COBOL is a vital programming language for information processing. About 80 percent of all existing data processing applications in large corporation have been programmed in COBOL. Although many new application are being eritten with fourth generation languages, COBOL is still the dominant language for new applications, and all the old application must be maintened with repairs and enhancement in COBOL. Two courses in the Data Processing Management Association (DPMA) model curriculum include COBOL as the language to be taught. Some understanding of COBOL is expected of virtually everyone who works in information systems.