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I'm currently a college student that has been on track for a business degree, but I'm interested in doing IT work as a job. I think MIS would be a better degree for me, but this is my 5th year in college and if I were to change degrees it would require me to invest at least another year, where as I could finish my business degree in 1 semester.

So my question is how important is what your degree says on it? Is it more about what certifications you have rather than the degree, or would you suggest that I look into pursuing a MIS degree?

- Mike

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  • Latest Post Latest Post by Ancient Dragon

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Building on and , here is a practical, timeline-focused approach for someone one semester away from a business degree but aiming for IT work.

Short takeaway: many hiring managers prize demonstrable skills, projects, and role-aligned credentials over the exact degree label—though some roles (deep systems, algorithms, research) do favor a CS/MIS background. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics describes how education and pathways vary across computing occupations: BLS — Computer and Information Technology Occupations.

Practical next steps without adding a year:

  • Finish the business degree to lock in the credential, then immediately stack visible technical proof points.
  • Use the final semester for a technical elective or an independent capstone that yields a public deliverable (GitHub repo + readme + demo).
  • Build three portfolio items that solve business problems (simple web app, data-analysis report, automation script) and document outcomes/metrics.
  • Target an entry-level role (help desk, QA, junior dev) or internship while studying for one or two focused certs.

Cert path quick map:

  • Helpdesk/support: CompTIA A+, Network+ (CompTIA certifications)
  • Networking: CCNA ()
  • Cloud/sysadmin: AWS/Azure associate-level certs (AWS Certifications)
  • Security: CompTIA Security+ first; CISSP is senior-level and requires experience (ISC2 CISSP)

Turn business experience into an advantage: quantify improvements (hours saved, error rates down), highlight requirements gathering and stakeholder work, and be ready to demo practical troubleshooting or coding tasks in interviews. Switching majors may give deeper theory, but for fast entry and lower opportunity cost, finishing and then proving technical ability is often the most efficient path.

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Member Avatar for cutepinkbunnies

Mike,

Couldn't you minor in MIS and finish that up once you have your Business degree? Dual-Degrees would be a great investment, and if you had the necessary coursework and/or certifications and demonstrated competance at an interview I don't see how a business degree would hold you back.

I'd finish the Business degree and get into the field since experience is VERY valuable in IT, then finish up the MIS degree and dual-weild those degrees! :)

Jon

Member Avatar for Ancient Dragon

Its way too late for you to change majors now -- finish your business degree. After that you can get either another bachelors or a masters, or just get a job in IT.

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