Executive Summary There is a constant demand for knowledgeable and computer literate undergraduates, according to recently published surveys. This paper describes an 8-step template, used to create an updated curriculum for a computer information sciences department at a small liberal arts college. Industry is constantly hiring individuals that can install a network, maintain an Internet web site, enhance software applications, competently oversee the upgrading of entire systems and much more.

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... ll of these areas rely on varying degrees of computer-based training. IS/IT/CIS graduates must be competent in these areas (to name a few) if they are to succeed in their chosen careers. The 8-step template was created during the early phases of studying the present curriculum. The 8-step template includes: (1) Establishing the exact nature of curriculum problems, (2) Prioritizing and accessing needs, (3) Projecting a long range curriculum plan, (4) Consulting parallel accredited schools catalogs for similar programs, (5) Adapting national and international model curriculums, (6) Involving academic and industry leaders in curriculum development, (7) Including elements of Felders "active learning" in the curriculum plans, and (8) Developing a workable timetable for implementation. schools of computer information sciences, as well as the appropriate accrediting agencies. The final product is one that is responsive to the long-term needs of the students, the school, and the computer industry. The 8-step template is akin to a landing checklist for a pilot. The template will not guarantee success, but it will point the department in the right direction, by ensuring that all relevant areas are efficiently covered.