Seidenberg Programs: Information Technology vs. Information Systems

Congratulations to students who have been accepted into Pace University’s Seidenberg School of CSIS! Upon joining our community, one of the first things you’ll likely notice is our wide range of undergraduate and graduate degrees. However, our Information Technology and Information Systems majors are two programs that are often confused with one another. As you may or may not know, Information Technology focuses more on the use of systems to store, retrieve, and transmit data, whereas Information Systems is centered on figuring out the best ways to use the data collected. Knowing and understanding the difference between the two is essential to making the best decision regarding which program you should choose.


WHAT TO EXPECT AS AN INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY MAJOR?

Man working at a computer.

As an Information Technology major, you’ll be studying the systems that operate computers, networks, and more. Through the curriculum for this program, students will get to explore a series of fundamental courses in Information Technology. Additionally, you will also get a chance to select an area of focus in IT. These focus areas include security, software development, networking, information management, and computer forensics. However, for those of you who want to take a more liberal approach, you can also create your own interdisciplinary focus.

Security

With a focus in security, you’ll have a brief intro to programming, along with an overview of networking and internet security. Through the programming course, you’ll learn basic operations of Java generally used to solve business and systems-related dilemmas. In addition to correcting system errors, you’ll also be shown how to develop operating systems for various environments.

Software Development

For this concentration, you will be able to take not only one but two courses in programming, which combined will help deepen your overall understanding of coding. In the other courses for this focus, you’ll also get the chance to explore how to analyze and design systems that manage organizations in an effective way.

Networking

Choosing a focus in networking will allow you to take an introductory programming course alongside two other classes that will shape your foundational knowledge of networks and security.

Information Management 

Pursuing this focus will teach you everything you need to know about information management skills, such as project planning and systems testing. In addition to that, you’ll also learn to master the art of developing databases and extracting data for analysis.

Computer Forensics

This concentration will provide you with the knowledge needed to conduct forensic investigations by understanding how to locate and extract permissible digital evidence on computers and other mobile devices. 

WHAT TO EXPECT AS AN INFORMATION SYSTEMS MAJOR?

People sitting down for a discussion.

Students who are interested in Information Systems will learn how organizations utilize data to make sound business decisions. Through the curriculum, you’ll be encouraged to take marketing and accounting-based classes to help make these assessments. Unlike the Information Technology major, this one doesn’t require you to select an area of focus, however, you do get to choose from a series of electives offered through the program. Information Systems does include various IT concepts, but in a way that focuses on how that data is interpreted by people. Outside of the electives provided, the Information Systems major is split into the Information Systems Core and the Information Systems Environment.

INFORMATION SYSTEMS CORE

The Information Systems Core will show you the ins and outs of the computer’s basic components, which will include an understanding of its hardware and how to effectively troubleshoot problems. With this understanding, you’ll then get into the basics of Java with two introductory programming classes. Other topics you’ll explore include global networking and distributed computing. With global networking, you’ll examine the technology used for business telecommunications while also observing case studies between various organizations. Distributed computing will show you the difference between distributed and centralized systems, along with how to address systems-related issues. On top of that, you will also learn how to design, implement, and analyze various systems.

INFORMATION SYSTEMS ENVIRONMENT

The Information Systems Environment courses cover the business aspect of Information Systems. Through financial accounting, you’ll discover the essentials of making sound administrative decisions from a business, government, and nonprofit perspective. Meanwhile, in your managerial accounting course, you will focus more on the implementation of the data collected rather than the collection of data itself. In your other courses, you will be taught basic macroeconomic principles such as economic growth and banking, managerial planning and leadership, and marketing fundamentals like product development, advertising, and sales.

THE TAKEAWAY

Although different, both programs allow students to earn credits for completing a capstone project or interning at an approved worksite. Regardless of which one you choose, both options provide you with work experience that will benefit you upon graduating from either program. With a degree in Information Technology, your career opportunities can range from IT consultant to computer technician and more. Whereas, with a degree in Information Systems, you’ll find that careers in database administration, the healthcare industry, or even the government are within your scope of opportunities. Whichever you decide, we intend to provide you with all the tools and support you need to succeed.

 

Learn about our master’s and doctoral programs at upcoming brunch and evening receptions

Thinking about a master’s or doctoral degree in technology? Pace University’s Seidenberg School of Computer Science and Information Systems offers a focused program of study in areas like computer science, information systems, software development, telecommunications and networks, enterprise analytics, and more.

We have a series of graduate information sessions coming up in August – register to learn about our master’s and doctoral programs!

Whether you’ve recently obtained your undergraduate degree or already have a master’s and are looking to take your education and expertise to the next level, the Seidenberg School can provide you with a rigorous program of courses, practical experience, research and the chance to present your work that will result in a meaningful degree – opening up a world of potential job opportunities, high salaries, and rewarding work.

Seidenberg graduates with a master’s degree go on to earn $83,050 on average within a year of graduation with companies like Google, Microsoft, Mastercard, JP Morgan Chase, Verizon, and more.

Our two doctoral degrees offer a robust program of coursework and dissertation research. The Doctor of Professional Studies (DPS) for Computing and IT professionals provides students the opportunity to pursue a doctorate part time while working full time in a program that extends their careers by an average of 13 years. The PhD in Computer Science cultivates advanced computing research scholars and professionals who will be competent in both industry and academia.

We are holding two events; one on each of Pace University’s campuses. Please register for your selected date to learn more about what a degree from Pace University can do for you.

We can’t wait to meet you!

Register

Meet Jill Olimpieri, our new Event and Program Manager

Let’s all get together and shout out a massive welcome to our new event and program manager, Jill Olimpieri, who is already pretty much running the shop at our Pleasantville campus!

Jill may be new to Pace but she has a long history with working at universities… none as good as us, though. That’s evident from the way she considers joining the Seidenberg family one of her best decisions yet (and we agree)!

We asked Jill to kindly give us all of the details of her life, and she kindly obliged. Read on to learn all about our awesome new program manager!

As always – why Seidenberg?

I knew the moment that I took the elevator to the third floor of Goldstein, that Seidenberg was the right place for me. From the close-knit community to the amazing faculty, staff, and students, I knew that I would be able to grow professionally and personally. I enjoy that Pace is established and values tradition but, more specifically, the culture at Seidenberg allows for creativity and growth.

How are you finding it so far?

To be honest, no two days here at Seidenberg have been the same. I’ve learned a lot (I mean A LOT) about Seidenberg and the students. I have had the chance to be involved at both the PLV and NYC campuses, which has been a positive learning experience (or more so feeling like I could be Laina & Ava Posner’s forgotten older sister). Thankfully, everyone here has been extremely welcoming, which has solidified my reasons as to why I chose Seidenberg.

So what exactly does an events and program manager do?

In my new role, I am planning the Mobile App Contest, creating new programs and opportunities for the students, and assisting in recruitment initiatives. I’ll be serving as Advisor for the Seidenberg Tech Collective in PLV, so if you’re reading this blog, make sure you join!! Helping make Seidenberg bigger and better than ever is my top job responsibility, alongside many other talented staff and faculty members.

What are you looking forward to doing?

The most exciting thing I am looking forward to is providing opportunities that will continue making Seidenberg students stand out amongst the rest. Whether that means finding innovative opportunities off campus, or creating new ones, I am looking forward to using my imagination to help the students. Also, I’ll be heading to the Design Factory in April, so that seems like a pretty awesome opportunity, too!

What did you do before Seidenberg?

Before moving back to the Big Apple, I worked at colleges in New Hampshire, including Southern New Hampshire University and my alma mater, Keene State College. I earned my Master’s degree in Higher Ed Leadership, which led me to opportunities in assessment, event planning, and advising. I also was the Director at a Child Care Program for children aged 3-13, but decided I prefer to work with Big Kids, aka Dean Hill. I was then offered this new exciting opportunity as Events & Program Manager, and it has been one of my best decisions yet! I am looking forward to the future of Seidenberg and all it has to offer.

What do you do in your free time?

I spend my weekends traveling to see some of my closest friends. I am always seeking new adventures with my four legged child, Georgia; you can find us somewhere frolicking near a body of water. I also consider myself a Professional Bridesmaid (not kidding…well maybe) and am always interested in making new memories whenever I can. I also really like donuts – anything to do with donuts is a win in my eyes!

Anything to do with donuts is a win in anybody’s eyes, so Jill is certainly not alone! Some of the programs Jill is working on can be found on our high school outreach page – be sure to get in touch if you’d like to hear more about them!

Welcome to the Seidenberg family, Jill! We are delighted to have you on board!

Hear What Students, Faculty, and Guests Have to Say After a Successful Year in Pace’s NACTEL Program

The video footage of this May’s NACTEL Graduation Luncheon is finally available for all to view. In four parts, tune in to hear what Seidenberg Dean Amar Gupta, students, guests, and faculty all have to say about the program and their personal experiences.

Dean Gupta shares his gratitude with the 2013 NACTEL Graduates.

The following links will take you directly to the videos:

Part I
Part II
Part III
Part IV 

 

Enjoy!

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