Sitting around creating designs for video games sounds like a blast, right?

Not to spoil the fun, but it also might lead to a career in three different industries. The new Game Design and Development program at Arapahoe Community College combines three existing programs into one and offers courses that could lead to careers as a computer programmer, multimedia artist and animator or graphic designer.

On July 1, the College received notification that the new program has been officially approved by the state and the Colorado Community College System. Graduates of the new program will have skills to pursue career opportunities in video game design and development, computer programming or graphic design.

Employment of graphic designers in the United States is expected to grow 10 percent from 2006 to 2016, according to the U.S. Department of Labor, as demand for graphic design continues to increase from advertisers, publishers and computer design firms. Some of this increase is expected to stem from the expansion of the video entertainment market, including television, movies, video and made-for-Internet outlets. Graphic designers with Web site design and animation experience will especially be needed as demand increases for design projects for interactive media-Web sites, video games, cellular telephones, personal digital assistants and other technology. Demand for graphic designers also will increase as advertising firms create print and Web marketing and promotional materials for a growing number of products and services.

Jobs for multi-media artists and animators in Colorado are estimated to increase by about 24 openings per year and jobs for computer programmers in Colorado are estimated to increase by about 229 openings per year, according to the Colorado Department of Labor. A two-year degree or certificate may be adequate for some positions, but a bachelor's degree commonly is required.

For those interested in computer software engineering, job prospects should be excellent, as computer software engineers are expected to be among the fastest-growing occupations through the year 2016. Employment of computer software engineers is projected to increase by 38 percent over the 2006 to 2016 period.

Classes for the new curriculum will begin during the College's Fall Semester on Aug. 16, and students who complete the program will receive an Associate of Applied Science Degree. During their studies, students will develop two and three-dimensional digital modeling, digital animation and programming skills using an industry standard gaming engine. Course electives allow students to gain experience with digital sound editing, 2D game development and additional 3D modeling. Students also will take basic educational courses such as algebra, technical writing and introduction to marketing.

For further information, contact Advising at 303.797.5651, or go online to www.arapahoe.edu.

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Arapahoe Community College has served the south Denver metropolitan area since 1965. One of 13 colleges in the Colorado Community College System, ACC offers more than 100 degree and certificate programs to its 7,500 plus credit students per semester through sites in downtown Littleton and Parker. ACC also offers professional development, customized training
and other non-credit offerings enjoyed by many more lifelong learners.

Arapahoe Community College Mission Statement:

To provide an accessible, responsive learning environment that facilitates the achievement of educational, professional and personal goals by our students and other members of our communities in an atmosphere that embraces academic excellence, diversity and innovation.