Frequently Asked Questions
The following questions are frequently asked in orientation meetings. If you have a question that is not answered in this handout, attend a meeting of MISA or email Yesenia Sanchez.
- What is the difference in job opportunities for Computer Sciences and MIS Majors?
- What are the differences in the entry-level jobs for Computer Science and MIS majors?
- What is the difference in the course work for CS and MIS majors?
- Do I need to be good in math?
- I'm a senior who decided only recently that I want to be an MIS major. How do I take the MIS classes in the minimum number of semesters?
- What are the best electives for MIS majors?
- I am in another college at UT. How can I transfer into the Business School?
1. What is the difference in job opportunities for Computer Sciences and MIS Majors?
A: Both majors have excellent career opportunities. Most students who work with their respective placement centers have job offers before they graduate. MIS majors have the highest average salary offers of any business majors (over $54,000) and the Computer Science average is even higher. MIS majors are most likely to go into positions in information services for companies or consulting, while CS majors are most likely to go into manufacturing support systems and product development for computer companies. Over 60% of the MIS majors each year accept offers with consulting firms, a much rarer starting position for Computer Science majors. Retailers, insurance, and communications firms also hire MIS majors through the Career Services Office.
2. What are the differences in the entry-level jobs for Computer Science and MIS majors?
A: Some graduates go into the same type of programmer-analyst positions, but most CS majors accept jobs that are more technical and less involved with people than the positions accepted by MIS majors. Sometimes titles differ (for example, "programmer" rather than "consultant" or "end-user support staff"); sometimes the title is the same but the responsibilities differ.
3. What is the difference in the course work for CS and MIS majors?
A: The degree plans show that the freshmen and sophomore courses are similar and the junior and senior courses are completely different. MIS majors must take 33 hours of business courses in addition to the minimum of 21 hours of MIS courses. Unlike CS, almost all MIS classes require significant group projects. Project management and people issues are emphasized in the MIS courses more often than in CS, which has more technical depth, especially on topics such as operating systems and programming languages.
4. Do I need to be good in math?
A: No, but you need to handle complex issues and ambiguity well. Information systems are frequently complex solutions to messy organizational problems, so your effectiveness with other people is critical.
5. I'm a senior who decided only recently that I want to be an MIS major. How do I take the MIS classes in the minimum number of semesters?
A: If you have completed, your minimum number of semesters is three. Semester 1, take MIS 304 and MIS 325. Semester 2, take MIS 333K and MIS 365. Semester 3, take MIS 374, and one or two MIS topic classes.
6. What are the best electives for MIS majors?
A: Some recruiters want to see many CS and MIS hours on your resume, but others want to see extracurricular activities that show leadership and personal skills. See Suggested Electives, MIS Electives and Communication Skills.
7. I am in another college at UT. How can I transfer into the Business School?
A: The Undergraduate Programs Office at the McCombs School of Business provides information on their website. There is no separate transfer for MIS majors. All applicants are reviewed by UPO and notified by UPO. There is an admission process to the MIS major, AFTER you have been admitted to the business school.
