Moving forward by looking backward: Embracing pedagogical principles to develop an innovative MSIS program

Program design is a challenging task that requires significant effort and resources. When a proposed program is being designed for both face-to-face and online delivery, the challenges are compounded. If done right, this task offers an opportunity to leverage pedagogical theory and principles in designing a curriculum for the program. Our research shares findings from a program development effort at a Midwestern university using the Backward Design approach. The Backward Design approach entails working in reverse and involves identification of objectives, creating assessments, and creating learning activities. This approach was used to design a Master's of Science program in Information Systems (MSIS). Alignment of objectives, faculty involvement, mutual accountability, and developing a learning Global Positioning Systems (GPS) for students emerged as key lessons that can be used by other institutions as they undergo efforts to develop or revise curriculum. Further, using Backward Design helped to integrate Assurance of Learning (AOL) processes recommended by AACSB into the curriculum design.