Mapping: Curriculum and Program Learning Objectives

Exit Characteristics of Undergraduate Information Systems Graduates

Our curriculum was influenced largely by the IS 2008 Model Curriculum and Guidelines for Undergraduate Degree Programs in Information Systems, sponsored by the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM), the Association for Information Systems (AIS), and the Association of Information Technology Professionals (AITP). The diagrams and table posted here were initially drawn from those materials.

A graduate of an IS program should be equipped to function in an entry-level position and should have a basis for continued career growth. The figure available on the MIS Graduate Exit Characteristics page presents a high-level categorization of the exit characteristics that emphasizes the central role of technology-enabled business development at the intersection of the four major areas that were identified in our initial assumptions about the management information systems profession. The  table available on the MIS Graduate Exit Characteristics page divides the main categories further into subcategories and presents concrete, practical representative examples of the exit characteristics in each subcategory. The overarching objective for IS professionals is to enable organizations to utilize computer, communications and related information technology to achieve their strategic objectives with a customer service orientation.

Learning Goals Mapping

Exit Characteristics of MS Information Systems Graduates

Our MSMIS program has recently been streamlined and extensively reviewed based on feedback from our advisory council, industry feedback and the recent 2008 Model Curriculum and Guidelines for Graduate Degree Programs in Information Systems. Courses and curriculum were updated and have been mapped to the MSIS 2008 model but continual movement to the ideal will occur over the next two years with changes to current courses and addition of new course materials. The curriculum committee is addressing these remaining issues during the 2008-2009 academic year. The figure posted here was initially drawn from those materials.

A graduate of an IS program should be equipped to function in an entry-level position and should have a basis for continued career growth. The Figure 1 presents a look at exit characteristics that emphasizes combination of the central role of a real world perspective; communication, interpersonal and team skills, and analytical and critical thinking skills all placed upon an IS and business foundation, career electives, and IS management and technology

Figure 1

Learning Goals Mapping