Should I Major in Management Information Systems?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the decision of whether to major in Management Information Systems (MIS) or stick with a more traditional path in Accounting or Finance. Participants explore the implications of each choice in the context of career stability, personal interests, and the current economic climate.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Exploratory
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses a shift in interest from Accounting to MIS after researching the program, highlighting a curiosity about technology and programming.
  • Another participant clarifies that MIS is primarily a management degree rather than a technology-focused one, suggesting that it may not provide extensive programming knowledge.
  • Concerns are raised about the impact of the economy on job prospects, with one participant suggesting that external factors largely influence career outcomes regardless of the chosen major.
  • Some participants propose that combining an Accounting major with an MIS minor could enhance employability, while others question the potential additional time and debt required for such a path.
  • There is a suggestion to consult alumni and career services to gain insights into the effectiveness of the MIS program and its job market relevance.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the value of an MIS degree versus an Accounting degree, with no consensus on which path is definitively better. There is also disagreement on the implications of the economy on job prospects and the feasibility of pursuing both majors.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention the potential overlap of prerequisites between Accounting and MIS, but there is uncertainty about the actual impact on graduation timelines and financial implications. The discussion reflects a range of personal priorities and concerns regarding career choices.

antonmek
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I am attending a community college, and after this semester I will be done with my associates. However as of right now, my interest towards which subject I should major into has changed after reading more and more about other varieties of business oriented work. Accounting or Finance was my first option to major into. Accounting work isn't so bad in my community college classes, and I thought it will lead me to a pretty stable career after graduation; especially in our falling economy.
While applying for Rutgers and NJIT,I couldn't help but search and learn about their "Management info systems" program. I liked all the info i collected, since I do acquire a curious side to technology...i have always wanted to learn more about programming, and computer softwares. Business and Technology are both combined within this major and according to B labor of statistics, careers after graduating from such study will increase by 20% through 2018.

what do you guys think, i was wondering what i should do? reside within accounting and be safe? or major in MIS and see where my feet takes me? It's a bother deciding my whole life based on one little decision i make in my college career. I appreciate all your answers.

sincerely,
A concerned college student.
 
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antonmek said:
While applying for Rutgers and NJIT,I couldn't help but search and learn about their "Management info systems" program. I liked all the info i collected, since I do acquire a curious side to technology...

MIS isn't a technology degree. It's a management degree. You aren't going to learn very much about computer programming. Rather the MIS people are the people that decide what computer programs to buy.

what do you guys think, i was wondering what i should do? reside within accounting and be safe? or major in MIS and see where my feet takes me?

One thing that is more important in management-type degrees is the quality of the college's career services. It might be a good idea to talk to alumni to see what they think.

It's a bother deciding my whole life based on one little decision i make in my college career. I appreciate all your answers.

I don't think that your decision is going to make that much of a difference in the long run.

Most of big things that impact your life are outside of your control anyway. If the economy is good, then you'll get a job easily no matter what you do, and if the economy is bad, then you are going to have a hard time regardless of what major you take.
 
In the current economy everything is a roll of the dice, and will probably remain so for years to come. You can only control your choices, not your destiny. Lead with your heart, not your mind. You will be more satisfied.
 
hmm yeah good point, i will pay my alumni a visit and ask. and that's right...economy does set the rules for most of our actions. If i percieve any bad reputations towards my degree of study...i will most likely go back to accounting like i aimed for at first.

Thanks for your help
 
Why not do both? Accounting major with MIS minor should be very employable. Also, I wouldn't worry too much about the economy. Not much you can do about it...and things will probably change by the time you graduate
 
jk said:
Why not do both? Accounting major with MIS minor should be very employable. Also, I wouldn't worry too much about the economy. Not much you can do about it...and things will probably change by the time you graduate

but having a minor like MIS, wouldn't that mean 2 extra years of school AND debt? especially because i would think that MIS classes don't run congruent with any of accounting or finance classes...i have to find out when i get enrolled...maybe everything will change. and yeah i will probably graduate in 2016 because i won't stop at bachelors.
 
MIS is usually offered in Schools of business so a lot of the prerequisites overlap with finance. It should not add more time to your graduation timeline. I know people who have done it. Check with your schools advisors
 

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