The role of the university in computers, data processing, and related fields

Abstract

Since the Fall of 1956, the author has been studying the genesis and operation of university programs in the fields of computers, data processing, operations research, and other relatively new and apparently closely related fields. The specific purposes were: 1) To study and evaluate the organization, curriculum, research program, computing equipment, financing, and facilities of universities in the United States having computer and/or data processing and/or related programs. 2) To identify those fields of study (some already accepted and identified as disciplines as well as those not yet so designated) that are unambiguously part of the computer and data processing fields and those closely related fields that might legitimately be part of a university program. 3) To appraise the role of the universities in these fields and to determine what universities might do to build distinguished programs in these fields.