Degree Programs

Difference Between MIS vs MS in Computer Science

Many students who don’t like hardcore programming assume that a graduating with a degree in MIS will make one get into a managerial position. However, that’s not usually the case for entry level students.

MIS vs MS in CS

  • Yes, MIS and MS in CS are not the same. MS in CS courses focus more on algorithms, data structures, core computer Ssience concepts like database, networking, robotics, etc.
  • MS in CS will prepare you to become a software engineer
  • MIS courses are geared towards business and industry.
  • Without work experience, having an MIS will not get you into a managerial position.
  • MIS does offer technical and non-technical (business) courses.
  • You can still become a software engineer after completing MIS.
  • After studying MIS, you can work as a business analyst, systems engineer, systems architect, software testing engineer, and other similar positions.

MIS Admission

  • Universities accept GRE and GMAT for admission into MIS programs.
  • A MIS program is course intensive, while MS in CS has courses, projects and thesis options to choose from.

There’s a previous blog post about MIS vs MS where I talked about some fundamental differences between MIS and MS related to coursework, including an overview on job responsibilities.

Today I’ve prepared for you an interesting job placement data for MIS graduates.

MIS Job Opportunities

This data is from the MIS program at CMU.

Salary Details

  • Mean – $80,300
  • Median – $84,000
  • High – $100,000
  • Low – $50,000

Industry Sectors Acceptance

  • 37% Consulting
  • 28% Technology
  • 27% Finance
  • 8%  Other

Job Titles

Some of the job titles of MIS graduates:

  • Associate Consultant
  • Business Analyst
  • IT Analyst
  • Program Manager
  • Quality Assurance Engineer
  • Senior Technology Consultant
  • Software Design Engineer
  • Software Developer
  • Software Engineer
  • Technology Analyst
  • Web Developer

You can see from the above info that students have various options (both technical and non-technical) in terms of job positions.

However, everyone, even outside this line of work, must have considerable work and experience before one can become a manager.

Close to 100% of students get job offers and this because of the name and prestige of CMU.

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18 Comments

  1. hello there,I have completed my undergrade degree with bsc.csit.I have had my GPA of 3.8/4.0.What are the courses that I could pursue in USA and what might be the requirements?

  2. I have studied Computer engineering and graduated in June 2016. i have been working as a QA and have planned to apply for spring 2018. I will have 1 year of Experience by the time i join. what will benefit more? MS in CS or MIS?

  3. Hi, I have GRE 322 (162 Q, 160 V), appearing for TOEFL next week. Have CGPA 5.2 in 10 scale from reputed NIT. Summer internship four weeks in Industrial establishment in Italy, six weeks at University of Auckland, New Zealand. I am interested in MS in MIS in USA. Please advice list of universities for applying.

  4. Sir,

    I am praveen completed my B.Tech in IT and now iam working as asst.MIS managger for the government organization . How is my future going to be since i was directly entered in to the Mis without going Towards developing side. AND suggest me any suggestions for my Bright future.

  5. Hi,

    I plan to study MIS in US (fall 2013). But I dont have a technical background. I am a B.com and MBA. I have 3.5 yrs of experience in banking operations (1.5) and reporting automation & software testing (2 yrs).
    I plan to remain in BFSI sector after MIS also and look at business analyst/database analyst roles. I will take the GRE in nov.
    Will the non tech background rule me out ? I only see engineers applying.
    Any suggestions from the erudites here ??

      1. Hi Raghu,

        I am CS graduate with one year of experience in Software Devlopement. My H1B is approved fro Computer Prgrammer role. I have realised that I want to go into Business Analyst roles. Will I have problem in H1B transfer because Business Analyst is more of management than technical roles.

        Also, how is the career growth opportunities in BA.

        Thanks you for your help.

  6. Hello, I have a doubt as the article says that people without work exp will face difficult to make it to Managers position does that mean MIS should be preffered by a Exp person ?

    Also one more doubt I am giving my GRE next month and will be applying next Fall .Currently I am in my last year and placed for a technical job so just wanted to know if I select MIS ,after then when I apply for a Business Analyst Position Will I have a problem I mean I have a Work EX in a technical domain I mean does it affect my chances ?

  7. Hello sir, I have completed my b. tech in electronics and comm. this year and have written gre also this year but now am working as a software professional, I would like to know if I can do my MS or MIS in CS after b. tech in E&C next year after a year and a half of working in software industry.

    Do reply

  8. Hi, I have benefited from whats written over here. I want to thank all the contributors and followers of this blog.

    Since i have been through this admissions grind , Can i chip in and write to this blog?

  9. I would like to add one more. Typically, MS in MIS (Management Information Systems) is offered by business schools and MS in CS (Computer Science or Computer Science and Engineering) is offered either by Science or Engineering department.

    1. Respected Mr.Ganesh Gopalakrishnan

      welcome sir, it is indeed very kind of you to share more about MS in MIS and MS in CS

      thank you sir, please keep posting more about courses and any thing that would help the aspiring Students.

      thanks once again

      shiri Ganesha

      gopala and krishna, what a wonderful

      names

      thanks

      cheers

      easwaran

      1. it's better not to talk about religious matters in this blog… it's an advice.. not an order… and i am writing this because i have concern about this blog.. thanks…

    2. Dear Ganesh Gopalakrishnan,

      The distinction between MIS & MS in terms of the schools that offer them (business schools & engineering schools) is illuminating. Taking off from there, can you also share your experience in terms of difference in admission criteria, cost of the course and probability of the admission?

      Regards

      1. V.Kalyanaraman,

        Business schools require a GMAT while Engineering schools require a GRE. But, it completely varies depending on the university. If you search this site, you will get a general idea about the tuition and probability of course. If you need specific details about your case and your admission chances based on your scores and universities selected, HSB premium site will help you.

        Thanks,
        Ganesh.

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