What does a CIS major do?

[Q]

I don't even know/understand what CIS is (I know what it stands for).

I am looking for a minor possibly major for something in computers b/c I really like computers (like everyone here on AT).

Right now, I plan on getting a degree in business for something such as marketing or management, but I do like computers, and not sure that a CS major would be best, and I saw CIS.

Just wondering what it involves, etc.

 

[FoBoT]

you sit in a cube

 

[KLin]

Originally posted by: FoBoT
you sit in a cube

Fixing stuff that's broke

 

[Q]

lol awesome responses so far.

 

[Nocturnal]

It's the people who couldn't cut in in CS.

 

[lozina]

you post on atot

 

[Ricemarine]

Originally posted by: KLin

Originally posted by: FoBoT
you sit in a cube

Fixing stuff that's broke

I tried that once for a local school...
There were wasps in the computer :Q.

 

[SoulAssassin]

Originally posted by: Nocturnal
It's the people who couldn't cut in in CS.

As a former CIS major, I have to agree. I didn't want to be a developer but I wanted a "computer degree" so I went CIS. Less programming courses.

 

[FoBoT]

Originally posted by: lozina
you post on atot

from your cube

 

[KLin]

Originally posted by: FoBoT

Originally posted by: lozina
you post on atot

from your cube

Fixing stuff that's broke

 

[Drakkon]

CIS = Computer information systems
The degree program where i work (UNLV) constitutes learning how to operate Microsoft Office proficiently, learn how to do simple programming in VB, learn how to manipulate an access database, and if your really hardcore get into a basic ASP.NET course to learn how to do stuff on the web.

 

[RESmonkey]

I heard CIS majors love coffee.

 

[FoBoT]

maybe you can be a project manager and send massive emails and meeting invites and do lots of powerpoints and conference calls and annoy the shit out of the people really doing the work

make sure you know outlook and excel and powerpoint really really good

 

[lozina]

Originally posted by: FoBoT
maybe you can be a project manager and send massive emails and meeting invites and do lots of powerpoints and conference calls and annoy the shit out of the people really doing the work

make sure you know outlook and excel and powerpoint really really good

nah my project managers always asking me to figure out how to do something in excel or how to turn off some setting in outlook. they seem to be clueless on all fronts

 

[ultimatebob]

Listen to customers whine about their computer problems, mostly.

You get to post on ATOT all day, though

 

[Drakkon]

Originally posted by: FoBoT
maybe you can be a project manager and send massive emails and meeting invites and do lots of powerpoints and conference calls and annoy the shit out of the people really doing the work

make sure you know outlook and excel and powerpoint really really good

Don't forget Project - I mean without gantt charts and tracking every minuet task how will you ever get any work done?

 

[Analog]

We have a CIS program in our university. My glimpse of CIS is from the EE department (Where I teach). Most of the students who don't like the math of EE or the in-depth network and programming courses of CNS (Computer Network Systems) go into CIS, which is an easier program.

 

[Mr Pickles]

I'm not looking to offend anyone here but I'd rather just be blunt. From what I see, CS is more in depth, more computer related. A CIS is best applied in a corporate world where a network has most likely already been established and people don't necessarily spend the time to fix a computer rather then just buy a new one. Basically, CIS people working for a company call CS majors to come fix stuff or impliment new stuff. A CS major will most likely be working for a business that specializes in computer work, computer technician outsourcing, development outsourcing, that sort of thing. Wheras a CIS major could simply work as a tech in an office environment.

Don't think that either is better then the other. You can specialize with both degrees and do just as well with either education. You have to ask yourself where you'd best fit and where you see yourself working. I prefer the office environment. I've done work where everyone around you is a computer tech of some sort and they battle constantly to try and show that they know more than the other person simply becuause they think it's the only way to show the boss who's the better person.

 

[Mr Pickles]

Originally posted by: Drakkon

Originally posted by: FoBoT
maybe you can be a project manager and send massive emails and meeting invites and do lots of powerpoints and conference calls and annoy the shit out of the people really doing the work

make sure you know outlook and excel and powerpoint really really good

Don't forget Project - I mean without gantt charts and tracking every minuet task how will you ever get any work done?

Yeah its comments like this that make me not want to be in computers. People get a narrow mind and ignorantly think everyone becomes a dilbert or office space character.

 

[spidey07]

CIS majors are the boss of the CS guys. With your business degree and this as well you'll be boss in no time.

Make sure to take plenty of communications and accounting classes as well.

 

[Q]

Originally posted by: spidey07
CIS majors are the boss of the CS guys. With your business degree and this as well you'll be boss in no time.

Make sure to take plenty of communications and accounting classes as well.

Hm, sounds good

 

[Paladin]

CIS is a very well rounded major, and usually falls under the college of Business. You would usually specialize in a certain area like Systems Analysis, Programming, Web Development, Networking, and enhance that with many business courses. It's not as down in the weeds as CS would get, but sets up well for hiring in the business world for large scale projects in large companies. You would get into more of the entire life cycle of a project (requierments/analysis/design/cost estimates/and engineering), rather than just 'programming'. Like spidey07 said, it could set up well down the road for more advancement.

 

[nageov3t]

pretty much every CS major I knew in college dual-majored in CS/CIS because there were only a handful of extra courses to complete both requirements.

 

[Deeko]

Ever watch SNL? Remember the Nick Burns skits?

That's you.

 

[Q]

Originally posted by: Deeko
Ever watch SNL? Remember the Nick Burns skits?

That's you.

No I never watch SNL