Computer Information Systems (CIS) professionals use computers to solve business problems by planning, analyzing, designing and managing information systems.

Typical careers:

• Business Analyst
• IS Consultant
• Business Applications Developer
• Security Consultant
• Database Analyst
• Project Manager

Skills that help you in these careers:

• Problem solving
• Interpersonal skills
• Analytical thinking
• Technical skills

The CIS major trains you to talk to a client to determine what the client’s business problem is and to determine how to solve it with an information system. You’ll take courses in application development, architecture, networking, security, business intelligence and consulting. In addition, you’ll develop a solid grounding in business knowledge with courses in accounting, economics, finance, marketing, operations, statistics and strategy.

Computer Science (CS) professionals also study problems and try to solve them with computers; however, the problems are usually more computing based rather than business based. 

Typical careers:

• Software Engineer
• Software Developer and Programmer
• Database Administrator
• Cyber Security Specialist

Skills that help you in these careers:

• Discrete Math skills
• Critical thinking skills
• Communication skills
• Problem-solving skills
• Ingenuity

CS majors build upon mathematical tools and theories to solve problems, blending principles, theories, technologies and practical know-how to design and build systems to store, retrieve and process data. You will study ways to make computing more economical, creating programming languages to express solutions and designing and building computer systems to provide a range of safe, effective and efficient services across a wide range of application domains.