FAQs of MIS

Dear MS Aspirants,

Its really been long that I have answered any of the questions posted as comments on this portal! I really do apologize! While some of you might have already made a decision and moved on, I am more than sure that following write-up would be much useful for many others! Without wasting much time, lets move on -

1. MIS vs CS
Well yes, CS is usually hard code programming but also focussed on algorithms, trees and data structures. MIS on the other hand gives you a good comprehensive understanding of technicalities without having to dive much into the details. The basic goal of any MIS program is usually to equip you with the knowledge & skillset necessary to manage Information Systems in any given company.

2. Curriculum
Each university has its own defined period curriculum with some offering optional business courses. However, curriculum is dynamic and each university tries to re-visit its course structure every 2-3 yrs to attract the best and the brightest. I thus highly recommend you all to check and connect with students and other aspirants on edulix.com for recent developments in any particular university that you are interested.

3. Fees
In most of the universities, MIS is usually twice as costly as CS. The typical fee for MIS is $15k/sem but can greatly vary from university to university.

4. Assistantship
Again, understand that each university is different and there is no single answer to this question. While I was part of UofA, I witnessed that most of the students would have assistantship by second semester.
Assistantship (GA/TA) usually comes as either 10 hrs or 20 hrs. 10 hrs assistanship usually helps waive around 40-60% fees while 20 hrs assistantship can waive around 60-85% fees depending upon individual universities. The assistantships are usually accompanied by hourly stipend of typical $15/hr.
As an international student, you are allowed to work only 20 hrs for first 9 months of your curriculum.

5. CPT/OPT/Internship/Full Time Job
CPT is Curriculum Practical Training. Basically a legal permission that as a part of your curriculum, you are allowed to work 40 hrs a week. CPT is typically valid for 3 months but can be extended to as much as 9 months (I believe). Most students apply for CPT during summer time to work as intern in official companies. Most of the universities demand that one pays 3 credit worth fees for CPT.
Optional Practical Training (OPT) on the other hand is applied for when you have graduated. It usually is valid for 1 yr during which you should request your employer to while for H-1B visa. Many universities are trying to bring their MIS program under an umrella that allows for 17 months of OPT extension (12 + 17). Note that you do NOT pay Social Security Tax & Medicare Tax while on any of OPT or CPT.
The typical job profile after graduating with MIS is that of Analyst (business/system/technical) or consultant. The job scope of each title varies greatly from company to company.

I understand that I have only briefly touched the topics that you may be seeking an in-depth information about. Please feel free to leave sensible questions as comments and I will try to include those in this FAQ section.

Once again, good luck in your thirst for more knowledge.


Disclaimer: All the information presented above is based on limited knowledge that I possess. The information above should in NO way affect the decisions you have made and I would or should NOT be responsible for any loss of any form!