CS does have a lot of math, just as any other engineering degree does (in my case, I took 1 math elective to complete a math minor). But CS is not a math degree.
CS includes coursework important to careers that CS graduates tend to take. Courses such as:
AI
Database (not MS Access, but real relational databases, theory, design, files systems)
Data Structures
Organization (hardware)
Architecture (no not building houses)
Compilers
Graphics
Operating Systems
Simulation & Modeling
Jobs at Symantics building compilers will probably go to CS graduates. Jobs at Oracle developing the latest version of their database will probably go to CS people. Jobs at NASA writing code to control the robot they are going to send to Pluto will probably go to CS graduates.
On the other hand there are tons of users of compliers by Symantic, or Oracle databases, and this is where a lot of CS and MIS/CIS people end up. Using the technology instead of creating it.
I think most CS people end up developing software for some company, usually intermingeled with the MIS/CIS people. But the more technical stuff is usually reserved for CS/Math/Physics people. This isn't a negative against MIS/CIS, as people with those degrees have a lot better shot at being a VP or CEO or something, but I can't say that I know many CS people that are interested in high level managment.
Okay, I'm just avoiding work now!
--Chris
In college, I worked for an ISP doing telephone tech support. One of our supervisors who had a CIS degree said to me "you know, it's funny how you guys in CS have to study so hard and take all those difficult classes, and yet, people in CIS are trained to be your bosses".
After I graduated and was preparing to move for my new job, I stoped by to tell everyone goodbye, and I really enjoyed the look on his face when he asked me how much I would be making (I estimate it was 15 to 20k more than he made at the time)!
IMO, CS vs MIS/CIS is like science vs business. It's pretty much just that black and white. Every school implements these programs differently, but I think everyone would agree that CS is entirely geared to science (I don't think I had to take 1 business class) and MIS/CIS is geared twards business with an emphasis in computing (somewhere between spreadsheets and light programming).
If all you want to do is program, either degree will probably suite you, but CIS/MIS will be much easier to graduate in than CS.
On the other hand, if you want to do R&D, hardware, programming that doesn't involve business logic (such as gaming), or any other highly technical work, CS is probably more for you.
You can probably make as much money and easily get a job with either degree, as most people could care less what your degree is in once you have a job. At that point, they will just look at your performance (having a CS degree from MIT won't mean jack if you suck at what you do).
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CS does have a lot of math, just as any other engineering degree does (in my case, I took 1 math elective to complete a math minor). But CS is not a math degree. CS includes coursework important to careers that CS graduates tend to take. Courses such as: AI Database (not MS Access, but real relational databases, theory, design, files systems) Data Structures Organization (hardware) Architecture (no not building houses) Compilers Graphics Operating Systems Simulation & Modeling Jobs at Symantics building compilers will probably go to CS graduates. Jobs at Oracle developing the latest version of their database will probably go to CS people. Jobs at NASA writing code to control the robot they are going to send to Pluto will probably go to CS graduates. On the other hand there are tons of users of compliers by Symantic, or Oracle databases, and this is where a lot of CS and MIS/CIS people end up. Using the technology instead of creating it. I think most CS people end up developing software for some company, usually intermingeled with the MIS/CIS people. But the more technical stuff is usually reserved for CS/Math/Physics people. This isn't a negative against MIS/CIS, as people with those degrees have a lot better shot at being a VP or CEO or something, but I can't say that I know many CS people that are interested in high level managment. Okay, I'm just avoiding work now! --Chris
One thing I forgot to add to my previous reply.
In college, I worked for an ISP doing telephone tech support. One of our supervisors who had a CIS degree said to me "you know, it's funny how you guys in CS have to study so hard and take all those difficult classes, and yet, people in CIS are trained to be your bosses".
After I graduated and was preparing to move for my new job, I stoped by to tell everyone goodbye, and I really enjoyed the look on his face when he asked me how much I would be making (I estimate it was 15 to 20k more than he made at the time)!
--Chris
IMO, CS vs MIS/CIS is like science vs business. It's pretty much just that black and white. Every school implements these programs differently, but I think everyone would agree that CS is entirely geared to science (I don't think I had to take 1 business class) and MIS/CIS is geared twards business with an emphasis in computing (somewhere between spreadsheets and light programming).
If all you want to do is program, either degree will probably suite you, but CIS/MIS will be much easier to graduate in than CS.
On the other hand, if you want to do R&D, hardware, programming that doesn't involve business logic (such as gaming), or any other highly technical work, CS is probably more for you.
You can probably make as much money and easily get a job with either degree, as most people could care less what your degree is in once you have a job. At that point, they will just look at your performance (having a CS degree from MIT won't mean jack if you suck at what you do).
--Chris