Business Editors

ATLANTA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--July 28, 2003

DeVry University announced today it will extend its bachelor of science degree program in computer information systems (CIS) to its DeVry University Centers (DVUCs) at Gwinnett, Buckhead, Perimeter and Cobb/Galleria. Having already offered the program at both its Alpharetta and Decatur campuses, the Georgia CIS students will be among the first in the DeVry system to complete the laboratory coursework online, via the new virtual laboratory.

"We're thrilled to introduce the virtual online labs to our students in Georgia," said Dr. Donna T. Loraine, regional vice president, DeVry University. "Doing so helps further our commitment to provide our Georgia students a quality education matched by virtual access to a new world of software applications and business tools."

Developed by DeVry in cooperation with leaders from the corporate e-learning industry, the virtual lab environment is based on "real-world" scenarios in which students use technical tools to solve business problems. The online laboratory provides students with access to the commercial software tools and hardware devices needed to complete assigned lab activities by using a personal computer from the comfort and convenience of their homes, offices or anywhere they can connect to the Internet.

"DeVry has always been an innovator in education, and our new online lab is just another example of the sophisticated applications-oriented learning approach we offer students," said Loraine.

CIS graduates are qualified to play key roles on business teams in a variety of industries, typically designing and implementing hardware and software solutions to business problems. They also possess knowledge, experience and skills that will enable them to adapt to change in dynamic fields through a lifelong learning process.

Graduates leave DeVry prepared for jobs in areas such as systems analysis and design, applications software support and maintenance, applications software consulting, web application development, database design, database programming, web programming, business applications programming, technical and application support, computer-related sales and marketing support, technical documentation and small business entrepreneurship and management.

According to the U.S. Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics, eight of the ten fastest growing occupations this decade are computer-oriented, including computer software engineer, applications; computer support specialist; computer software engineer, systems software; network and computer systems administrator; network systems and data communications analyst; database administrator and computer system analysts. DeVry CIS graduates will help fill the demand for skilled employees in these fields.

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, business and management. More than 52,000 students in 18 states and two Canadian provinces are enrolled at its 25 campuses and 39 centers, including DeVry University Online. DeVry University is based in Oakbrook Terrace, Ill. For more information about undergraduate degree programs, visit http://www.devry.edu and for graduate degree programs, visit http://www.keller.edu.