<p>How does IS compare to CS?
How is it academically similar and different?
Can one still transition from IS to CS fields, vice versa?
What kind of careers are available for IS majors? </p>
<p>My source of info: </p>
<p>UMBC:</a> Computer Science</p>
<p>No they are not the same. “Science” is studying algorithms and math that is at the core of computer science. “Systems” has to do with organizing information.</p>
<p>That being said, in many schools there aren’t very many courses that are different between the two programs. I majored in computer and information science at SUNY Utica/Rome. My program had more math and less business than the computer and information systems major. But I think there were only 8 or 9 credits that really were different.</p>
<p>So I suggest selecting the major that has the courses that most interest you. Every job is different as to which would be a better fit, and there is a lot of overlap.</p>
<p>Not by a long shot, sport.</p>
<p>CS != IS.
10 char.</p>
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<p>I believe you forgot a semicolon, sir.</p>
<p>CS != IS;</p>
<p>They are very, very different. IS is an IT degree, it prepares you for writing software for business use, things like databases. Some people like the idea of writing applications for bank or government or for business use. That’s fine.</p>
<p>CS is a theoretical degree, virtually an applied math degree, that entails a lot more math, more challenging programming (as in more challenging algorithms and data structures as well as more technical challenges such as assembly language programming and understanding the workings of a microprocessor), and opens a lot more options than an IT or IS degree. A CS major can do anything an IS major can do (although IS majors tend to include more classes on accounting, management, and business topics so perhaps if those skills are more important to you it may change your mind) in terms of what software they can make, but a CS major has much farther they can go. IS majors are far less likely, if not unheard of, to be hired to write science simulations, or 3D engines for video games, or embedded software for a jet fighter or maintenance software for a power plant, etc.</p>
<p>Information Systems isn’t an IT degree. You can see the differences between IS and IT at the ACM education site (2001 curricular guidelines).</p>
<p>IS is a business-heavy degree. If you have good people skills or good management skills or are interested in a business career with some technical leanings, then this may be a good fit. I would not say that CS majors can do everything that IS majors can do.</p>
<p>(I have IS and CS degrees)</p>