TESC - BSBA in Computer Information Systems

[BubbleHead87]

I have a question about this degree. I'm not sure if it is the way TESC named it, but is it essentially a bachelors in IT management?

[sanantone]

It's a business administration degree with an 18-credit concentration in CIS.

[UptonSinclair]

I will try to answer your question even though I am currently enrolled in Excelsior's BSBA-MIS degree. The degree's are very similar. With Excelsior, the choice of computer electives will determine if the degree is technical or management focused. If you are planning a management position, focus on courses like Project Management, Analysis and Design, etc. If you are planning for a more technical position, focus more on the area of you plan to work in. I plan to work in Web Development, so I am focusing more on technical courses and taking the minimum management type courses.

[sanantone]

At TESC, Systems Analysis and Design is required. I don't think Project Management would even be allowed in the CIS specialization. Also, at TESC, there is really not much of a difference between how computer science and computer information systems courses apply. Computer science courses can be used for the CIS concentration, BA in computer science, and BSAST in Information Technology. Most of the CIS courses can be used for the BA in computer science, CIS concentration, and BSAST in Information Technology. You can take a look at the CIS courses TESC offers to get an idea, but you will more than likely use some computer science or computer science technology courses to fill the specialization because TESC offers a limited number of CIS courses. There also aren't many test out options for just CIS. The other test out options will be COS or CMP. Unlike Excelsior, TESC does not have a managerial track or technical track; however, Excelsior's program is really not all that different. The difference between their managerial track and technical track is 9 credits. Their MIS concentration is a total of 18 credits.
Thomas Edison State College: Course Offerings

You can also take a look at the types of courses they recommend.
BSBA in Computer Information Systems Degree Program

In the end, it is mostly just a business administration degree that let's you take some technical courses. It is not an IT management degree. All of the BSBAs are exactly the same with the exception of the 18-credit specialization. That means the BSBA in Accounting, Marketing, Finance, or whatever is 85% like the BSBA in CIS.

[BubbleHead87]

Thank you for the help guys. I was always under the impression there is 3 main cat within the the computer field, IT, Comp Engineering and Comp science. The whole CIS thing threw me off. I was more interested in the IT field with a emphasis on the management side. I seen Excelsior provides a degree on it. I wasn't sure if TESC was the same but under a different name.

@Sinclair is taking courses with Excelsior similar to TESC? TESC is the only online course I have taken. I'm currently in the service and in the middle of changing my career field to IT. Hopefully I am able to transfer most of my military training and certs over.

[bricabrac]

Hi,

I thought this was an excellent, easy to digest, thread explaining the differences between CS, CIS and MIS.
Management of Info Systems vs Information Systems /Comp Science. Whats difference?


I would also search out posts on this forum by Geezer, (holds an Excelsior BS in business) his sons graduated from TESC with a BSBA CIS and BS CS. The son with the BS CS then went on to Florida State to begin a masters program. He offers a ton of information about both degrees, further education and career opportunities. Geezer is a long time poster so you'll have to sift through many threads or be as specific as you can when searching.

Ryoder received a BSBA CIS and a second bachelor's BA NSM and went on to complete his MBA in applied computer science (currently working on PhD program).

Also dcan is another forum member who has either earned or is completing a BS CS degree at TESC (switched from the BSBA). He holds an AAS Computer Science from CCAF. His posts may offer relevant military transfer guidance.

If information systems or computer science were my chosen field, by what I've read, I would go with either the BSBA CIS or BS in computer science.

Good luck in whichever road you choose!!

[UptonSinclair]

@Sinclair is taking courses with Excelsior similar to TESC?

I have only taken one course at Excelsior. They are expensive, so I try to find alternatives. The Kentucky Community College system has several lower level self-paced computer courses, so I knocked out several classes through them in less than a month. I only plan to complete 12 credits at Excelsior as part of my degree.

Because I haven't taken courses at TESC, it would be hard for me to make a comparison.