Hello, I am new to these forums.

My name is Sean.

I am currently getting my CIS degree at Tulane University here in New Orleans.
. I want to program, especially object oriented programming.

The CIS degree at my college has two paths you can take.

One is the "traditional track" which involves more with databases.

The other is the "progressive track" involves more in object oriented programming and software development.

I have already started on the "progressive" track. I was wondering a couple of things about it. I have a minimum of 48 credits that I have to take for the major. Here they are


UCIS 165 Introduction to Software Design
UCIS 291 Problem Solving with C++
UCIS 295 Problem Solving with Java
UCIS 306 Files and Data Structures
UCIS 322 Systems Analysis
UCIS 323 Systems Design
UCIS 342 Object-Oriented Analysis and Logical Design
UCIS 344 Database Management
UCIS 347 Database Administration
UCIS 348 Advanced Database Administration
UCIS 376 Object-Oriented Application Development
UCIS 374 Internet/Intranet Application Development
UCIS 379 Data Warehousing
UCIS 370 Application Development w. C/Unix
UCIS 373 Information Engineering
UCIS 375 Expert Systems Development

Now i know this degree program isnt going to be easy, especially since I have to take Calculus I, II, and II, and discrete mathematics along with it.

My question is, will these classes and this major really give me the cutting edge in the CIS field like my University says it will?

Is this program even worth doing, or should i just head back to the Computer Science program?

What jobs are available in this?
Are those jobs really needed?

Any input?

The cool thing about any degree is that you can work ANYWHERE with it. The thing with computers is certifications and experience. Without these you won't get as far as you would with em.

I have a BAS in CIS and currently work as a network consultant for a company that provides SME solutions. I only had 5 years of experience to apply toward a job...then I got the degree. That allowed me to go from help desk support and VNC help desk to where I am now. If I were to get a couple of certifications...I could probably venture out a bit further with larger companies and find my niche there...but I'm content for the time being.

Hope this helps.

Based on the courses you mentioned, you most likely will be able to find a decent programming job with the CIS degree. However, most cutting-edge companies will want to see a Comp Sci degree, even if you have the skills with the CIS degree.

If you are going to have to take Calculus I, Calculus II, Calculus III, and discrete math regardless, I would go with computer science. It's a more respected degree (I feel). Usually the difference between computer science and a CIS programming degree is the amount of math involved.

If you were shaky on your math skills, and CIS offered a less math-intensive program, I would definitely say do that. But if both are making you go up to Calc III level, and if you're "smart" enough to make it past integral calculus, you should be able to handle computer science.

Become a professional chef. Concentrate on a fusion of Asian and American cuisine, with a hint of Middle Eastern.

anything you want

I was serious. It is impossible to outsource a chef to overseas if you want JIT cooking.

Programming, DB administration, code development, and many other back office, soft activities can and will be pushed to areas where it is less costly. (Yes, I said stuff will get outsourced to overseas.)

As such, I would concentrate on a study area that requires a presence.

It is very very hard to fix a busted device accross the ocean. Either you have to have very very long arms, and see thousands of miles, or have to ship the device back and forth...

thanks for all the feedback.

However, I have decided to finish my education in computer science.

Thanks

I see that you've already made your decision, but some other things that you'll want to consider.

Depending on the school of thought, CS is a much more theoretical devotion than CIS/MIS/BIS involving more math. Most universities will provide a lot more business/human interaction skills in CIS/MIS/BIS than in CS. As an 8 systems analyst I have found that CS people are much more tuned to interface with the computers and do a REALLY good job at it, while CIS people are more tuned to interefacing with the people. So, that being said, if you want to get your hands dirty with the hardcore computer stuff, then definitely go with the CS degree. If you want to learn more about how businesses are run and how you can help corporations succeed in a practical sense then CIS may be more suited for you.

Of course there are exceptions to everything,

Andy

I am a day late and a dollar short (usually the case). I think that everyone should keep in mind that IF you want to make a good living (at LEAST a six figure salary) you won't want to be programming the rest of your days. Everyone MUST mature beyond the hands on programming stuff and move to the business end if they want to be anything other than a programmer. Don't get me wrong, I love what I do and I am good at it, but if I hadn't learned how to interface with people and the business, I would be stuck at a senior pgm'r level. Good luck in your CS dg.