Therefore, MSU can not use this methodology to articulate its unique value in comparison to IS and IT. Using this research, a strong empirical argument can be made that the TSM program is different from CS, but empirical arguments that it is significantly different from the average IS or IT programs are not as strong.

Statistical analysis of the TSM program when compared simultaneously to typical computer science (CS), information systems (IS), and information technology (IT) programs indicates there is a significant difference in the program however, when compared to each of these programs individually, the significant difference was not as strongly indicated. With this understanding, the TSM BS program was analyzed using the methodology published in the Journal of Information Technology Education Volume 3 article: An empirical comparison of baccalaureate programs in computing (Reichgelt, Lunt, Phelps, Salzinski, & Willis, 2004). This paper examines the curriculum directions taken at MSU in the undergraduate Bachelor of Science (BS) and graduate Master of Science (MS) programs several years after its creation, in an extremely dynamic discipline, in order to understand what the TSM program is currently offering students. To articulate the unique value the TSM program must provide to its students in order to be recognized as a 'program of distinction,' MSU needs to know where the program is in relation to established academic disciplines. The focus of our review centered on where the TSM program would fit in the continuum in relation to computer science (CS), information systems (IS), and information technology (IT) programs, all of which are established academic disciplines from which the initial MSU curriculum was drawn. As the MSU Telecommunications System Management (TSM) program was conceived to be an interdisciplinary program of business and technology, we have asked ourselves where it resides in this continuum. A review of literature concerning academic technology disciplines revealed that most authors agree there is a continuum of computing disciplines from purely technical programs such as Electrical Engineering (EE) to highly business oriented programs such as Management of Information Systems (MIS) with telecommunications falling somewhere within the continuum.

The objective of this program was to establish a high-quality, interdisciplinary technical and business, undergraduate and graduate curriculum in telecommunications system management. In the late 90s, MSU, a midsize university, was entrusted with the responsibility of developing a program of distinction with financial support from special state funds. Children in the back seat on a long trip are not the only ones asking the question 'Are we there yet?' At Murray State University (MSU) and other universities starting new programs, the question becomes one of validation of the program.

Are we there yet 2007