| Ranking | School | State |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Texas at Austin | Texas |
| 2 | Arizona State University | Arizona |
| 3 | Texas A&M University | Texas |
| 4 | University of Arizona | Arizona |
| 5 | University of Utah | Utah |
| 6 | University of Colorado, Boulder | Colorado |
| 7 | Southern Methodist University | Texas |
| 8 | University of Colorado, Denver | Colorado |
| 9 | Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University | Arizona |
| 10 | Oklahoma State University | Oklahoma |
Our 2024 rankings -our fourth annual- of the Top 10 Augmented/Virtual Reality (AR/VR) schools in the Southwest. For an explanation of ranking criteria, click here.
University of Texas at Austin (UT) houses a Game Design and Development (GDAD) program dedicated to training students for careers in AR/VR, games, and digital media. Established in 2012, the program provides the opportunity to work alongside UT’s game development student organization EGaDS! and industry studios, while taking courses on immersive experiences through the Texas Immersive Institute in Moody College of Communication.
Other coursework comes from the Department of Computer Science (CS) in the College of Natural Sciences; the Department of Arts and Entertainment Technologies (AET) in the College of Fine Arts’ School of Design and Creative Technologies; and the Department of Radio-Television-Film (RTF) in Moody College of Communication.
In addition to coursework across schools and departments, GDAD students have access to the Center for Perceptual Systems in the College of Liberal Arts. The center houses state-of-the-art labs such as the Virtual Reality Laboratory and the Vision, Cognition, and Action Virtual Reality Lab. The labs focus on research in Virtual Reality Systems, Neural Mechanisms, Computation, and more.
Equipment includes HiBall high precision head tracking systems, a SensAble Technologies Phantom Force Feedback System with a large workspace, Oculus Rift DKII, several Polhemus Fastrack Systems, Motion Capture Systems, and an Immersion Cyberglove hand posture sensor with vibrotactile stimulators.
An additional laboratory houses a driving simulator mounted on a motion platform, and a PhaseSpace 3D body tracking system using 40 LED Markers and 16 Impulse Cameras. The virtual environments are displayed using three Virtual Research V8 Head Mounted Displays and two N-Vis wide field of view helmets with binocular eye tracking.
In addition to the interdisciplinary GDAD program, students interested in AR/VR can enroll in the Computer Science BS (BS CS) program with an optional Game Development concentration; or the Professional Arts and Entertainment Technologies BS. Across programs, course examples include AR/VR: Intro to the Metaverse; Design for Artificial Intelligence; Mixed Reality for the Masses; Advanced Creative Coding; Immersive Audio; Interactive Environments; Video Game Prototyping; DxD Studio;
3D Previz in Live Environment; Design and Interactivity; Storytelling in Design; AET Studio; Video Game Scripting; IBM Studio; Integrated Design; and User Interfaces.
Students in all CS programs in the College of Natural Sciences may also take additional AR/VR courses as electives. This is especially true for the BSA in CS, which allows students to explore other areas to match their goals. In addition to a BSA and BS, CS students can earn a BA, MS, or five-year BS/MS.
Graduates of the AET, Game Design, and CS Program at UT Austin enjoy a 93% employment rate within six months of graduation. Program alumni are prepared to pursue AR/VR jobs in fields such as entertainment, game design and development, manufacturing, the military, education, automotive, marketing, design, training, law enforcement, retail, architecture, healthcare, hospitality, and sports. ,
UT Austin graduates have been hired at places such as Apple, Google, HP, EA Games, Amazon, IBM, Zynga, GameStop, Scientific Games, Aspyr Media, Inc., Diamond Entertainment, Cloud Imperium, and Everi Digital.
Founded in 1883, University of Texas at Austin serves approximately 51,915 students, making it one of the largest universities in Texas. UT Austin provides more than 155 undergraduate degree programs with 170+ fields of study, 139 graduate degree programs, and nearly 100 doctoral programs across 19 colleges and schools. University of Texas at Austin is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
Arizona State University (ASU) launched the Media and Immersive eXperience (MIX) Center in fall 2022. Part of the ASU at Mesa City Center Complex, which also houses The Studios at Mesa City Center and the three-acre Plaza at Mesa City Center, MIX is a collaboration between ASU and the City of Mesa.
Designed to support emerging media technologies and related academic programs, this state-of-the-art facility houses immersion studios, soundstages, ideation studios, fabrication labs, screening rooms, exhibition spaces, and community rooms. MIX students have opportunities to design new virtual worlds and video games; produce films; and create other immersive media experiences.
In addition to the MIX Center, ASU is also home to the Center for Narrative and Emerging Media (NEM). Also launched in fall 2022, NEM is a partnership between the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication, and the Sidney Poitier New American Film School/Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts.
Housed in the ASU California Center in Downtown Los Angeles, NEM provides an MA program (MA-NEM) that focuses on emerging storytelling and immersive experience content creation in AR/VR/XR; virtual production; short-form digital video; animated graphics; streaming; and 360 video. Course examples include AR/VR/XR for Storytelling; Short Form and 360 Video Production; Emerging Media Project Management; Virtual Production for Storytelling; Narrative Development and Pre-Production; Emerging Media for Clients; and Emerging Media Production.
The Narrative and Emerging Media MA program at ASU culminates with the Applied Project course, worth three credits. Graduates will enter the job market with a professional portfolio of their best work.
Potential job titles include AR/VR/XR Producer, Immersive Storyteller, Media Project Manager, Documentary Film Producer, Independent Filmmaker, and Journalist.
The Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts at Arizona State University houses the School of Arts, Media and Engineering, and The Design School. Both schools provide additional program options that are ideal for students interested in studying AR/VR. These include the MS in Media Arts and Sciences (Extended Reality Technologies) and the MSD in Design (Experience Design).
Housed in the School of Arts, Media and Engineering, the Media Arts and Sciences MS is a STEM-designated program that focuses on extended reality and immersive technologies, including human-computer interaction (HCI), experience design, artificial intelligence (AI), visualization, machine learning, computer vision, interaction, and simulation.
Course examples include Designing Extended-Reality Experiences; Machine Learning for Media Arts; Digital Workflow in the Graphics Industry; Programming for Social and Interactive Media; Movement and Computing; Design for Media Arts; Prototyping Futures; and Creating Interactive Media.
The ASU Media Arts and Sciences MS requires an internship and culminating applied project to graduate.
Housed in The Design School, the MSD is a cross-disciplinary program that explores extended and virtual reality, interactive environments, games, themed entertainment, and immersive storytelling. Course examples include Prototyping Futures; Immersive Experience Design; Research Methods; and Emerging Media Colloquium.
Like the MS program, the MSD require an internship to graduate. Students in this program will also complete a thesis and culminating applied project.
Graduates of the MA, MS, and MSD programs at Arizona State University are prepared to pursue careers in areas such as AR/VR (across industries), game design and development, 3D modeling and visualization, mobile development, architecture, aerospace, experience design, film and video, web development, healthcare, theme park design, the military, education, advertising, urban planning, exhibit design, and law enforcement training.
According to the Arizona Board of Regents, Arizona State University serves 145,655 students, making it the largest university in the state and one of the top 10 largest universities in the U.S. Founded in 1885 as the Arizona Territorial Normal School, ASU has four campuses and a digital division that provide more than 900 fully accredited degree programs and majors. ASU programs are housed across 16 colleges and schools. Arizona State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
The School of Performance, Visualization and Fine Arts (PVFA) at Texas A&M University (TAMU) provides several ideal pathways to study AR/VR. Options include BS, MS, and MFA degrees in Visualization. A recently launched Virtual Production (VP) minor is also available.
This new VP minor features courses such as Virtual Reality; Interactive Virtual Environments; Visual Computing; Virtual Production Techniques; Applied Perception; Creating Digital Environments; Game Level Design; Virtual Cinematography and Lighting; Data Visualization; Art Direction for Virtual Production; and Digital Rendering. Students in this 18 credit hour program also have the opportunity to complete a professional internship.
Across all PVFA programs, students also benefit from project-based studios; access to dozens of programming and production courses; interdisciplinary coursework; and collaborative projects.
The Visualization BS at TAMU provides the opportunity to focus in an area of interest through electives, a minor or concentrations such as Visual Computing, Interactive Design, and Animation and Virtual Production. The Visualization MS features formal focus areas such as Virtual Reality; Augmented Reality; Interactive Design; Data Visualization; Computer Graphics; and Gaming. The MFA in Visualization provides the opportunity to specialize in areas such as Virtual/Augmented Reality; Visual Effects; Visual Storytelling; Gaming; Data Visualization; and User Experience Design.
The BS program culminates with a capstone project and portfolio. The MS has both thesis and non-thesis options. Thesis students will complete a thesis and project. Non-thesis students will complete a final project. The culminating experience for the Visualization MFA is a complete body of work that focuses on the student's area of specialization.
The College of Engineering houses the Department of Computer Science and Engineering, which also has several paths to study AR/VR. Options include BS degrees in Computer Science and Computer Engineering; the BA in Computing; a Computer Science minor; and the Game Design and Development minor.
Consisting of 17 credit hours, the Computer Science minor can be added to any Visualization program. Course examples include Programming Languages; Program Design and Concepts; Discrete Structures for Computing; Data Structures and Algorithms; and Computer Organization.
Consisting of 16 credit hours, the Game Design and Development minor can be added to any program in the College of Engineering. Course examples include Interactive Virtual Environments; Computer-Human Interaction; Programming; Computer Graphics; Introduction to Program Design and Concepts; and Multimedia Design and Development.
Students in the Computer Science, Computer Engineering, and Computing programs have access to dozens of courses that support education and hands-on learning in AR/VR. Examples include Virtual Reality; Game Development; Computer-Human Interaction; Program Design and Concepts; Machine Learning; Artificial Intelligence; Computers and New Media; Data Visualization; Structures of Interactive Information; Robotics and Spatial Intelligence; Computer Graphics; and Computational Data Science.
Students in all programs have access to several labs that support AR/VR studies, research, and projects. Thes include HCI@VIZ; the recently launched Texas A&M University Virtual and Augmented Reality (TAMUVR); INDIE Lab; Soft Interaction Lab; MAESTRO Lab; the TEILab; and McNamara Lab.
Housed in the School of Architecture’s Department of Visualization HCI@VIZ is a lab that conducts research in human-computer interaction (HCI), human-centered computing, and interactive systems.
TAMUVR is an organization that focuses on AR/VR development, research activities, educational opportunities, discussion, and practical experience.
The INDIE Lab (Interactive Data and Immersive Environments) engages in human-centered research of interactive visualizations. The group actively collaborates with multiple departments and faculty across the university. Research areas include Virtual Reality, 3D Interaction, Visual Analytics, Information Visualization, and Educational Games.
The Soft Interaction Lab fosters experimentation with physical and virtual experiences, organic materials, and interaction technology.
MAESTRO Lab houses the MAESTRO VR Studio—an Immersive Mechanics Visualization Lab dedicated Immersive and Intuitive Data Environments projects. Focus areas include AR/VR and 3D Displays.
The TEILab and McNamara Lab conduct computer graphics and human-computer interaction (HCI) research to advance and enhance the fields of animation, visualization, and computer graphics.
Soon, Texas A&M University will house a Virtual Production Institute (VPI). This will be the nation’s first institute of its kind to integrate real-world scenarios and the latest AR/VR/XR technology to advance problem-solving across industries. The VPI facility will support large-scale mixed-reality environments; high-performance computing; performance capture; production stages; and technology-infused classrooms. Completion of the facility is set for January 2025.
Graduates of the College of Engineering and Visualization programs are prepared to pursue advanced roles in fields such as AR/VR, game design and development, software design, programming, UI/UX development, environment modeling, HCI, entertainment, multimedia design, AI, visual effects, and robotics.
Texas A&M alumni are routinely hired by companies and studios such Lockheed Martin, Industrial Light and Magic (ILM), Samsung, Google, Microsoft, IBM, General Motors, Pixar, Amazon, Oracle, Texas Instruments, DreamWorks Animation, Walt Disney Animation Studios, Electronic Arts (EA), Reel FX, and Tektronix.
Texas A&M University serves more than 71,000 students at its main campus in College Station, and 8,000 students at branch campuses in Galveston TX; Qatar (Middle East); the School of Law in Fort Worth Texas; the Higher Education Center at McAllen Texas; and Health Science Center locations across the state. This makes TAMU the largest university in the state and one the largest in the nation.
Established in 1876, Texas A&M University is also the state’s first public institution of higher learning. The school provides more than 400 degree programs across 17 colleges and schools. Texas A&M University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
University of Arizona (UArizona) is home to the College of Information Science (InfoSci). Formerly known as the School of Information, the ALA-accredited College of InfoSci houses five undergraduate degree programs, four graduate degrees, and certificates and minors in different fields of information sciences.
Several options are ideal for students seeking careers in AR/VR. These include the BA in Information Science and Arts (BA IS&A); the Information Science BS (BSIS); the Game Design and Development BS (BSGDD); and the undergraduate Games and Simulation Certificate (UGCert). The BA IS&A and the BSIS are STEM-Designated.
Across programs, student benefit from hands-on learning, including internships at places such as Amazon, Genentech, Tesla, Intel, Pitney Bowes, Octavia Digital Media, and the Enterprise Technology cross-disciplinary curriculums; participation in events such as the University of Arizona iShowcase; the opportunity to work on multidisciplinary; access to labs and studios that support AR/VR education, research, and projects; and student clubs such as UArizona IEEE Student Branch and the Game Development Club. IEEE is the world's largest technical professional organization dedicated to advancing technology for the benefit of humanity. The Game Development Club hosts trips, Game Jams, collaborative projects, and more.
Labs include the Extended Reality and Games Lab (XRG Lab) and the 3D Visualization and Imaging Systems Lab. Studios include the Terry Seligman VR Studio.
In the XRG Lab, researchers and participants focus on the research and development of virtual, augmented, and mixed reality techniques. Ongoing research projects are funded by the National Science Foundation, the University of Arizona Social & Behavioral Sciences Research Institute (SBSRI), and others. Projects include Googly Eyes (VR), Mirrored VR, Bounce: A Mixed Reality Serious Game for Teaching Newtonian Physics Concepts, Grabbable Holograms (mixed reality) and Give Me a Hand? (virtual reality).
The 3D Visualization and Imaging Systems Lab is designed for research in emerging technologies such as mixed- and augmented realities (MR-AR), the Lab focuses on the development of 2D/3D display systems, 3D visualization systems, 3D human computer interaction methods, and image acquisition systems. Researchers are interested in applying these technologies in medicine, scientific visualization, and education.
The Terry Seligman VR Studio is University of Arizona’s first public virtual reality studio. Equipped with headsets and hand controllers, the VR Studio allows students, faculty, and staff to immerse in virtual spaces and environments, while working on class projects and other AR/VR-related activities.
In addition to participating in the labs and studios at University of Arizona, faculty in the College of InfoSci engage in AR/VR and other extended reality (XR) technology research, video game design and development, and human-computer interaction (HCI) to advance these interactive technologies for enhanced performance and user experience.
In addition to clubs, labs, and studios, students in the BA IS&A, BSIS, and BSGDD programs have access to dozens of AR/VR and AR/VR-related courses. BSIS students may also concentrate in Interactive and Immersive Technologies.
Course examples across programs include Virtual Reality; Human Computer Interaction; Advanced Creative Coding; Special Topics in Information, Science, Technology and Arts; Digital 3D Modeling; Algorithms for Games; Artificial Intelligence (AI); Disruptive Technologies; Computational Thinking and Doing; Information, Multimedia Design and the Moving Image; Game Development; Technology of Sound; Computing and the Arts; Rendering and Rapid Prototyping; Computational Arts and Media; Simulation Design and Development for Complex Problem Solving; Ethics in a Digital World; and Intensive Computing.
The Games and Simulation Certificate at UArizona explores the creation of virtual interactive environments for varying devices and platforms. Students in this 12 credit hour program have the opportunity to gain real-world experience through collaboration with peers and the development of several working prototypes. Course examples include Virtual Reality; Computing and the Arts; Game Programming; Technology of Sound; and Advanced Game Development.
Graduates of the College of Information Science at University of Arizona are prepared to pursue careers in AR/VR across industries. Alumni have been hired at places such as Microsoft, Lockheed Martin, Amazon, Raytheon Technologies, Intel Corporation, Texas Instruments, and IBM.
University of Arizona was established in 1885. According to the Arizona Board of Regents, the school serves approximately 77,355 students enrolled in more than 300 degree programs across 20 colleges and 23 schools. The Graduate College provides more than 100 doctoral programs, 150+ master's programs, and over 60 graduate certificate programs. University of Arizona is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC). The school voluntarily resigned its accreditation with the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), effective August 1, 2023.
University of Utah (The U) houses several labs, groups, and spaces that support AR/VR education, projects, and research. This includes the Quantitative Experience Design (QED) Lab, XR Utah, and the XR Classroom. In addition, The U’s Kahlert School of Computing (KSoC) provides several paths to study AR/VR including BS and MS degrees in Computer Science (CS); MS and PhD degrees in CS or Computing; a STEM-designated Master of Software Development (MSD); and a combined CS BS/MS. This option allows students to complete the BS and MS in five years by taking undergraduate- and graduate-level courses in their senior year.
Founded in 1965 as the Computer Science Department, KSoC also houses research areas such as Human-Centered Computing/Virtual Reality; Visual Computing; Robotics, Programming Languages/Software Engineering; Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning; and High Performance Computing.
The QED Lab is an interdisciplinary research group that explores virtual worlds, narrative and game discourse (interface), experience design, and human-centered artificial intelligence (HCAI). The Lab is affiliated with the School of Computing and the Entertainment Arts and Engineering program.
XR Utah is an interdisciplinary research partnership led by The U’s Spencer S. Eccles Health Sciences Library (EHSEB). Artists, educators, computer scientists, and psychologists across more than 16 departments at the University of Utah engage in research that helps develop new ways to learn and discover through the use virtual reality technologies.
The XR Classroom helps support projects that utilize projects using AR/VR. Also led by the EHSEB, this state-of-the-art classroom and lab provides spaces where individuals can develop customized experiences involving interactive displays, education lessons, and simulations.
The Computer Science BS provides an emphasis in Entertainment Arts and Engineering with multiple focus areas including Human Centered Computing (HCC); Infrastructure; Artificial Intelligence/Analytics; and Core Fundamentals. To complete a focus, students must select two or more courses from any area. Course examples across areas include Virtual Reality; Designing Human-Centered Experiences; Machine Learning; Mobile Application Programming; Artificial Intelligence; and Computer Graphics.
Other course examples for the BS program include Traditional Game Development; Digital Content Creation; Programming Language Concepts; Software Practice I-II; Interactive Machinima; Alternative Game Development; Models of Computation; and Asset Pipeline.
MS students may select a track such as Graphics and Visualization; HCC; Scientific Computing; Robotics; Computer Engineering; or Artificial Intelligence. MSD students will take courses such as Computer Programing; Data Analytics and Visualization; Applications Systems Design; Data Structures and Algorithms; Software Engineering; and Introduction to Software Development.
Culminating experiences across programs include final projects, capstones, portfolios, research papers, thesis projects, and presentations.
Graduates of the CS and MSD programs at University of Utah work in fields such as AR/VR technology, game design and development, engineering, software development, animation, HCI, television and film, aerospace, defense, artificial intelligence, education, advertising and marketing, law, web design, manufacturing, art and design, medicine, architecture, transportation, healthcare, and energy.
Founded in 1850, University of Utah is the state’s flagship institution of higher learning. Founded in 1850 the school is classified by the Carnegie Foundation among the 137 research universities with the “highest research activity.” Serving approximately 35,235 students, The U provides more than 200 programs across 17 colleges and schools. University of Utah is a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU) and accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU).
University of Colorado Boulder (CU Boulder) is home to the Alliance for Technology, Learning and Society (ATLAS) Institute. Founded in 1997, this interdisciplinary institute houses a number of labs, studios, and centers designed to support research and projects in traditional and emerging areas of technology, including AR/VR.
Examples of past and current projects include POPO (Pop On Pop Off): VR Programming Language; Augmented Reality and Autonomous Systems (ARIAS); Smart VR Paintbrush; RoomShift; Virtual Surrogate Robot; Virtual-to-Real-World Transfer Learning; Augmented Reality Informs Human-Robot Interaction; Biolage Reactor; AR Drum Circle; What Design Can Learn from ASMR; and Haptic VR Wizard.
Housed in the 66,000-square foot Roser ATLAS Center, the institute is home to the B2 Center for Media Arts and Performance; THING Lab; the ACME Lab; Whaaat!? Lab; Living Matter Lab; Unstable Design Lab; the Blow Things Up (BTU) Lab; Helio Lab; and the Sound Lab.
The ATLAS Institute also houses the Creative Technology and Design (CTD) program, with core courses taught in the Roser ATLAS Center, and degrees granted through the College of Engineering and Applied Science. Pathways for students interested in AR/VR include the BS, MS, PhD, and minor in CTD.
The CTD BS at CU Boulder requires 128-130 credit hours of study. The MS requires 33 credit hours and the minor requires 21 credits, including electives. The PhD is a research-based program that allows students to select their own focus area for required research, the thesis, and the dissertation.
BS students may create a focus area through electives. Focus area examples include Augmented and Virtual Reality; Interactive Computing; User Interface and User Experience (UI/UX) Design; Game Design; Physical Computing; Robotics; and Sound Design.
Other program features include creative projects; workshops; regular professional development opportunities; guest speakers; internships with industry partners such as Micron Technology, NOAA, Lockheed Martin, Discovery Learning, and Meadowlark Optics; employment in the CTD research and student labs; and portfolio development.
To complete the major, CTD BS students will take a two-semester capstone sequence, which includes the production of one major culminating project.
The CTD MS has a Creative Industries track. The project-based curriculum for this program also allows students to build their own focus area. Some popular options include Virtual and Augmented Reality; UI/UX, and Learning and Education; Human-Computer Interaction (HCI); Game Design and Development; Interactive Product Design and Development; and Arts and Media Production.
Graduate level classes, visiting speakers, studios, and workshops provide the opportunity to work directly with industry professionals on real-world issues. Workshops are free and may include topics such as Adobe Creative Suite; Programming in Python and R; Figma; Project Management; UI/UX; and Motion Graphics.
Graduates of the CTD programs at University of Colorado Boulder are prepared to pursue advanced roles in technology across all industries, as well as art and entertainment, education, and healthcare. MS graduates also work in research in all industries and in many departments and agencies of the U.S. government.
Graduates of the CTD programs and College of Engineering and Applied Science at CU Boulder are routinely hired by some of the world’s leading companies and organizations. Examples include NASA, Lockheed Martin, IBM, Amazon, Microsoft, Boeing, Walt Disney, Ball Aerospace, Nike, Google, General Motors, Hitachi, Medtronic, Thermo Fisher Scientific, Raytheon Technologies, Chevron, Tesla, Western Digital, Starz Entertainment, Panavision, L3 Harris Technologies, Philips 66, and CBS Studio Center.
Founded in 1876, University of Colorado Boulder is the flagship university of the four-campus University of Colorado (CU) System. The school serves approximately 38,430 students, making it the largest campus in the CU System. More than 90 degree programs and 3,600+ courses are provided across eight colleges and schools, Continuing Education and Professional Studies, and several centers. University of Colorado Boulder is one of just 35 public research institutions in the U.S. in the Association of American Universities (AAU). The school has also been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission since 1913.
Southern Methodist University (SMU) provides a number of paths to study AR/VR. Degree programs can be found in Lyle School of Engineering, which houses the Department of Computer Science and Engineering; Meadows School of the Arts; Simmons School of Education and Human Development; SMU Guildhall; and Continuing and Professional Education.
Accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET), Lyle School of Engineering houses the Computer Science (CS) program, with options leading to a BA, BS, MS and PhD. Across programs, students may choose courses to support tracks in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning; Computer Organization; Game Development; and Software Engineering, and many others.
Most tracks include a variety of AR/VR related courses. Examples include Software Architecture and Design; Machine Learning in Python; Artificial Intelligence; Programming Languages; Algorithm Engineering; User Interfaces, User Experience; Programming for Commercial Game Engines; Digital Computer Design; Software Architecture and Design; Computer Architecture; Software Development for Games; and Digital Logic Design. SMU CS students have additional opportunities to study AR/VR through required technical electives.
Meadows School of the Arts houses the Creative Computation program. Leading to a BA or a minor, the Creative Computation program combines computer science, the arts, engineering, and humanities. Core coursework comes from both the Meadows School of the Arts and Lyle School of Engineering. Course examples include Creative Computing I-III; Creative Coding I; Programming Concepts; Aesthetics an Computation; Special Topics: Collaborative Projects; and Introduction to Digital/Hybrid Media.
The program also provides access to AR/VR related courses such as Digitally Augmented Performance and Installation; Nand to Tetris: Elements of Computing Systems; Digital/Hybrid Media Directed Studies; Intermediate Digital/Hybrid Media; and Advanced Digital/Hybrid Media.
Students can collaborate and work on additional projects in the Digital/Hybrid Media Workshop and Meadows Center of Creative Computation. The center also features lectures and supports interdisciplinary research and creative development. The Creative Computation BA program culminates with the Senior Design Capstone, which focuses on a multidisciplinary group project.
The Simmons School of Education and Human Development houses the Center for VR Learning Innovation (CVRL)—home to the Mixed-Reality Simulation Lab and Olamaie Curtiss Graney VR Design Lab. The Mixed-Reality Lab Simulation Lab is a space designed specifically for practicing skills in mixed-reality. Students in the lab may also conduct virtual meetings and interact with adult avatars. The focus of the Graney VR Design Lab is the design of innovative AR/VR and game-based learning prototypes for research proposals. The labs also house teaching spaces and classrooms.
Examples of research and development areas across labs include Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality for STEM Collaborative Learning; Mixed Reality for Education; and Game-based Learning Literacy Applications.
The CVRL collaborates with students and faculty across SMU, the AT&T Center for Virtualization, SMU Guildhall, and the Institute for Leadership Impact. The center also collaborates with other universities such as University of Texas at Dallas (UT Dallas), University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center (UT Southwestern), King’s College, and University of North Carolina Chapel Hill (UNC Chapel Hill).
Established in 2003, SMU Guildhall is Southern Methodist University’s graduate school for game design. Guildhall features include partnerships with companies such as Disney, Activision, Epic Games, Unity, Blizzard, Ubisoft, Playstation, Oculus, Epic Games, Bungie, Gearbox Software, and Bethesda Softworks; specialization areas such Software Development, Production, Level Design, and Art Creation; and access to a variety of AR/VR-related courses.
Depending on the specialization, students explored topics include Virtual Sculpting; C++; Artificial Intelligence; User Input, Controls and User interfaces; Scripting Languages; Game Engine Design and Architecture; Real-Time Application Performance Analysis and Optimization; Interface and Systems Design; Environmental Modeling; Animation; Player Immersion; Rigging and Weighting; Player Immersion; Advanced High-Performance 2D and 3D Graphics and Shaders; User Research; Procedural Content Memory Management; Networked Multiplayer Systems; and Audio Techniques.
The graduate Game Design program at SMU culminates with a final project sponsored by companies and studios such as Microsoft, Dell, Intel, Unity, Nintendo, Epic, Oculus Rift, and Valve.
For student students seeking a shorter program, SMU Continuing and Professional Education has a User Experience Design certificate program that can be completed in one year. Program features include interactive workshops; real-world projects; and access to a variety of AR/VR and related courses. Examples include Design Principles in Augmented Reality, Virtual Reality and Holograms; Prototyping and Wireframing; Hands-on Design Thinking; Usability Testing; Introduction to AI for UX Designers; Data Visualization; and Designing a Killer UX Portfolio to Get You Hired.
The SMU User Experience Design Certificate program culminates with a final presentation of student projects.
Graduates of the certificate, Computer Science, and Creative Computing programs at Southern Methodist University are prepared to pursue careers across many industries. Examples include military logistics, medicine, aerospace engineering, game design and development, architecture, law enforcement training, aeronautics, entertainment (animation, television, film), visual effects (VFX), education, tourism, manufacturing, advertising, healthcare, search and rescue, news media, theme parks, sports, retail, museums, real estate, science, and automotive.
Founded in 1911, Southern Methodist University serves approximately 11,840 students representing 50 states and 87 countries. The school provides 250 programs across seven colleges and schools. Southern Methodist University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). SMU is also an accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD).
University of Colorado Denver (CU Denver) provides a number of degree programs and labs that support education, projects, and research in AR/VR. For degree-seeking students, the College of Engineering, Design and Computing houses the Department of Computer Science and Engineering and the Computer Science (CS) program. Degrees include the BA, BS, MS, and PhD. A CS minor is also available as well as a Software Engineering certificate. This program consists of three graduate-level courses including Software Architecture; Software Project Management; Advanced Computer Architecture or Operating Systems.
The Computer Science BA is an ideal option for students seeking a flexible degree. This program allows students to combine the degree with a specialization in other academic disciplines. Examples include CS + Human Centered Design and Innovation; CS + Digital Design; CS + Data Science; and CS + Computer Engineering. All undergraduate CS students have the option to customize the degree to their specific goals and interests.
Examples of research and emphasis areas across all programs include Computer Graphics and Virtual Reality; Simulation; Computer Graphics and Game Design; Artificial Intelligence (AI); Human-Centric Computing; Machine Learning; Computer Architectures; Programming; Software Engineering; Cyber-Physical Systems; Automata Theory; and High Performance Distributed Computing.
Students in all CS programs have access to the Computer Graphics and VR Lab (CGVR). Housed in the Department of Computer Science and Engineering, this interdisciplinary research center focuses on the development of virtual and augmented reality, interactive computer graphics, human-computer interaction, physical simulation, and computer vision techniques.
Additional focused research topics include game design, mobile graphics solutions, motion capture, 3D object reconstruction, and deformable object simulation. Projects in AR/VR and computer graphics in the CGVR Lab are supported through funding from Microsoft, Laser Tech, the National Science Foundation, and other companies and agencies.
In addition to research, development, and opportunities to work on projects, the CU Denver Computer Graphics and VR Lab provides AR/VR and other related coursework. Past courses include Virtual and Augmented Reality; Computer Game Design and Programming; Intro to Computer Graphics; Shaders and GPU; Advanced Computer Graphics; Data Structures and Program Design; and Computer Animation.
The CS programs culminate with a capstone, thesis, or both. Final projects are presented to faculty and peers. Graduates of are prepared to pursue careers in AR/VR, software engineering, programming, and more.
CU Denver computer science graduates enjoy a 100% success rate. Program alumni work in fields such as aerospace, defense, medicine, game design and development, education, healthcare, television and film, advertising, law enforcement training, aviation, government, theme park design, and museums.
University of Colorado Denver opened in 1912 as an extension of the University of Colorado Boulder. The school became CU Denver in 1973, making it an independent campus. Organized into eight colleges and schools, CU Denver employs over 2,000 faculty and staff that serve approximately 15,000 students enrolled in over 110 academic degrees. University of Colorado Denver is accredited by Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (Embry-Riddle) houses a Simulation Science Games and Animation Lab (SSGA Lab) that supports research for production of content in the areas of simulation, animation, and games. Students in the lab have access to 20 VR capable workstations; specialty content creation software; and Wacom tablets. The SSG Lab is the only place that houses the required technology students need to complete related coursework, projects, and homework.
The Colleges of Arts and Sciences (COAS) at Embry-Riddle houses the SSGA BS program which focuses on building virtual worlds and simulations. Production courses for the program are project-based, allowing students to master the technologies and mathematical algorithms utilized in AR/VR, games, aviation simulators, computer aided design (CAD) systems, streaming video networks, and animation software.
Consisting of 127 credit hours, the SSGA program features STEM courses such as Mixed Reality; Procedural Simulation; Data and Structures and Algorithms; Games Systems; Artificial Intelligence; Interactive Media; Data Visualization; Systems Simulation; World Building; User Interface Design; Game Engine Architecture; and Multiplayer Systems.
In addition to the SSGA Lab, students have opportunities to work in Embry-Riddle computer labs such as the Design and Computer-Aided Design Lab; the Meteorology Lab; the College of Engineering Senior Design Lab; and the Airway Science Lab. In the labs, SSGA students will work with development platforms, software, and programming languages such as C#, C++, Python, Unity3D, JavaScript, Maya, and HTML5.
All Embry-Riddle students also have access to the STEM Education Center at the Prescott Campus. Launched in 2017, this two-story, 52,529-square-foot building features a variety of computing, robotics, and simulation labs such as the Dr. Charles and Elizabeth Duva Robotics Lab; the Raisbeck Engineering Design Lab; and the LIGO Optics Lab. The STEM Education Center is also home to the Jim and Linda Lee Planetarium—the only Arizona planetarium north of Phoenix.
The Simulation Science, Games and Animation BS program at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University culminates with the Capstone + Lab, worth eight credits. Graduates are prepared to pursue roles in fields such as AR/VR, software development, military and intelligence, aviation, game design, police training simulation, high-tech manufacturing, aerospace, entertainment, architecture, education, science, advertising, medicine, healthcare, and research.
Embry-Riddle SSGA alumni have been hired by the Department of Defense Modeling and Simulation Office as well as places such as Boeing, Microsoft, Blizzard Entertainment, Disney Imagineering, Industrial Light & Magic (ILM), Win Reality VR Training, Super League Gaming, ForgeFX Simulations, and Mass Virtual.
Founded in 1925, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University is the world’s largest university specializing in aviation and aerospace. With a worldwide campus and two residential campuses in Daytona Beach, Florida, and Prescott, Arizona, Embry-Riddle serves close to 33,000 students enrolled in more than 100 degree programs at the associate, bachelor's, master's, and PhD levels.
The Prescott, Arizona campus opened in 1978 with 268 students enrolled in the Aeronautical Science program. Today, ERAU Prescott serves more than 3,300 students enrolled in programs administered by the Colleges of Arts & Sciences (COAS); Aviation; Engineering; and Business, Security and Intelligence (CBSI).
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
Oklahoma State University (OSU) houses a number of labs that support AR/VR education, research, and projects. The school also provides several paths to study AR/VR. Labs include the Mixed Reality Lab and the Research Labs of the College of Arts and Sciences. Sample research areas include the VR/AR, Machine Vision, and Digital Environments; AI, Robotics, and Machine Learning; Design of VR/AR Environments; Cyber-Physical Systems, Networks, and Security; Computer Architecture and Systems; and Theoretical Computer Science.
The Mixed Reality Lab is housed in the Department of Design and Merchandising within OSU’s College of Education and Human Sciences. This state-of-the-art facility provides opportunities to use AR/VR, digital prototyping, and 3D printing for projects and research. The lab also hosts events and workshops.
VR tools and equipment include HTV Vice and Gear VR mobile head mounted display systems; gesture-based control devices (Myo); Oculus Rift CV 1; basic-control devices (joy sticks); a passive 3D projector system; interactive and digital screens; and 3D mobile scanners.
Augmented reality tools and equipment include Vuzix STAR XLD and Epson Moverio BT200 augmented reality display system; Microsoft HoloLens; and mobile devices and desktops with augmented reality capability and software.
The Mixed Reality Lab is also equipped with a Biopac EDA electrodermal activity amplifier system; an Emotiv electroencephalography (EGG) device; a perception neuron motion capture system; and an fNIR (Functional Near Infrared) optical imaging system.
Program options for students interested in studying AR/VR are housed in the College of Education and Human Sciences’ Department of Design and Merchandising, and the Computer Science Department within the College of Arts and Sciences. The ABET-accredited Computer Science (CS) programs provide the opportunity to study traditional, new, and emerging technologies such as AR/VR, games, artificial intelligence, and apps. Degrees include the CS BS, MS, and PhD. Minors in CS and Applied Computer Programming (APCP) are also suitable for AR/VR students.
Course and elective examples across programs include Extended Reality; Programing Languages; Video Game Design; C/C++ Programming; Artificial Intelligence; Data Structures and Algorithm Analysis; Machine Learning; Software Engineering; Video Game Development; Computer Graphics; Mobile Applications Development; Computer Science I-II; Organization of Programming Languages; Agile Software Development; Scripting Essentials; and Special Problems in Computer Science.
Graduates of the Computer Science programs at Oklahoma State University are prepared to pursue careers across all industries that utilize AR/VR. Examples include aerospace, law enforcement training, game design and development, aviation, healthcare, manufacturing, museums, theme park design, navigation, film and television, education, advertising, science and medicine, ecommerce, travel, marketing, real estate, corporate training, and tourism.
The Department of Design and Merchandising at Oklahoma State University houses the Design and Merchandising MS with a Digital Design option. Course topics include Virtual and Augmented Reality Applications in Design, Housing and Merchandising; Advanced Digital Design Communication; Topics in Building Information Modeling; Statistical Methods; Theories of Creative Process in Design and Merchandising; and Planning and Proposal Writing.
Consisting of 30 credit hours, the OSU Design and Merchandising MS program culminates with a thesis project and presentation. Graduates are prepared to pursue advanced roles, teaching positions, and research jobs in all areas of augmented and virtual reality, among others.
Across programs, recent OSU graduates have been hired at places such as IBM, Merck, Amazon, Dell, Lockheed Martin, Tyco, Halliburton Industries, and ConocoPhillips.
Oklahoma State University was established on Christmas Day in 1890 as Oklahoma Agricultural and Mechanical College. Today, this five-campus system houses seven academic colleges, a veterinary school, an osteopathic medical school, and several centers and institutes. Serving 26,805 students, OSU provides 200 undergraduate majors and options, more than 75 master’s programs, and 45 doctoral programs. Oklahoma State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
