Anyone here a CIS major?

[SuperBowlNachos]

Anyone here a Computer Information Systems major? That is what I am majoring in and by Spring 2012 I have to choose between an emphasis in "network development and management" and "information systems".

I figured I would get some different opinions and information from around the country. I have one I am leaning towards, but don't wanna say so there is no bias. Any info or thoughts would be appreciated. Whichever one I do I want to get a masters in. I hate life decisions lol

[Gotmadskillzson]

Re: Anyone here a CIS major?

I use to be a CIS major until my junior year then got bored with it and switched to BIS.

[elTodd]

Re: Anyone here a CIS major?

I'm a CSC major, which is a little bit different depending on what school you're going to. I know quite a few guys on here are programmers and the like, such as Giggas and CHooe.

From what I understand CSC is more programming and software development based, where as CIS is more for business related computing. At least that's what it is at my university.

[Gotmadskillzson]

Re: Anyone here a CIS major?

CIS is more about programming and only worrying about programming.

BIS is about programming to a certain degree, but it is more about the business side of it. Where as you are taught how to solve a programming problem but you can also hold a conversation with a non techie customer. Plus you are taught about busness management and more about network administration.

[SuperBowlNachos]

Re: Anyone here a CIS major?

I am leaning towards the Network Development and Management. I am definitely not as skilled as some of the people here and I HATE programming. Java is the devil!

[Hooe]

Re: Anyone here a CIS major?

I'm a CSC major, which is a little bit different depending on what school you're going to. I know quite a few guys on here are programmers and the like, such as Giggas and CHooe.

From what I understand CSC is more programming and software development based, where as CIS is more for business related computing. At least that's what it is at my university.

Yeah, I took a couple extra classes at one point through Strayer University's CIS department, it's got a significant business focus if I recall correctly.

I'm personally a BA in Computer Science, which is a bit atypical for that degree (most CS grads are BS, and typically through an engineering school). That said my major program was very programming-intensive, there isn't really a focus on computer networks or business applications beyond the process of software design in my experience (there may be a networking class here at UVa but if there is I never took it; I've always been more interested in programming video games ). Another difference was I didn't have to stick to a rigorous engineering curriculum and could take other computer-related electives dealing with topics such as Music and Computers, Logic and Thought, and so forth.

[ChampN252]

Re: Anyone here a CIS major?

I got my AS in networking and can't find a job in it. The part of the state I'm in is not tech heavy. Got Cisco, Windows Admin and everything else that was required. I did it all for nothing because I'm in nursing now. I like it a lot better. Comes to me easily. Wanted to be a network engineer, but shooting for doctor now. In Texas, you should find plenty of work. It would be helpful to know people in the field already to help you find jobs. I enjoyed it, but my heart isn't there anymore. I like helping people and being surrounded by women. Good luck.

[Herky]

Re: Anyone here a CIS major?

I am leaning towards the Network Development and Management. I am definitely not as skilled as some of the people here and I HATE programming. Java is the devil!

I felt the same way about networking. Sub-netting sounds like no fun and Cisco scares me. I've heard horror stories about anything past Cisco 2.

I know a lot of people in my program share your opinion however. We had a lot of kids start out in programming and then move over to the networking side after their first or second programming class.

[UNC_Pete]

Re: Anyone here a CIS major?

I have an AS in Networking, BS in Systems Integration and Design, and a Master's Certificate in Software Engineering (Java)..

If you aren't looking to move to a bigger city then you will need to have technical skills, even if you want to obtain an IT degree with a business emphasis. I'd suggest to anyone going that route to minor in business administration along with the IT major as well. It gives you more flexibility to start your career.

I found it harder to get started in my Networking career, and never even really tried once I found my current job. It seems everyone who looks for Network Administrators wants someone with 5 years experience. Programming on the other hand, seems to have a healthy amount of Junior Development position openings. I decided that I wanted to emphasize on the Systems Integration and Design, and accent it with a desired skill set, so Java development was the option I went with.

I am currently STILL in technical support, but a move is imminent from what I am hearing. I may end up developing, I may end up project managing and implementing, but what I can tell you is to make sure you go ahead and take a class or really work in a specific skill that sets you apart. That was my problem when I got out, I had a bunch of general knowledge but not one specific skill set that was valuable and marketable to an employer.

[SuperBowlNachos]

Re: Anyone here a CIS major?

I felt the same way about networking. Sub-netting sounds like no fun and Cisco scares me. I've heard horror stories about anything past Cisco 2.

I know a lot of people in my program share your opinion however. We had a lot of kids start out in programming and then move over to the networking side after their first or second programming class.

I was never into the java type programming. I am dreading having to take advanced java next year.

I am taking a Cisco class right now. Last semester it was an intro to Routers and Switches. This semester it was an 8 week switching class and 8 week routing. In the summer it's WAN then I can attempt to get my CCNA.

[Phobia]

Re: Anyone here a CIS major?

I am currently in school for my Bachelor in IT. I could of focused on a specific field but chose to go the route of getting the certs for all (Web Design, Networking, Business Management, and Databases). I currently just received the CIW v5 Associate & CIW Web Foundations Associate Certs. Master and Professional left to get for the CIW Certs.

I am currently going through A+ which is extremely easy. Anyone that has been around building PC's should have no issue what so ever going through it.

I must say, I am worried the most about Databases. I have been studying it for almost a semester and just can't get a grasp of SQL.

We have a strong medical industry here and I already work in the industry. I would like to get into the database side of the medical industry because it is not going anywhere, benefits are great, pay is solid, and the likely hood of getting a position is high. ONLY problem is I have been struggling with databases lol.

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[p_rushing]

Re: Anyone here a CIS major?

The 2 paths basically come down to do you want to be in the back office with other techies or do you want to interact with the business.

I have a MIS degree as I wanted the business side. In the job world, any one can code, almost anyone can support a database, etc, but most of those people can't talk to the business. Those jobs can be outsourced, but the business side jobs cannot if you want good results. I can code and I liked doing it in school, but in my job I don't really code much. The only pure coding is writing unix/linux scripts. The rest of the stuff I use SQL and ETL tools.

No matter which you select, I would try to get some minor in business. I was able to get a minor in CS by taking 2 classes.

[SuperBowlNachos]

Re: Anyone here a CIS major?

That is what it came down to. I am not as strong in the technical side, but every job I have has had made be better dealing with normal people and stupid people. I'm already getting stuff scheduled for the Network Development and Management emphasis.