California College launches video game design program - tech briefs

Black Issues in Higher Education, Jan 29, 2004 by Ronald Roach

LOS ANGELES

Officials at the Southern California-based campuses of Westwood College have announced the launch of a new game software development degree program. Initiated at the Los Angeles, Anaheim and Inland Empire campuses, the program got under way this month for the winter-spring 2004 term.

Leveraging the Southern California location of the respective campuses and their proximity to the film industry, Westwood officials say the program is intended to prepare students for career positions in video game software development, which is considered one of the nation's fastest growing industries.

"According to the Entertainment Software Association, the game development industry is an $11 billion per-year industry, and trained developers and animation experts are highly sought after," says Glennon Neubauer, game software program director at the Anaheim Westwood College Campus.

The game software development program, which leads to an associate's degree, trains graduates to be part of creative teams that conceptualize and develop the newest video games on the market. Jobs can include numerous programming roles, engineering specialists and analyst positions. This program complements an established animation program, available at Westwood College's Anaheim, Los Angeles and Inland Empire campuses.

"The fast-pace of technology, longer life expectancy, the wider availability of education and the questionable economy all add up to a very competitive job market," said John Hanson, Westwood's California regional vice president.

Founded in 1953, Westwood College has privately operated campuses in California, Colorado, Texas and Illinois that focus on career education. The system includes 13 Westwood College of Technology campuses, three aviation campuses, as well as online instruction. The campuses offer both associate's degree and bachelor's degree programs.