Computer Science Vs. Information Systems

College Majors Math/Computer Science Majors
1

I know this has been asked numerous times, I’ve read through a ton of the threads, but I feel each individual is different so I want to explain my situation and perception on these two paths to receive personalized input.

I’ve been in college off and on for the past 6 years, not because I’m “goofing off” so much as a indecisive nature on what I want to do with my life. I have discovered what I want to do, I want to be in digital marketing and specialize in PPC (pay per click) advertising.

I am certified in Google Adwords and analytics, I have done personal projects and some freelance work for other small companies, unfortunately this hasn’t been enough to land a entry level job. A lot of companies want to see a bachelor’s degree and I only have an associates of science. I also want a degree for personal reasons, I imagine it will help supplement any career I find myself in. The problem is, there’s no “bachelor’s of digital marketing” so I have to be creative.

Now, I’m more concerned with buying a 40 thousand dollar piece of paper then the courses being difficult. Whatever degree I obtain, I want it to be related to digital marketing but also have a backbone to it. This is why a marketing degree is out of the question.

The obvious choices are computer science and information systems.

Computer Science -
I’m not experienced with programming but would like to learn. The whole concept of it seems like something I would enjoy. I’m not the best at math, but I find myself abnormally determined. I have taken calculus 2, I dropped the course, but I’ve seen enough to be aware of what it takes and that I can be capable. This seems like a great asset to a digital marketing company because it teaches logical thought, identification of patterns, and work ethics. Also, the idea of being a developer and digital marketer seems like a great combination to start your own business online. The job availability is also phenomenal even outside of digital marketing.

Information Systems -
The biggest strength here is that I am a people person to my core. Part of my appeal towards digital marketing is my elevated social intelligence, I have a natural ability to understand how others will perceive a certain ad and am great at socializing with others. From my understanding, computer science majors tend to work in a cubicle by themselves and information system majors tend to work with the public more frequently. Another appeal is the course load seems less overwhelming, also I would be out of school much faster as I wouldn’t need university physics or calculus 2 (when you’re 26 and been in school 6 years, this is very appealing). This degree seems like a asset to a digital marketing company because it combines a bit of business, including marketing, with some ability to program. My concerns is the job availability doesn’t seem good at all outside of digital marketing from what I’ve read.

I could type more but I’ve already made this too long lol. Thank you for any input!

2

I think this is a mistake. If you’re looking to get into marketing, a major close to the subject is going to be crucial. A CS major is certainly not close to what you want, and even an IS major won’t cover much of what your entry level job expects. Marketing is not “a major without a backbone”. I understand wanting your major to be a special skill that is useful, but that is exactly what marketing is.

You are right that you need a tech background additionally, though. I think that a Marketing major with an IS/CS minor (honestly either could work, go with which one you enjoy the most) would be my recommendation. If you can, take classes beyond the minor, but for the job you described, I think a marketing background will be much more important.

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I’d major in IS and add a few marketing classes.