<p>I love computers and technology but I can't stand programming. I've taken courses in Java and basic programming, I originally wanted to be a software engineer but I just can't get into it. I know that CS degrees make great money and have job security but I don't want to spend the next years working and being unhappy.</p>
<p>I saw the MIS Program my school has and it was interesting. I looked over the courses and it sounds right up my alley.</p>
<p>Is an MIS Program actually good? Just so you now I'd really like to get into networking and plan on working on my cisco certs after undergrad school.</p>
<p>Also is a Masters in MIS worth obtaining? UIC has a MIS program that looked interesting.</p>
<p>Also, would a math minor go well with an MIS degree? My school offers one by taking Calc 1 2 3 and Discrete math with 2 other courses.</p>
<p>It depends on the program even more so than CS. Many of the MIS-type tasks have been outsourced. However, there is still a large pool of MIS (IT) jobs out there. Make sure you’re getting real-world skills and check with the placement office up-front about how grads are doing from your school.</p>
<p>I’m a CIS major but they’re pretty much the same or at least similar enough. Anyway, MIS is in my opinion a great degree, but how far it gets you kind of depends on what career path you’re going for. 81% of the CIS grads at my university in 2009 were employed at graduation and average starting salary was like $53k (Granted though that I go to a pretty small business school).</p>
<p>With most MIS/CIS degrees, you’re going to a degree that’s pretty technical, but also very business focused which is pretty much the draw of it in my opinion. You’ll learn object-oriented programming/application development (Java, etc.), database management (MS Access/SQL), a bit of IT infrastructure, system analysis, project management, etc. But beyond technical skills, you’ll also learn your Macro/Micro economics, accounting, marketing, management that you would with another business degree.</p>
<p>Now I think MIS tends to get some flak (mostly from software engineers) because the degree isn’t as heavily technical as CS and is much much more business focused. But I think that’s the whole point of the degree. If you’re trying to get a software engineering job as an MIS major, good luck going against a bunch of other CS grads who definitely know a lot more than you do.</p>
<p>But I think the main spot where MIS grads can succeed is in more business focused positions, such as a Consultant or as a Business/Systems Analyst. Someone who knows enough business knowledge to take a problem and create an economically feasible idea, and also know enough technical knowledge to translate that idea into an actual IT project.</p>
<p>As for going into networking especially with a crazy competitive company like Cisco, ehhh I really don’t know about that one. I’m not really sure how good your chances would be in getting a Networking job with an MIS degree. Like I said, it’s more so tailored towards Analyst positions. To be honest, Cisco came to a university I transferred out of for a meet and greet presentation and almost every single one of the college students at the presentation were Computer & Electrical Engineering majors (except me haha).</p>
<p>Keep in mind that while at some schools, MIS and CIS are practically the same thing, at others they’re VERY different (with CIS being business + hardcore C++ programming and MIS being business + general IT). It varies wildly.</p>
<p>You’ve got a much higher chance of studying “CS” stuff like object-oriented programming in a CIS program than an MIS program.</p>
<p>Our program was pretty technical but included the business end. I thought it mixed well together. I decided not to look for an IS job right away and wanted to start in the business side. After six years, I decided to transfer to IT. Its amazing how knowledgeable this makes you. You’re the go to person for business questions and have a great understanding of the company. Its perfect for projects, analysis and such.</p>
<p>Yes. My close friend got a degree in MIS and received a job paying 6 figures out of school. Now, he had a large powerful network (He was from a very wealthy family, they owned a popular newspaper). Plus nearly every business loves a MIS major. Just my two cents.</p>