Computer Sciences vs. Information Systems Courses
COMPUTER SCIENCE & INFORMATION SYSTEMS
Hey there! Are you confused between the two terms? Then you’re at the right place. We’ve got your back.
Here’s a comparison between the disciplines of Computer Science and Information Systems. While there is some overlap between the two disciplines, both of them equip learners with very different problem-solving orientation and set of technical skills.
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Computer Science
A CS major will find employment as a programmer working with state of the art hardware and software, using languages such as C and C++, and tools such as Oracle. They may be called upon to write new programs and develop applications individually or as part of a team.
Information Systems
IS majors typically find first employment as a programmer in either the private or public sector. They might be employed in a data processing environment supporting legacy applications or developing client/server applications. Also, they might be employed to support the development and use of applications in a client department.
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Specifically, the CS graduates are most suited for:
Applications software development
-business applications programming, including record keeping, transaction processing
-C/C++ and Visual Basic programming
-Client/server applications
-Scientific/engineering applications
Systems software development
-System internals, device drivers, I/O processors
-Systems analysis/software engineering
-Software engineering, software integration
Systems programming
-Operating system configuration, performance measurement, and analysis, capacity planning
-Information center/Office automation
-Database Management with SQL
-EDP auditing/Quality assurance
-Telecommunications
-Planning/implementation
-Security administration
-Simulation and modeling
-Disaster planning and recovery
-Technical writing
-Computer graphics
-Human factors/interface design
Specifically, the IS graduates are most suited for:
Applications software development
-business applications programming, including record keeping, and transaction processing
-COBOL, C++, Visual Basic and JAVA programming
Business applications development
-Information engineering and applications integration
-Decision Support Systems design and support
-Data warehousing and mining
-Database management and administration
-Intranet/Internet management
-End-User computing support
-Management of IS/IT operations
-Hardware/Software sales representative
-Information center/Office automation
-EDP auditing/Quality assurance
-Telecommunications planning and management
-Disaster planning and recovery
-Technical writing and training
-Graphical User Interface (GUI) design
Computer Science
Computer Science (CS) grew out of the disciplines of mathematics and electrical engineering. It refers to the study of the machine itself and its use as a tool in various disciplines. A major in CS will know a considerable amount of mathematics which will help in technological applications such as computer networking, image processing, database design and development and artificial intelligence. A computer scientists’ strength lies in his or her ability to solve problems of efficiency and overall performance of applications from a machine perspective, and an overall technical orientation to problem-solving.
A computer scientist focuses on the development of solutions to problems taking into account the limitations of the machine and its resources, as well as how to best utilize the resources. He/she should be able to develop algorithms and data structures that can work within the constraints of available hardware and software to produce an acceptable solution. Most of the development will be done in high-level languages, such as C and C++, that can take full advantage of the system hardware and software resources.
Information Systems
Information Systems (IS) is the application of information technology to organizational and managerial needs. An IS major needs to be aware of what information technology can contribute to an organization and how to bring that solution to fruition. The strength of an IS major lies in his/her ability to apply the knowledge of information systems and technology to help organizations compete more successfully in the marketplace or to streamline current operations.
IS professionals utilize their business-based backgrounds in working with managers and users to specify technology needs that benefit the organization. In addition, they write programs to codify that technology and later manage it. As such, the IS professional might develop code for business transaction processing systems, client/server systems or end-user support systems; they might implement such systems in languages as COBOL, C++, Visual Basic or JAVA.
IS graduates also design and administer databases and data warehouses, analyze and implement enterprise-wide solutions to information problems and manage telecommunications efforts. Some I.S. graduates implement and manage corporate-wide Intranets. Finally, IS graduates can also provide project management skills, technical writing or training by melding their knowledge of information technology and business processes.