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CIS degree, supplemented with some programming classes:

J

jread

Senior member
Well, I've asked around on here a lot before and gathered that the bias is toward the CS degree over the CIS degree. I want to do my master's in one of these areas and have had a hard time making a decision. The CIS degree I could do right here in town and finish more quickly, though it would cost more since it's at a private school. The CS degree will require me to take a bunch of background courses that I have no interest in taking, and some that I *do* want to take (C++, Data Structures, etc.)

Here's the deal, I'm currently attending the private school mentioned above and I LOVE it there. It's the only university I've ever been to that I really enjoy going to class. Great learning environment and awesome professors. Their CIS program is pretty good, though it doesn't get quite as technical in the programming side of things as I would like. I've also been to the university that offers the CS program and I didn't care for it too much. It's 30 miles away from here, which is a pain in the ass when you work fulltime and you don't get the one on one attention that I'm used to at my smaller school.

What I've decided is to maybe go for the Master's in CIS and take a programming class here and there along the way. The local community college offers tons of courses, they have campuses all over the city, and the courses are cheap. There are pretty much Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced levels of the different languages, including Visual Basic, C++ and Java. They also offer courses in data structures, Oracle admin., many networking courses, computer architecture... etc.

Does this sound like a decent plan? I'd like to have the business background that goes along with CIS but also a little stronger technical background than what it offers. I figure taking technical courses at the community college while working on my Master's would be the best of both worlds. Also, it puts me at graduation in two calendar years, as opposed to 3 1/2 or 4 that it would take to finish the CS degree (including background courses).

Please discuss 🙂

P.S. What languages should I focus on? I'm learning VB at the moment but am also interested in C++ and Java.
 
I'm currently working towards a BS in MIS (same as CIS?) with two semesters left. I'm having kind of the same delimma when it comes to deciding what and/or if I want to go for a masters.
 
Originally posted by: Vortex22
I'm currently working towards a BS in MIS (same as CIS?)
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I think MIS is even more business focused than CIS. The CIS program I'm looking at is about 3/4 Technical and 1/4 Business. A lot of MIS programs are 50/50.

It is a tough decision, though. I like the versatility of the CIS/MIS degrees but I do enjoy the technical stuff as well. I have no desire to get deep into the theory that CS tends to be all about but I would like to be a competent programmer.
 
I would not got a Masters degree at the same school that I did undergrad at. It looks good to move to different schools - preferable "up" to a place that has a better program.

What is your undergrad degree in, and what do you plan to do for work after you finish your Masters?

 
Originally posted by: DougK62
I would not got a Masters degree at the same school that I did undergrad at. It looks good to move to different schools - preferable "up" to a place that has a better program.

What is your undergrad degree in, and what do you plan to do for work after you finish your Masters?
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My undergrad is Public Administration. Long story... don't plan on using this degree at all.

It would be hard for me to do any moving up. The only better school than where I'm going is the University of Texas, which does not have any evening courses. I work fulltime so I have to fit this into my schedule somehow.

This is one other option... a MS in Software Engineering at Texas Tech University. You can do the entire thing in distance education, so that would also be great. It's a public university, also, so the courses are much less expensive.

If you would like to see links:

MS in Computer Information Systems

MS in Computer Science

MS in Software Engineering
 
If you are working full time, it may be better to choose the program closest and that will fit your schedule the easiest. An engineering program will require much background work in math, physics, and basic programming concepts to get you up to speed first. This depends on your academic background but I believe it will take more time than a full time job will allow.

If the CS degree is not an engineering degree then it could possibly work for you but if you do not do well with it then you will be better off with good performance in the curriculum you are in now.
 
Originally posted by: chusteczka
If you are working full time, it may be better to choose the program closest and that will fit your schedule the easiest. An engineering program will require much background work in math, physics, and basic programming concepts to get you up to speed first. This depends on your academic background but I believe it will take more time than a full time job will allow.

If the CS degree is not an engineering degree then it could possibly work for you but if you do not do well with it then you will be better off with good performance in the curriculum you are in now.
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Thank you, that is a very good way of looking at it 🙂

Well, the CIS program fits my schedule for sure. The MS in Software Engineering does as well because it's all done through distance education. At the same time, I feel like I may miss out on the benefit of classroom interaction. Maybe it wouldn't be so bad, though.
 
On the topic of classroom vs. internet, the synergy gained from interaction with similarly academically focused classmates is possibly even more beneficial than the class itself. My recommendation is for the classroom interaction. Internet classes can always be taken after the degree has been earned, while working a full time job in your academic area. This would be a better situation than you are in now.

Besides, the business classes can often help gain an edge over those applicants without the business knowledge, when looking for a job. Unless applying for a strictly software engineering position, the business aspect is very important in understanding the use of computer systems in meeting the goals of the business. Finance, insurance, and accounting knowledge can be very beneficial.

Always keep an understanding of Return On Investment (ROI) ready since this pops up periodically in the business track.
 
Originally posted by: chusteczka
On the topic of classroom vs. internet, the synergy gained from interaction with similarly academically focused classmates is possibly even more beneficial than the class itself. My recommendation is for the classroom interaction. Internet classes can always be taken after the degree has been earned, while working a full time job in your academic area. This would be a better situation than you are in now.
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This is true. I do, however, enjoy internet classes because I learn best on my own. There is definitely something you miss when taking away the "face to face" element

 
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