Invited Paper: The Times they are a Changin’: How Non- Technology Factors have Affected IS Curriculum over Time

Authors

Joey F. George, Iowa State University
Kent Marett, Mississippi State University

Abstract

Changes to degree programs in Information Systems are often attributed to quickly-evolving technology and the subsequent changing needs of the employers who hire IS graduates. In this paper, we explore other social and economic factors that were the inspiration for curriculum changes by assigning them to one of four eras in the IS timeline. Using enrollment figures and archival data, we identify both legitimate reasons and misconceptions that led to fluctuating programming requirements, the rise and fall of trendy courses, and the wholesale elimination of programs and faculty positions. We conclude the paper by using our findings to speculate what the future of IS education could look like and how degree programs should prepare for the next era of IS academia.

Recommended Citation

George, Joey F. and Marett, Kent (2019) "Invited Paper: The Times they are a Changin’: How Non- Technology Factors have Affected IS Curriculum over Time," Journal of Information Systems Education: Vol. 30 : Iss. 4 , 222-231.
Available at: https://aisel.aisnet.org/jise/vol30/iss4/3