I'm heading into sophomore year as a CIS major at JMU and I've become really uninterested in a lot of the business classes I have to take, such as economics and accounting. I've realized that I'm much more interested in the technical side of computing, which has me considering switching to the IT or CS major at JMU.

I'm wondering which major would be the better fit. I'd appreciate any information about the quality of both programs, professors, difficulty, career outcomes, and overall versatility in the job market.

For some background, I have minimal coding experience. I took AP Computer Science A and an Intro to Cybersecurity course in high school, but that's about it. Even though I don't have a strong programming background, I'm still really interested in computing and would like to study something that focuses more on the technical side of computers rather than the business-oriented coursework in CIS.

Any advice from current students, alumni, or anyone familiar with the programs would be greatly appreciated.

VCU or ODU?

I’m currently a Computer Information Systems major at JMU and I’m planning on transferring, but I’m really stuck between VCU and ODU for Information Systems and could use advice from people who actually go there.

Some things drawing me to VCU:

• Being in Richmond and finding lots of things to do in the city
• very strong basketball/pep band environment
• really diverse student body and arts/music scene
• good location overall since it’s closer to my girlfriend at UVA and also not too far from family back home in Virginia Beach and Northern Virginia
• I like the city atmosphere a lot

Things drawing me to ODU:

• much closer to home
• actual campus feel compared to VCU's campus being mixed in the city
• having a football team alongside basketball as well
• still pretty diverse
• I’m very interested in cybersecurity and ODU seems stronger/more technical in that area

For context, I’m interested in either sticking with Information Systems or switching to Computer Science especially the BA program.

How do the schools compare socially, academically, internship-wise, and overall quality of life? Especially for someone transferring in.

Would really appreciate opinions from people at either school.

I’m currently a Computer Information Systems major at JMU and I’m planning on transferring, but I’m really stuck between VCU and ODU for Information Systems and could use advice from people who actually go there.

Some things drawing me to VCU:

• being in Richmond and having a lot to do in the city
• very strong basketball/pep band environment
• really diverse student body and arts/music scene
• good location overall since it’s closer to my girlfriend at UVA and also not too far from family back home in Virginia Beach and Northern Virginia
• I like the city atmosphere a lot

Things drawing me to ODU:

• much closer to home
• actual campus feel compared to VCU being mixed in the city
• having a football team alongside basketball as well
• still pretty diverse
• I’m very interested in cybersecurity and ODU seems stronger/more technical in that area

For context, I’m interested in either sticking with Information Systems or switching to Cybersecurity/Computer Science

How do the schools compare socially, academically, internship-wise, and overall quality of life? Especially for someone transferring in.

Would really appreciate opinions from people at either school.