<p>I'm trying to decide if a MBA or a Masters in Information Systems Management (for example) would be better for a technology-oriented career path. I'm currently a software engineer and have an undergrad degree in Computer Science. But if I want to move up corporately into higher management positions while still sticking somewhat to the technological side, which degree would be a better choice?</p>
<p>IS Management type of degrees seem like a middle-ground between a master's in CS and a MBA, which might be good for me, but I'm not sure how serious employers would take the business and managerial knowledge aspects of it versus a MBA.</p>
<p>What are the pros/cons of each degree for career advancement? Thanks.</p>
<p>I want to bump this thread because I have a lot of the same questions. I am interested in CS and MIS as my undergrad degree but I am hearing that CS is probably better overall. Would it be better to major in MIS with a minor in CS to get a stronger technical background, or maybe Computer Science with a minor in MIS/business. I am most likely going to pursue a masters degree so another option for me would be a CS bachelors, and a MIS masters.</p>
<p>I know I wont be managing anything right out of college and am definitely interested in the technical portion of IT/IS but I don’t want to be a coder or programmer forever so what gives me the best shot at a decent entry level job with the best chance of moving up, and eventually managing? Anything would be a great help!</p>
<p>Hey, I don’t want to derail the thread, but I also have a question regarding this. The difference for my own situation is, I was planning on becoming a lawyer and am now looking to do a career change and focus on my minor. I enjoy technology/business and would love anyone who could give me some advise for my situation: <a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/business-major/1248991-lf-advice-switching-mis-mba-exc.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/business-major/1248991-lf-advice-switching-mis-mba-exc.html</a></p>
<p>Much Appreciated.</p>
<p>Hey to you guys, I think I could help you guys out with some stuff I was told after speaking with some professionals whose advise is more suited for people like you.</p>
<p>Anom217, a MBA focusing on technology is actually better for you. [Georgia</a> Institute of Technology :: Graduate Admissions : Executive MBA in Management of Technology Program](<a href=“http://www.gradadmiss.gatech.edu/programs/mgt/mot.php]Georgia”>http://www.gradadmiss.gatech.edu/programs/mgt/mot.php) Look into a program like this. </p>
<p>Mrdude, CS is better and you should major in it. The thing is, a CS major can do any MIS job, where vice versa isn’t the case. The way I look at MIS is, MIS was created for CS majors who do not want to deal with all the business stuff, they simply want to do programing. As you probably know, MIS is a middle ground, there are a lot of CS majors who hold MIS jobs because they can. When you begin moving up, as I suggested to the other person, a MBA with a concentration on technology will be far better then a MIS. I myself am looking to get into MIS only because I do not have a choice. I do not wish to make up the pre-req that CS requires. (Most CS joke around and say MIS is for people who couldn’t handle the math, which is true for some, but not for others. MIS tend to joke about CS majors and say they can’t give speeches, communicate to peers, exc. The key thing here is for your own situation between Systems Analyst and Systems programmer.(A job example of these two degrees) The programmer, if he/she wanted to, could do either job, but only chooses to do the programming side. If you happen to be more introverted, then programming is definitely for you. MIS tend to have to be the ones who have to give presentations, communicate and manage, exc, where CS tend to be left alone and rarely deal with on the business side of things.</p>
<p>Edit: A CS major not only has more diversification, it is respected more, so thus a better degree. A CS/MBA will always beat out a CIS/MIS. The technology field has become so big that more designations are needed that is why MIS exists as the bridge between the programming and business world. It is not that the CS majors can’t do it themselves, (A lot prefer not to as the profession attracts introverted people) it is just there aren’t enough of them.</p>
<p>Sorry amom, I forgot to mention one thing: MBA/CS is always going to be better. The only thing that MIS had an advantage over MBA is it has better concentrations for specific jobs. So if you are looking to become something specific, then it may be better to do a CS/MIS. An example, if you are looking to become a IT Auditor, then [Master</a> of Science in Information Systems Audit and Control](<a href=“http://www2.cis.gsu.edu/cis/MISAC/MISAC/index.asp]Master”>http://www2.cis.gsu.edu/cis/MISAC/MISAC/index.asp) would be better because it grants, quoted, “Graduates of this program qualify for one year work experience toward the Certified Information Systems Auditor™ (CISA ®) designation.” So what you need to know is exactly what you want to become after graduate school. If you simply want to move into management, then a MOT/MBA is always better.</p>
<p>Thanks for the info you posted above, I appreciate that.</p>
<p>Also consider the long term career prospects. A master’s in MIS will likely work on systems hands on, then grow into a team lead or small group manager. The MBA without much prior work experience will likely do the same, but as work experience grows or if you wait to do an MBA until you have more experience, then your trajectory will start higher - like team lead, section or unit manager. From there though, the management roles open more quickly for an MBA than an MS if looking at the IS track and other business functions too. If staying in the technical track for a career outcome toward a CTO role, arguably the MS is all you need, but the MBA makes someone more attractive at that level too.</p>
<p>Regardless of all of our advice, the motivated person can get anywhere from anywhere.</p>