A: Currently evolving are three branches of information degrees. Each has subtle and distinct differences.

1. Information Systems Technology is a heavily applied field geared primarily for students with an AS degree or a specific certificate (CNE, CCNA, MCSE, etc.) that wish to expand their knowledge of the field of information technology. Courses in IST are primarily hands-on and prepare the student for jobs running the hardware and software systems that handle information within an organization. In this program, students are expected to fully understand and be able to design, implement, and manage distributed information systems. They are provided with the following specialization areas:  
-Databases (4 courses)
-Local and Wide Area Networks (4 courses)
- Digital Technology and Computer Organization (4 courses)
-Software Design and implementation (4 courses)
Offered by the Engineering Technology Department, College of Engineering and Computer Science www.ent.ucf.edu.

2. Information Technology is a degree that comes from the fields of computer science. It has the strongest emphasis on theory and prepares the students for careers that relate the job of a computer science major with the field of information technology. Offered by the Computer Science Department, College of Engineering and Computer Science www.seecs.ucf.edu.

3. Programs in Management Information Systems prepare individuals to apply computing and information systems in organizations. This comprises the identification of opportunities to use the computer advantageously, the definition of problems which might be solved by information systems, the design and development of computer-based information systems, the training or organizational personnel in the use and operation of the information systems, and the continuing life cycle management of information systems. These tasks may be contrasted with those for which graduates of computer science programs are prepared: the design of such computer-based artifacts as operating systems and language compilers (not organizational information systems). And with those of computer engineers: the design of computing hardware and operating systems (not organizational information systems). Offered by the MIS Department, College of Business Administration www.bus.ucf.edu.

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Last Updated 01/26/04