Software Engineering vs. CIS

[TheSlamma]

Seems everyone on these forums makes 6 figures.

 

[pinion9]

Originally posted by: TheSlamma
Seems everyone on these forums makes 6 figures.

Do you?

And what exactly do you have a degree in?

 

[DT4K]

You really need to look at the curriculum of the individual programs you are considering. Different schools define the terms CS and SE differently.
But in general, from what I've found when I was researching grad programs, the SE programs are considered to be professional programs, while CS programs are considered to be more academic. But again, that's just a general rule with exceptions. In some cases, the schools really try to confuse you by having 2 programs like this:
1. Master of Computer Science - professional degree with an emphasis on preparing you for industry.
2. Master of Science in Computer Science - academic degree that prepares you to move on to PhD studies.

If you aren't interested in Math and Theory, but you want to develop software, you probably want to look for a program that includes more focus on real-world skills like software design, testing, project planning, etc.

 

[sao123]

Originally posted by: jread
Yes, I know the old "CS vs. CIS" debate has been beaten to death all over the internet and there is no point in bringing that up. The stance of both sides are well-known.

I do, however, need some clarity on the difference between software engineering and CIS. I imagine Software Engineering degrees are more technical though they don't seem as technical as CS degrees. They also share some things in common with CIS such as project management, product delivery and other business concepts. From the different programs I've looked at, Software Engineering degrees don't get nearly as hardcore as CS degrees (less math, less theory) and are focused more on real world application. So far, I've had a very hard time figuring out what to expect from a Software Engineering program. For instance, here are two graduate programs I'm considering... one is a M.S. in Software Engineering and the other is an M.S. in CIS.

Software Engineering: http://aln.coe.ttu.edu/degrees/MSSE.php

CIS: http://www.stedwards.edu/business/graduate/mscis/curriculum.htm

I see that the CIS degree is more broad but I cannot tell if either really get deep into the theory of computer science. Maybe someone with more experience in the S.E. field can give me some insight on this. It seems that Software Engineering programs are popping up all over the place lately but there aren't really any standards for coursework that I've noticed.

Thanks!

Software engineering is designed for people who wish to choose software development as a career. usually, you learn 1-2 languages (Usually C++, Java, or C#), Object Oriented Programming, GUI Concepts, Database Concepts, and are expected to be able to learn more on your own time. You will learn the methods for planning, design, modeling, developing, testing, and maintaining Pc/server based software.


CS or CIS is a more broad field, in which you will apply computer programming to solve real world problems, which do not usually end up as pc based software. You will learn a programming language (usually c/c++), data structures, theory & mathmatics, which will enable you to solve problems in the fields of artificial intelligence, graphing mapping and data modeling, forecasting, searching sorting and other complex algorithms. You can work in nearly every field, but you will almost guaranteed end up not becoming a PC applications developer, except possibly in the area of operating systems.


computer engineering/EE is a more hardware oriented field, in which you will learn some programming languages (usually C and assembly) how to design, build, & test microprocessors and digital components, more complex circuits which depends on them, or even program entire digital devices, such a DVD players, traffic lights, microwave ovens, etc.

 

[jread]

Originally posted by: DT4K
If you aren't interested in Math and Theory, but you want to develop software, you probably want to look for a program that includes more focus on real-world skills like software design, testing, project planning, etc.

That is definitely me!

Originally posted by: pinion9
Both degrees are useful, as there are jobs that cannot be outsourced (such as government jobs.)

I work for the government (same place for 6-years) and do not plan on going anywhere, so I am not as worried about outsourcing as most people in the private sector. Government jobs do not pay as well but the benefits and job security make up the difference (in my opinion).

Where I work, there is really no development of software from the ground up. Our programmers generally take existing applications and modify them to meet our specific needs. They also create some tools and apps. from scratch, but we are not in competition with the industry for software sales. Our programming teams are more concerned with meeting the requirements of internal users.

 

[clamum]

I went to Michigan Tech which has added a Software Engineering major within the past few years. I graduated with a B.S. in Computer Science, and looking at the required courses for a Software Engineering major, it's the exact same as Computer Science requirements except for a couple of software engineering courses, a senior design project, and a required business class.

EDIT: I know you're talking about SE and CIS, I assume you know the difference between CS and CIS