by Erin Hasinger
ComputerSchools.com Staff Writer
September 14, 2006
In the middle of the vast Mohave Desert lies the sprawling city of Las Vegas, whose growth leads that of the nation, and where new housing projects appear on a seemingly daily basis. Rising up in the center of all this growth is the famous Las Vegas Strip where neon lights dazzle around the clock and tourists flock from all over the world. Gambling and tourism fuel the city's economy, but the strong casino industry would not be anything without the work of the thousands of information technology professionals who run the show behind the scenes.
Employment
Las Vegas' growth is both driven by and responsible for the employment boom. According to the Nevada Workforce Informer, jobs will be plentiful in the computer industry through 2012. Some of the greatest growth will be seen for Internet service providers, at 64%, data programmers at 54%, and software publishers, at 36%.
Computer graduates will find numerous opportunities throughout the city, especially in the casino industry, where nearly everything depends on computers to run efficiently, including business and operational functions, special effects shows, and even beverage management. Half of the city's top ten employers include casinos, such as the Bellagio and Mandalay Bay, which are both owned by MGM Mirage and offer plenty of employment possibilities. Other employment prospects exist at the Clark County School District, the city's largest employer and the fifth-largest school district in the county, and the University of Nevada at Las Vegas, both of which depend heavily on technology professionals to ensure things run smoothly.
Education
Students have a wide array of options in Las Vegas, including the Art Institute of Las Vegas , which offers a bachelor of science in digital media production, associate of applied science in drafting technology with AutoCAD, and a bachelor of science in visual effects and motion graphics.
The University of Phoenix has a bachelor of science in information technology program, while the University of Las Vegas offers bachelor, master, and doctoral degrees in computer science.
Financial Aid & Scholarships
Scholarship and grant opportunities for Nevada residents help make it easier for students to fund a post-secondary education. The state of Nevada sponsors the Millennium Scholarship, which awards up to $10,000 for merit-based achievement.
Two state grants are also available: the Access Grant and Nevada Student Incentive Grant. Both are offered to financially-needy students who are residents of Nevada.
Summary
Las Vegas is an attractive city to many with its warm, arid climate, bright sunny skies, and exciting entertainment options. Natural southwestern terrain provides adventurous recreational opportunities, while the city's constant growth and development provide ample job opportunities. The variety of educational programs available here is just one more reason Las Vegas is a great choice for a computer student.
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