by Erin Hasinger
ComputerSchools.com Staff Writer
September 14, 2006
At its founding in 1708, just 18 families made their home in Albuquerque. Today, however, the Duke City is home to more than 700,000 residents and is one of the fastest-growing cities in the country. Businesses and people flock here to take advantage of the low cost of living and doing business, perennial sunshine, and plethora of cultural and recreational activities. Albuquerque is attractive to computer students especially, as it is an area known for technology, research, and manufacturing, and offers a variety of educational options and myriad employment opportunities.
Employment
According to projections offered by the New Mexico Department of Labor, the computer industry is one of the hottest in the city of Albuquerque. All computer and mathematics-related occupations are forecasted for a 40% growth rate overall through 2012, while every individual computer occupation is slated to see major growth, including a staggering 80% increase in opportunities for network systems and data communication analysts. Computer software engineers of system software are forecasted for 78.9% growth, while database administrators are predicted to see 55.2% growth.
Needless to say, the information technology industry is an important one to the Duke City and jobs are expected to be plentiful through the next several years. Some employers of computer graduates include Intel Corporation, which maintains a large presence in the Albuquerque suburb of Rio Rancho and is one of the area's largest employers. Kirtland Air Force Base is the city's single largest employer with more than 16,000 civilians employed on base, many of whom work in information technology positions. Other major employers of note include Sandia National Laboratories, and ClientLogic.
Sandia National Laboratories and Intel Corporation also offer exciting internship programs to students.
Education
A variety of degree programs and schools are available for the aspiring computer student to choose from. The University of Phoenix offers bachelor of science degrees in e-business and information technology, an MBA in technology management, and a master of science degree in computer information systems.
ITT Technical Institute boasts a bachelor of science degree in information systems security and associate of applied science degrees in information technology and computer and electronics engineering technology.
The University of New Mexico offers both a bachelor of science and a master of science in computer science, as well as a bachelor of science degree in computer engineering.
Central New Mexico Community College has certificate and associate degree programs in a variety of information technology fields, including computer programming, data communication, and networking technology.
Financial Aid/Scholarships
More than $60 million dollars is awarded annually to students across the state by the New Mexico Higher Education Department. One award is the Lottery Success Scholarship, which is given to graduates of New Mexico high schools who attend an eligible college or university (in Albuquerque, eligible institutions include Central New Mexico Community College and the University of New Mexico). Full-time students who make satisfactory progress are awarded a scholarship in the amount of the school's tuition.
The Legislative Endowment Scholarship is awarded to students enrolled at least half time in a public college or university who demonstrate significant financial need. Awards are made up to $2,500 per academic year.
Residents of New Mexico are also eligible to apply for three state grants: the College Affordability Fund, New Mexico Student Incentive Grant, and the Student Choice Grant. These grants award as much as $2,500 per year to needy students.
Summary
Clear blue skies brimming with sunshine, a diverse and growing community, and a solid computer industry are just three major draws of Albuquerque. Aspiring computer students and professionals have plenty of opportunity here, both in education and career fields, making the Duke City a fitting choice.
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