by Erin Hasinger
ComputerSchools.com Staff Writer
September 24, 2006
Salt Lake City was the focus of the world in 2002 when it played host to the Winter Olympics. Chosen for its towering mountain ranges and idyllic snow conditions, Salt Lake City is a haven for skiers, but the city offers a wealth of other activities as well. Nestled between the Wasatch and Oquirrh Mountains, the area offers hiking, biking, and a plethora of other outdoor recreational opportunities, as well as rich historical, art, and cultural offerings.
A flourishing economy has brought prosperity and population growth to Utah's largest city. Home to nearly 200,000 in the metropolitan area, the area offers all the amenities of a big city with decidedly small-town charm and hospitality.
Employment
While local projections were unavailable, Utah's Department of Workforce Services offers state-wide projections that indicate jobs will be plentiful through 2014, especially for those working as network systems and data communications analysts, who are projected for a 75% increase, and for those working as computer software engineers, who are projected for a 64% increase in the systems software sector, and 57% in the applications arena. Database administrators are expected to have a 54% increase in positions, while computer and information scientists and network and computer systems administrators are each forecast for 45% growth. Increases of around 40% are also expected for computer systems analysts and computer support specialists.
New graduates and current students should consider employment and internship opportunities with some of Salt Lake City's largest employers, including Microsoft, Intel, the State of Utah, the Church of Latter Day Saints, and
Sinclair Oil.
Education
Students will enjoy the wide variety of options for computer study in Salt Lake City. Schools include the University of Phoenix, which offers a master's degree in e-commerce and a bachelor's degree in information technology. Westminster College has a bachelor of science degree in computer science.
TechSkills offers certification in areas such as A+, CompTIA, JAVA, MCSA, networking, security, and software engineering. Stevens-Henager College offers associate degrees in computer programming, computer technology, e-commerce, graphic design, and networking, as well as a bachelor degree in computer science.
The University of Utah offers bachelor of science degrees in computer science and computer engineering, master of science degrees in computer science, graphics and visualization, and robotics, and a PhD in computing with specializations in computer science, scientific computing, graphics and visualization, and robotics.
Financial Aid & Scholarships
Utah's Higher Education Assistance Authority http://www.uheaa.org/ oversees financial aid programs for state residents, including the Utah Centennial Opportunity Program for Education Grant, which offers assistance that does not have to be repaid to students attending college in Utah.
Utah Mentor is another state-sponsored organization that provides a scholarship search and details a number of state programs for students. Utah Mentor also offers other financial aid planning resources for students and parents.
Summary
Salt Lake City has the educational options to appease any prospective computer student, as well as a job market rife with opportunities. The area's bountiful skiing and outdoor recreation help make the area an ideal choice for any aspiring information technology pro.
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