| Ranking | School | State |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Michigan | Michigan |
| 2 | University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign | Illinois |
| 3 | Purdue University | Indiana |
| 4 | Iowa State University | Iowa |
| 5 | Northwestern University | Illinois |
| 6 | The Ohio State University | Ohio |
| 7 | University of Illinois Chicago | Illinois |
| 8 | Ohio University | Ohio |
| 9 | DePaul University | Illinois |
| 10 | Columbia College Chicago | Illinois |
Our fourth annual top AR/VR programs in the Midwest. For reference, we define the Midwest as Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, Idaho, Iowa, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska, South Dakota, and North Dakota.
University of Michigan (U-M) houses the College of Engineering; the School of Information; and the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts (LSA). Collectively, these academic divisions provide access to a number of degree programs, certificates, studios, coursework, and initiatives that explore AR/VR.
Founded in 1854, U-M’s College of Engineering launched some of the nation’s earliest programs in computer science, electrical engineering, data science, and nuclear engineering. Options for students interested in studying AR/VR include the Computer Science BS; Computer Science and Engineering (CSE) MS; the CSE PhD; and the CS minor. The Computer Science BS is also offered to students in the College of LAS. With more than 85 majors, sub-majors, and degree programs, and over 100 minors, the College of LAS also provides minors in Computing for Expression; Computing for Scientific Discovery; Complex Systems; and User Experience Design.
Across degree programs, students have access to courses such as Human-Centered Software Design and Development; Human-Computer Interaction (HCI); Programming Languages; Computer Game Design and Development; Advanced Artificial Intelligence (AI); Machine Learning; VLSI Design; Interactive Computer Graphics; Digital Integrated Technology; Autonomous Robotics; and Software Engineering.
Computer Science students may also focus in areas such as Intelligent Systems; Web Technology and Applications; Software Development; Computer Hardware; Theory of Computation; or Computing Infrastructure.
In the School of Information, students with a bachelor’s degree in any major can enroll in the Rackham Graduate Certificate in Extended Reality (XR). This program can be used as an add-on to the graduate student's primary degree program. All students will complete Introduction to AR/VR Application Design. Other course examples include Developing AR/VR Experiences; Augmented Tectonics; Immersive Media; AR/VR for Sustainability; Sci-Fi Prototyping; Generative Design; and Virtual Engagement in Digital Technologies.
Students in all programs have access to the XR Initiative - Center for Academic Innovation and the studios of the James and Anne Duderstadt Center (DC). Founded in 2019, the XR Initiative works across all U-M colleges, schools, and departments to develop new XR related educational technology designed to enhance student learning experiences. The Initiative also focuses on making XR technology more accessible on campus and promoting its use in higher education.
Past XR Initiative projects include AR Visit Detroit App: An augmented reality tour of Detroit that combines history, culture, and technology; Cross-platform XR Tools for Supporting Student Creativity in Immersive Audio Design; MIVERSE: A project that teaches the essentials of Unity and Blender skills to help participants become well-rounded developers; XRStudio: A project that develops a pipeline for giving lectures in VR; and Cross-platform XR Tools: A browser-based tool for designing virtual immersive sonic environments.
Launched in 1996 as the Media Union, the James and Anne Duderstadt Center houses the DC Visualization Studio; M.I.D.E.N (Michigan Immersive Digital Experience Nexus); the Fabrication Studio; and VizHubs. All studios are equipped with individual and shared workstations; the Vicon Motion Capture System; the Leap Motion System for hand tracking in VR environments; advanced software; and a Perception Neuron Full Body Tracking Suit.
Graduates of the Computer Science and XR programs at University of Michigan are prepared to pursue in areas such as AR/VR, intelligent and assistive systems, simulation engineering, digital arts and entertainment, applications development, software engineering, and computer systems. U-M alumni have been hired at places such as include Microsoft, Oracle, General Motors, Epic Games, IBM, Google, Amazon, IBM, Facebook, Capital One, Ford Motor Company, and MathWorks.
Established in 1817, University of Michigan is the oldest higher education institution in the state. The school is also one of the nation’s first public institutions. U-M consists of three campuses (Ann Arbor-main, Dearborn, and Flint) that serve 52,065 students enrolled in more than 275 degree programs across 19 colleges and schools. University of Michigan is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) houses several degree programs, minors, labs, and studios that support AR/VR studies and research. Supported by the Center for Innovation in Teaching & Learning (CITL) and University Library’s IDEA Lab and Media Commons, the VR@Illinois Lab (VR LAB) is a collaborative initiative that supports AR/VR and extended reality activities at UIUC.
The VR Lab houses mobile virtual reality classrooms; studio spaces for VR creation, research, teaching, and exploration; the VR Club, which hosts weekly club meetings; and loanable headsets and cameras for viewing and capturing 360 media. VR Lab experts help with VR research projects and consultations on implementing VR in the classroom.
Adjacent to the VR Lab is the Innovation Studio. This active, experimental, and emerging technology studio is equipped with VR headsets, gaming computers, a video wall, and a variety of innovative technologies. Students in all VR/AR-related courses and programs have access to the VR LAB and Innovation Studio.
Grainger College of Engineering at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign houses the Thomas M. Siebel School of Computing and Data Science. Within the school is a Computer Science (CS) program that’s ideal for students interested in studying AR/VR. Specific pathways include the Computer Science BS, MS, and minor. The 12 credit hour minor can be added most technology-related programs at UIUC.
Students in the CS BS have may take up to 18 credit hours of technical electives and six hours of CS advanced electives, allowing them to focus in specific area of interest such as AR/VR. Course examples include Virtual Reality; AI for Computer Games; Programming Languages Design; Human-Computer Interaction; Software Design Lab; Applied Machine Learning; User Interface Design; Topics in the Internet of Things; Software Engineering I-II; Simulation; Mobile Interactive Design; and Social Visualization.
The CS MS at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is a research-oriented degree that requires 28 credit hours of coursework and a four credit hour thesis. The program consists of 10 core areas. Examples include Interactive Computing; Artificial Intelligence (AI); Programming Languages; and Scientific Computing.
Both CS BS and MS students will work in teams to complete a series of projects throughout each program. This includes a final project and presentation to graduate.
Graduates of UIUC Grainger College of Engineering are prepared to pursue leadership roles across industries. Grainger alumni have gone on to co-found companies such as PayPal, Yelp, and YouTube. Graduates have also been hired at Fortune 500 companies such as Apple, Microsoft, Google, Amazon, IBM, Meta Platforms, Inc., Caterpillar, Tesla, and ADM.
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign was established in 1867 as Illinois Industrial University. The second oldest public post-secondary institution in the state, UIUC serves 59,240 students from all 50 U.S. states and 126 countries. The school provides more than 150 undergraduate programs and 100+ graduate and professional programs across 16 colleges and instructional units. University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
Purdue University is home to Purdue Polytechnic Institute, which houses the Department of Computer Graphics Technology (CGT) and the CGT MS program. Students in this program have the option to customize their plan of study by selecting courses from majors such as Game Development; Computer and Information Technology; Artificial Intelligence (AI); and Robotics Engineering Technology.
This means student have access to a wide range of courses to develop a focus in AR/VR. Course examples include Augmented Reality; Collaborative Virtual and Augmented Environments; Product Development Using Virtual Environments; Computer Graphics Programming; Managing Information Technology Projects; Cognition and Human-Computer Interaction (HCI); Systems Programming; Geometric Modeling For Visualization And Communication; Game Development I-II; Visual Intelligence and Perception; Special Topics In Human-Centered Design And Development; Visual Programming; and Advanced Real-Time Computer Graphics.
All CGT MS students have access to the IDEAS Research Group, which focuses on Metaverse/AR/VR. Students also have access to the Purdue HRD Virtual Lab. Equipment in this state-of-the-art lab includes iMotions software to collect biometric data on facial expression analysis (FEA), eye tracking (ET), electrocardiography (ECG), galvanic skin responses (GSR), and facial electromyography (fEMG); Oculus Rift Virtual Reality Headsets to deliver virtual reality simulations; GoPro Omni and GoPro Hero to create 360-degree training simulation content; and Microsoft HoloLens for augmented reality training simulations.
Purdue MS CGT students will complete several projects including the Computer Graphics Project, Directed MS Capstone, and Directed MS Project to graduate. Graduates are prepared to seek careers in all industries that utilize AR/VR. Purdue Polytechnic Institute alumni have been hired at places such as Boeing, DreamWorks, Amazon, Lockheed Martin, Mercedes Benz, Google, Delco Electronics, Rolls Royce, Deloitte, Caterpillar, Ford Motor Company, The Raytheon Company, PepsiCo., Toyota, Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation, Endeavor Air, Symbol Technologies, Northern Telcom, and Eli Lilly.
Established in 1869, Purdue University serves approximately 57,090 students from all 50 states and 120 countries. The school provides more than 400 programs across 11 colleges and schools. Purdue University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). The Art, Design, and Performance Programs at Purdue are accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD) and the National Association of Schools of Theatre (NAST).
The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at Iowa State University (Iowa State) houses the Department of Computer Science (CS). In partnership with Iowa State’s Graduate College, the CS Department provides MS and PhD degrees in Computer Science and Human-Computer Interaction (HCI); a Master of Human-Computer Interaction (MHCI); and MS in Artificial Intelligence (AI); and a 12 credit hour HCI graduate certificate. All options are ideal for students seeking advanced roles in AR/VR and related fields.
The Virtual Reality Applications Center (VRAC) at Iowa State leads the HCI program. This interdisciplinary research center supports the research of students and faculty from Iowa State’s seven colleges, as well as a number of industry partners and collaborators from several federal agencies. VRAC participants have skills and interests in virtual, augmented, and mixed reality (AR/VR/MR); user experience (UX); haptics interaction; developmental robotics; mobile computing; mobile computing; and HCI. Computer Science and AI students also have access to the VRAC.
Across programs, students will take courses such as Virtual Worlds and Applications; Foundations in Game-Based Learning; Python Application Development in HCI; Computer Graphics and Geometric Modeling; Visual Design for HCI; Learning to Speak AI; Developmental Robotics; Computational Perception; Design and Evaluation of Human Computer Interaction; Emerging Practices in Human Computer Interaction; and Computational Implementation and Prototyping.
Programs culminate with a capstone project, thesis, portfolio, and/or research project. Graduates of the CS, AI, and HCI programs at Iowa State University are prepared to pursue careers in both the private and public sectors. Master’s degree graduates are also prepared to pursue a PhD in any related area. Possible job titles include AR/VR Designer, AR/VR Developer, VR Artist, XR Designer, Software Developer, Programmer, User-Centered Designer, Interaction Designer, and User Experience Designer.
Founded in 1858, Iowa State University is the nation’s first designated land-grant institution. The school serves approximately 30,430 students enrolled in more than 100 undergraduate majors and over 180 graduate programs, including doctoral degrees, master's degrees, and graduate certificates. Programs are housed across eight colleges and around 150 academic departments. Iowa State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
Northwestern University (Northwestern) houses a number of labs and centers that focus on education, projects, and research related to AR/VR. Two of the largest labs and centers include AR/VR Lab known as the Garage, and the Center for Human-Computer Interaction + Design.
The Garage is an 11,000 square foot space that attracts more than 250 mentors and experts. The Garage also supports projects, networking, and collaboration between students. Programming and other resources are available as well. To date The Garage has helped produce more than 500 student-founded startups and projects.
The Center for Human-Computer Interaction + Design (HCI+D) is a collection of researchers, faculty experts, and students with interests in areas such as AR/VR, Human-Centered AI, Interactive Computing, Inclusive Computing, and Collaborative Computing. HCI+D members hold a number of patents, and they have published articles and books, and created software and source code.
Other Northwestern labs and groups include the Tangible Interaction Design and Learning (TIDAL) Lab; Artificial Intelligence Group; Interactive Audio Lab; NuLogiCS Group; Interactive Audio Lab; Swarm Robotics Lab; Cognition, Creativity, and Communication Lab (C3 Lab); IDEAS Lab; Prescience Lab; and HABits Lab.
In addition to centers and labs to support AR/VR education, projects, and research, Northwestern University provides a number of degree programs for students interested in a formal program of study related to AR/VR. Note that students in all programs also have access to all labs and centers.
Established in 1909, the McCormick School of Engineering and Applied Science at Northwestern University houses the Computer Science Department. Within the Department is the Computer Science (CS) program, which has BS, MS, PhD, and minor options. Established in 1851, the Judd A. and Marjorie Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences provides a BA in Computer Science. This program is identical to the McCormick CS BS. The CS minor is available to both McCormick and Weinberg students.
All undergraduate students have the option to select a concentration from eight options. Examples include Computer Hardware and Architecture; Human-Computer Interaction; Foundations; Robotics; Software Engineering and Programming Languages; and Artificial Intelligence.
Course examples across concentrations and programs include Interactive Information Visualization; Advanced Digital Design; Microcontroller System Design; Tangible Interaction Design and Learning; Human-Centered Service Design; Quadrotor Design and Control; Rapid Prototyping; Artificial Intelligence (AI) Programming; Designing & Constructing Models with Multi-Agent Language; Declarative Programming for Game AI; Machine Learning; Human Computer Interaction (HCI); Computer Graphics; Computer Game Design and Development; Code Analysis and Transformation; Machine Perception of Music and Audio; Computational Optics; Communications and Technology; Agile Software Development; HCI Studio; and Resource Virtualization.
Computer Science MS and PhD students have the opportunity to work with faculty through the Computer Science + X (CS +X) Initiative. CS + X focuses on emerging fields of study and building interdisciplinary research teams across schools and departments. These teams have the opportunity to collaborate with external industry partners such as Adobe, Facebook, and Underwriters Laboratories, Inc.
MS students also have the opportunity to customize the curriculum to support their goals. Course and research options include AR/VR for Virtual Analytics; Visualization; Computer Graphics and Human Computer Interfaces for Spatial Applications; HCI; Computer Entertainment; AI; Distributed Interactive Systems; and Theoretical Computer Science.
Computer Science PhD students at Northwestern may choose from five tracks: Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning; Interfaces; Computer Engineering; Theory; and Systems Networking. Within each track, students have the opportunity to explore just about any area of interest. Examples include Vision and Graphics; Computer Engineering; Human-Computer Interaction (HCI); Programming Languages; and Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning.
The HCI area is one of the most popular areas for students interested in AR/VR. HCI explores areas such as augmented reality; mixed-initiative systems; interactive audio; mobile interaction design; multi-touch interaction; cyberlearning and future learning technologies; user-centered design; ubiquitous computing; and computer-mediated communication.
Graduates of the Computer Science programs at Northwestern University are prepared to pursue intermediate to advanced roles in AR/VR and others across industries. Program alumni are Computer Programmers, Software Developers, and Engineers at companies such as Microsoft, AT&T, Intel, Google, and IBM.
Established in 1851, Northwestern University serves approximately 20,960 enrolled in hundreds of programs across 11 colleges and schools. Northwestern has campuses in Chicago and Evanston, IL., and Doha, Qatar, along with sites in San Francisco, New York, Washington DC, and Miami. Northwestern University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
The Ohio State University (Ohio State) houses several labs and programs that allow students to pursue studies in AR/VR. Labs include the Advanced Computing Center for the Arts and Design (ACCAD) and the Emerging Tech Studio (ETS). The ACCAD conducts research that focuses on emerging arts technologies. The Center also houses specialized and flexible studios for interactive design, animation, performance design, motion capture, and media production.
The ETS provides AR/VR experiences that simulate real-world and otherworldly scenes. VR technology and resources include Meta Quest 2, Meta Quest Pro, VIVE XR Elite, and VR apps from Steam, Steam, the Oculus Rift Store, and the Oculus Quest Store.
Programs for AR/VR students are housed in the College of Arts and Sciences’ Department of Design. Established in 1968, the department has an interdisciplinary Design MFA program with a Digital Animation and Interactive Media (DAIM) track. This allows students to select 12 studio elective credits in any area.
Provided in collaboration with the Advanced Computing Center for the Arts and Design (ACCAD), the 60 credit hour MFA/DAIM program also features core design courses and open electives in the themes of studio/lab; history/theory/criticism; and collaborative/interdisciplinary studio. The DAIM track explores virtual environments, real time graphics, performance animation, game art, responsive and interactive media, and installations.
Specific course examples include Mobile Handset Systems and Networking; Virtual Modeling; Designing Immersive Virtual Environments; Computer Vision for Human-Computer Interaction; Virtual Modeling; Scripting for Animation in Maya; Motion Capture Production and Experimentation; Computer Game and Design; Survey of Artificial Intelligence I: Basic Techniques; Aspects of Art and Technology II; INT Technology; Emerging Trends in Data Visualization; Design DAIM Seminar; Experimental Scripting for Animation in Maya; Programming Concepts and Applications for Artists and Designers, Integrated Tech Lab; UI/UX,; and Interactive Arts Media II.
The MFA/DAIM program at Ohio State culminates with the Project Exhibition and Oral Defense (Thesis Defense). This culminating experience is completed over two full semesters (fall and spring).
Graduates are prepared to pursue titles such as Augmented Reality Designer or Developer, Virtual Reality Designer or Developer, Human-Computer Interaction Designer, Experiential Designer, Mixed Reality Designer, Visualization Specialist, Motion Graphics Designer, CG Specialist, Multimedia Designer, and Game Developer.
The Ohio State University was established in 1870 as Ohio Agricultural and Mechanical College. The school serves approximately 65,405 students across six Ohio campuses including Columbus (main), Lima, Mansfield, Marion, Newark, and the Agricultural Technical Institute in Wooster. More than 200 majors, minors, and specializations are provided across 18 colleges and schools. The Ohio State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
The College of Engineering at University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) houses several departments and labs that support education, research, and projects that explore AR/VR. Labs include Electronic Visualization Laboratory (EVL) and the Human-in-Mind Engineering Research Lab (HiMER).
Established in 1973, the EVL is an interdisciplinary research laboratory in the College of Engineering’s Department of Computer Science. Specialization areas include virtual reality; advanced computing and networking infrastructure; collaborative visualization; and visual data science. The EVL is supported by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, the National Science Foundation (NSF), Argonne National Laboratory, The Joseph and Bessie Feinberg Foundation, and the State of Illinois.
The HiMER Lab highlights recently funded research in AR/VR; Human-System Interaction; Data Analytics; Human Performance Modeling; and Transportation Safety. Recent AR/VR projects include HiMER Lab Augmented/Virtual Reality Wearable Screen Design; Projection-Based Mixed Reality Platform-Spatial Mixed Reality; Gaze-Based Multimodal Interactions in AR; and Human Perception and Cognition in AR.
In partnership with the School of Public Health’s Center for Healthy Work, the HiMer Lab also hosts the ongoing project: Development of Human-Robot Interaction and Collaboration Systems Using Augmented Reality and Deep Learning.
The Department of Computer Science (CS) is the fastest growing program at UIC. Pathways for students interested in studying AR/VR include the Computer Science and Design BS, which is the only such program at a public university; a CS MS; CS combined BS/MS (which takes just five years to complete instead of six); and the CS minor. A CS PhD is also available for students who like pursue leadership roles in AR/VR, research, or education at the university level.
Across programs, students will explore AR/VR design; designing and developing digital interfaces; creative coding; media design; human-centered computing; and computer graphics through a combination of studio courses, electives, and required technical courses. Coursework also allows students to collaborate on projects and research.
Course and elective examples for the CS BS and minor include Virtual, Augmented and Mixed Reality; Integrative Design Studio I-III; Artificial Intelligence; Visualization; Object-Oriented Languages and Environment; Software Design; Human Augmentics (HA); Game Design; Object-Oriented Languages and Environment; Computer Graphics; Programming Language Design and Implementation; and Digital Media Design.
The CS MS consists of 36 credit hours with coursework only, project (capstone), and thesis options (research or PhD preparation). Course examples include Virtual Reality; Virtual, Augmented, and Mixed Reality VR/AR/MR); Wearables and Nearables Technology Laboratory; Human-Computer Interaction; Creative Coding; Video Game Design and Development; Applied Artificial Intelligence; Design of Mobile Apps; Advanced Machine Learning; Multimedia Systems; Software Engineering; Programming Language Design; and Deep Learning for Computer Vision.
Graduates of the Computer Science Programs at University of Illinois Chicago are prepared to pursue advanced roles in the tech industry, aerospace, health, entertainment, architecture, medicine, and education. Program alumni have been hired at places such as Cisco, Microsoft, Adobe, Amazon, HP, Google, Blue Cross Blue Shield, LG, Apple, Meta Platforms, Inc., and Verizon.
University of Illinois Chicago formed in 1982 when two University of Illinois campuses (the Medical Center campus and the Chicago Circle campus) consolidated. Today, with more than 33,500 students enrolled, UIC is the largest university in the Chicago area and its only public Carnegie Research 1 institution. The school provides approximately 335 degree and certificate programs across 16 academic colleges, University of Illinois Chicago is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
Ohio University provides several labs and programs that support education and research in the field of AR/VR. Labs include the Game Research and Immersive Design Lab (GRID Lab). Established in 2005, the GRID Lab was originally an initiative of Scripps College of Communication that was developed by the School of Media Arts and Studies.
Today, the lab is housed in the J. Warren McClure School of Emerging Communication Technologies (ECT). Faculty and students in the GRID Lab conduct advanced research and produce content focused on augmented, virtual, mixed reality, and digital games. Students in all McClure programs may participate in GRID Lab.
Part of Scripps College, the McClure School of ECT also houses a Virtual Reality and Game Development (VRGD) BS and a flexible Information and Telecommunications BS (ITS BS). The ITS program allows students to create an area of concentration (AoC) by selecting five related courses from an area outside ITS. This includes AR/VR. Examples of requirements and electives for the ITS major include Computer Programming in JAVA; Scripting Projects; Communication and New Technology; Data Networking; and Engineering Programming. ITS students will complete a capstone project to graduate.
The VRGD BS is a flexible 120 program with a virtual reality and game development core. Course examples include Understanding Virtual Reality Technology; Digital Tools for Virtual Reality and Game Development; Virtual Reality Critical Analysis and Evaluation; Computer Programming in JAVA; Virtual Reality Production: cineVR; Scripting Projects; Engineering Programming; Virtual Reality Production: Interactive; Storytelling, Technology and Digital Media in Theme Parks; and Virtual Reality Production: Immersive Audio.
Electives allow students to enhance the degree by providing advanced training in areas such as animation, new media, digital game design, networking, and more. Elective examples include Animation I-II; Data Networking; Composing in New Media; Special Topics in VR and Game Development; Digital Game Design: World Creation; Transmedia Storytelling; and Internet Applications and Network Systems.
VRGD BS students are also required to declare a Business or Communication Studies minor. Across minors, course examples include Communication and New Technology; Business Information Systems; Communication in Interpersonal Relationships; Marketing Principles; and Rhetoric in Electronic Media. The program culminates with a final project (capstone) and portfolio.
The McClure School at Ohio University has the highest job placement rate in the Scripps College of Communication. Graduates of the VRGD and ITS BS programs are routinely recruited by Fortune 500 companies and other leading companies across the U.S. Examples include Microsoft, Walt Disney Imagineering, IBM, Sony Playstation, Booz Allen Hamilton, Google, Unity, Warner Brothers, Ubisoft, Electronic Arts (EA), Cisco Systems, Apple, Riot Games, Marathon Petroleum, Activision Blizzard, Bungie, Time Warner Telecom, Progressive Insurance, PowerNet Global, Deloitte, Verizon, and XO Communications.
McClure alumni are also employed in branches of the U.S. Armed Forces and with state and federal government offices.
Ohio University is the state’s first public university. Established in 1804, the school opened with just one building, three students, and one professor. Today Ohio University’s 1,700+ faculty members serve more than 28,000 enrolled in 250+ academic programs across six campuses, 11 colleges, and 16 schools. and OHIO University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
DePaul University houses several colleges, state-of-the-art labs, and clubs that support AR/VR collaboration, learning, research, development, and projects on all emerging platforms. The Eugene P. Jarvis College of Computing and Digital Media (CDM) is home to the Jarvis Student Center for Innovation and Collaboration and the Virtual and Augmented Design (VAD) Lab.
Launched in 2022, Jarvis Student Center for Innovation and Collaboration houses a creative extended reality (XR) studio space for students to conceive and collaborate on projects for VR, AR and mixed reality (MR). The Virtual and Augmented Design (VAD) Lab is located on the concourse level of the DePaul Center. Equipment includes AR headsets/visors, VR headsets with hand and foot trackers, iPhones for augmented reality development, Oculus Rifts, iPhones for augmented reality development, Microsoft HoloLenses, HTC Vives, and Macs and PCs.
The College of Communication at DePaul University houses the Virtual and Augmented Reality Communication (VARC) Lab. The goal of the VARC Lab is to advance ethical communication in AR and VR. Equipped with the latest AR/VR equipment, the lab allows students and faculty to experience AR/VR technology and explore how these tools impact society. The VARC Lab also provides classes and workshops, and supports courses at DePaul that utilize AR/VR in the classroom.
DePaul students may also join the DePaul Virtual Reality Society, which provides exclusive AR/VR resources, networking opportunities with students and professionals, and access to AR/VR-related events and activities. All members will also learn about the skills required to create virtual reality content. Other related clubs include DePaul Robotics Club; DePaul Data Science Group; DePaul Information System Student Organization (DISSO); the Computer Science Society (CSS); DePaul Fundamental Research in Academic Gaming Club (DeFRAG); and the DePaul User Experience Association (DUXA); Air DePaul; DePaul Digital Media Ties (DD); and DePaul Esports.
In addition to the labs and clubs at DePaul University, students who would like to pursue careers in AR/VR have the opportunity to enroll in one of several degree programs with heavy technology and AR/VR-related coursework.
Options in the Jarvis College’s School of Computing include a Computer Science BS (CS BS), and MS degrees in Computer Science (CS MS) and Software Engineering. The CS BS has three concentrations including Game Systems; Artificial Intelligence (AI); and Software Development.
The CS MS requires 28 credit hours from electives in areas such as AI; Human-Computer Interaction (HCI); Game and Real-Time Systems, Software and Systems Development; and Software Engineering. and. Software Engineering MS students may concentrate in Real Time Game Systems; Software Development; Software Architecture; or Entrepreneurship and Technology Leadership.
Across programs and concentrations, course examples include Deep Learning; Cyber-Physical System Engineering I-III, Symbolic Programming; Game Engine Programming I-II; Tool Programming for Game Development; Data Visualization; Introduction to Robotics; Optimized C++; Programming Machine Learning Applications; Systems I-II; Computer Graphics Development; Object-Oriented Software Development; 3D Design and Modeling; Real-Time Graphics Techniques; Concepts of Programming Languages; Advanced Data Analysis; Rendering and Graphics Programming; and Software Projects.
Graduates of the Computer Science and Software Engineering programs at DePaul University are prepared to pursue advanced roles in technology across industries. Approximately 98% of the largest publicly held companies employ DePaul graduates. Alumni have been hired at places such as Lockheed Martin, Abbott Laboratories, Microsoft, Disney Interactive, Amazon, NBCUniversal, Meta Platforms, Inc., X (formerly Twitter), Allstate, CDW, Federal Reserve Bank, Argonne National Laboratory, JP Morgan Chase, State Farm, Vivid Seats, Eclipse Gaming Systems, GitHub, Harley-Davidson, and CME Group.
DePaul University was founded in 1898 as St. Vincent’s College. On the first day of classes September 5, 1898, the school welcomed 70 students and 10 faculty members. Today, DePaul University serves approximately 21,350 students, making it the largest Catholic University in the U.S. The school is also America’s 13th-largest private, not-for-profit university, and the largest private, not-for-profit college in the Midwest.
Students at DePaul have access to more than 130 undergraduate majors and over 170 graduate programs across 10 colleges and schools, with nearly 100% of courses taught by faculty members—not teaching assistants. DePaul University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
Columbia College Chicago (Columbia) provides several degree programs that are suitable for students seeking careers in AR/VR. Options include the Immersive Media (IM) BA and minor; the Programming BA, BS, and minor; the User Experience and Interaction Design BA; the User Experience minor; and the Game Design minor.
With concentrations in Application and Game Programming, the Programming BA and BS programs highlight courses that explore scripting, game development, programming, and physical computing. A team environment allows students to collaborate on AR/VR projects, developing games, and other projects to build a professional portfolio.
The User Experience and Interaction BA highlights courses that explore programming, physical computing, and user research and design. In the classroom, students will work on team projects in an environment that simulates today’s studios, offices, and labs. Outside of the classroom, BA students will intern at places such as NetherRealm Studios, Bethesda Softworks, High Voltage Software, WMS Industries, and Braintree.
For the final project, students will have the opportunity to create and execute solutions for real clients such as the Field Museum, Six Flags, and the Special Olympics.
The Immersive Media BA program at Columbia College is the top choice for students seeking careers in AR/VR. This program focuses on developing technical and creative skills related to augmented, virtual, and mixed reality (AR/VR/MxR). This includes programming, spatial computing, interaction design, and data visualization. Students in the program will have opportunities to build immersive experiences for applications such as games, engineering, healthcare, entertainment, and the science fields.
Course examples for the program include Immersive Environments I-IV; Programming I-I; Experience Design; Algorithms; Story Development for Interactive Media; Interface Design; AI Programming; Studio Collaboration; and Advanced Game Scripting and Environments.
Other IM program features include a collaborative environment, portfolio development, and the opportunity to participate in or present at events such as the Augmented World Expo (AWE), the VRAR Association of Chicago (career fairs and events), the Game Developers Conference (GDC), the Chicago Toy and Game Fair (required), and Industry Night and Manifest.
In the final year of the IM BA program at Columbia College Chicago, students will work in teams to develop a public immersive experience.
While Columbia’s BA and BS programs provide heavy AR/VR coursework, minors allow students to take on additional AR/VR-related courses that may not be offered through the degree program. The IM minor highlights courses such as Immersive Environments I-II; Wearable Interfaces; and Sound for Interaction. The Programming minor allows students to select courses from multiple elective tracks, in addition to taking the required courses. Course examples include Programming I-II; Application Design; C++ Programming; Code; and Data Design for Applications.
The 18 credit hour User Experience minor consists of courses such as Prototyping Strategies; Interface Design; Information Architecture; and Experience Design, and the Game Design minor is an interdisciplinary program that consists of AR/VR-related courses that cover areas such as integrated scripting/programming, system design, user experience, and level design. Minors are 18 credit hours.
In addition to AR/VR-related programs, Columbia houses a number of creative spaces and facilities that support projects of all kinds, including immersive technologies. Spaces and facilities include the Media Production Center; equipment case with HD video cameras, DSLR cameras, microphones, audio recorders; the Fabrication Lab (Fab Lab); and Computer labs equipped with DSLR cameras, microphones, HD video cameras, and audio recorders.
Graduates of the IM, Programming, and User Experience and Interaction Design programs at Columbia College Chicago are prepared to pursue careers in areas such as virtual reality design and development, immersive media, programming, game design and development, simulation design, user experience, immersive storytelling, augmented reality design and development, interface or industrial design, product development, immersive information visualization, user experience design for immersive media, web development, and software engineering,
Nearly 90% of Columbia College graduates report being employed within a year of earning their degrees. Across programs, alumni can be found at places such as Adobe, Leo Burnett, Microsoft, Coca-Cola, BBDO, Google, IBM, Riot Games, Jellyvision, Motorola, NYTimes, Razorfish, SapientNitro, TIME Studios, Venmo, Pandora, IBM, Deloitte, PayPal, Edelman, Moxie, Midwest Immersive, and 8i Studio.
Columbia College Chicago was established in 1890 as the Columbia School of Oratory. This private nonprofit college serves nearly 6,700 students enrolled in more than 60 undergraduate and graduate degree programs in the creative and media arts, liberal arts, and business. Columbia College Chicago is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
