[KLUG Members] Dropping CIS enrollments

[Doc Rea]

Hey all:

I want to throw in my two cents here.

Disclaimer: I am a prof. at a little school in Kzoo called WMU. I am in 
the CIS program.

That being said it's tough to completely answer this question, but I can 
offer some starting points below...

econophil at charter.net wrote:
> I've just been talking to CIS instructors at KVCC. Several of their usual courses were cancelled due to low enrollment and in general their enrollments have plummeted.
> 

WMU has had lower enrollments as well here. Some of this is the cut in 
international students post-9/11 (we lost at least a 1/3 of the major) 
Other factors have to do with the fact that the tech jobs aren't as 
plentiful as they once were. A few years ago a CIS degree meant four or 
five job offers. Now, it takes a bit longer. I'm seeing that most 
students can get an IT job within six monts of graduation (some before).

> Question to those of you "out there" who see what is happening in the job market: 
> --Are students not taking these courses because they've learned that there aren't jobs in the field?

Part of this is the case. We have fewer students, but the ones we have 
now are truly dedicated and enjoy the major.

> --Do students need a bachelor's in CIS rather than an associate's, to get jobs today? Or do they need computer science?

I think students need to take a major that they enjoy. You're looking 
for different types of jobs if you have a BBA rather than an associate 
degree. It depends on what kind of job you want.

Whether to go CS versus CIS is always a major discussion. Once again, it 
depends on what you want to do. We have found that businesses like 
students who understand business basics and can apply programming to 
business processes. CIS students get a lot of business background. 
However, I know of CS students who minor in CIS. That helped them as well.

> --Is it Kalamazoo?

Maybe. Hiring trends are starting to pick up in major metro areas. 
Kalamazoo isn't quite there yet. GR is a good place if you want to stay 
near. Of course Chicago or Detroit are good choices.


> --What should students be taking these days if not  CIS/computer science?

If you're asking this question it's OK. I wouldn't see it as a binary 
choice though. You can try different things and see what you like. It 
isn't worth it to major in CIS or CS unless you love the stuff. If you 
prefer sociology, stats, history, etc. go that way. You'll be happier in 
the long run.

Hope that helps.