Should I switch from Computer Science to MIS or IT?

So I’m a junior transfer student at University of Florida currently in my under grad pursuing a degree in Computer Science in the college of engineering. I’ve completed all of my Math courses required for CS. I just have two years of core courses and a few electives. Ever since I started college was aim was to become a Systems Analyst (Computer Systems Analyst/Business Systems Analyst). Navie as I was, I decided to go with Computer Science. I powered through all my math classes, I took entry level Java & C++. I didn’t struggle with them, intact I was ahead of most people. I don’t hate program nor do I enjoy it. To put it on a scale, I dislike it but not much. However, I like the idea of relaying information to developers, creating queries, databases, etc. I like the people interaction. I don’t see my self infront of a cheap monitor everyday with a disorganized office. I thought the typical Software Developer’s office would be better since it’ll be the place you’ll spend majority of your career there. Realistically I’m not expecting to get into a great company at the starting of my career. So here are the options I formulated. Switch to MIS and minor in CS. Thing is I’m not confident about landing a job as an Analyst with a MIS degree. I’m afraid the CS candidates will get priority over me. Although I feel like MIS would better prepare me for the work field that I’m interested in. Major in IT and minor in CS. I’m not a fan of this one. It’s an option but I’m neutral about it. The last option is to major in CS and minor in Business Administration. I’m second in favor of this, however like I said, I wouldn’t feel prepared for the work force. I’m afraid I’ll have to learn everything while I’m on the job, I get that’s the point of internships, but with this option, I would have no foundation except the technical ones from CS. Las my thing to consider as a deciding factor, the core hard classes like operating systems, data structures, etc are shying me away from CS. I heard they’re extremely hard. I’m not a hard worker, I just happened to be good at math. I think my knack for these courses won’t last long. I rather the MIS route with a minor in Computer Science or Business Administration. As mentioned before, I’m just afraid I’ll be unemployed or under employed. I don’t mind taking a semester or two to get the 18 credits out of the way for MIS. I’m 19 years old, to me it’s not a major set back. What are your thoughts?

A CS major should be well positioned to do IT work.



…And you’d have the background to do software engineering if you wanted later. MIS won’t give you quite that flexibility.


If your primary concern is landing a job, you should check with your placement office since placement can vary from university to university for different majors and can sometimes depend on the perceived strength of the program.

Many analysts program and so learning languages is important, especially if you have a natural affinity for it. There is very little difference between CS and MIS in corporate IT world and many work in the same groups. The difference comes when people work in product development type groups where many prefer CS majors and don’t have a need for MIS.

So I’m a junior transfer student at University of Florida currently in my under grad pursuing a degree in Computer Science in the college of engineering. I’ve completed all of my Math courses required for CS. I just have two years of core courses and a few electives. Ever since I started college was aim was to become a Systems Analyst (Computer Systems Analyst/Business Systems Analyst). Navie as I was, I decided to go with Computer Science. I powered through all my math classes, I took entry level Java & C++. I didn’t struggle with them, intact I was ahead of most people. I don’t hate program nor do I enjoy it. To put it on a scale, I dislike it but not much. However, I like the idea of relaying information to developers, creating queries, databases, etc. I like the people interaction. I don’t see my self infront of a cheap monitor everyday with a disorganized office. I thought the typical Software Developer’s office would be better since it’ll be the place you’ll spend majority of your career there. Realistically I’m not expecting to get into a great company at the starting of my career. So here are the options I formulated. Switch to MIS and minor in CS. Thing is I’m not confident about landing a job as an Analyst with a MIS degree. I’m afraid the CS candidates will get priority over me. Although I feel like MIS would better prepare me for the work field that I’m interested in. Major in IT and minor in CS. I’m not a fan of this one. It’s an option but I’m neutral about it. The last option is to major in CS and minor in Business Administration. I’m second in favor of this, however like I said, I wouldn’t feel prepared for the work force. I’m afraid I’ll have to learn everything while I’m on the job, I get that’s the point of internships, but with this option, I would have no foundation except the technical ones from CS. Las my thing to consider as a deciding factor, the core hard classes like operating systems, data structures, etc are shying me away from CS. I heard they’re extremely hard. I’m not a hard worker, I just happened to be good at math. I think my knack for these courses won’t last long. I rather the MIS route with a minor in Computer Science or Business Administration. As mentioned before, I’m just afraid I’ll be unemployed or under employed. I don’t mind taking a semester or two to get the 18 credits out of the way for MIS. I’m 19 years old, to me it’s not a major set back. What are your thoughts?

CIS is the most rigorous path, and the one that pays the best. It really seems like a BS in CIS and a minor in Information Systems is your best option (if they allow you to take it, it may be too similar to the CIS degree).

If you struggle in the COE CIS program (CSE), you could look into switching to the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (CLAS) CIS major(CSC), which is a bit less rigorous. I think the CSC major gives you more free electives, which in this case can be used for IS classes.

I appreciate the response, however, the CLAS CS major is not very different from the CSE CIS. I’ve compared both of their respective tracking sheets. I won’t be able to minor in Information Systems if I major in CIS. I will only be able to major in BA (my personal option). I’m on the fence. I don’t struggle with Math, but I don’t think it’s easy also. I’m afraid of Algorithms, Data Structures, Operating Systems. I’ve heard they’re rigorous. I don’t intend on staying long at UF. To be honest I’ll have to learn on the job regardless if I do CIs. CIS just makes me more marketable is all I’m worried about. I would struggle to take part in on campus activities. At least with MIS I’ll be able to take part and secure a placement before graduation. MIS isn’t marketable enough so I’m on the fence about it. I’m going for Business Analyst and some day to Project Manager. Keep that it mind I’m not too keen on being a programmer or developer, although having options is good.

@zenix97 A minor in Accounting would be quite useful if you plan on a Business Analyst, Project Manager path.

A minor in accounting, also opens up the possibility of earning your masters in accounting, and going into the accounting field. Not a bad back-up plan (but a rigorous one). UF’s accounting master’s program will accept students with only a minor in accounting, but it’s competitive.

I appreciate it. I don’t think I’m willing to go to the accounting route.