DeVry University Approved to Offer First Game and Simulation Programming Bachelor's Degree Program in Austin

Business Wire, May 18, 2007

Multi-billion Dollar Industry Surpasses Hollywood Box Office Sales to Push Demand for Talent Beyond Current Supply - Program to Begin in July

AUSTIN, Texas -- While Austin has kept pace with Silicon Valley and Seattle as one of the leading markets for video game development, its residents had yet to have easy access to a comprehensive education that fulfills much of the industry's required skill sets--until now.

DeVry University, one of North America's largest degree-granting higher education institutions for business, technology, and management education, has received approval to offer the region's first bachelor's degree program in Game and Simulation Programming at its Austin location beginning in July. The approval from The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board paves the way for Austin residents to pursue the area's most comprehensive education in this exciting industry where experts agree that the demand for game and simulation programming talent is only in its infancy.

Although the video game industry is roughly 30 years old, computer game and simulation technologies as an academic specialty are relatively young. As the popularity of video game software sales has grown -- software sales reaped $7.3 billion in 2004 and are expected to reach $42 billion by 2010 -- the need for qualified game developers and programmers has increased. The simulation industry is even more massive, with the U.S. Army alone planning to invest $100 million in training games and simulations over the next two to three years.

Austin is the third-largest center for video game development in the United States. The game programming talent pool must remain plentiful if the city is to maintain or improve on its position. Many game companies are now looking for candidates with programming skills as well as academic credentials and a well-rounded education that will make them successful employees.

According to Mark Meyer, DeVry University Austin Center Dean, Austin is home to more than 50 video game development studios, including industry leaders such as BioWare, NCsoft, and Sony Online Entertainment. Local companies are increasingly drawing on local talent for new and innovative approaches to game design and programming.

"We have been frequently approached by employers across the Greater Austin area to provide graduates from DeVry's reputable game and simulation program," said Meyer. "Unfortunately, we had not yet been approved to offer the program in Austin and had to refer them to DeVry locations outside of Austin. Now, we have the ability to organically grow our own local game programming talent."

Graduates of the program, who might find positions such as programmers, software engineers and project coordinators, will also be qualified for jobs in fields beyond the game industry, where integrated competencies of game and simulation design and programming come together. Examples include military tactical and strategic simulations and training, automotive design and testing, training for health care workers, crime scene reconstruction, flight simulation and any other industry that does design and prototyping work.

"Game development technologies are becoming evermore ubiquitous in our society and are expected to shape many aspects of the entertainment and occupational training industries for years to come," said Meyer. "Companies now regularly use simulation to train employees or evaluate the outcome of an untested situation. We see both trends continuing indefinitely, which creates strong demand for professionals with formal education in these highly complex applications."

DeVry University's applications-oriented degree program in game and simulation programming provides preparation in the math and physics of games, programming fundamentals, game design, modifications (MOD), massively multiplayer online game programming (MMOG), two- and three-dimensional graphics programming, and simulation and game engine design.

As with other DeVry University degree programs, the technical elements are supported by more traditional general education courses -- an approach that ensures students graduate with the well-rounded education they need to succeed in the work force.

Founded in 1931, DeVry University is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools and has been providing high-quality, career-oriented education in Texas since 1969 with locations in Austin, Dallas (Irving), Fort Worth, Houston, Plano and San Antonio.

For information about the bachelor's degree program in Game and Simulation Programming or other degree programs offered at DeVry University in Austin, call 512-231-2500 (toll free at 866-463-3879) or visit www.devry.edu.

About DeVry University

As one of the largest degree-granting higher education systems in North America, DeVry University provides high-quality, career-oriented associate, bachelor's and master's degree programs in technology, healthcare technology, business and management. More than 48,000 students are enrolled at its 84 locations in 24 states and Canada, as well as through DeVry University Online. DeVry University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association (NCA). DeVry University, a division of DeVry Inc. (NYSE: DV), is based in Oakbrook Terrace, Ill. For more information about DeVry University, visit http://www.devry.edu.