<p>Is a decision science degree a profitable? A school I am interested in offers the degree with a opinion to choose two concentrations. Is this degree marketable or has anyone ever heard of it? I tried Google but nothing came up so I am hoping someone can enlighten me. My plan is to try to combine IT and Accounting if possible. Here is a link if someone what to take a look at it and give me some feedback. </p>
<p>Please and Thank you </p>
<p>The decision science major at ODU appears similar to the Business Information Technology major with the decision support option at Virginia Tech (see below). It’s a highly recruited major at VT. Check the ODU career survey results for graduates to see whether the same companies recruit for this major at ODU.</p>
<p>The decision support systems option educates the student in the design, implementation and use of computerized systems that support business managers in the decision-making process. A decision support system (DSS) is a computer system that typically encompasses mathematical models as well as informational databases and a user interface in order to provide recommended decisions to manager-users. A DSS differs from a traditional information system (IS) or management information system (MIS) in that it not only provides the user with information, databases or reports, as does an IS or MIS, but it also provides answers to user queries, i.e., decisions, through its modeling component. In essence a DSS is a computer system that helps managers make decisions. </p>
<p>Students in the DSS option take a variety of specialized courses in the information technology field that enhances their ability to develop computer decision support systems. Course topics include information systems, database management, networks and telecommunications, security, decision support system development and implementation, visual interface design, artificial intelligence, client/server systems, internet systems development, and simulation as well as various mathematical modeling techniques. Specific computing language skills include C++, Visual Basic (VB.net) and JAVA. </p>
<p>The job market for graduates of the DSS option is excellent. Over 100 companies and government organizations annually interview BIT seniors. DSS graduates typically obtain jobs in the information technology field. Job titles include consultant, technical consultant, systems analyst, systems developer, network administrator, management analyst, programmer analyst, project analyst, database developer, software developer, programming consultant, information manager, applications developer, and information management consultant, among many others. </p>
<p>The largest single type of employer of DSS option graduates is typically consulting firms such as Accenture, KPMG, CGI, Deloitte & Touche, PricewaterhouseCoopers, Booz Allen Hamilton, among many others. However, numerous other types of companies and organizations hire DSS graduates to work in various IT-related jobs.</p>
<p>Thanks for the reply it was very helpful. What would recommend then a major in Decision science with a emphasis on IT or a major in IT? I’m a little confused because if they are indeed similar why are they listed as two different major</p>
<p>Your question is very specific to the offerings at ODU. I’d suggest you ask Admissions the differences between the two degrees and perhaps get a checklist of required courses for each major so you can see where there are differences.</p>
<p>I have worked at great deal in data warehousing and although profitable, I would not make that a specialty at the undergrad level. Do that in grad school and after obtaining experience. Use undergrad to get a broader scope so that you have opportunities to get your “foot in the door”.</p>