DeVry University to Offer Online Bachelor's Degree Program in Game and Simulation Programming OAK BROOK TERRACE, Ill.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 29, 2005--Building on the success of the game and simulation programming (GSP) baccalaureate degree program at 11 of its campuses nationwide, DeVry University (NYSE:DV) announced it will offer the GSP degree program online beginning in spring 2006. The relatively young academic specialty of computer game technologies has grown in popularity in response to the skyrocketing video game industry. According to the NPD Group, Inc. a global leader in sales and marketing information, video game sales have grown from $6.6 billion in 2000 to $9.4 billion in 2004. "Game development technologies will play an important role in shaping many aspects of the entertainment and defense industries for years to come," said Steven Riehs, vice president and general manager of DeVry University Online. "DeVry's campus-based GSP degree program was met with great enthusiasm by students, faculty and employers and is currently being offered at our campuses in Phoenix, Ariz,. Fremont, Calif., Long Beach, Calif., Pomona, Calif., West Hills, Calif., Orlando, Fla., Alpharetta, Ga., Decatur, Ga., Tinley Park, Ill., Arlington, VA., and Federal Way, Wash. We're confident that offering the program online will allow even more students to pursue degrees in this growing industry." DeVry University's game and simulation programming degree program provides preparation in the math and physics of games, programming fundamentals, game design, modifications (MOD), massively multi-player online game programming (MMOG), two- and three-dimensional graphics programming, simulation and game engine design. Graduates will be qualified for positions as programmers, software engineers and project coordinators in the computer game technology industry, as well as similar positions in simulation design and programming. Examples include tactical and strategic military simulations and training, automotive design and testing, training for health care workers, crime scene reconstruction and flight simulation. According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, entry-level gaming programmers/engineers with three years or less experience can expect to earn an average annual salary of $54,300. Jesse Schell, former chairman of the International Game Development Association has noted that the number of individuals looking to enter the gaming industry has grown tremendously in the last ten years. He stresses that the gaming industry is not about theory, but the application of real technology and notes that individuals with hands-on experience developing games are most likely to succeed in the industry. Students interested in learning more about the GSP program or other DeVry University Online programs should call (800) 231-0497, or visit www.devry.com. 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, business and management. Approximately 53,000 students are enrolled at its 78 locations that are in 22 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 is based in Oakbrook Terrace, Ill. For more information about DeVry University, visit http://www.devry.edu.