Dear Bob ... I'm recently returning to college to get a BS degree that I didn't finish many moons ago. I'm contemplating either a degree in computer science or one in Computer Information Systems. Which do you think is the more marketable degree and which do you think monetarily is the better degree. I like both fields so what I want to do isn't really an issue. Thanks, - Academically inclined Dear Tilted . Dear Bob …I’m recently returning to college to get a BS degree that I didn’t finish many moons ago. I’m contemplating either a degree in computer science or one in Computer Information Systems.Which do you think is the more marketable degree and which do you think monetarily is the better degree. I like both fields so what I want to do isn’t really an issue.Thanks,– Academically inclined Dear Tilted …There’s no right answer.From the perspective of marketability, I’d have to say the degree in computer information systems probably addresses the larger marketplace. What makes the answer difficult is that it’s also a more crowded marketplace. That is, there are a lot more IT professionals going after jobs in business IT organizations than in software development companies, which is where computer science degrees come in the handiest. Monetarily, I’d have to say software development companies will generally pay more. I’d also have to say that these are also the higher-risk environments, so even there I can’t make a blanket statement that will help you decide.Bigger pond, more fish in it, less food but a constant supply. Smaller pond, fewer fish in it, either no food or a whole cow wanders through. Which is the better place to be a fish?There’s one other factor to consider, but it doesn’t necessarily add any clarity: Whether your goal is to remain in a technical role or “graduate” into management. On the surfact it might appear that the computer information systems degree would give you the edge here, and it does. Unless, that is, you consider the advantages of pursuing an MBA later one in pursuit of this goal. where you might find a need to acquire an MBA. At that point, the image of also having both an MBA and a true computer science degree to accompany it is more powerful than a computer information systems degree plus an MBA.Now that I’ve annoyed you, might I suggest you start with a different question: In which of the two environments are you most likely to be among the top 10% (not academically, but once you’re out in the job market)? That, after all, is what gets you hired, keeps you hired, and gets you paid what you’re looking for.Put it this way: If what you want to do next is be a developer, in particular for a software vendor but also for a systems integrator, I think you’ll find the computer science degree is, if not mandatory, then at least highly advantageous. If you want your next job to be in industry (that is, business IT), then the degree in computer information systems is the way to go. – Bob ——– Technology Industry