MIS Courses

Some one asked what courses MIS majors take now.
Typically an MIS major has been taking theses courses:
MIS 257, 290, 310, 333, 340, 350, 470, 475 and a senior MIS elective unsually 420.
These are 257 Bus. Programming, 290 Principles of MIS,
310 Systems Analsys and Design, 333 Networking, 340 Database mgt, 350 E-Commerce (just dropped as a requirement)
420 Security, 470 Senior Project, 475 Strategic MIS
We have combined our 2 programming courses into one.
Dropped 350 E-Commerce as a requirement
Added MIS 200 Business Systems Applications
the full undergraduate catalogue is at http://www.marshall.edu/catalog/Undergraduate/ug_09-10.pdf the course list starts on page 438.

a call for testimonials of the MIS program

The MIS faculty are on a project to promote the MIS program. Enrollment in our program has been down in recent years. So we would like to hear from you, our graduates. We would like your testimonial of how the MIS program at Marshall University prepared you for your career.

We would like your testimonial in one of three formats, in order of preference.

First, it would be great if you could make a short video of yourself.

Or second, if you could just record yourself talking and include a picture.

Or third, just your written testimonial (and a picture would be nice).

Here are some ideas of things to include.

· Talking about your experience in the MIS program

· positive course experiences

· your career since graduating

· your views on MIS career opportunities

· your advice to current students

Many students have questions about the types of jobs there qualified for with an MIS degree. So if you could take a moment and briefly described the types of jobs you have had and how your degree prepared you.

If you're not comfortable giving a full testimonial, please just take a moment and tell me something positive or negative that resulted from your majoring in MIS.

Traditionally, we have not done well recruiting female students into the program. So we would really like to hear from our female graduates. If you have any suggestions on how to help us improve our recruiting activities please feel free to contact any member of the MIS faculty.

Thanks for your help!!!!

Rick

Bobby C.'s Reply

Let me begin to give my insight on what life outside college is really like. First, if students are going to be receiving an MIS degree, they will have to leave for any decent job. WV continuously ranks among the worst earning potential, when compared with the other 50 states. After I received my MIS degree I worked non-technical jobs (and still do). Only after leaving West Virginia (my girlfriend moved to Missouri), did I experience any sort of hope for jobs making over minimum wage. I have yet to use the knowledge that I have mostly forgotten (thanks in part to staying in West Virginia and the failing economy). Statistics show that 80 some percent of all college graduates never accept or receive jobs in their fields. This may sound negative and I hope it’s not perceived as such, but the MIS department needs to figure out better coursework that may help students achieve what employers are looking for. When I was an MIS student most of the coursework (upper level classes) focused on team-work. This was the biggest mistake (in my opinion) that the department participated in. Yes, when you go to work you face challenges and have to interact with co-workers and sometimes customers on a daily basis, but interjecting students with what the MIS professors heard from surrounding business is just plain stupid. I had all the interaction I needed and team-building while working at 16 years of age and through college. I would STRONGLY suggest that the MIS department not put thoughts of “growing” and “high-paying” fields into the mantra to attract students. Most employers aren’t looking specifically for a college educated student, they want results. Out of all the MIS students that I know of (some I graduated with, others before and after me), only two are using their degree. One double majored in math and MIS and the other got his job because of Nepotism. So to give students a “real” measure for what awaits them with an MIS degree

Ø Moving away from WV to accept a wage that you deserve

Ø Move toward taking certifications (employers always seem to ask for them)

Ø Don’t believe there is a job waiting for you (this economy is tough and the more qualifications you have, the better off you’ll be)

Ø Apply knowledge you learn with Access, Excel, C+, to real world problems. If possible develop small programs that you can use and save those that work for references during job interviews

Most of the MIS books that were used in the last year of classes taught me nothing important to the field of MIS. I would strongly suggest students checking out the Head First book series when trying to learn or refresh their skills.

Bobby Christian

Quality Analyst

US Bank

Nevada, MO

MIS Alumni 2004

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