The demand for computer and information systems professionals exists and continues to grow. The U.S. Commerce Department's Office of Technology Policy (1982) reported that between 1996 and 2006, U.S. businesses and schools will require more than 1.3 million new information technology workers to fill jobs. In the twenty-first century, 70 percent of all jobs will require skills in computer and network use.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (1998) reported that the fastest-growing computer career positions through the year 2006 will be computer engineer, systems analyst, computer repair technician, and programmer. There is also high demand for systems analysts, computer scientists, network administrators, and database managers.

Careers in computers and information processing, also called information technology (IT), require a unique combination of conceptual skills in creative problem solving and critical thinking, technical hands-on skills, and communications and interpersonal skills, as well as an understanding of business...