<p>I'm learning the computer programming language Java because I've sort of got interested in it (more as a hobby for now) and I feel like it would kind of give me some more options in this field, would it be helpful at all in finding a job with an MIS degree?</p>
<p>Don’t you have to learn how to program as part of your degree anyways? It kind of seems like table stakes rather than an advantage.</p>
<p>Thats Computer Science. MIS is more geared toward communication between business and technology. I suppose theres some basic programming you have to learn, but nothing like a full blown programming language. Not that I know of anyway.</p>
<p>Ummm…you will have to program a few years in order to obtain more senior positions. How are you going to lead a team of software developers if you haven’t developed software before? They would not respect you…and you need respect in order to lead.</p>
<p>Yes, knowing Java should help. If your MIS degree doesn’t include much programming, then try to take an elective or two in computer science to get that skill. </p>
<p>When I was earning my MBA and was interested in MIS electives, an older student told me he took a computer science class in summer school between year 1 and 2. Helped him with his year 2 MIS classes. I took that advice and it is a big help. While my MIS classes had some programming, the computer science class was a great intro and provided a good foundation for my other classes (and my bachelor was unrelated to business or MIS/computers, so I really was at the ground level in programming).</p>