Samuel D. Conte pioneered and established the first computer studies degree program. Conte left TRW Systems in 1962, and taught mathematics and computer science at Purdue University. As Purdue University explains, Conte and four other faculty members introduced the first undergraduate computer studies program in 1968. Conte remained as the head of the Purdue University Department of Computer Sciences for 17 years and, according to Purdue University, he continued teaching until 1993. Purdue now cites Computer Science as its largest School of Science department.
The curriculum provides students with the professional skills for a computer-related career. According to the University of Maryland University College, students learn to utilize relevant theory, techniques and systems for solving practical computer problems. Moreover, the University claims computer studies trains its students to understand and manage information systems, learn programming language and create computer software. Ultimately, students acquire the needed skills for analyzing, managing and facilitating the many changes implemented in computer technology.
Colleges like Ocean County College offer credit courses for high school students, who consequently may pursue a higher education in computer studies. In addition, students on the community college level take courses, which are capable of transferring over to a University. More importantly, computer studies offers opportunities for professionals. Professionals take computer studies courses to tune up their preexisting skills, along with courses to acquire new computer-related skills, to properly compete in the competitive workforce.
A 4-year degree in computer studies requires the standard 120 credit hours. As the University of Maryland University College explains, the 4-year degree requires 30 credits in the computer studies major, with 18 credits earned in 300-level or higher courses. According to the University, possible courses include information literacy and research methods, fundamentals of programming, data structures and abstraction, information systems in organizations, introduction to problem solving and algorithm design and object-oriented design and programming.
According to Ocean Country College, computer studies majors acquire the job skills needed for entry-level jobs in the computer industry. In addition, the University of Maryland University College explains that certain students are also qualified for obtaining mid-level technical and management positions. The University of Maryland University College further explains that qualified computer studies majors can plan, manage and evaluate the entire information system of a corporation. In managing the information system, the job requires studying the corporation's information system, documenting the studies and producing user-friendly manuals.