DeVry University's Chicago, Addison, Tinley Park Campuses and DeVry University Online Launch New Program in Web Graphic Design.

CHICAGO -- DeVry University's Chicago, Addison and Tinley Park campuses, along with DeVry University Online, will launch a new associate degree program in Web Graphic Design starting in October 2007. The university's Gurnee, Ill., location will begin offering the program in July 2008. The Illinois locations join additional DeVry University campuses already offering the program, which include Alpharetta and Decatur, Ga., Kansas City, Mo., and Orlando, Fla.

Web Graphic Design applies basic graphic and design principles to Web media using application software. Students will learn to develop all types of graphic media - Web pages, marketing collateral, advertising, instructional material and multimedia projects through a collaborative approach. By mastering key software applications, fundamental design principles, Web content management and animation, students are prepared to design, illustrate, compile and produce visual solutions for communications, especially the Internet.

"Web graphic designers are likely to experience great industry growth in the near future due to the many advances in the design field related to advertising, video graphics, computer imagery, interactive Web and multimedia," said Dr. James B. Treleaven, president of DeVry University's Chicago metro. "Countless opportunities exist for trained visual communicators, particularly Web graphic designers, in some of today's most dynamic industries, including marketing, advertising, technical communications and publishing."

According to the U.S. Department of Labor 2006-2007 Occupational Outlook Handbook, demand for graphic designers is expected to continue to increase from advertisers and computer design firms through 2014. Among the five different design occupations, graphic designers will have the most new jobs.

Additionally, the Handbook notes that demand for graphic designers should increase because of the rapidly expanding market for Web-based information and expansion of the video entertainment market, including television, movies, video, and made-for-Internet outlets. Demand for graphic designers will also increase as advertising firms create Web marketing and promotional materials for a growing number of products and services.

Students will utilize personal computers optimized for graphics and graphics software, using software packages such as Adobe Photoshop, Dreamweaver and Flash.

The program of study for Web Graphic Design includes instructional and informational design, which will help prepare students for the rapidly growing field of online learning. For those students interested in managing design after earning their associate degrees, they will have the opportunity to continue their education by entering DeVry's bachelor's degree program in technical management.

Graduates of the associate degree program may join the creative staff of advertising agencies, design studios, digital production studios, and corporate communications departments in positions such as computer graphic designer, graphic designer or Web designer. Many entrepreneurial graduates in the graphic design field also enter the market as freelance designers or open their own design studios.

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 86 locations in 25 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.