DeVry Offering Austin's First Game Programming Bachelor’s

Author: by Beth A.

DeVry University 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., following approval from The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. Austin, the third-largest center for video game development in the United States, needs a plentiful game programming talent pool to maintain and 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 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. In prior years, the Austin location of DeVry had to refer potential employers to other campuses due to waiting on approval to offer the program as well. “Now, we have the ability to organically grow our own local game programming talent,” said Meyer. 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. For information about the newly approved degree program in Game and Simulation Programming, visit the DeVry website.