| Ranking | School | State |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Georgia Institute of Technology | Georgia |
| 2 | University of Washington | Washington |
| 3 | University of California, Berkeley | California |
| 4 | University of Texas at Austin | Texas |
| 5 | University of Michigan | Michigan |
| 6 | University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign | Illinois |
| 7 | University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill | North Carolina |
| 8 | University of Central Florida | Florida |
| 9 | Texas A&M University | Texas |
| 10 | Arizona State University | Arizona |
| 11 | Purdue University | Indiana |
| 12 | University of Arizona | Arizona |
| 13 | University of California, San Diego | California |
| 14 | The Ohio State University | Ohio |
| 15 | Iowa State University | Iowa |
| 16 | University of Utah | Utah |
| 17 | University of Maryland | Maryland |
| 18 | University of Florida | Florida |
| 19 | University of Colorado, Boulder | Colorado |
| 20 | University of Illinois Chicago | Illinois |
| 21 | Ohio University | Ohio |
| 22 | University of California, Santa Cruz | California |
| 23 | North Carolina State University | North Carolina |
| 24 | University at Buffalo | New York |
| 25 | University of Minnesota, Twin Cities | Minnesota |
Our 2025 rankings -our fifth annual- of the Top 25 Public College Public Augmented/Virtual Reality AR/VR programs in the US. For an explanation of ranking criteria, click here.
Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech) recently became a member of the Virtual Reality Augmented Reality Association (VRARA) in an effort to help advance education, research, and development in augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR). The school also provides several paths to study AR/VR including the Computational Media BS (BSCM); and BS, MS and PhD degrees in Computer Science. All students have the opportunity to work and learn in the GVU Center, which focuses on areas such as AR/VR, wearable computing, gaming, human-computer interaction (HCI), and AI. Labs include the Augmented Environments Lab, and the Prototyping eNarrative Lab (PeN Lab), which focuses on emerging platforms such as AR/VR; simulation and game design; storytelling; and experimental television. Graduates go on to land advanced roles at places such as Boeing, Microsoft, Apple, Google, Cisco, Intel, Tesla, IBM, and Disney.
The Paul G. Allen School of Computer Science and Engineering at University of Washington (UW) is the world’s first school to offer an augmented reality capstone course. Program options for students interested in studying AR/VR include the Computer Science BS (CS BS); a combined BS/MS; the Professional Master’s Program (PMP) in CS; and a CS PhD. All Allen School students have the opportunity to take courses and work in interdisciplinary teams at the UW Reality Lab. Across programs, graduates have established careers at places such as Pixar Animation Studios, Microsoft, Disney, Apple, Unity Technologies, Riot Games, Amazon, Epic Systems, Adobe, Google, Dell, Samsung, HBO, Oracle, and Hulu.
University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley) houses several facilities and programs that support education and training in all areas of AR/VR. Facilities include the AR/VR/MR laboratory known as XR Lab@Berkeley; the student-run Extended Reality@Berkeley; and the FHL Vive Center for Enhanced Reality, which sponsors research and applications in AR/VR and AI. Program options include the BS in Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciences (EECS) and the Computer Science (CS) BA. Graduates are prepared to pursue advanced roles in areas such as AR/VR, AI and machine learning, computer vision, robotics, and aerospace. UC Berkeley alumni are routinely hired by Apple, Google, Meta, and Tesla.
The interdisciplinary Game Design and Development (GDAD) program at University of Texas at Austin (UT Austin) provides the opportunity to work alongside industry studios and the game development student organization EGaDS!. GDAD students will also take courses that focus on immersive experiences through the Texas Immersive Institute in UT Austin’s Moody College of Communication. Specific degree options include the Computer Science (CS) BS with an optional Game Development concentration; the cross-disciplinary Bachelor of Science and Arts (BSA) in CS; and the Arts and Entertainment Technologies (AET). All options provide heavy AR/VR coursework, access to the Virtual Reality Laboratory, and participation in the Vision, Cognition, and Action Virtual Reality Lab. Across programs, graduates have been hired at places such as Google, HP, Amazon, IBM, EA Games, Apple, GameStop, and Zynga.
University of Michigan (U-M) provides a number of programs, labs, and initiatives that explore AR/VR. Programs include the Computer Science BS; Computer Science and Engineering (CSE) MS; CSE PhD; and the graduate certificate in Extended Reality (XR). Labs and initiatives include the XR Initiative - Center for Academic Innovation and the James and Anne Duderstadt Center (DC). Within the center are the DC Visualization Studio; M.I.D.E.N (Michigan Immersive Digital Experience Nexus); the Fabrication Studio; and VizHubs. Graduates are prepared to pursue advanced roles in AR/VR. Top employers of U-M alumni include Microsoft, Google, Amazon, Oracle, General Motors (GM), Epic Games, IBM, and Meta.
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) is home to VR@Illinois Lab. This collaborative initiative supports all AR/VR and extended reality activities at UIUC. Resources include virtual reality classrooms; studio spaces for VR creation, research, teaching, and exploration; the VR Club; and the Innovation Studio. Formal program options are housed in Grainger College of Engineering and include the Computer Science BS and MS. Course examples across programs include Virtual Reality; AI for Computer Games; Software Design Lab; Applied Machine Learning; Human-Computer Interaction (HCI); User Interface Design; Software Engineering I-II; and Mobile Interactive Design. UIUC Grainger alumni have gone on to co-found companies such as Yelp, PayPal, and YouTube. Graduates have also been hired at places such as Amazon, Epic Systems, Google, Lockheed Martin, Microsoft, IBM, Meta, Tesla, Apple, and Samsung.
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC-Chapel Hill) houses the Graphics, Imaging, and Robotics Lab; Graphics and Virtual Reality Group; VisuaLab; and the student organization—Carolina AR/VR (CARVR). Each supports education and research in AR/VR. Formal degree options include the Computer Science BS, MS, and PhD. Potential focus areas include Computer Graphics; Human-Computer Interaction (HCI); Virtual Environments; Animation and Simulation; and Visualization. Graduates are prepared to pursue roles in areas such as AR/VR, game design, software development, AI, and HCI. UNC-Chapel Hill alumni have been hired at places such as Microsoft, Cisco, Google, Amazon, and IBM.
University of Central Florida (UCF) houses several labs and programs that focus on collaboration, AR/VR systems and applications creation, and AR/VR research. Labs include the Synthetic Reality Lab (SREAL), and the Interactive Systems and User Experience Lab. Program options include the Computer Science (CS) BS; an accelerated BS/MS in CS; MS and PhD degrees in Modeling and Simulation; and the Mixed Reality Engineering graduate certificate. A 10-week XR Development with Unity course is also available. Graduates are prepared to pursue careers across the technology sector. UCF technology alumni are routinely hired by NASA, Oracle, Google, Lockheed Martin, Amazon, Siemens, IBM, Apple, and Intel.
Texas A&M University (TAMU) is the new home of the Virtual Production Institute. This facility supports large-scale mixed-reality environments and education focused on AR/VR, AI, simulation, and sensing technology. Other labs that support AR/VR 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. Program options include BS, MS, and MFA degrees in Visualization; a BS in Computer Science or Computer Engineering; the Computer Science BA; and a Virtual Production (VP) minor (with a professional internship). Top employers of TAMU graduates include Lockheed Martin, Industrial Light & Magic (ILM), Samsung, Google, Microsoft, IBM, Pixar, Amazon, Oracle, DreamWorks, Walt Disney Animation Studios, Electronic Arts (EA), Reel FX, and Texas Instruments (TI).
Arizona State University (ASU) is home to Meteor Studio. Funded by tech giants such as Google and Samsung, the studio was created to help advance development and research in AR/VR/XR. ASU also houses the Media and Immersive eXperience (MIX) Center and the Center for Narrative and Emerging Media (NEM). Program options for AR/VR students include the NEM MA; the Media Arts and Sciences (Extended Reality Technologies) MS; and the Master of Science in Design (MSD). Programs include a mandatory internship and culminating applied project. Across ASU programs, graduates have been hired at places such as Microsoft, Northrop Grumman, Intel, Amazon, IBM, Honeywell, Apple, and Gore.
Purdue University is home to Purdue Polytechnic Institute, which houses the Department of Computer Graphics Technology (CGT) and the CGT MS with a concentration in Virtual Reality and Visualization. All CGT MS students have access to the IDEAS Research Group, which focuses on Metaverse/AR/VR, and the Purdue HRD Virtual Lab. Graduates are prepared to pursue careers in all industries that utilize AR/VR. Purdue Polytechnic Institute alumni have been hired at places such as Boeing, Mercedes-Benz, Lockheed Martin, DreamWorks, Amazon, RTX, Google, Eli Lilly, Toyota, and Gulfstream Aerospace.
University of Arizona (UArizona) houses a STEM-designated BA in Information Science and Arts (BA IS&A) and Information Science BS (BSIS); BS degrees in Game Design and Development BS (BSGDD), and Computer Science; and an undergraduate Games and Simulation certificate (UGCert). Students in all programs may specialize in AR/VR through electives and research opportunities. Other program benefits include internships at places such as Amazon and Intel, and access to labs and studios such as the Extended Reality and Games Lab (XRG Lab); Mixed Augmented ViRtual eXtended (Reality) Lab (MAVRX Lab); 3D Visualization and Imaging Systems Lab; and the Terry Seligman VR Studio. Graduates have been hired at places such as Amazon, IBM, Microsoft, Intel, Lockheed Martin, RTX, and Texas Instruments (TI).
In 2017, University of California, San Diego (UC San Diego) launched its Virtual Reality Lab—the first of its kind at an American University. Shortly after, the school hosted its very first Virtual Reality/ Augmented Reality Hackathon. Sponsors included Sony, Oculus, HTC, and Google. Today, UC San Diego’s VR resources have expanded to include the Extended Reality (XR) Lab and the Design Lab; the Human-Centered Design minor and graduate specialization; and a Virtual Reality App Development certificate that can be added to any degree program. Formal degree programs include the BS, MS, BS/MS, and PhD in Computer Science (CS). Across programs, required electives allow students to customize a focus in AR/VR. UC San Diego CS graduates have been hired at places such as Amazon, Lockheed Martin, NVIDIA, Intuit, Apple, RTX, Northrup Grumman, Tencent, HP, Qualcomm, Lenovo, and Thermo Fisher Scientific.
The Ohio State University (Ohio State) houses a Design MFA program and several labs that allow students to focus in AR/VR. Labs include the Advanced Computing Center for the Arts and Design (ACCAD) and the Emerging Tech Studio (ETS). The interdisciplinary Design MFA has a Digital Animation and Interactive Media (DAIM) track with the option to select 12 studio elective credits in any area. Course examples include Virtual Modeling; Designing Immersive Virtual Environments; and Computer Vision for Human-Computer Interaction (HCI). The program culminates with the Project Exhibition and Oral Defense (Thesis Defense). Graduates are prepared to pursue careers with technology firms, game design studios, film production houses, design and media companies, and advertising agencies, among others.
Iowa State University (Iowa State) houses the Virtual Reality Applications Center (VRAC), which supports student, faculty, and industry partner research. VRAC participants have experience in areas such as AR/VR/MR, developmental robotics, mobile computing, and HCI. In addition participating in the VRAC, students interested in AR/VR can enroll in the MS or PhD programs in Computer Science; the Master of Human-Computer Interaction (MHCI); or the Artificial Intelligence (AI) MS. Course examples across programs include Virtual Worlds and Applications; Developmental Robotics; Design and Evaluation of Human Computer Interaction; and Learning to Speak AI. Graduates go on to secure advanced roles at places such as Microsoft, Google, Amazon, IBM, Collins Aerospace, RTX, SAP Labs, and John Deere.
University of Utah (The U) houses a number of facilities and programs that support AR/VR education, projects, and research. This includes the Quantitative Experience Design (QED) Lab; XR Utah; the XR Classroom; the Film and Media MFA; 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. All programs allow students to study AR/VR through established tracks and/or electives. Course examples include Virtual Reality; Machine Learning; Designing Human-Centered Experiences; and Artificial Intelligence (AI). Graduates go on to land positions at places such as IBM, Adobe, Intel, Micron, HP, L3Harris, Vivint, and CHG Healthcare.
University of Maryland (UMD) houses many labs, centers, and clubs that support AR/VR education, projects, and research. Labs and clubs include the UMD Graphics and Visual Informatics Laboratory (GVIL); Mixed/Augmented/Virtual Reality Innovation Center (MAVRIC); Maryland Blended Reality Center (MBRC); and the XR Club. Program options include the BA/BS in Immersive Media Design (IMD); BS, MS, BS/MS, and PhD degrees in Computer Science; and the Augmented & Virtual Reality Design certificate through University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC). Graduates have been hired at places such as Lockheed Martin, Google, Amazon, the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), and Northrop Grumman.
The Digital Worlds Institute at University of Florida (UF) houses the UF Reality Lab, which promotes education and research in AR/VR. Within the institute is a one-year, accelerated Master’s in Digital Arts and Sciences (MiDAS) that focuses on areas such as visual design tools, technology, and 3D for AR/VR, game engines and development, hardware and software integration, and digital storytelling. Other program features include high-tech classrooms; opportunities to work on real-world projects with industry partners; and portfolio development. MiDAS graduates have been hired at places such as Walt Disney, Boeing, the U.S. Department of Defense, ESPN, Glaxo Smith Klein, Spirit Airlines, Cox Media Group, the U.S. Navy, and Aramark.
The Alliance for Technology, Learning and Society (ATLAS) Institute at University of Colorado Boulder (CU Boulder) supports education and research in AR/VR. Situated in the 66,000-square foot Roser ATLAS Center, the institute houses labs such as THING Lab, ACME Lab, and Helio Lab, along with the Creative Technology and Design (CTD) program leading to a BS, MS, or PhD. A comprehensive minor is also available. Examples of topics and courses explored include Introduction to Virtual Reality; Tangible and Mixed Reality; Wearable Technologies; and Interactive Sound. CTD graduates have been hired at places such as NASA, Lockheed Martin, IBM, Amazon, Microsoft, Boeing, Disney, Ball Aerospace, General Motors (GM), Nike, Google, Hitachi, Thermo Fisher Scientific, RTX, Tesla, STARZ, L3Harris, and CBS.
The Learning Sciences Research Institute at University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) houses the Design Lab, which focuses on research in XR technologies. Other labs and programs that support XR education and research include the Electronic Visualization Laboratory (EVL) and the Human-in-Mind Engineering Research Lab (HiMER). Programs include the Computer Science and Design BS—the only program of its kind at a public university; the Computer Science BS with a concentration in Human-Centered Computing; and MS, combined BS/MS, and PhD degrees in Computer Science. Graduates hold positions at places such as Amazon, Google, Cisco, Apple, Microsoft, LG, Adobe, HP, Meta, and Verizon.
Ohio University provides two solid paths to study AR/VR—the Virtual Reality and Game Development (VRGD) BS and the Information and Telecommunications (ITS) BS. ITS students have the option to customize an AR/VR concentration, and students in both programs provide access to the Game Research and Immersive Design Lab (GRID Lab). Faculty and students in the lab conduct advanced research and produce content focused on AR/VR and digital games. Programs culminate with a final project (capstone) and portfolio. Graduates are routinely recruited by Microsoft, the U.S. Armed Forces, Walt Disney Imagineering, Cisco, Sony Interactive Entertainment, Google, IBM, Unity, Apple, Booz Allen Hamilton, Warner Bros., Riot Games, Activision Blizzard, Ubisoft, Electronic Arts (EA), and Bungie.
University of California, Santa Cruz (UC Santa Cruz or UCSC) houses several programs and labs that allow students to study AR/VR and work on projects with technology companies such as Amazon, Google, HP, and Samsung. Labs include the VizLab and the Cave Automatic Virtual Environment (CAVE) Lab. Programs include MS degrees in Computational Media MS and Human Computer Interaction; a Computational Media PhD; a Computer Science BA and BS; the Computer Engineering BS; a Computer Science and Engineering BS/MS; and the Computer Science and Engineering MS and PhD. UC Santa Cruz graduates have been hired at places such as Cisco, Microsoft, Northrup Grumman, Amazon, Google, SpaceX, Apple, Disney, NVIDIA, Intel, Adobe, Samsung, Tesla, Genentech, Meta, and Kaiser Permanente.
North Carolina State University (NC State) is home to the Experience Design (IX) Lab and Mixed Reality (MxR) Lab; Virtual and Augmented Reality Lab (VARL); and the Gaming and VR Studio. Students enrolled in programs in the school’s Department of Media Arts, Design and Technology (MADTech) have full access to all labs and studios. Program options for students interested in AR/VR include the Art and Design BA and MA (M.A.D.) degrees, and a comprehensive Art and Design minor with a customizable curriculum. Final projects for the programs may explore AR/VR, VFX, and interactive narratives, among others. Graduates are routinely hired by major companies and organizations such as the U.S. Armed Forces, Boeing, Microsoft, Amazon, IBM, Google, Cisco, Apple, General Electric (GE), Dell, Booz Allen Hamilton, Lenovo, RTX, Tesla, Intel, Meta, AT&T, Volvo, John Deere, SAS Institute, and Caterpillar.
University at Buffalo (UB) is home to the DMS Virtual Reality Studio, which explores areas such as immersive technologies, gaming, interactive fiction, and simulations. The school also provides multiple paths to study AR/VR. Options include the Media Study BA with a Production concentration (course examples: Advanced Virtual Reality, Digital Arts Programming, and Virtual Worlds); Computer Science (CS) BS; CS BS/Engineering MS; and the Computer Science and Engineering MS with AI/Machine Learning (ML), Software/Hardware, and Research tracks. Across programs, graduates are routinely hired at places such as NASA, Lockheed Martin, Microsoft, Amazon, IBM, National Institutes of Health (NIH), Apple, Thermo Fisher Scientific, HP, Google, Oracle, Motorola, Cisco, General Electric (GE), Panasonic, Alcatel, Eli Lilly, Samsung, Fisher-Price, and Kodak.
University of Minnesota Twin Cities (UMN Twin Cities) houses the Illusioneering Lab, which focuses on research and projects to advance immersive technologies such as AR/VR. All UMN engineering and technology students may participate in the lab. Ideal paths to study AR/VR include the online Software Engineering BS, and the recently launched User Experience (UX) Design BS. Engineering students may concentrate in Gaming, 3D Modeling, and Simulation. Course exampled for the UX BS program include Virtual Reality in Design and Retailing; Wearable Technology Lab; Advanced Interaction Design; Software Development; and User Interface Design, Prototyping, and Evaluation. Across UMN campuses, program alumni have been hired at places such as NASA, Boeing, Google, Lockheed Martin, Microsoft, the U.S. Department of Defense, Apple, IBM, Amazon, Epic Systems, Unisys, Tesla, 3M, and Boston Scientific.
