Which degree to pursue.

celticsfan89

Trying to decide between a MIS or CIS degree. I'm thinking with the MIS degree it would give me more options when it comes to jobs since it combines business and IT. The CIS degree seems to be limited to just technology. Maybe a CIS with a minor in business administration or marketing. Which do you think would be the best degree to pursue? and what are the pros and cons of each degree? Can you pretty much get the same jobs with either degree?

NetworkVeteran

celticsfan89 wrote: »

Which do you think would be the best degree to pursue??

The two most in-demand degrees are CS and EE, so I'd strongly consider CS, even though you didn't list it.

If you can't/won't get a CS degree, BS degrees are in more demand than BA degrees.

And any degree works for the employers just counting check boxes.

DissonantData

A CIS degree with a CS minor is a good idea. If not that, then a CIS degree with a Finance minor.

celticsfan89

Yeah the CS will be a lot of math. My math is poor. Any takes on the MIS, since it's business related, think it will open more doors?

celticsfan89

marketing seems like it would be fun. That's why i mentioned it as a minor. I guess i'm not a 100% what i won't do. I do know that i don't want to sit behind a desk forever. So i'm trying to figure out which degree offers the most options i guess

NetworkVeteran

celticsfan89 wrote: »

Any takes on the MIS, since it's business related, think it will open more doors?

Nope. In my experience and per job searches, it's held in less esteem, and opens fewer doors.

OP wrote:

My math is poor.

Your skills at networking, system administration, and VMware are probably poor, too. Consider it a challenge. Can you grow and achieve whatever you set your mind to, or are your limited to what you already know?

Of course, any degree is a step forward and up from no degree.

celticsfan89

Also i feel that computer science would lead to programming..don't want to sit at a desk and do programming all day

NetworkVeteran

celticsfan89 wrote: »

Also i feel that computer science would lead to programming..

A Computer Science degree typically covers programming, networking, operating systems, databases, security, etc. It certainly doesn't limit you to programming. Note my field is networking and my VP's field is.. well, VP'ing!

It's broad. That's why it's not called a "Programming Degree"!

It's up to you what you want for your future. I just want to clear away any misconceptions.

celticsfan89

Ok thanks. I'm aware that with a CS degree you will find a job very quickly. I forgot to mention if i had a MIS degree it would be paired with my A.A.S in computer science / information systems. That seems like a lethal does maybe...

Danielm7

celticsfan89 wrote: »

Ok thanks. I'm aware that with a CS degree you will find a job very quickly. I forgot to mention if i had a MIS degree it would be paired with my A.A.S in computer science / information systems. That seems like a lethal does maybe...

You seem to be under the impression that if you have a BS that companies will also look at your AS while I'm not sure that is really the case.

celticsfan89

I would think they would. Obviously it's a associates degree and is still worth something. I would def add it to a resume.

ptilsen

Your associates will be pretty much meaningless with a bachelors. I wouldn't even put it on my resume.

MIS is not held in the same regard as CIS, which is not held in the same regard as CS. I don't really see much to interpret there. An MIS degree won't do anything a CIS won't, and the CIS will be more likely seen as showing you understand technology.

Now I'll disagree with NetworkVeteran in my recommendation. If you don't like programming and you don't like math, CS is not for you. That's just all there is to it. Any real CS program is going to have at least 12 credits of intensive programming, and most will have at least 20. Sure, some will let you focus in other areas, but you're going to study at least one programming language and deep programming concepts, and more likely study several languages and go very, very deep into concepts. Mine is probably the least intensive four-year CS program at a regionally accredited college in the state, and I have five four-credit, programming-intensive classes and am required to learn Java, C and/or C++ (preferably both), and one core class is pretty much done entirely in assembly. If all of that sounds awful and you've actually looked at it and don't like it, then CS isn't for you.

If, on the other hand, you don't want to develop software, but a little bit of programming doesn't scare you, CS could be great. If you'll just be a bothered by two or three semesters of calculus because you'll probably never use it, CS could be great, even worth taking the calculus. A CS degree will certainly get your resume more hits and affect your chances of getting a job. However, you can still get a job with a CIS or MIS degree, and having a bachelor's in anything is generally better than not having one at all. If CS is not your choice, strongly consider CIS. Certainly, look at the individual classes you'd take for each. I really doubt you'll going to look at MIS and think it's more valuable. If you want to go into management, you'll be looking at an MBA anyway. If you want to be primarily technical, CS or CIS makes more sense.

celticsfan89

Yeah. The jobs i'm interested in are QA analyst, product support, application/software support analyst, product marketing specialist, production support. Things like that sounds interesting. I figure having a degree with a little business in it like the MIS would be more suitable to those. Do you believe you can get the same jobs with either a CIS or MIS?? I would probably get a minor with my CIS in Business administration and marketing if i decided to go that route...

NetworkVeteran

For network engineering, sales engineering, QA, technical support, technical marketing, and product management an MIS degree would be a disadvantage vs. other options, although obviously an advantage vs. no degree at all.

Do you believe you can get the same jobs with either a CIS or MIS??

It's possible to be a high school drop-out and become a CEO. IT is not one of those industries where one must have a degree to prosper. However, doing so is certainly easier with a solid degree from a good school.

celticsfan89

Yeah. Ok so a CIS would be a better option for job prospects. When would a MIS degree become a advantage then? Also i'm not sure if i want to do computers for the rest of my life. That's why i figured a business/technical degree would help out later in life in case i wanted to do other things..do you feel a CIS degree with a minor in business would do the same?

networker050184

I think you are over thinking the whole thing. Either degree is not likely to hold you back from the positions you are after.

NetworkVeteran

celticsfan89 wrote: »

When would a MIS degree become a advantage then?

I could see it being sold as highly useful for the manager of a call center, help desk, or L1 support team. Those positions tend to require more in the way of process / communication than they do in the way of critical thinking / technical expertise. You'd still have to do your "time" as a grunt, and some process/project management certifications would help.

It would also be great for project managers, the folks who track and present the progress of technical projects so resource managers and other stakeholders can make informed decisions. Again, PMP-like certifications would help.

I also know someone with an MIS who, shortly after relinquishing his romantic notions of starting as a manager of technical teams, decided to leave IT and become manager of a local pizza shop. Of course, once you move away from technology, you may have to face competition from those with more focused business degrees.

So, a positive spin on where MIS may shine over other degrees for you.

celticsfan89

ok thanks. So what exactly would you recommend? I'm almost thinking of staying away from IT and going a different path? Either business, health information technology or something. I'm pretty confused on what i should go to school for. I assume i should just get a degree and then choose a job. Maybe i'm completely wrong though

NetworkVeteran

celticsfan89 wrote: »

I'm almost thinking of staying away from IT and going a different path? Either business, health information technology or something. I'm pretty confused on what i should go to school for. I assume i should just get a degree and then choose a job. Maybe i'm completely wrong though

Technology isn't for everyone. It takes constant effort to stay up-to-date. I have a friend who regrets his choice and is encouraging his son to take a different path. I'd begin with what you're passionate about or at least somewhat enjoy, that you could also reasonably expect to make a living doing. E.g., I know someone who loved ancient languages, got their PHd, and teaches. She isn't rich, but she has no problem getting by, and she loves what she does.

Right now I'm studying RIPv1, RIPv2, RIPng, and UDP for the umpteenth time to master the tiny details I missed. I don't think I could do that, except that I truly derive some enjoyment from understanding how things work.

celticsfan89

Agreed. I enjoy staying up with current events and social media, and great white sharks. Coming up with promotion ideas for marketing sounds pretty cool too. I do enjoy taking computer classes though and have always done well in them.

celticsfan89

Don't know what jobs would included those. Marine biology sounds way to brutal ha. A job with flexibility would be nice too. Trying to stay away from the 9- 5 route

LarryDaMan

Find a dual degree program and do an MIS and a CIS. Where this is offered, it can usually be done in as little as 3 or 4 extra classes compared to getting one degree. Problem solved.

Or get any degree! You like basket-weaving? Geez, don't over-analyze! Almost half the people I've come across have had undergrads in Business or English or even Psychology. Any degree and some certs can get your foot in the door. When you find what you love, shoot for a graduate degree in that.

celticsfan89

They have a degree Business or English or even Psychology and work in fields unrelated to those?

NetworkVeteran

enjoy staying up with current events and social media, and great white sharks. Coming up with promotion ideas for marketing sounds pretty cool too. Marine biology sounds way to brutal ha.

Degrees in Communication, Journalism, Public Relations, and Marketing all sound up your alley.

You could always utilize your associate's by doing these for a tech company.

celticsfan89

Yeah i think so too. I have my a.a.s in computer already, so a bachelors in CIS wouldn't take longer compared to other degrees. Do you think a CIS degree with a minor in marketing would be enough to get jobs in the marketing/communications field?

Backpacker

Pick any degree and get working on your Gen Eds. For your electives take a little programming,networking etc until you find something you think you will enjoy,then change degree to your liking.Once you decide what your passion is then give yourself a game plan. If it is IT then try to grab a couple of the most relevant certs before you graduate.

celticsfan89

Thinking about getting a CIS degree with dual minor's in marketing and communications. Possible career paths would include social media, product support analyst, marketing specialist, product marketing, etc. Does this sound like it would be beneficial?

NinjaBoy

The answer is "yes", it will be beneficial to gain it. The question is how beneficial it will be to your future career/job path...

celticsfan89

I think for the jobs i'm interested in, it will give me a more well rounded experience having the marketing and communications minor. OR get a MIS degree with those 2 minors. maybe that would be a better idea...

NetworkVeteran

Thoughts? If someone asked, "I want to get into social media, product support analyst, marketing specialist, product marketing, etc."--what degree would be best, I doubt many would answer MIS or CIS. A minor in a CS/CIS/MIS may make you more well-rounded. A major in them rather means you earned the wrong degree for your chosen field.

If your rationale for wanting an MIS is because it would be the easiest "some degree" to achieve, then by all means go for it! Just go in with your eyes wide open that's how employers will look at it, too. You will have a leg up over those with no degree at all, and a disadvantage vs. those with degrees properly aligned with their careers.

If you're rather unsure what direction you want to go in, another option is to delay the decision one more semester by taking courses in both communication and marketing that would be core classes if that were your major but also qualify towards a minor. Then, decide at the end of the semester which major you want to pursue.

celticsfan89

Yeah true. That's is my problem. I took computer classes for A.A.S degree and enjoyed them. They seemed easy to pass. But i don't want to work in comupters forever. That's why i though about double minoring. I haven't taken any marketing or communication class yet so i don't know what to expect i guess.