Differences between degree programs

Discussion in 'IT and Computer-Related Degrees' started by yak342, Apr 20, 2004.

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  1. yak342

    yak342 Member

    What are the differences between degree programs in computer science, information technology, and software engineering?
     
  2. wfready

    wfready New Member

    Because a lot of computer related degree programs differ from one another it is hard to classify each degree name to a specific curriculum. With that said, I will give you my impression of those three degree title you mentioned:

    Computer Science: Concentrates on the theory and concepts of computer programming. The ideal Comp Sci program (guessing) would have enough supporting math and science coursework needed to understand programming principles.

    Software Engineering: This is probably (guessing again) pretty similar to the Comp Sci program. Perhaps it concentrates on software engineering (duh) principles.

    Information Technology: This program is usally less software programming intensive. Instead it touches more of the technology used in computers. Usually have a business emphasis as well.

    You also have CIS degrees. Which have a good bit of programming curriculum; however, lack the supporting math and science coursework (an applied computer science degree I guess).

    These degrees are each a little different; but, I think most of them land the same types of jobs (of course depending on experience as well).

    Hope this helps,
    Bill
     
  3. decimon

    decimon Well-Known Member

    This could quickly become like an argument on theology.

    My notion of Computer Science would have it include computer architecture studies similar to those in Computer Engineering.
     
  4. Jeff Walker

    Jeff Walker New Member

    Computer Science is the hard-core programming degree. Along with learning about languages, you will also generally see classes in discrete math, data structures, algorithm design, compilers, computer architecture, and operating systems. You may have to take a single software engineering class. Generally the discrete math and data structures is all at the undergraduate level. You may see some computer engineering related courses, but computer architecture classes in a CS program are generally more about the interfaces to the hardware rather than how to design the computer architecture.

    Software engineering is less about programming and more about the process of developing software projects. You will see coursework dealing with project management, software architecture, and methodologies. You will see topics dealing with risk management, the role of testing, requirements analysis, etc. In many respects, software engineering is about the complete software development lifecycle rather than focusing purely on the programming. Software engineering is generally a masters only degree (there are few undergraduate software degrees and almost no PhD programs in it).

    Computer Information Systems is a broad-based degree dealing with all computer systems needed to make a software product work. It deals with both software and hardware, but at a fairly high level. You will likely have classes in programming, databases, computer networks, and business information systems. Some CIS programs have very little programming (one CIS degree completion program I looked into required only a single class of VB programming).
     
  5. -kevin-

    -kevin- Resident Redneck

    Information Technology can encompass many areas and is generally less math critical. For a 30,000 foot view put "management" in front of these and you will have less programming, more business/process management areas. You can also include Information Systems (without the "computer" in front of it) in this same light. Although MIS degrees will vary on the level and/or amount of programming (if any) required. I think Jeff has pretty well summed my observation on the differences.
     
  6. lurker

    lurker New Member

    Depends on the degree requirements for the individual school alot of the time.

    Where I went, the only real difference between the C.S. and C.I.S. programs were Calculus and I believe 1-2 programming classes that were requirements for C.S. and electives for C.I.S.
     

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