Joliet Junior College Offers Video Game Design, Development Courses

Joliet Junior College has partnered with Gatlin Education Services to provide state-of-the-art programs in the rapidly expanding area of video game design and development and 3Ds Max.

These courses are designed to give those interested in the rapidly expanding video game industry the skills necessary to seek employment in that, and a number of related professions, including general computing (corporate applications, databases, web applications), entertainment media development (3D computer animation for film and video), engineering applications (computer-aided manufacturing, robotics, simulations), and emerging technologies (artificial intelligence, biotechnology).

“The video game industry is one that is rapidly expanding across the globe,” Gatlin CEO Stephen Gatlin said. “By offering these courses, Joliet is giving students the opportunity to expand their horizons and pursue a field that will be in high demand for years into the future.”

According to the Interactive Digital Software Association (IDSA), 45 percent of the American population (145 million people) plays video games, which places those who can develop creative, state-of-the-art concepts at a fast and reliable pace in high demand.

A survey published in the April issue of Game Developer magazine states that the average annual salary for entry level videogame programmers is $54,300, much higher than that of most entry-level occupations.

The courses were developed by experts in the fields of computer science and interactive entertainment, many of which have developed successful commercial game titles, authored best-selling industry textbooks, or taught at the graduate or undergraduate level.

Job seekers can be trained in the above mentioned occupations, as well as many other high interest areas, by taking online courses offered through Joliet Junior College via Gatlin Education Services. Courses take an average of 90 days to complete and provide training for entry-level positions as well as advanced certification.

Gatlin Education Services is the largest provider of asynchronous web-based, instructor-supported training to colleges and universities. GES open-enrollment programs are designed to provide the skills necessary to acquire professional caliber positions for many in-demand occupations.

For program and course descriptions, go to www.jjciet.org and click on “Online Training.” For enrollment information, contact Paige Vanderhyden at Joliet Junior College’s Institute of Economic Technology at (815) 280-1313 or pvanderh@jjc.edu. Press Release provided by S. Bell, Inc. Public Relations.