<p>I am current pursuing an MIS degree and am wanting to probably start out in programming position or at least have the skills for the future. There are a couple that are included with the degree plan but I am trying to figure out what the best language to learn would be. I am taking an intro to programming class right now which uses Java/NetBeans and also uses Alice as an intro to it.</p>
<p>I was talking to my current boss about it and he thinks Python and Ruby are the best languages to learn and are more efficient than like C++ or Java but most of the courses at schools are in Java, php, C++ and stuff like that. So I am wanting to take some electives in this area, or even minor in CS or software engineering. I have considered the full degrees but they are not for me. He also said C++ is old and outdated so I wouldn't want to spend the time to learn it if this is true but I know almost nothing about it at this point.</p>
<p>Any info would be great if you are taking the classes, have the degree or are working in the field. Thanks!</p>
<p>Depends what you want to do. You will still need to do one or two C++ classes. Do those and skip Java then. php is decent if you like web engineering. I like python but wouldn’t say C++ is outdated in that it is utilized anymore. Thats akin to saying that because Unix is nearly as old it isn’t good to know or used anymore which is a false statement. The more things change the more they stay the same, except with a facelift and fancy new dress.
As much as I hate Javascript, that is still often used so might be worth knowing. I’m signed up in a VB .Net programming class but unsure where VB and .net is heading. I personally like python and php more but they took more time to be apopted by others. </p>
<p>I admit that what was hurting me the most in the job market was not learning SQL. I know my basics but hate Oracle so protested by not using their software. To compensate for that deficiency, I’ve been learning and taking classes in MySQL and Microsoft SQL Server. I’m more interested in relational database management though over being a coding monkey, although do think android applications and ios is very cool.</p>
<p>Yeah I’m not wanting to just code and program all day/everyday for sure which is why I am getting the MIS degree over a computer science or software engineering degree. I think it will let me do a little of both the business and technical side but in order to be respected as a manager or coordinator of some kind, you would probably have to do a few years of that kind of thing.</p>
<p>I have no preference in what codes and programs to use because I haven’t used any of them yet but it sounds like Java and C++ are most common. I might just have to learn Python and the other things on my own. I just never understood how you get a job doing these things, do certain places use certain programs or do they use all kinds and you just do what you know, do you need to know all of them…ect</p>
<p>You may want to take the CS versions of courses in operating systems, networks, databases, and security in order to get a stronger foundation of conceptual knowledge that will help you learn new technologies on your own and solve unusual problems that may occur in MIS/IT contexts.</p>
<p>That would be a good idea, but if the MIS program has their own class for that, should I take both or just do the one? Also, do you know if MIS majors usually end up programming right out college or doing things like help desk and support?</p>
<p>The CS version will probably cover most of the same topics as the MIS version and perhaps more, but with a stronger theoretical foundation and more attention to “what goes on inside”. But you will need to check whether the MIS major allows the substitution, and whether you will have the needed prerequisites (e.g. the introductory CS sequence and perhaps some math-type of courses).</p>