by Erin Hasinger
ComputerSchools.com Staff Writer
September 18, 2006
Milwaukee, dubbed the City of Festivals for its unparalleled number of tributes to a variety of music styles and ethnicities, is a dazzling lakefront city known for its commitment to history and culture and was named one of the National Trust for Historic Preservation's Dozen Distinctive Destinations of 2006. Like many cities, Milwaukee has channeled funds into revitalizing its downtown core and many neighborhood areas. Today, the city bears a population of just over a half million and residents enjoy new attractions, such as the Riverwalk, and old favorites, such as the Milwaukee Brewers professional baseball franchise.
Employment
According to the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development, all computer-related occupations are forecasted to have 36% growth through 2012. The greatest gains are predicted for network systems data communications analysts at 62% and computer software engineers of system software at 55%. Other great gains are expected for computer information scientists (50%), computer systems analysts (45%), computer software engineers of applications (43%), and computer support specialists (30%).
Employment and internship opportunities exist with a variety of companies in Milwaukee, including at the headquarters of Marshall & Ilsley Corporation.
Other opportunities exist at Harley-Davidson Inc., Sensient Technologies Corporation, and Johnson Controls Inc.
Education
Students in Milwaukee have an array of options for a computer education. At the University of Phoenix, for example, one can pursue a bachelor of science in information technology, an MBA in technology management, and a master of science in computer information systems.
DeVry University - Milwaukee University Center offers degrees and certificates in computer security, e-commerce, information technology, software engineering, and networking.
ITT Technical Institute has a bachelor of science in information technology program in information systems security, as well as associate of applied science degrees in software applications and programming, web development, and computer network systems.
Other options include the University of Wisconsin at Milwaukee for undergraduate and graduate degrees in computer science and Milwaukee Area Technical College for associate of applied science degrees in computer electronics technology, e-commerce and web administration, and a variety of information technology specialties.
Financial Aid & Scholarships
The State of Wisconsin Higher Educational Aids Board oversees programs such as the Wisconsin Higher Education Grant, which awards up to $3,000 annually to financially-needy students enrolled at least half-time at the University of Wisconsin, Wisconsin Technical College or Tribal institutions.
The Wisconsin Tuition Grant provides money to students attending private, non-profit colleges and universities in Wisconsin. Students must be state residents and demonstrate financial need.
The Academic Excellence Scholarship awards up to $2, 250 to students graduating at the top of their high school class.
Summary
Milwaukee's plethora of educational options and outstanding job outlook make the city a great choice for aspiring computer professionals. Students should give strong consideration to the area, which offers all the fun of Lake Michigan as well as rich historical and cultural opportunities.
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