Careers in Law Enforcement and Multimedia Arts Head the List of New Hot Jobs, Even in Slow Job Market
In its Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2002-03 Edition, the Bureau of Labor predicts a 32 percent increase in the number of jobs for correctional officers and jailers, a 23 percent increase in jobs for police and sheriff's patrol officers and a 35 percent increase in jobs for security guards between now and 2010.
"The combination of increased security and retiring baby boomers drives the need for more law-enforcement employees," said John Hanson, Regional Vice President of Westwood College. "The Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice will equip students both academically and professionally for positions in this high-growth field. They will be prepared with knowledge, social awareness and the technological skills needed to succeed."
Also, people with a passion for video games have the opportunity to turn their excitement into a lucrative career. Westwood College now offers a Bachelor's Degree in Game Art and Design, a degree that trains graduates for careers focused on interactive video game design.
"According to the U.S. Entertainment Software Association, sales for game software reached $6.9 billion dollars in 2003 and trained animators and designers are becoming more and more highly sought after," said Jamie Turner, President of Westwood College. "If the growth of the game industry remains steady at the current pace of 14 percent per year, as estimated by the U.S. Entertainment Software Association, the number of new job openings this year is likely to be more than 15,000, and that figure is projected to continue to grow," Turner added.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics in its Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2002-03 Edition, careers for multimedia artists and animators are expected to grow by 22 percent from now until 2010. Industries from entertainment to virtual training for emergency response workers will employ these people.
ABOUT THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE PROGRAM
Public safety has become one of the highest profile issues over the last few years. The number of career opportunities in criminal justice and public safety is growing at the federal, state and local levels. Collegiate training aids police officers, detectives and special agents to enhance their job performance, as well as increase their earning potential.
ABOUT THE GAME ART & DESIGN PROGRAM
The Game Art and Design program trains graduates to be part of creative teams that develop story lines, rule systems and game structures as well as designing detailed environments and non-player characters that bring the software to life. Jobs can include artist, animator, character modeler, game/Web designer, game/Web animator and game-play tester. The new Game Art and Design program complements existing programs of Animation and Game Software Development.
About Westwood College
Westwood's Anaheim, Inland Empire and Los Angeles campuses will offer both the Game Art and Design and Game Software Development programs, beginning with the next term, which starts March 17, 2004.
In addition to the benefits of fast-track, hands-on learning, Westwood graduates are eligible for tuition-free retraining in their degree programs and career development services.* Prospective students can find more information or register online at www.Westwood.edu , or by calling 800-992-5050.
Founded in 1953, Westwood College is a cross-state system of privately operated colleges that focus on high-quality career education. The system includes 13 Westwood College of Technology campuses, three aviation campuses, as well as online programs. Faculty members are recruited for their industry experience, education in their subject fields and past teaching experience. Typical class size is 20-40 students. The relatively small class size ensures that Westwood students receive the support they need to succeed. Westwood also offers job placement assistance, as well as financial aid for those who qualify. The Anaheim campus also offers housing assistance for out-of-town students.
Westwood Campuses and Accreditation
Westwood's Anaheim, Inland Empire and Long Beach campuses are accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges of Technology (ACCSCT) for Associate's and Bachelor's degrees.
Westwood's Los Angeles Campus is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS) for Associate's and Bachelor's degrees.
Not all programs are available at all campuses.
M1 and F1 Student Visa students are not eligible for placement assistance.