5 replies to this topic

[fimend]

So I'm trying to decide what I want to do as my major in college. Most of the schools I applied to offer a degree in Computer Science and a degree in Information Systems. I can't tell much difference between the two since they're both BS degrees and they're both part of the engineering schools at most universities. I've heard that it's easier to get a job with a comp sci degree because it's more math, so it's harder and more respected. People say that the Information Systems degree is easier and more flexible because there is less higher level math required, but that the degree has less weight. I wouldn't describe myself as a very math-oriented person, but I'm not bad at math. Does anyone have any insight? Would it be a waste of my time to do Information Systems?

[m33r33]

I'm majoring in computer information systems... I hope what you're saying isn't true lol

[fimend]

I'm majoring in computer information systems... I hope what you're saying isn't true lol

That's why I'm asking! I hope it's not true because I'd rather do Information Systems.

[Hydrogen]

I'm not sure what the curriculum is for information systems. If you could point me to the course list I might be able to get a better idea.

With that said, I did computer science in university. I actually entered university as a mechanical engineer thinking that that was what I wanted. However, I never took a single mechanical engineering course. It was the best decision of my life. Not only do I love what I do, but I get paid for doing it. My advice to you is to look at the curriculum and decide which courses you like most and go for the major that requires more of those courses. If you follow your passion, success will chase you instead of the other way around.

Realistically, it is important to remember that everything in the world is just a game of economics. Supply and demand dictate who will get a job, who will get paid more, etc. At least in the United States, where I live, the number of students who pursue a math heavy course are far fewer than the number of students who pursue non-math heavy courses. This is the underlying reason why engineers are in such demand and are so well paid. The demand for good engineers is far more than the supply of good engineers.

[fimend]

I'm not sure what the curriculum is for information systems. If you could point me to the course list I might be able to get a better idea.

With that said, I did computer science in university. I actually entered university as a mechanical engineer thinking that that was what I wanted. However, I never took a single mechanical engineering course. It was the best decision of my life. Not only do I love what I do, but I get paid for doing it. My advice to you is to look at the curriculum and decide which courses you like most and go for the major that requires more of those courses. If you follow your passion, success will chase you instead of the other way around.

Realistically, it is important to remember that everything in the world is just a game of economics. Supply and demand dictate who will get a job, who will get paid more, etc. At least in the United States, where I live, the number of students who pursue a math heavy course are far fewer than the number of students who pursue non-math heavy courses. This is the underlying reason why engineers are in such demand and are so well paid. The demand for good engineers is far more than the supply of good engineers.

Here's a sampling of IS courses:

 

Intro to Engineering

Intro to Computer Science I/II

Analytic Geometry and Calculus A

Discrete Mathematics I

Statistical Methods

Data Structures

Business Telecommunications Networks

Accounting I/II

Intro to Software Engineering

Physics I/II

Operations Management

Database Systems

Intro to Marketing

Systems Analysis and Implementation

 

I guess the fundamental difference between the CS major and the IS major that I see is that CS requires more math and science which is something I'm not as good at. I feel like I might regret not buckling down and taking the more difficult classes once I get out in the world looking for work. I'll feel stupid if I can't get the job I want because I didn't take a couple extra math classes in college. I'm just not sure if that will be the case.

[Eefi]

There's a lot of economics stuff in there? I have a Bachelor's degree in CS and we had more actual computer science stuff like Algorithms I/II, Functional Programming Languages or Software Engineering Projects.