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What is the difference between Computer Information Systems (CIS) and Computer Science (CS)?
Sometimes people are confused about the differences between majoring in Computer Information Systems (CIS) and majoring in Computer Science (CS). It may help to think that, in general, a CIS major will devote time studying the way computers are used to solve business problems, whereas CS majors will analyze more how computers work and how to design programs. So when it comes to jobs, a CIS major would probably be hired by a company that uses computers to keep track of their business, whereas a CS major would of interest to a company whose products are computers, software or computer services.
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What are the programs about?
A quick overview: both programs follow current curricula to prepare you for your career. In both our majors (CS and CIS) we will expect you to start by taking the two Foundations of Computing courses. In these courses you'll learn how to program a computer (using Java) and you'll be introduced to a breadth-first overview of the computer field and the courses that will follow.
Besides the two Foundations courses, you will find other courses that are common to both majors, and others that are required for one major and are elective for the other. All courses are listed in the catalog. If you are undecided about your major (CS or CIS) you should select the common courses at first, to leave your options open. Once you decided which major you want to pursue, you will take a series of courses that devote themselves to a particular area within your field. For example, as a CIS major, your will be required to take two accounting courses, Database Management Systems, and Systems Analysis and Design while as a CS major, you will be required to take Calculus I and II, Programming Languages and Computer Architecture.
After you have taken most of these courses and focused your attention into specific aspects of the field, it will be time to put it all together. In the capstone course at the end of your studies, you will apply all that you have learned to a major project. In CS the capstone is Software Engineering and in CIS the capstone is the Seminar for Computer Information Systems.
All this information is further explained in the catalog. Refer to it for a recommended curriculum schedule and for a more detailed description of each course.
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What do we expect from?
First of all we expect you to be a serious student and work hard. It will not be enough to 'read about it', you will be asked to do it! And this may mean that you spend a lot of time actually using a computer. It also means that you will need time to digest and comprehend the concepts presented to you. You must plan to devote sufficient time to work with computers outside of the class and to study for the courses in the major. Computers can be fascinating and frustrating at the same time!
- To make sure that you will fully benefit from our advanced courses, you will have to pass a Programming Proficiency Test before we advise you to continue in the major. This test will be given at the end of CICS 231 Foundations of Computing II and it will contribute to your grade for that course. If you are a transfer student, you must take this test (using any programming language you know) before you register in any 300 level course.
- To be qualified for a future in a computer field, you have to maintain at least a C average for the courses in the major.
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We feel that the best advertising for these programs is the performance of our students in the workplace. We are constantly modifying curricula to reflect currency in the field so that our graduates are highly qualified for employment opportunities. We need you to do your part. It benefits all of us to make sure that our graduates are the best in the field!
Advising
The CS/CIS faculty are friendly, supportive of our students, and gladly respond to your questions and advise you throughout your Mercy College career. Each faculty member in our Division is assigned a group of students. You should contact your faculty advisor before registration each semester. He/she will help you with your study plans so that you are not caught at the last minute with a load of "hard" courses or with courses you 'need' for graduation that are not being offered.
You can contact your faculty advisor at csmadv@mercy.edu.
Your faculty is here to support you, but we are not alone! There is also the MC3, the Mercy College Computer Club, a place to meet your fellow students, support each other, get tips about computers and programs, and gossip!
So this is what we are about. Are you ready for the ride? Hope to see you soon!
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For further information, please contact:
Dr. Delia Marx, Program Director
(914) 674-7585
DMarx@mercy.edu
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