MIS or CS? Let’s stop the confusion
Probably because both Computer Science and Management Information Systems professionals will work in the information technology department, students often confuse management information systems with computer science.
Let's set the record straight and point out the differences between these two fields, which are among the most sought-after courses in technology. Thus, you can make an informed choice about your bachelor of science.
Management Information Systems (MIS)
– THE BUSINESS APPLICATION
The MIS degree is more on business application, with graduates learning solutions to understand and solve business problems or use technology to grow businesses. It combines business and management courses to provide students with cross-functional expertise.
Management Information Systems is also more application-oriented and focuses on solution delivery and implementation than Computer Science. Students also learn about business development and accounting.
Main areas of study
Information structure, database design, project management, business data, information technology, security, and systems analysis are the focus of an MIS program.
Management Infornation Systems courses focus on how people interact with systems, use recorded information and data to improve company performances. MIS is people oriented, as students will later help managers and executives monitor operations, create reports on security, efficiency, costs, and profits.
Careers in Management Information Systems
- Software Developer: A software developer is responsible for designing, creating, and updating computer applications. He analyzes the needs of his clients and creates software based on the tasks to be improved.
- Systems Administrator: The systems administrator maintains a computer system or network by ensuring that it is up to date, functioning properly and being used effectively.
- Programmer Analyst: The Programmer Analyst writes program code to develop and customize computer applications for their clients.
- Web Developer: A web developer's essential tasks are to design, code and implement functional websites for their clients.
Computer Science (CS)
– THE TECHNOLOGY APPLICATION
Computer Science students will focus more on technology and technical skills, specifically on creating programs that help computer systems work. Understanding how it works, how to create new technologies, and building systems...
Computer science is about coding, science, and math, and graduates will learn operating systems, database systems, and programming languages.
Main areas of study
The curriculum covers topics such as software and hardware, programming, algorithms, numerical analysis, and data structures, preparing for the design and development of efficient, reliable and secure software.
How to apply computer programs to business operations? Computer Science students will learn how technology will meet different businesses needs with numerous unique objectives. Building and optimizing programs, ensuring computers network is effective, implementing computer systems, analyzing results etc.
Careers in Computer Science
- Software Engineer: The software engineer is responsible for developing new software and updating old software used on computers and other devices.
- Information Security Analyst: The information security analyst protects and detects cyber threats towards data and private information for organizations.
- Database Administrator: The database administrator oversees the company's database, protecting it from threats, performing necessary updates and overall maintaining the database to keep the business running smoothly
- Computer Hardware Engineer: The computer hardware engineer researches, designs, repairs and updates the physical hardware needed for computers and devices to operate.
Which one is made for you?
It’s no surprise that as technology becomes predominant in our lives, IT positions are in strong demand. The US Labor Statistics (BLS) expects the Computer Science and IT industry to grow by 13% until 2026. The future landscape for this expansive and exciting industry represents rewarding opportunities.
Management Information Systems and Computer Science are wrongly considered to be the same. Both are correlated to technology which makes it hard for the students to choose the best suitable course, but they are quite different from each other.
The two programs do overlap, both build software engineering skills for instance.
But people who love working with others to identify and solve problems, and like to manage projects, might better consider pursuing in MIS. The ability to combine business intelligence, computer, and interpersonal skills, is something any industry or organization, will get interested in.
On the other hand, those preferring programming and learning the mechanics of technology and its applications in a commercial setting, might consider Computer Science. The role, less involved in daily business operations, is more about new technologies, software, and hardware, to help a business. Self-motivated people, and coding experts will enjoy Computer Science curriculum.
Computer Science, your path to a rewarding career
Now is an ideal time to capture opportunities in IT, people with advanced expertise in IT have multiple options for employment and future career growth. There is a shortage of qualified IT professionals worldwide, as technology and business reliance will continue to expand.
Join International Institute in Geneva
and prepare for the future of IT. This is your first step into a quality education, a wonderful network of IT experts, and a rewarding career.