Westwood College Online Launches Student Groups of National Clubs

Denver, Colo. (March 28, 2008) - Westwood College Online today announced the launch of two student organizations that support its real-world approach to education and preparation of students for their careers. The International Game Developers Association (IGDA) and the American Institute for Graphic Artists (AIGA) organizations now welcome Westwood Online students to join their ranks and acquire the skills they need to set them apart in the working world.

"There's a great deal of competition among students in the gaming field," said Sean Lynott, career developments services advisor for gaming degrees. "As a member of IGDA club, our students form development teams and work on projects outside of school. This hands-on experience gives Westwood students the advantage when they apply for positions because they already have industry experience."

Lynott said students have indicated that organizations such as IGDA have been the deciding factor when choosing a college. "We expect the game club's Westwood membership to more than double by the end of the year," he said.

"As a professional organization for graphic designers, AIGA helps students with networking and advancing toward their long-term career goals," said David Vaughan, career development services advisor for the Westwood College School of Design. "As an online college, we're able to mirror the activities of local chapters, including design contests, peer reviews and portfolio evaluations-we create interaction and involvement but in a virtual world."

The 95-member AIGA student group and 150-member IGDA chapter are listed on the organizations' national Web sites, bringing attention to Westwood's leadership in preparing students for careers in both industries.

About Westwood College

Westwood College, headquartered in Denver, Colorado, is one of the largest private providers of post-secondary educational services in the United States. As an institution of higher learning its mission is to deliver career-focused education and services that prepare individuals to launch, enhance or change careers, primarily through bachelor degree programs. Westwood College offers classes at seventeen nationally accredited campuses in six states, including California, Colorado, Georgia, Illinois, Texas and, Virginia. Westwood College Online operates nationally and was recently honored, for the second year in a row, with a top ten ranking of all US online colleges by the Online Education Database. Westwood College, including Westwood College Online, recently became a candidate for regional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. The College have graduated and launched the careers of over 20,000 students.