Design of the information science and systems (IS) curriculum in a computer and information sciences department

Abstract

Continuous technological changes have resulted in a rapid turnover ofknowledge in the computing field. The impact of these changes directlyeffects the computer-related curriculum offered by educationalinstitutions and dictates that curriculum must evolve to keep pace withtechnology and to provide students with the skills required bybusinesses. In the meantime, the accreditations of the curriculum fromreviewing organizations provide guidelines and standardization forcomputing sciences as well as information science programs. One of theareas that has been significantly affected by the changes at present isthe field of information systems and its direct effect on informationscience.This paper describes the evaluation and course structure for informationscience and systems (IS) undergraduate program in the Computer andInformation Sciences department at University of North Florida, with abrief list of major required and elective courses, and experienceslearned during revision of IS curriculum. A summary of the difficultieswith new technology changes, administration, staffing, handling newchanges, accreditation and success that has been achieved with the ISprogram is discussed.