What is information systems?
Computer-based information systems have become a critical part of the products, services, and management of organizations. The effective and efficient use of information technology is an important element in achieving competitive advantage for business organizations and excellence in service for government and non-profit organizations. The information technology/information system strategy is an integral part of an organization strategy. The importance of information technology and information systems to organizations and the need for well-educated professionals in the field is the basis for a strong link between educational programs and the professional community of IS practitioners.
Information systems as a field of academic study began in the 1960s, a few years after the first use of computers for information processing by organizations. As organizations extended the use of information technology to operational processes, decision support, and competitive strategy, the academic field also grew in scope and depth. During this 30 year period of growth and change, different names have been used and the definition of the field has been enlarged. The simple term information systems (IS) has become the most commonly accepted, generic term to describe the discipline.
Differing names for the academic field of information systems
Information systems as a field of academic study exists under a variety of different names. The multiplicity of labels reflects historical development of the field, different ideas about how to characterize it, and different emphases when programs were begun. The following terms represent a sampling of names associated with the academic discipline of information systems:
- Information Systems
- Management Information Systems
- Computer Information Systems
- Information Management
- Business Information Systems
- Informatics
- Information Resources Management
- Information Technology Systems
- Information Technology Resources Management
- Accounting Information Systems
- Information Science
- Information and Quantitative Science
- The Scope of Information Systems
Information systems, as an academic field, encompasses two broad areas: (1) acquisition, deployment, and management of information technology resources and services (the information systems function) and (2) development and evolution of infrastructure and systems for use in organization processes (system development).
The information systems function has a broad responsibility to develop, implement, and manage an infrastructure of information technology (computers and communications), data (both internal and external), and organization-wide systems. It has the responsibility to track new information technology and assist in incorporating it into the organization's strategy, planning, and practices. The function also supports departmental and individual information technology systems.
What is computer science?
Computer science is a science with a primary focus of discovering new knowledge, with strong foundations in theory and selected application domains. This field is the basis for software engineering, just as chemistry forms the basis for chemical engineering or as physics forms the basis for electrical engineering. Examples include: theory of data structures, algorithms, programming languages, networks, operating systems, compilers, databases, architecture, artificial intelligence, robotics, and graphics.
The computer science program at Saint Michael's College has a strong emphasis in software development, or software engineering. To better understand this emphasis, consider the following definitions:
Engineering is building useful products for real people. The development of solutions to technical problems within economic, social and technical constraints under conditions of uncertainty. Examples include: bridges, highways, skyscrapers, automobiles, dams, nuclear reactors, power grids, airplanes, space shuttles, lunar bases, computers.
Software engineering is the engineering of computer software systems: requirements, design, construction, management and evolution of software for use by others in industry, office and home. SE applies the scientific background acquired in the foundations of computer science to the development, operation, and maintenance of reliable, efficient, large-scale systems. Examples include: Windows XP, space shuttle launch, flight, and landing software systems, micro-controllers for automobile engines, ATM software systems, C++, Internet/WWW, scanning systems in retail outlets, ordering systems for e-commerce.
Should I major in CS or IS?
There is a close relationship between information systems and computer science. In some schools, students in both areas may take common courses. However, information systems is unique in that its context is an organization and its information systems. This leads to important differences with computer science in the context of the work to be performed, the types of problems to be solved, the types of systems to be designed and managed, and the way the technology is employed.
Information systems concentrates on the organizational mission and objectives and the application of information technology to further these goals. Information Systems and Computer Science are distinct areas of study, but they both require a common subset of technical knowledge.
In general, computer science encompasses a larger umbrella of computing knowledge. Information systems contains a significant knowledge base, which is derived from Computer Science, in addition to the business/management knowledge base. Thus, if you want to be a computing generalist, study Computer Science. If you're interested in the implementation of computer-based information systems within business, study information systems.
As a rule, computer science requires more mathematics and technical skill than information systems. Also, our experience has shown that it is easier to move from being a CS major to an IS major than the other way around. Therefore, if you feel reasonably comfortable with the math requirements, then you should start out as a computer science major.