For a CIS degree

[Q]

I'm going to major in CIS, and I have a lot of free time in the summer, and want to go ahead an learn some programming language that I will eventually need to know for my classes.

What language is used in a CIS degree? I searched through the course descriptions but it didn't name any specific languages.

TIA

 

[drebo]

Obviously, it's going to depend on the school and the program more than anything.

In my CIS program, we didn't do a whole lot of programming...we didn't really do a whole lot of anything, actually. Cursory introductions to VB.net, SQL, ASP, and Oracle was about it. Some project management. Honestly, the most beneficial classes I took were the business classes, like marketing, operations management, management science, and accounting. The CIS classes were relatively worthless. For instance, a network administration class that didn't teach subnetting. In fact, the CIS classes were so unmemorable that I don't even recall the names of more than 3 of them.

They were dumbed down to the point where you could pass them all without any prior experience with a computer.

CIS (computer information systems) is a business management degree, not a technical degree. At least at the school I went to, it is.

 

[Q]

Originally posted by: drebo
Obviously, it's going to depend on the school and the program more than anything.

CIS (computer information systems) is a business management degree, not a technical degree. At least at the school I went to, it is.

I know it is, that's why I'm majoring in it. I like computers and I want to have a career in business/management, so it is a perfect fit. I want to learn SOME programming language anyway (or at least some), so I guess I might as well start with ASP.NET? They have some extensive video tutorials on Microsoft.com, so I think that may help me out. Give me suggestions on what to do, if .NET is a bad idea.

I am going to Clemson, so it's a business/engineering school btw.

 

[Schadenfroh]

edit: post removed

 

[TheEarthWillShake]

At my school we learn VB.NET, ASP.NET, MS SQL 2005. We also have a MySQL course.

 

[sourceninja]

My school does VB.net and a basic SQL class. However we are adding php (actually more of a lamp development class) to the roster.

 

[drebo]

Originally posted by: Schadenfroh
I am about to start my 2nd year in computer science (actually have been in college for years, but I switched majors from a less related discipline). The class that I REALLY remember giving me great insight into programming was my data structures class.

More experienced people here will probably prove me wrong, but here is my humble opinion based on what I have been through thus far.

Buy a data structures book (my university uses Data Structures of C++ by Michael Main and Walter Savitch) and read about the different types of data structures / abstract data types and sorts from a theory standpoint and then implement them yourself in C++ while referring to the documentation of the language (avoid copying code straight from the book / online sources unless you REALLY get stuck).

I am not familiar with the Computer Information Services curriculum in general, so keep that in mind.

For data structures, we used a book by Gilberg and Forouzan called Data Structures A Pseudocode Approach with C++. It was nice because the concepts were tauch wtih pseudocode, which meant that we were actually learning the theories behind the different data structures, rather than just how to implement them. C++ was used to tie it together. Halfway through the class, I was able to write my own double-linked list class in C++ with no sample code or instructor help. This was many years ago, though, so I'm sure a better book's come out recently. Also, this was not a class in the CIS program...that was a different school and a different program...I spent time in both disciplines.

To the OP: from a practical standpoint, I wouldn't bother trying to master a single language...I'd concern myself more with technologies...SQL, for instance. Get a good grip on database design, normalization, and administration. Project management techniques are also important. Look at each of the different areas of technology administration and see what you like best, then run with it. Do self study things. The new Microsoft Server 2008 MCTP certifications look pretty good, and cover a pretty broad gamut of the CIS market. Study for the one which mosts interests you.

Myself, I made the mistake of being too good at networking, programming, and database design...and now I maintain the servers at an ISP, deploy, program, and manage VoIP telephone systems, do networking equipment sales and support, and develop webpages. Specialization is key. Unfortunately, my company won't let me.

 

[imported_Dhaval00]

Originally posted by: Schadenfroh
I am about to start my 2nd year in computer science (actually have been in college for years, but I switched majors from a less related discipline). The class that I REALLY remember giving me great insight into programming was my data structures class.

More experienced people here will probably prove me wrong, but here is my humble opinion based on what I have been through thus far.

Buy a data structures book (my university uses Data Structures of C++ by Michael Main and Walter Savitch) and read about the different types of data structures / abstract data types and sorts from a theory standpoint and then implement them yourself in C++ while referring to the documentation of the language (avoid copying code straight from the book / online sources unless you REALLY get stuck).

I am not familiar with the Computer Information Services curriculum in general, so keep that in mind.

I wouldn't recommend anyone to start taking a jab at Data Structures and Algorithms even before they know the simple hueristics of a language like C++. It is bad advice (no offense) along the lines that without knowing basic OOP concepts and general programming syntax, you can't really exploit Data Structures and their associated Algorithms. What you're suggesting is synonymous to asking someone to take Calculus 2 before Pre-Calc.

OP: ASP.NET is not a programming language. It is a MS-specific programming "model/toolkit" that enables Web-development. Email your professors, or go see your technical advisor (if you don't have a technical advisor, ask your regular advisor to forward you to one) to find out which languages the college emphasizes on, and start learning one of them. You can find even more videos on WindowsClient.net, but they won't do you any good unless you know the basics of programming (you can use C++, or higher level languages like C# and Java to teach yourself).

 

[Dravic]

DOH.. CIS not CS degree.. excuse my rant....

 

[yinan]

vbscript

 

[hans007]

my ex roomate was a CIS major, and I'm pretty sure he did like 0 programming in college.

 

[Journer]

if CIS is the same as MIS, as far as computer course you should be taking something like:
intro to programming (C++)
oop (vb.net)
program development/lifecycle (develop an application)
databases (sql)
network/hardware
business application dev (develop a front end app for a db)

my school's program has a cs minor so we had to take:
2nd level C++
java, net-based C++