Member Avatar for SeanC

Hi all, I have read many IT degree related posts on this discussion board regarding CIS vs. CS degrees. In a week I must hand in my application for university which starts in October.

My main dilemma, similar to other users on this discussion board, is that I must choose between a CIS and CS degree. However, there is one main difference. The university I would be going to offers CIS and CSAI (Which is Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence - also known as Computer Science and Intelligent Computer Systems). Somehow I feel that the discussions on this board relating to CS don't really count since they do not mention AI.

My question is mainly what the difference between a CIS course and a CSAI course would be. Somehow I think that AI is not too important in a practical IT working environment/company. The bulk of the CSAI course over here is CS, however a lot of importance is also given to AI. I do not have much of an understanding in AI so am unsure of how practical it actually is.

Mainly, what are the differences between both courses, and what jobs to they lead to? Ultimately, which degree would be favoured by employers? The general attitude at the university is that the CIS students "take the easy way out" as CSAI is much more demanding. However, if I take CIS as a main area, I'll be taking CSAI as a subsidiary so will still be somewhat exposed to it in small doses. Alternatively, if I take CSAI as a main area, I will take CIS as a subsidiary.

Thanks! :)

Edited by SeanC because: Forgot to mention something
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Short practical summary for : a CSAI (Computer Science & Artificial Intelligence) program is basically a computer-science core (programming, data structures, algorithms, systems) with dedicated AI/ML courses layered on top — expect more math (linear algebra, probability, calculus) and theory. A CIS (Computer Information Systems) program is usually more applied and business-focused: databases, networking, systems analysis, IT operations and project management. Which is “more useful” depends on the job you want and how your university structures each degree; read the course lists, capstone requirements and internship/co-op options. ASU: CS vs IT comparison. (asuonline.asu.edu)

How employers tend to hire: both paths lead to real jobs. CSAI graduates commonly move into software engineering, ML/AI engineering, data roles or graduate research; CIS grads often move into systems analyst, database, network, IT support or business-technology roles. Official projections show strong demand and solid pay in these areas — software-development roles and computer/research-scientist roles both have above‑average growth. Employer surveys also show that internships, co-ops and project experience are primary differentiators on a new graduate’s CV. See the BLS outlook for software developers and for computer & information research scientists, and an employer survey on the value of work experience. BLS: Software Developers, BLS: Research Scientists, Ohio State employer insights. (bls.gov)

Actionable decision tips (ties to earlier replies): if strong math and algorithms excite you and you want ML/AI roles or grad school, favor CSAI; if you prefer hands-on IT and business-facing tech work, favor CIS. is partly right that CIS and CS overlap (both teach programming), but CIS is often a distinct, applied track rather than simply “part of CS.” If unsure, pick the major you enjoy, take the other as a minor or elective, and prioritize internships, a strong capstone, GitHub projects or Kaggle entries. Note that core ML classes expect calculus, linear algebra and probability (example: Stanford CS229 prerequisites). Ask the program director or your school counselor (good point from ) for exact course maps and alumni outcomes before you submit the application. Stanford CS229 prerequisites. (cs229.stanford.edu)

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Member Avatar for Ancient Dragon

You should talk to your school consoler because only he/she will know the difference at that school. All we can do is guess.

Member Avatar for lornak

i would personaly like to know the difference between computer science and computer information systems

Member Avatar for aman007

Computer Information System is the part of computer science.If you with Computer science then it will also cover.

Member Avatar for Ancient Dragon

Depends on the university. Some have them split apart, e.g. MIS may be part of Business Administration.

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