Joint Degree vs Dual Degree: What's the Difference?
A joint or dual degree conveys multiple benefits, from broadening [...]
Technology creates more jobs than it automates out of existence—hundreds of thousands of well-paying new positions each year. Launching a career in tech is clearly a smart move, but one that requires some thought. That’s because there are so many vastly different disciplines in this sector.
Computer science and information systems are just two of the five major computing disciplines, but they encompass hundreds of career pathways between them. Some are very technical, others less so. Some are research-based, others practical. All involve working with computers.
If you have an affinity for tech and an aptitude for mathematics and programming, picking one of these disciplines over the other might not be easy. The first step involves choosing between a master’s in computer science and a master’s in information systems, which can be similarly challenging. Some guides will tell you that computer science is a theoretical discipline, while information systems focuses on business IT. However, this ignores that most computer science grads don’t work in research and that plenty of information systems specialists spend their days coding or building hardware.
As you assess degree programs, don’t assume that getting a master’s degree in computer science is a road to riches and prestige, while an information systems management degree will lead to a career behind a help desk. Nothing could be further from the truth.
We put together this guide to showcase how much these disciplines have in common and help you figure out which degree supports your goals. In it, we look at computer science vs. information systems and cover:
There are plenty of good reasons to get a computer science master’s. The demand for qualified comp sci professionals is high, as are computer science salaries. The MSCS will give you a bigger post-graduation salary boost than most other graduate technology degrees. According to Forbes, this is one of the top paycheck-boosting master’s degrees. An MSCS will also give you a competitive edge when you’re competing against job seekers with similar experience. And there are some areas of computer science that are hard to break into without a graduate degree.
There’s no such thing as a typical master’s in computer science curriculum, though most students take classes in subjects like:
The reason many schools don’t have a core MSCS curriculum is that concentrations frequently dictate the courses students take (more on this below). At Southern Methodist University, for example, students pursuing an MSCS in artificial intelligence take core classes related to that concentration.
There are also MSCS programs in which students design custom curricula. The University of Tulsa‘s MSCS program’s broad requirements allow students to dive deeper into their areas of interest. Students complete 30 credit hours of coursework made up of graduate-level computer science courses selected with a program advisor’s help.
The answer depends on what you want to do with your degree. While some computer science careers will grow faster than the national average across tech jobs, projections vary considerably by title and sector. Jobs for software developers are being created more quickly than jobs in other computer science areas, but hardware engineering jobs are lagging at present. And while cyber security and data science are both hot areas of computer science now, job creation in both may be slowed by innovations in automation.
MSCS graduates work in fields like:
They also earn good money. Early career computer science jobs for developers, analysts, and architects may not pay $100,000+ but most entry-level jobs in computer science pay more than the national average across occupations. The median annual salary for MSCS graduates is $101,000, and senior-level roles pay more. The highest-paying computer science jobs include:
MSCS specializations are usually highly technical. Common concentration options include:
How long it takes to earn an MSCS may depend on the type of program you choose. The most technologically advanced computer science master’s programs typically take two years of full-time, intensive study to complete. Students in these programs designed for experienced tech professionals also have to meet thesis, capstone course, co-op project, or practicum requirements to graduate. Students who work while enrolled in part-time MSCS programs can take up to five years to graduate while accelerated computer science master’s programs last just 18 months. One-year computer science master’s programs are relatively rare, but some online MSCS programs (including online computer science master’s for non-CS majors enable motivated students willing to take heavy course loads to graduate in 15 months.
These colleges and universities are home to some of the best graduate computer science programs:
The average computer science master’s degree costs about $40,000, but you don’t have to spend that much to get an MSCS. While the most prestigious computer science master’s programs typically cost upward of $60,000, there are some budget-friendly programs that cost just $10,000 from start to finish. The MSCS programs at HBCUs tend to be very affordable, if not quite that affordable.
The answer depends on what you want to do with your degree. While some computer science careers will grow faster than the national average across tech jobs, projections vary considerably by title and sector. Jobs for software developers are being created more quickly than jobs in other computer science areas, but hardware engineering jobs are lagging at present. And while cyber security and data science are both hot areas of computer science now, job creation in both may be slowed by innovations in automation.
The MSCS is the more versatile degree because computer science programs often include information systems in the curriculum while information systems and IT programs seldom teach advanced engineering.
University and Program Name | Learn More |
The University of Tennessee:
Online Master of Computer Science
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Merrimack College:
Master of Science in Computer Science
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Stevens Institute of Technology:
Master of Science in Computer Science
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Tufts University:
Master of Science in Computer Science
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University of Washington:
Master of Science in Information Management
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Stevens Institute of Technology:
Master of Engineering in Engineering Management
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University of Washington:
Master of Library and Information Science
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Computer science and information systems are closely related tech disciplines; the dividing line between them is anything but clear. Some resources sum up the difference by asserting that computer science is concerned with the development of new technology, while information systems is concerned with the application of that technology. Others say computer science encompasses everything having to do with computational thinking, software, hardware, and algorithms, while information systems encompases only the business applications of those things (which is why the MBA in Information Systems exists). Still others treat information systems as a branch of computer science primarily focused on the software and hardware used to collect, store, process, and analyze data.
What we can state with certainty is that Master of Science in Computer Science (MSCS) programs are usually more technical, while Master of Information Systems (MIS) programs more equally split time to technology and its business applications. There are also programs, however, in which MIS students learn to optimize existing computer technology and to create new tech, as well as MSCS programs for non-CS grads that teach basic programming, network administration, and information technology strategy.
MSCS programs and MIS programs each involve programming, tend to be structured around concentrations, and prepare students for technology careers. Courses in both may touch on topics like software engineering, database creation, and network security, but students in information systems master’s programs are more likely to study technical topics in the context of business.
Master’s in information systems programs (which sometimes confer degrees like the Master of Science in Information Management or the MS in Computer Information Systems) are also largely concentration-based, making it difficult to nail down the average MIS curriculum. Topics covered across programs include:
How technical the MIS curriculum gets varies from school to school. Some programs (like the one at Stevens Institute of Technology) are offered by business schools and emphasize the business applications of technology. Others treat information systems as a technical discipline. Quora commenter Levi Heidrick studied at the University of Kansas‘ School of Engineering and had this to say about the program:
“At my university both degrees are offered through the school of engineering, so either way you get an engineering degree. Both degrees require courses in discrete mathematics, statistics, and physics. Plus data structures and algorithms as well as other various programming courses including database, operating system, and software engineering.”
There are also programs like Boston University‘s MS in Computer Information Systems that prepare students to work in the business side of tech but also let students take elective comp sci courses like Advanced Programming and Advanced Cryptography.
Master of Information Systems concentrations tend to be more application-focused and include:
Colleges and universities approach master’s-level technology programs differently, and program length can vary considerably.
Earning an MIS can take anywhere from one year for full-time students who can take time off work to three years or more for students in part-time information systems master’s programs. Two-year programs are standard, but some highly rated colleges and universities have accelerated one-year and 16-month MIS programs among the best in the US.
Highly ranked information technology master’s programs and comp sci programs have regularly updated curricula, expert faculty, robust career support, and high post-graduation employment rates. The best programs also have relationships with companies in the technology field to facilitate real-world, hands-on experience before graduation and lead to career opportunities after.
Some of the best on-campus an online information systems master’s programs are offered by:
The average graduate student leaves school carrying about $45,000 in student loan debt. If cost is one of your primary concerns, be aware that you may pay less for an MIS than for an MSCS.
The average cost of a MIS degree is about $30,000, though many online information systems master’s programs cost less. While $10,000 MSCS programs are relatively rare, there are a fair number of MIS programs at state schools that won’t cost much more than that if you qualify for resident tuition. On the other end of the spectrum, high-profile programs like the one at Carnegie Mellon cost upwards of $115,000.
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) publishes growth predictions for computer and information technology professions as an umbrella category that includes not only computer scientists and programmers but also information research scientists and information systems managers. Employment in computing roles is projected to grow 11 percent over the next 10 years, but that doesn’t tell us much about how MSCS and MIS holders will fare.
BLS data suggests that jobs for computer and information systems managers are also being created more quickly than is typical for all occupations. That doesn’t mean, however, that all the roles associated with this discipline are in demand. Employers are creating jobs for computer systems analysts relatively slowly while the outlook for information security analysts is booming.
Earning a master’s degree in either computer science or information systems can lead to six-figure paychecks because both provide you the qualifications to step into senior-level and management positions.
The average salary for MIS holders is about $86,000, but salaries in information systems are comparable to computer science salaries when you get into management. These positions include:
MIS graduates also work in roles like:
Many roles in tech are open to both MSCS and MIS holders, including:
One of the highest-paying roles in tech—Chief Technology Officer—is also open to professionals with both degrees. At large corporations, experienced CTOs can earn seven figures after bonuses and other non-salary compensation.
An information systems master’s is worthwhile, too. High-profile companies across industries like Ernst & Young, Amazon, IBM, Accenture, and GM employ MIS grads, and jobs in this discipline are abundant. In a Quora thread about careers in information systems, one commenter wrote, “My career has given me a lot of flexibility—you can work in a variety of different jobs, from programmer to analyst, to technical project manager, and beyond. It has good pay, and it’s always been easy for me to find jobs. Most jobs are pretty flexible and allow at least some work from home.”
The bottom line is that if your goals include earning top dollar in a tech career and you have your eye on senior-level or management positions, getting a master’s degree is a smart idea. Which one is up to you.
Master of Science in Computer Science (MSCS) programs are usually highly technical. They’re typically geared toward professionals with well-developed programming skills and professional experience in fields like application development (though there are some computer science master’s programs for non-CS grads).
Some colleges and universities treat information technology (IT) as part of computer science. Others treat it as part of business (much as many tech-focused analytics programs are administered by business schools). Don’t assume an information technology master’s program will dive deep into the tech underlying computer systems, operating networks, and databases—although it might. Whether a Master of Science in Information Technology (MSIT) degree is administered by the business school or the comp sci department can provide a clue about its focus.
We sum up the similarities and differences between the MSCS and MSIT below. However, you’ll still need to read program guides carefully to differentiate among specific MSCS and MSIT programs.
Computer science master’s programs and information technology-focused programs differ significantly in focus. Both can be highly technical, involve courses in programming languages, and offer specialization areas, but that’s generally where the similarities end. Computer science master’s degree programs are often advanced and geared toward students with a strong background in computer science. Courses don’t cover the fundamentals of programming, software engineering, and computer language theory because students are expected to arrive with a firm grasp of all three.
Meanwhile, information technology master’s programs are geared toward students preparing for careers in fields like IT project management, IT security, or information systems design and architecture. Classes in information technology master’s programs blend technical concepts with business and management fundamentals.
The typical master’s in information technology curriculum takes a multidisciplinary approach to computers and their applications in a real-world context. Students learn about the role of information management in different fields and IT strategy in courses that cover topics like:
Concentrations for IT specialists tend to focus on the practical applications of computer systems in various environments. MSIT students choose from among concentrations like:
Earning a graduate-level IT degree usually takes one to two years. If getting a graduate degree as quickly as possible is one of your priorities, you’re in luck. Accelerated IT programs are much more common than accelerated computer science programs. Be aware, however, that you may need to take a leave of absence from work to study full-time if you want to graduate in just 12 months (even in more flexible online master’s in information technology programs).
Highly ranked information technology master’s programs and comp sci programs have regularly updated curricula, expert faculty, robust career support, and high post-graduation employment rates. The best programs also have relationships with companies in the technology field that make it easier for computer scientists and IT professionals to gain real-world, hands-on experience before graduation and lead to career opportunities after.
The following schools are home to some of the best information technology master’s programs:
Many graduate students finish school with substantial debt—about $45,000 for advanced degree holders, according to some surveys. You don’t have to spend that much to earn an MSCS or an MSIT, however.
The MSIT is the less-expensive degree. Most programs cost between $13,000 and $54,000 in total tuition, though programs at high-profile colleges and universities can cost a lot more. Meanwhile, the most affordable master’s in information technology programs cost less than $8,000. You probably won’t get the same post-graduation support in a lower-budget program, but you will learn skills that can help you launch a career in tech.
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) groups computer and information technology professions in its growth estimates. Employment in computer and information research is projected to grow 11 percent over the next 10 years, but that doesn’t tell the whole story.
Information technology jobs are often more stable than computer science careers because they support business operations and manufacturing processes directly. Most of the IT careers the BLS tracks are projected to grow more quickly than other jobs over the next decade, which means qualified IT professionals should be in demand for years to come.
Both the MSCS and MSIT can help you land six-figure jobs in tech. Both can help you overcome career plateaus and qualify for management positions. The work you do, however, will differ depending on which degree pathway you choose.
MSIT holders usually work in roles that involve:
Average salaries in information technology careers are close to $90,000. There are also six-figure IT salaries. The highest-paying roles include:
Some career pathways are open to both MSCS holders and MSIT holders, but the computer science master’s is the more versatile academic pathway. Much of what you’ll learn in a broadly focused MSCS program can boost your hireability in IT, and the program you choose may even cover topics related to information technology. The online Master of Science in Computer Science curriculum at Stevens Institute of Technology, for example, includes core courses like Database Management Systems, Distributed Systems & Cloud Computing, and Computer Organization & Programming. Some programs, like the Master of Science in Computing and Information Science at Case Western Reserve University, split the difference.
Just be aware that most Master of Science in Information Technology programs don’t cover topics like advanced engineering and computational theory. Consequently, a computer science master’s graduate can usually step into roles like information technology architect or director of IT. Still, it’s much harder for MSIT graduates to transition into roles involving software development or hardware automation.
Now that you have more information about computer science degrees vs. information technology degrees, it should be easier to choose the right one for you. You may still be wondering, however, whether you need a master’s degree at all. It’s true that merely having a graduate degree won’t guarantee success in tech. Plenty of software developers make big bucks without degrees, and there are probably master’s degree holders stuck working at the help desk. The bottom line is that if you want to make top dollar in technology jobs and/or advance into senior-level or management positions in computer science and IT, getting a master’s degree can’t hurt. As to which degree, let’s take one last look at the benefits.
Again, the answer is yes. An information technology master’s is worth it, and not just because you’ll get more respect in business environments where advanced degrees are common. You’ll also earn more, be less susceptible to economic downturns, and have the bona fides to brand yourself as the information technology expert in your organization.
Now that you have more information about computer science degrees vs. information technology degrees, it should be easier to choose the right one for you. You may still be wondering, however, whether you need a master’s degree at all. It’s true that merely having a graduate degree won’t guarantee success in tech. Plenty of software developers make big bucks without degrees, and there are probably master’s degree holders stuck working at the help desk. The bottom line is that if you want to make top dollar in technology jobs and/or advance into senior-level or management positions in computer science and IT, getting a master’s degree can’t hurt. As to which degree, let’s take one last look at the benefits.
Again, the answer is yes. An information technology master’s is worth it, and not just because you’ll get more respect in business environments where advanced degrees are common. You’ll also earn more, be less susceptible to economic downturns, and have the bona fides to brand yourself as the information technology expert in your organization.
When it comes to which degree is the better choice, there’s no right answer. Ultimately, you should choose whichever will support your career goals and satisfy your curiosity.
Questions or feedback? Email editor@noodle.com
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Categorized as: Computer Science, Information Technology, Information Technology & Engineering