Frequently Asked Questions about the Differences between the
Computer Science and Computer Information Systems Majors

What are the differences in the degrees offered by the two programs?
The computer science (CSc) program offers a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree from the Department of Computer Science in the College of Arts and Sciences. The computer information systems (CIS) program offers a Bachelor of Business Administration (B.B.A.) degree from the Department of Computer Information Systems in the College of Business Administration.  At the graduate level, it means that CSc majors receive a Master of Science (M.S.) degree while most CIS majors receive a Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) degree.

What are the major differences in the courses offered by each?
At first glance, the courses are somewhat similar. However, the CSc program stresses theory and foundations in such topics as programming languages (formerly Pascal and Ada, now Java and C++), data structures, graphics and visualization, algorithms, operating systems, software engineering, modeling and simulation, numerical methods, parallel programming, automata, databases, and networks.  The CIS program stresses management and business legacy systems (mainframes, COBOL, RPG, and so on) plus application development for Windows environments (Visual C++ and Visual Basic, spreadsheets, etc.), primarily for large management information systems and database systems (including accounting, inventory, payroll, personnel, and sales).

What background is required for the two majors?
The CSc program presumes a strong background in mathematics (calculus, linear algebra, statistics, and numerical analysis) and more facility in computationally-oriented courses. The CIS program requires only two math courses (MATH 1111, College Algebra, and MATH 1220, Survey of Calculus) while focusing on economics, accounting, marketing, management, finance, and legal aspects in the management of information systems.

What are the job opportunities for majors in the two fields?
Job opportunities for both majors are and should continue to be excellent, but with perhaps slightly different thrusts. The CSc graduate is more likely to be employed in a technology, engineering, or scientific environment; the CIS graduate is more likely to be attracted to a management information system or business environment. CSc graduates are more likely to be employed initially as programmers and analysts, and can work in research and development. CIS graduates pursue marketing, sales, and customer support jobs, as well as positions in systems design, development, cost analysis, and performance evaluation.