes were cheap and I could graduate in just one year.
ptilsen wrote: » Since you like "math and computers," have found yourself on TechExams, and were considering CIS, I would say it's obvious you should be seriously looking at computer science. Even if you go into a role like many of us have (systems/networking administration and the like), computer science holds a lot of weight and builds a big foundation. What Sheckler posted about CIS is not too far off the mark. It's usually introductory business and computers glued together. It has a place and it definitely holds weight, but you don't see a lot of people interested in "math and computers" forgo computer science for CIS. Also, you'll probably know within your introductory programming course whether you like it. From what I've seen, most people decide whether they like programming very quickly. I think it's something everyone should try, but it isn't something for everyone. That being said, there are many, many different STEM jobs out there. Do lots of research, talk to people in different fields. Even after you've made a choice, be willing to switch majors. Don't break the bank, but there are so many options that you shouldn't settle on computer science because some guy on some forum said it makes sense.
ptilsen wrote: » I was the same way. I don't know if I truly hated it, but it wasn't interesting to me beyond algebra and basic statistics because I couldn't use it. Now that I'm in CS and am learning discrete math, calculus, and seeing what they can do, I like it more and more every day. If you got through your introductory programming course essentially without the book, at the very least you're smart enough for CS and shouldn't be too afraid of failing. It's just a question of what you like. Not everyone who likes computers really likes coding, even basic scripting. That's not to say computer science is the only path for computers + math. Electrical engineering or similar programs are worth looking at. I, personally, I'm loving CS and wish I'd gone down this road six years ago.
cesar602 wrote: » How hard was it for you to find a job with the MIS degree?
ptilsen wrote: » I was the same way. I don't know if I truly hated it, but it wasn't interesting to me beyond algebra and basic statistics because I couldn't use it. Now that I'm in CS and am learning discrete math, calculus, and seeing what they can do, I like it more and more every day.If you got through your introductory programming course essentially without the book, at the very least you're smart enough for CS and shouldn't be too afraid of failing. It's just a question of what you like. Not everyone who likes computers really likes coding, even basic scripting.That's not to say computer science is the only path for computers + math. Electrical engineering or similar programs are worth looking at. I, personally, I'm loving CS and wish I'd gone down this road six years ago.
cesar602 wrote: » ASU offer's a few CS degrees, the CS degree and the CS degree (software engineering) are almost exactly the same based on the courses i have to take, is there really any difference in the real world for these degrees?
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