by Erin Hasinger
ComputerSchools.com Staff Writer
September 18, 2006
Pittsburgh is easily one of the country's high technology capitals. 80% of the world's robotics specialists are based here, prompting the Wall Street Journal to dub the city "Roboburgh." Pittsburgh is also home to the Pittsburgh Supercomputing Center, which hosts the world's largest computer. Many Fortune 500 and other famous corporations keep headquarters in Pittsburgh, and as more and more businesses rely heavily on technology, jobs in this industry should stay plentiful and varied.
Employment
The Pennsylvania Center for Workforce Information and Analysis projects excellent growth in the computer industry through 2012. Specifically, the most gains in positions are forecast for computer software engineers of system software at 41%; network system and data communication analysts at 40%, and database administrators at 24%. Significant growth is also projected for computer software engineers of applications and computer and information scientists, each predicted to see 22% increases.
Pittsburgh is home to several big-name corporations that all rely heavily on information technology staff. Employment prospects include companies such as Alcoa, Bayer Corporation, PPG Industries, and Heinz.
Education
Pittsburgh is home to a number of top colleges and universities, including the renowned Carnegie Mellon University, which offers degrees at the undergraduate and graduate level in computer science and electrical and computer engineering.
The University of Phoenix offers a bachelor's degree in information technology, while the International Academy of Design and Technology offers certificates in e-commerce and information technology.
Another option is the University of Pittsburgh for computer science and information science degrees at the bachelor, master, and doctoral level.
Financial Aid & Scholarships
The Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency oversees grant and scholarship programs offered by the state government. One such program is the Pennsylvania State Grant, which provides up to $3,000 for students with financial need.
The SciTech Scholarship awards up to $3,000 annually to students pursuing a science or technology major. Recipients must agree to work for one year in Pennsylvania for every year a scholarship is awarded.
The Technology Scholarship awards up to $1,000 a year for students pursuing technology training that is not a four-year program. As with the SciTech Scholarship, students must complete a year of work in Pennsylvania for each year the scholarship is received.
Summary
Pittsburgh offers students access to many top-notch programs and institutions in addition to a low cost of living and a bright job outlook in the computer industry. Outside of the educational and career spectrums, the city offers lushly forested hills and mountains for hiking and biking opportunities, an exciting professional sports scene, and unparalleled cultural offerings.
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