Top 50 Augmented/Virtual Reality (AR/VR) Colleges in the U.S. – 2023 Rankings

Stanford University is home to School of Engineering, which houses the Computer Science (CS) Department. Established in 1965, CS provides a BS and a Minor in Computer Science, a MSCS, a CS PhD, 10 specified undergraduate tracks, the option to design your own major, and nine graduate specializations. Track examples include Artificial Intelligence (AI), Computer Engineering, Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Systems, and Visual Computing. Specialization examples include Aim HCI, Real-World Computing, Biocomputation, and Theoretical Computer Science.

Across all tracks and specializations, students have access to a wide variety of AR/VR courses. Examples include Virtual Reality; Emerging Technology Studio; Intro to Virtual Reality and Avatars; Character Animation: Modeling, Simulation, and Control of Human Motion; Coding for Social Good (VR component); Interactive Simulation for Robot Learning; Introduction to Automata and Complexity Theory; Computer Graphics: Animation and Simulation; How to Make VR: Introduction to Virtual Reality Design and Development; Topics in Computer Graphics: Agile Hardware Design; and Physically Based Animation and Sound.

Graduate CS programs feature nine predefined specialization options. Examples include AI, Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Real-World Computing, and Systems.

In addition to providing a variety of specializations and AR/VR coursework, the CS Department houses research groups in the areas of AI, Computer Graphics/HCI, Robotics, Foundations of Computer Science, and Scientific Computing. CS students focusing in AR/VR have opportunities to collaborate on projects and enhance their skills through two centers and labs as well. Options include the Center for Computer Research in Music and Acoustics (CCRMA) Virtual + Augmented Reality Design Lab and the Virtual Human Interaction Lab (VHIL).

The CCRMA Virtual + Augmented Reality Design Lab conducts VR, AR, and XR research for music. The lab also supports collaborations with Computer Science, Art and Art History, and Communication at Stanford, as well as research projects within the CCRMA community.

Founded in 2003, the VHIL studies the psychological and behavioral effects of AR/VR. Examples of past projects include Psychology of Augmented Reality, Virtual Becomes Reality – Immersion and Presence, Empathy and Perspective Talking, Integrating VR into Classrooms and Curricula, Telepresence, and Design Thinking.

Graduates of the School of Engineering at Stanford University are prepared to pursue positions at a wide range of major companies and organizations. Stanford graduates are routinely recruited by Apple, the U.S. Army, Tesla, Microsoft, Google, Walt Disney World, Amazon, LinkedIn, the U.S. Navy, Meta, Snapchat, Oracle, and Walt Disney Parks and Resorts.

Stanford University was established in 1885 by former California Governor Leland Stanford, and his wife, Jane. The school opened its doors on October 1, 1891 with 555 students. Today, Stanford University serves approximately 17,325 students served by just over 2,300 faculty members. Nearly 300 programs are provided across seven schools, supplemented by dozens of centers, institutes, and labs. Schools include Engineering; Humanities and Sciences; Sustainability; Business; Education; Law; and Medicine.

Stanford University accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC).

The College of Arts and Sciences at University of Washington (UW) houses the Paul G. Allen School of Computer Science & Engineering, which introduced the world’s first augmented reality capstone course in 2016. Serving more than 2,000 students, the school also houses several computer science programs for individuals interested in studying AR/VR. Options include the Computer Science (CS) BS, a Combined BS/MS in CS also known as the Fifth Year Master’s Program, a Professional Master’s (PMP) in CS, and CS PhD. The BS/MS enables current and recent Allen School undergraduate majors to earn both degrees in approximately five years, instead of 6.5.

Course examples across programs include Advanced Topics in HCI (Graphics & Virtual Reality), Interaction Programming, Computer Vision, Special Topics: Ubiquitous Computing, Human-Computer Interaction, Computational Fabrication, Software Engineering, Advanced Topics in Digital Animation, Applications of AI, Computational Complexity, Interactive Learning, Advanced Digital Sound Synthesis and Processing  Machine Learning, and Neural Control of Movement: A Computational Perspective.

Students in all programs have the opportunity to work with an interdisciplinary team of faculty and peers in the UW Reality Lab. Launched in 2018 and housed in the Allen School, the Lab includes the Reality Studio, Reality Lab Incubator, and classes. In addition to advancing AR/VR research, Lab participants will work on projects in 3D computer vision and perception, graphics, game science and education, distributed computing, databases and computer architecture, stream processing, privacy and security, and object recognition.

Graduates of the Computer Science & Engineering Programs at University of Washington go on to establish careers at some of the world’s top companies, studios, and organizations. Examples Microsoft, Amazon, Oracle, Google, Epic Software, Adobe, Disney, HBO, Pixar Animation Studios, Dell, Apple, Riot Games, Samsung, Unity Technologies, and Hulu.

Established in 1861, University of Washington serves approximately 59,725 students across campuses in Seattle (main), Bothell, and Tacoma, Washington. UW offers more than 300 programs and 570+ degree options across in 18 colleges and schools. Engineering at University of Washington is accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET). University of Washington is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU) and is a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU).

Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) recently launched a $27.5 million Semiconductor Research Corporation (SRC) Initiative to build more intelligence into computer networks. The SRC focuses on interactive mixed reality, smart and connected communities, and enhanced situational awareness. In addition, CMU is home to the Human-Computer Interaction Institute (HCII), which houses labs and studios such as the Augmented Design Capability Studio and the Augmented Perception Lab. Students in all programs benefit from access to the HCII and the SRC.

For students interested in studying AR/VR, Carnegie Mellon University provides programs across the School of Computer Science, Dietrich College of Humanities and Social Sciences, Tepper School of Business, the College of Fine Arts, the College of Engineering, The Robotics Institute, and the Software Engineering Institute. Examples include a BS in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), an MS in Robotics Systems Development (MRSD) with AR/VR internship opportunities, a professional Master of HCI (MHCI), and an HCI PhD.

The PhD has Emphasis areas such as Games and Play (VT Games, Game Streaming), Human-AI Interaction, and Learning Sciences and Learning Technologies. Research examples for this Emphasis include AI-Infused Mixed Reality, Machine Learning, and Digital Learning Games.

CMU has an HCI concentration that is available and open to all students in the School of Computer Science, along with Minors in Interdisciplinary HCI, AI, and Machine Learning. A BS in AI is also available.

Carnegie Mellon University has a variety of Intercollege Degree Programs (BXA) that are suitable for students who would like to study AR/VR. Examples include the Bachelor of Science and Arts (BSA), jointly offered by the College of Fine Arts and Mellon College of Science; the Bachelor of Computer Science and Arts (BCSA), developed by the College of Fine Arts and the School of Computer Science; and the Bachelor of Engineering Studies and Arts (BESA), sponsored by the College of Fine Arts and the College of Engineering.

Across programs, students have access to courses such as Reality Computing Studio I-II, IDeAte: Making Things Interactive, Programming, Applications of Cognitive Science, Making Things Interactive, Advanced ETB: Experimental Game Design, IDeAte: Introduction to the Unity Game Engine, Interaction Design Studio, Human Computer Interaction & User Experience, Advanced Computer Vision Apps, Mobile Robot Algorithms Laboratory, Embedded Systems, Hands: Design and Control for Dexterous Manipulation, Human Robot Interaction, VMD Systems Studio, IDeAte: Art of Robotic Special Effects, Mechanics of Manipulation, and Programming Usable Interfaces.

Graduates of the HCI and Computer Science programs at CMU are prepared to pursue careers in AR/VR and many other areas. Recent employers include Adobe, Google, Riot Games, Amazon, Cartoon Network, Pixar, National Institutes of Health (NIH), Meta, Apple, NVIDIA, and Samsung.

Carnegie Mellon University was founded on November 15, 1900 by industrialist and philanthropist Andrew Carnegie. The school opened as Carnegie Technical Schools. Today, this private global research university serves approximately 16,780 students enrolled in more than 200 programs across seven colleges and schools. In addition to the main campus in Pennsylvania, CMU has campuses in California's Silicon Valley and Doha, Qatar. Academic programs are also provided in Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, Mexico, and Portugal. Carnegie Mellon University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).

Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) delivered its first fully online program years before any other post-secondary institution entered the online arena. RIT was also the first university to offer an undergraduate degree in software engineering. And in 2008, the school launched the world’s very first doctoral program focusing on sustainable production systems. Rochester Institute of Technology is also among a small but growing number of schools to provide programs related to AR/VR.

The Golisano College of Computing and Information at RIT houses the School of Interactive Games and Media, and the Department of Computing and Information Sciences. Within the School of Interactive Games and Media is a New Media Interactive Development BS Program. The Department of Computing and Information Sciences houses the Computing and Information Sciences PhD.

Coursework for the BS Program focuses on adapting digital technologies for AR/VR, touch interfaces, social software, the internet, wearable devices, and other new and emerging systems. Other program features include the New Media Design Capstone (I & II), which provides the opportunity to work on a project for a corporate client; collaboration with students in RITs New Media Design major; and required participation in the cooperative education (co-op) program. Co-ops are full-time, paid career experiences working in the industry.

The Computing and Information Sciences PhD explores infrastructure, interaction, informatics, and interaction between computing and non-computing disciplines in the arts, science, engineering, medicine, business, and humanities. Research areas for the PhD include but are not limited to AI and Machine Learning, Computer Vision and Pattern Recognition, Human-Computer Interaction (HCI, Game Design, Graphics and Visualization, and Programming Languages.

Students in the BS, PhD, and other programs have access to RIT’s AR/VR Lab and Frameless Labs. Located at the RIT MAGIC Center, the AR/VR Lab is designed for the exploration of and experimentation with AR/VR platforms, technologies, and hardware.  Also located at the MAGIC Center, Frameless Labs provides a space for the extended reality (XR) community to collaborate. The goal is to raise awareness about research, innovation, and artistic creation in the fields of AR and VR.

Current projects and experiences include Development and Assessment of Virtual Reality Paradigms for Gaze Contingent Visual Rehabilitation, Color and Material Appearance in AR, Mixed Reality Theatre (funded by Epic Games), Digital Docents: Historical NY Stories in Virtual and Augmented Reality, and the VR Cary Collection.

Graduates of the BS and PhD Programs at Rochester Institute of Technology are prepared to pursue careers in industries from Entertainment to Aerospace. AR/VR Developer, Interactive Developer, UX Engineer, Technical Lead, Application Developer, and Digital Technician are just a few potential job titles.

Rochester Institute of Technology was founded in 1829 as the Rochester Athenaeum. With global campuses in China, Croatia, Dubai, and Kosovo, this research university serves more than 19,000 students, making it one of the largest private universities in the U.S. RIT provides 200+ academic programs across 11 colleges and institutes. Rochester Institute of Technology is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).

Texas A&M University (TAMU or Texas A&M) houses the School of Performance, Visualization and Fine Arts (TAMU PVFA), home to the Visualization Program. Ideal pathways for students interested in AR/VR include the Visualization BS, MS, and MFA degrees. The Game Design and Development Minor is also suitable.

Students in all programs have access to HCI@VIZ, which is housed in the School of Architecture’s Department of Visualization, and the MAESTRO Lab, located in College of Engineering’s Department of Aerospace Engineering. The recently launched organization—Texas A&M University Virtual and Augmented Reality (TAMUVR)—is also accessible to all students.  

HCI@VIZ is lab that conducts research in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Human-Centered Computing, and Interactive Systems. The Lab consists of five research groups: TEILab, The StoryLab, McNamara Lab, INDIE Lab, and the Soft Interaction Lab. Depending on the group, topics explored include AR/VR, Child-Computer Interaction, Data Visualization, Embodied Interaction, Interactive Storytelling, Soft Materials Interaction, and many others. AR/VR students may be drawn to the INDIE Lab and the Soft Interaction Lab, among others.

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.

TAMUVR is an organization that focuses on AR/VR development, research activities, educational opportunities, discussion, and practical experience.

The TEILab and McNamara Lab conduct Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) and Computer Graphics research to advance and enhance Visualization, Animation, and Computer Graphics.

Graduates of the Visualization Programs at Texas A&M University are prepared to pursue roles in AR/VR, UI/UX Development, Environment Modeling, HCI, Entertainment, and Game Asset Development, among others. TAMU alumni are routinely hired at companies and studios such as Google, Pixar, Walt Disney Animation Studios, Amazon, Industrial Light and Magic (ILM), Oracle, DreamWorks Animation, Microsoft, Electronic Arts (EA), IBM, Reel FX, Samsung, Lockheed Martin, Tektronix, General Motors, and Texas Instruments.

With more than 73,000 students, Texas A&M University the largest university in the state and one the largest in the nation. Established in 1876, TAMU is also the state’s first public institution of higher learning. The school houses 17 colleges and schools located across two campuses, the Health Science Center, and the Quatar campus. More than 400 degree programs are available. Texas A&M University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

University of Texas at Austin houses the College of Liberal Arts, home to the Center for Perceptual Systems. Within the Center are 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.

The College of Natural Sciences at University of Texas Austin (UT Austin) houses the Computer Science (CS) Department, which has several pathways to study game design. The Computer Science BS (BS CS) has an optional Concentration in Game Development. Course examples for the program include Game Technology, Object-Oriented Programming, Computer Graphics, Software Engineering, and Generic Programming & STL.

For students interested in studying AR/VR, University of Texas at Austin has several program options that provide access to the Virtual Reality Labs and other related facilities.

Housed in the College of Fine Arts’ School of Design and Creative Technologies is the Department of Arts and Entertainment Technologies (AET). Within the AET Department is a Professional BS in AET with heavy AR/VR coursework. A Game Design and Development curriculum was launched in 2020 for undergraduates with career interests in the Interactive/Immersive, Gaming, and Creative industries.

This program is jointly offered by the Department of Arts and Entertainment Technologies (AET), the Department of Computer Science (CS), and the Department of Radio-Television-Film (RTF).

Across programs, course examples include AR/VR: Intro to the Metaverse, Mixed Reality for the Masses, Design for Artificial Intelligence, Advanced Creative Coding, Interactive Environments, DxD Studio, Design & Interactivity, IBM Studio, User Interfaces, Integrated Design, Storytelling in Design, Immersive Audio, Video Game Prototyping, AET Studio, 3D Previz in Live Environment, and Video Game Scripting.

Note that students in Computer Science Programs in the College of Natural Science may take AR/VR courses as electives. This is especially true for the BSA in Computer Science (CS), which allows students to explore other areas to suit their goals. In addition to a BSA, CS students can earn a BS, BA, MS, or five-year BS/MS.

Graduates of the AET, Game Design, and CS Programs at UT Austin enjoy a 93% employment rate within six months of graduation. Program alumni have been hired at places such as Apple, HP, Amazon, IBM, Zynga, EA Games, Google, Scientific Games, GameStop, Diamond Entertainment, Everi Digital, Cloud Imperium, and Aspyr Media, Inc.

Founded in 1883, University of Texas at Austin serves approximately 52,385 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 18 colleges and schools. University of Texas at Austin is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC-Chapel Hill) the College of Arts and Sciences, home to the Department of Computer Science (CS). Established in 1964, the CS Department was one of the first independent computer science departments in the U.S. Within the Department are several options for students who would like to study AR/VR.

Pathways include BS and MS degrees in Computer Science with a Computer Graphics or Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) Research Area. Computer Graphics sub-areas include Animation & Simulation, Virtual Environments, and Visualization. HCI offers a Virtual Environments subarea. A PhD in Computer Science is also available.

Course examples across programs include 2D Computer Graphics, Connecting Language to Vision and Robotics, Digital Culture, Digital Logic and Computer Design, Human Robot Interaction, Machine Learning, Models of Languages & Computation, Scientific Programming, and Software Engineering Laboratory.

In addition to a variety of AR/VR related courses, SCS students have access to a number of organizations and labs to support their goals. The Carolina Augmented and Virtual Reality Club (CARVR) provides the opportunity to work on extended reality (XR) projects with real clients. Students may also participate in the UNC Augmented and Virtual Reality Interest Group (UNC AR/VR), which consists of more than 250 people from across campus. The Group focuses on training, research, learning, and more through the use of immersive technologies. UNC AR/VR plans to launch two additional groups soon (a Faculty Group and Student Group), that focus on AR/VR.

Students interested in AR/VR at UNC-Chapel Hill have access to the Graphics, Imaging, and Robotics Lab and the Graphics and 3D Vision Laboratory. The Graphics, Imaging, and Robotics Lab is a 3,500 sq. ft. space located in J. Carlyle Sitterson Hall. Most of the Lab is dedicated to work in effective virtual environments. The remaining area, which houses a variety of robots, focuses on robotics research.

Housed in the Frederick P. Brooks Jr. Computer Science Building and Sitterson Hall, the new Graphics and 3D Vision Laboratory is situated in a noise-controlled, 2,500 sq. ft. space divided into three research zones by floor-to-ceiling blackout curtains for light and sound suppression. Zones include Projective Display Research, Computer Vision and Optical Tracking Research, and Physical Simulation and Audio Synthesis Research with a focus on GPU processing. The space has 11-foot ceilings and a Unistrut mounting grid.

Across facilities and labs, projects and groups have included the Effective Virtual Environments Project; Geometric Algorithms for Modeling, Motion, and Animation Group (GAMMA) Project; and the Walkthrough Group, (simulated walkthroughs of architectural models).

UNC-Chapel Hill graduates have gone on to establish careers at some of the world’s top corporations. Examples include Microsoft, Amazon, Cisco, Capital One, SAS – Analytics Software & Solutions, Red Ventures, and Accenture.

Founded in 1789, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill welcomed its first students in 1795, becoming the first and only public university in the U.S. to award degrees in the 18th century. Today, UNC-Chapel Hill serves more than 31,500 students enrolled in over 250 bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD programs across 14 colleges and schools. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

University of Illinois Urbana Champaign (UIUC) houses Grainger College of Engineering, home to the Thomas M. Siebel Center for Computer Science. Within the Center is a Computer Science (CS) program that’s suitable for students interested in studying AR/VR. Specific degrees options include the BS, MS, and Minor in Computer Science (CS). The Minor consists of 12 credit hours.

Students in the CS BS have the opportunity to take up to 18 credit hours of technical electives and six hours of CS advanced electives. This allows students focus in a specific area of interest. The Media, Intelligence and Big Data, and Human and Social Impact areas include course options such as Virtual Reality, AI for Computer Games, Applied Machine Learning, Mobile Interactive Design, and Audio Computing Lab.

The CS MS 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, Programming Languages, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Scientific Computing.  

Students in both the BS and MS programs have access to the VR@Illinois Lab (VR LAB). Supported by the Center for Innovation in Teaching & Learning (CITL) and University Library’s IDEA Lab and Media Commons, the VR Lab is a collaborative initiative that supports AR/VR and extended reality research, exploration, and teaching at UIUC.

The Lab houses studio spaces for VR creation and exploration, mobile virtual reality classrooms, loanable headsets and cameras for viewing and capturing 360 media, and the VR Club, which hosts weekly club meetings. Lab experts provide consultations on implementing VR in the classroom and assistance with VR research projects.

Adjacent to the VR Lab is the Innovation Studio—an active, experimental and emerging technology studio with VR headsets, a video wall, gaming computers, and a range of innovative technologies.

Graduates of the Computer Science and other related programs at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign are routinely hired by some of the world’s top companies. Examples include Microsoft, Amazon, Google, Tesla, Meta, Apple, IBM, Caterpillar, ADM, Deloitte, Ernst & Young, and JPMorgan Chase.

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign was established in 1867 as Illinois Industrial University. The second oldest public school in the state, UIUC serves 55,000 students from 50 U.S. states and 126 countries. More than 150 undergraduate programs and more than 100 graduate and professional programs are offered across 16 colleges and instructional units. University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

Arizona State University (ASU) recently launched several centers and programs for students seeking careers in AR/VR. Launched in Fall 2022, the Media and Immersive eXperience (MIX) Center is a state-of-the-art facility for emerging media technologies and related academic programs. The Center houses screening rooms, immersion studios, soundstages, ideation studios,  fabrication labs, community rooms, and exhibition spaces. MIX students have opportunities to design new virtual worlds and video games, create other immersive medic experiences, and produce films at the Center.

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.

Specific program options for students interested in AR/VR include the MS in Media Arts and Sciences (Extended Reality Technologies) and the MSD in Design (Experience Design). Both programs are administered through ASU’s Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts. The MS focus on extended reality and immersive technologies, including human-computer interaction (HCI), artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, simulation, interaction, computer vision, experience design, and visualization.

Course examples include Designing Extended-Reality Experiences, Digital Workflow in the Graphics Industry, Movement and Computing, Creative Interactive Media, and Prototyping Futures.

The MSD is cross-disciplinary, and explores extended and virtual reality, interactive environments, games, themed entertainment, and immersive storytelling. Course examples include Prototyping Futures, Emerging Media Colloquium, and Immersive Experience Design. Both the MS and MSD require an Internship, Practicum, Applied Project, and Thesis to graduate.

Graduates are prepared careers in a wide range of industries and areas. Examples include Gaming, Software Development, Film and Video, Graphic Design, Web Development, Mobile Development, Architecture, Healthcare, Education, Advertising, 3D Modeling and Visualization, Workforce Development and Research, Urban Planning, and Experience Design.

ASU has another option for AR/VR students—the Center for Narrative and Emerging Media (NEM). Also launched in Fall 2022, NEM is a partnership between The Sidney Poitier New American Film School/Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts, and the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication. 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, streaming, 360 video, animated graphics, and short-form digital video.

Course examples for this program include AR/VR/XR for Storytelling, Emerging Media Project Management, Emerging Media Production, Virtual Production for Storytelling, Short Form and 360 Video Production, and Narrative Development and Pre-Production. The MA-NEM Program at ASU culminates with the Applied Project, worth three credits. Graduates will leave the program with a professional portfolio of their best work.

Potential careers include AR/VR/XR Producer, Immersive Storyteller, Journalist, Documentary Film Producer, Media Project Manager, and Independent Filmmaker.

Arizona State University serves approximately 140,635 students, making it one of the 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).

Purdue University is home to Purdue Polytechnic Institute. Within the Institute is a Computer Graphics Technology (CGT) Program that allows students to customize their plan of study by selecting courses from areas such as Information Visualization, Animation, Games, and UX Design. As such, students in this flexible program have access to a range of AR/VR courses. Examples include Augmented Reality, Collaborative Virtual and Augmented Environments, Product Development Using Virtual Environments, Computer Graphics Programming, Cognition & Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Geometric Modeling For Visualization And Communication, Game Development I-II, Visual Intelligence and Perception, Special Topics In Human-Centered Design And Development, and Advanced Real-Time Computer Graphics.

Leading to an MS in CGT (MS CGT), the program provides access to the IDEAS Research Group, which focuses on Metaverse/AR/VR, and the state-of-the-art Purdue HRD Virtual Lab. Equipment here includes Oculus Rift Virtual Reality Headsets to deliver virtual reality simulations; Microsoft HoloLens for augmented reality training simulations; GoPro Omni and GoPro Hero to create 360-degree training simulation content; and iMotions software to collect biometric data on facial expression analysis (FEA), eye tracking (ET), electrocardiography (ECG), galvanic skin responses (GSR), and facial electromyography (fEMG).

To graduate, Purdue MS CGT students will complete several projects including the Computer Graphics Project, Directed MS Capstone, and Directed MS Project. Graduates of the MS CGT Program at Purdue University are prepared to seek careers in all industries that utilize AR/VR. Graduates have been hired at places such as Google, DreamWorks, Salesforce, and Deloitte.

Established in 1869, Purdue University serves approximately 50,885 students from all 50 states and 130 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).

University of Maryland (UMD) houses the College of Arts and Humanities (ARHU) and the College of Computer, Mathematical, and Natural Sciences (CMNS). ARHU serves approximately 3,070 students across 11 academic departments and three schools. Thirty-one academic majors and 37 minors are available.

The College of CMNS, which houses the Department of Computer Science (CS , is part of Brendan Iribe Center for Computer Science and Engineering. The CS Department alone serves more than 3,400 students with interests ranging from algorithms and design to VR to Robotics. Department features include research opportunities in Graphics, Visualization, and VR/AR; internships; participation in the honors program; and study abroad experiences.

Across the ARHU and CMNS Programs, students can earn a BA or BS in Immersive Media Design (IMD) or a BS, MS, BS/MS, or PhD in Computer Science with an AR/VR focus. All students learn to create, code, and collaborate using the most current digital technologies and tools. Students have the opportunity to focus in Art or Computer Science to graduate with a BA from the College of ARHU or a BS from the College of CMNS.

Students in all programs have access to the UMD Graphics and Visual Informatics Laboratory (GVIL), and the Mixed/Augmented/Virtual Reality Innovation Center (MAVRIC).

Established in 2000 by the Department of Computer Science, the GVIL explores computer graphics, scientific visualization, and virtual environments through research and education.

Current projects include applications for next-generation AR/VR, including immersive education, augmented navigation, virtual manufacturing, and medical training.

MAVRIC was created to support the future of XR, foster XR talent, and connect developers, entrepreneurs, innovators, and researchers through workshops, events, and programs.

UMD also houses the Maryland Blended Reality Center (MBRC)—a multidisciplinary partnership initially funded by the University of Maryland Strategic Partnership: MPowering the State. Launched in 2017, The Center also partners with the federal government, industry leaders, and other academic institutions to explore and develop AR/VR, MR, and other visual computing tools and applications  based in immersive technologies.

Graduates of the Computer Science, IMD, and other programs at University of Maryland have established careers in the tech industry, federal laboratories, medicine, teaching, and law. Notable alumni include Naresh Gupta, Senior Vice President of Adobe’s Print and Publishing Business Unit; Brendan Iribe, Oculus Co-Founder; Sergey Brin, Co-founder of Google; and Gary Flake, a Microsoft Distinguished Engineer and founder of Yahoo! Research Labs.

University of Maryland in College Park was founded in 1856. The flagship campus of the University System of Maryland and the original land-grant institution in the state, UMD is one of only 62 members of the Association of American Universities. The school serves approximately 40,710 students enrolled in more than 300 undergraduate majors, master’s degrees, and doctoral programs across 12 colleges. University of Maryland, College Park is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).

University of Pennsylvania (UPenn or Penn) houses the School of Engineering and Applied Science (SEAS), home to the Digital Media Design Program. Created in 1998, this interdisciplinary program leads to a Bachelor of Science (BSE) in DMD. SEAS also has an eight-course, immersive DMD Minor that explores Interactive Computer Graphics. Course examples for the program include Programming Languages and Techniques I-II, Advanced Rendering, Computer Animation, Interactive Computer Graphics, and Software Design/Engineering. The DMD Minor culminates with a Senior Capstone Project.

The DMD BSE at UPenn is designed for students interested in the math, design, and computer programming needed to produce virtual reality environments, games, animations, interactive technologies, and computer graphics. The program combines coursework in Computer Graphics (from the Computer & Information Science Department), Fine Arts courses from Penn's School of Design, and Communication Theory courses from the Annenberg School of Communication.

Course examples include Interactive Computer Graphics, Automata, Computability, and Complexity, Computer Programming, Advanced Rendering, Mechanics Lab, 3D Computer Modeling, Art of the Web: Interactive Concepts for Art & Design, Programming Languages and Techniques I-II, Software Design, Advanced Computer Graphics, and Computer Animation. The DMD BSE at UPenn culminates with the semester-long DMD Senior Project.  

Students in the BSE DMD, DMD Minor, and other programs may join the student-run club known as VirtualReality@Penn. With several dozen registered members, the Club welcomes anyone who’s interested in VR, whether it’s for games, business, or social development.

Graduates of the DMD Programs at University of Pennsylvania are prepared to pursue careers in all industries that utilize AR/VR. Program alumni have been hired by major companies and studios such Microsoft, Electronic Arts (EA), Pixar, DreamWorks Animation, Google, and Walt Disney Animation.

Founded by Benjamin Franklin in 1740, University of Pennsylvania (UPenn) is one of the nation’s oldest universities. The school serves approximately 28,200 students enrolled in more than 400 programs across 12 schools. University of Pennsylvania is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).

One of the most popular Schools at University of Utah is Kahlert School of Computing (KSoC). Founded in 1965 as the Computer Science Department, the School houses research areas such as Human-Centered Computing/Virtual Reality, Robotics, Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning, Visual Computing, High Performance Computing, and Programming Languages/Software Engineering.

Programs for students interested in AR/VR include BS and MS degrees in Computer Science. A Combined BS/MS is also available. This option allows students to complete the BS and MS in five years by taking undergraduate- and graduate-level courses in their senior year.

The BS has an Emphasis in Entertainment Arts & Engineering with multiple Focus areas including Human Centered Computing, AI/Analytics, Infrastructure, and Core Fundamentals. To complete a Focus, students must select two or more courses from any area. Course examples across areas include Virtual Reality, Machine Learning, Artificial Intelligence, Designing Human-Centered Experiences, Computer Graphics, and Mobile Application Programming.

Other course examples for the BS program include Programming Language Concepts, Interactive Machinima, Models of Computation, Traditional Game Development, Software Practice I-II, Digital Content Creation, Asset Pipeline, and Alternative Game Development.

Students in all programs have access to the Quantitative Experience Design (QED) Lab, XR Utah, and the XR Classroom.

The QED Lab is an interdisciplinary research group that explores virtual worlds, human-centered artificial intelligence (AI), experience design, and narrative & game discourse (interface) The Lab is affiliated with the School of Computing and the Entertainment Arts & Engineering Program.

XR Utah is an interdisciplinary research partnership led by the Spencer S. Eccles Health Sciences Library (EHSEB) at The U. Artists, computer scientists, educators, 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 state-of-the art XR Classroom helps support projects that utilize projects using AR/VR. Also led by the EHSEB, the classroom and labs provide spaces where individuals can develop customized experiences involving simulations, interactive displays, and education lessons.

Graduates of the Computer Science Programs at University of Utah work in fields such as AR/VR Technology, TV and Film, Aerospace, Game Design, Engineering, Animation, HCI, Education, Architecture, Medicine, AI, and Marketing.

Founded in 1850, University of Utah is the state’s public flagship institution. A top-tier research university, The U serves approximately 34,900 students enrolled in more than 200 programs across 17 colleges and schools. University of Utah is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU).

The College of Arts and Sciences at The Ohio State University (OSU) houses the Department of Design. Established in 1968, the Department has a Design MFA program that’s ideal for individuals interested in a career in AR/VR. This interdisciplinary program has a Digital Animation and Interactive Media (DAIM) Track. Students in this Track have the opportunity to take 12 studio elective credits in any area.

The 60 credit hour MFA Program also includes core design courses, open electives in the themes of studio/lab; history/theory/criticism; collaborative/interdisciplinary studio; writing development courses, and a thesis project. Areas covered include Real Time Graphics and Virtual Environments, Responsive and Interactive Media, Performance Animation, Game Art, and Installations.

Students in the program have access to courses such as Designing Immersive Virtual Environments, Virtual Modeling, Computer Vision for Human-Computer Interaction, Mobile Handset Systems and Networking, Programming Concepts and Applications for Artists and Designers, Integrated Tech Lab, Computer Game and Design, Survey of Artificial Intelligence I: Basic Techniques, Aspects of Art and Technology II, VCD Design Media, INT Technology, Devising Experiential Media, Motion Capture Production and Experimentation, Emerging Trends in Data Visualization, Experimental Scripting for Animation in Maya, Interactive Arts Media II: UI/UX, and Design DAIM Seminar.

Also housed in OSU’s College of Arts and Sciences is 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, mediated performance design, motion capture, and media production.

The ETS provides AR/VR experiences that simulate real-world, and otherworldly scenes. VR technology and more 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.

Graduates of the Design MFA Program at The Ohio State University are prepared to pursue positions in a range of industries. Examples include Augmented Reality Designer, Mixed Reality Designer, Virtual Reality Designer, Human-Computer Interaction Designer, Visualization Specialist,  Motion Graphics Designer, Game Designer, Experiential Designer, Multimedia Designer, and CG Specialist.

The Ohio State University was established in 1870 as Ohio Agricultural and Mechanical College. The school serves close to 65,795 students across six regional campuses including Columbus (main), Lima, Mansfield, Marion, Newark, and OSU’s Agricultural Technical Institute in Wooster. More than 200 majors, minors, and specializations are offered in 18 colleges and schools. The Ohio State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) houses the College of Engineering. Within the College is the Department of Computer Science (CS), which is the fastest growing program at UIC. Pathways for students interested in studying AR/VR include the BS in Computer Science and Design (the only such program at a public university), a CS MS, a CS BS/MS, and a CS Minor. A CS PhD is also available for AR/VR students who would also like to pursue research or teaching positions.

Across programs, areas explored include AR/VR Design, Computer Graphics, Creative Coding, Human-Centered Computing, Designing and Developing Digital Interfaces and Applications, and Media Design. Programs consist of a combination of studio courses, electives, and required technical courses that allow students to collaborate in teams on projects and research.

Course and elective examples for the BS and Minor include Virtual, Augmented and Mixed Reality; Software Design; Artificial Intelligence; Human Augmentics; Programming Language Design and Implementation; Computer Graphics; Digital Media Design; Object-Oriented Languages and Environment; Game Design; Integrative Design Studio I-III; and Visualization.

The CS MS consists of 36 credit hours. Students may also enroll in the BS/MS Program, which takes just five years to complete. The MS has coursework only, project (capstone), and thesis options (research or PhD preparation). Course examples include Virtual Reality; Virtual, Augmented, and Mixed Reality; Advanced Machine Learning; Software Engineering; Video Game Design and Development; Applied Artificial Intelligence; Programming Language Design; Wearables and Nearables Technology Laboratory; Creative Coding; Deep Learning for computer Vision; Multimedia Systems; Human-Computer Interaction; and Design of Mobile Apps.

Students in all programs have access to UIC’s Electronic Visualization Laboratory (EVL) and the Human-in-Mind Engineering Research Lab (HiMER).

Established in 1973, EVL is an interdisciplinary research laboratory in the Department of CS. EVL specializes in virtual reality, visual data science, collaborative visualization, and advanced computing and networking infrastructure. The Lab is supported by the National Science Foundation (NSF), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), Argonne National Laboratory, The Joseph and Bessie Feinberg Foundation, the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, the State of Illinois, and UIC.

The HiMER Lab in the College of Engineering highlights recently funded research including AR/VR, Human Performance Modeling, Human-System Interaction, Data Analytics, 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.

Graduates of the Computer Science Programs at University of Illinois Chicago are prepared to pursue a variety of roles in technology, entertainment, architecture, health, education, aerospace, medicine, and more. Program alumni have been hired at places such as Microsoft, Amazon, Google, Apple, Cisco, Meta, Adobe, LG, Blue Cross Blue Shield, HP, Redbox, 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 close to 34,000 students enrolled, UIC is the largest university in the Chicago area. The school provides 260 degree programs and more than 60 certificate programs across 14 colleges and the School of Law. University of Illinois  Chicago is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

Northeastern University (Northeastern) is an R1 Research University that houses 10 research institutes. Examples include the Experiential AI Institute, the Experiential Robotics Institute, and the Institute for the Wireless Internet of Things. Northeastern is also one of the top cooperative (co-op) education programs in the U.S. Established more than a century ago, the program recorded more than 9,000 placements with 2,900 employers around the world between 2019 and 2020 alone. The school also integrates global experiences into learning at all degree levels.

Students in all programs at Northeastern University have access to its institutes, co-op program, and global experiences.

The College of Arts, Media, and Design (CAMD) at Northeastern has two paths to study AR/VR including the combined major leading to a BS in Design and Mechanical Engineering (BSME), and the Immersive Media Minor. CAMD Programs are available at most Northeastern campuses.

The Immersive Media Minor is an interdisciplinary program for students who are interested in Augmented Virtuality, Extended Reality, Cross Reality, Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), and Enhanced Realities. Course examples for the program include Virtual Environment Design, Immersive Media, Physical and Digital Fabrication, Programming, Animation for Games, Design Analysis and Innovation, and Game Studio.

The BSME Program is divided into seven areas: Engineering, Design, Supporting Courses, Writing, Integrative Courses, Professional Development, and General Electives. Course examples include Experience and Interaction, Interaction Design, Design Process Context and Systems, Mechanical Engineering Computation and Design, Fluid Mechanics, Movement and Time, Professional Issues in Engineering, and Physics for Engineering. BSME students have the option to add the Immersive Media Minor. The program culminates with the Senior Capstone in Design.

Students in both the BSME and Immersive Media Minor Program have access to three CAMD labs that support AR/VR learning, projects, and research.

The Immersive Media Labs Suite includes technologies for design, development, and exploration of AR/VR/XR, 360 video, and virtual worlds. Students have access to individual workstations and a collaboration and teaching area. Current work in the Lab includes design, development, and exploration of immersive data visualization, immersive games to study and build problem solving and collaboration skills, exploration and integration of digital drawing, painting, and sculpting tools, storytelling, media advocacy, and healthcare delivery.

In the Experiential Technologies Lab and User Testing Environment students develop software, and engage in interface development, game testing, and integration of biometrics tools including eye-tracking and wearable sensors. Lab resources include a one-way mirror, camera setups, and high-end computing.

MedVR is produced in partnership with Grassroots Developer Education, Inc., a 501(c)(3) non-profit, and the College of Arts, Media, and Design. Clinicians, engineers, and creatives collaborate in the lab to talk and learn about the latest AR/VR developments in healthcare and life sciences, invent translational AR/VR solutions, and solve healthcare problems by creating new experiences with AR/VR.

Graduates of the CAMD Programs and others at Northeastern University have been hired by a wide variety of companies, studios, and organizations. Examples include NASA's Johnson Space Center, Walt Disney Imagineering, U.S. Air Force, Lockheed Martin, Amazon, Tesla, Textron, Apple, Walt Disney World, Microsoft, Google, Nokia, Oracle, Nickelodeon, AMC Networks, NBC, Abbott, ABC, United Technologies Aerospace Systems, ATYX Gaming, Alpha Defense, Peloton, Photo Diagnostic Systems, Inc., 20th Digital Studio (formerly Fox Digital Studio), and UBTCH Robotics.

Northeastern University began as the Evening Institute of the Boston Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA) in 1898. The school serves approximately 41,850 students enrolled in more than 500 programs across nine colleges and schools. Northeastern has campuses in Boston, Massachusetts; Charlotte, North Carolina; Seattle, Washington; Silicon Valley; San Francisco, California; Toronto, Ontario Canada; Vancouver, BC Canada; London, UK; Portland, Maine, and the Massachusetts communities of Nahant and Burlington. Northeastern University is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE).

University of Colorado Boulder (CU Boulder) is home to the Alliance for Technology, Learning and Society (ATLAS) Institute. Founded in 1998, ATLAS houses number of labs and centers designed to support student work on independent projects. Current labs and centers include ACME Lab, Living Matter Lab, Center for Media, Arts & Performance, THING Lab, Unstable Design Lab, Laboratory for Emergent Nanomaterials, BTU Lab, and Whaaat!? Lab.

Examples of past projects include Augmented Reality and Autonomous Systems (ARIAS), Haptic VR Wizard, Augmented Reality Informs Human-Robot Interaction, Biolage Reactor, Augmented Reality Remote Assistance (ARRA), AR Drum Circle, and Jam Station.

ATLAS also manages 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-CTD, CTD MS, and the CTD Minor.

The BS-CTD at CU Boulder requires 128-130 credit hours of study, the CTD MS requires 33 credit hours, and the Minor requires 21 credits, including electives.

BS-CTD students may choose a focus area through elective offerings. Focus area examples include Augmented and Virtual Reality, Interactive Computing, Game Design, Robotics, Physical Computing, User Interface and User Experience (UI/UX) and Sound Design. Other program features include creative projects, regular professional development opportunities, workshops and guest speakers, internships with industry partners, employment in the CTD research and student labs, and portfolio development. 

To complete the major, BS-CDT 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 allows students to build their own focus area. Some popular options include Virtual and Augmented Reality, Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Interactive Product Design and Development, Game Design and Development, Arts and Media Production, UI/UX, and Learning and Education.

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 Programming in Python and R, Motion Graphics, Adobe Creative Suite, UI/UX, Figma, and Project Management.

Graduates of the CDT Programs at University of Colorado Boulder work in areas such as Art and Entertainment, Technology, Education, Healthcare, and Sciences. MS graduates also work in research in all industries and in many departments and agencies of the U.S. government. CU Boulder graduates have been hired by companies and studios such as Lockheed Martin, Google, Hitachi, Starz Entertainment, IBM, Walt Disney, Ball Aerospace, CBS Studio Center, Panavision, and Medtronic.

Founded in 1876, University of Colorado Boulder is the flagship university of the four-campus University of Colorado System. The school serves 36,000 students, making it the largest 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) and the school has been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission since 1913.

DePaul University is home to the Eugene P. Jarvis College of Computing and Digital Media (CDM) and the College of Communication. Across colleges, several Labs support AR/VR collaboration, learning, research, development, and projects on all emerging platforms.

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).

Also part of Jarvis CDM, the Virtual and Augmented Design (VAD) Lab is located on the concourse level of the DePaul Center. Equipment here 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 houses the Virtual and Augmented Reality Communication Lab (VARC). The goal of the VARC 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 also have the opportunity to join the DePaul Virtual Reality Society. Benefits include events and activities, exclusive AR/VR resources, and networking opportunities with students and professionals. All members will learn about the skills required to create virtual reality content.

In addition to the Labs and Clubs at DePaul University, students who would like to pursue careers in AR/VR have access to several related degree programs. Options in the School of Computing within the Jarvis College of CDM include a BS in Computer Science (CS), and MS degrees in Computer Science and Software Engineering. The BS has two concentrations: Software Development and Game Systems.

The CS MS requires 28 credit hours from electives from areas such as Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Game and Real-Time Systems, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Software Engineering, and Software and Systems Development. Software Engineering students may concentrate in Real Time Game Systems, Software Architecture, Software Development, or Entrepreneurship & Technology Leadership.

Across programs and concentrations, course examples include Optimized C++, Visualization, Computer Graphics Development, Prototyping and Implementation, Programming Machine Learning Applications, Systems I-II, Object-Oriented Software Development, 3D Design and Modeling, Tool Programming for Game Development, Real-Time Graphics Techniques, Concepts of Programming Languages, Rendering and Graphics Programming, Cyber-Physical System Engineering I-III, and Game Engine Programming I-II.

Graduates of the Computer Science and Software Engineering Programs at DePaul University have been hired at a variety of major companies, studios, and organizations such as Amazon, Microsoft, Lockheed Martin, Abbott Laboratories, Disney Interactive, Twitter, Allstate, Federal Reserve bank, Meta, Vivid Seats, CME Group, State Farm, Argonne National Laboratory, JP Morgan Chase, and GitHub.

With around 23,800 students, more than 300 programs, two campuses, and 10 academic colleges and schools, DePaul University is the largest Catholic university in the United States. Founded in 1898, DePaul is also America’s 13th-largest private, not-for-profit university, and the largest private, not-for-profit college in the Midwest. DePaul University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

North Carolina State University (NC State) is home to the College of Design, which recently celebrated its 75th year in existence. Within the College are several labs including Experience Design (IX) and Mixed Reality (MxR). The IX Lab is a cross-disciplinary community of artists, designers, humanists, scientists, and engineers that focus on expanding worlds through AR/VR and other new and emerging technologies.

The MxR Lab consists of designers, engineers, and individuals interested in experimentation. The Lab focuses on AR/VR and MR technologies. Projects have included Axe One, Morphaces, and Pop’n’Play.

The College of Engineering at NC State is home to the Edward P. Fitts Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, which houses an additional lab—the Virtual and Augmented Reality Lab (VR).

In the VR Lab researchers study the interaction between humans and AR/VR. Projects have included User Performance Training and Patient Motor Learning. Current projects include Scale Cognition through Advanced Learning Environments in Virtual Reality (SCALE-VR); Virtual Instructor Application using Augmented Reality for Worker Posture Training; and Investigation of Virtual Reality Guided Upper Limb Exercises.

Accessible equipment includes four-sided (C4) Cave Automatic Virtual Environment (CAVE) with full-body tracking capability, several head-mounted displays (HMDs), and a head-up display (HUD). In addition, a variety of peripheral devices that support movement tracking are available.

The College of Design at North Carolina State University has several programs for students interested in studying AR/VR. Options include BA and MA degrees in Art + Design (A + D) and a 16 credit hour A + D Minor with a customizable curriculum. All programs provide access to the schools AR/VR labs.

The interdisciplinary, studio-based  A + D BA program provides the opportunity to learn about and develop creative portfolios in areas such as AR/VR, Interactive and Computational Media, Motion Graphics, Visual Effects (VFX), Graphic and Interactive Narratives, Game Design, 3D Modeling, and others. In addition, three Concentrations are available: Gaming + Interaction Design, Animation (2D + 3D), and Fibers + Soft Construction.

Students may also create a focus through required free electives totaling 12 credit hours. Elective examples include Advanced Digital Techniques, Digital Representation, and Art + Design Laboratory.  Course examples for the program include Visualization, Art + Design Laboratory, Creative Technology, Digital Imaging, Advanced Digital Techniques, Digital Motion, and Animation.  Studios include Creative technology, Art and Design International, and Design, Context, and Experience.

The A + D MA (M.A.D) focuses on Experimental Media Arts. Depending on the student’s academic background and experience, they may enroll in the 30-, 48- or 72-credit Track. Course examples include Sequential Imaging, Visualizing Narratives, Graduate Studio: Immersive and Experimental narratives, Digital Motion, Special Effects, Animation, Dynamic Data, Digital Modeling, and Coding for Designers. Final projects for the M.A.D. Program may explore AR/VR, VFX, Interactive and Computational Media, Graphic and Interactive Narratives, Visual Composition, and Motion Graphics, among others.  

Graduates of the A + D programs at North Carolina State University work in fields such as Software Design, Multimedia, Illustration, Textile Design, Fashion Design, Art and Design Education, Photography, Filmmaking, SFX and VFX, Set Design, Exhibition Design, Museum Education, and Public Art. Some graduates have launched their own businesses and studios.

North Carolina State University employs 9,000+ faculty and staff that serve more than 36,000 students, making it the largest university in the University of North Carolina System. Established in 1887 as a land-grant institution focusing in agriculture and engineering, NC State offers more than 300 degree programs across 11 colleges, 68 departments, and The Graduate School. North Carolina State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

Parsons School of Design is part of The New School. Within Parsons are three paths to study AR/VR including BFA and MFA degrees in Design and Technology, and a Minor in Immersive Storytelling. Students at The New School also have the opportunity to complete e five-year dual degree (BA/BFA) where they will earn a BA from the Eugene Lange College of Liberal Arts and a BFA from Parsons.

The Parsons Immersive Storytelling Minor is open to all undergraduate students at Parsons. Students in this program have the opportunity to explore experiential and immersive storytelling in AR/VR, mixed reality (MR), interactive theater, data visualization, and 360 spherical film. Students in the program are exposed to design strategies and production pipelines such as systems and new technologies of interaction, digital asset creation and implementation, and narrative design.

All New School BFA students will complete the first-year experience, which covers the tools, critical thinking, and skills needed to complete the program. The experience highlights integrated seminars and studios. After completing the first year, students will advance into their programs, which feature internships, study abroad, and industry engagement.

The Design and Technology BFA Program explores interaction technologies, emerging art and design practices, and media storytelling. Program features include projects with (and visits to) companies such as Apple, Atari, MTV, Nickelodeon, Siemens, UNESCO, Rockwell Interaction Lab, and Eyebeam Art & Technology Center; the opportunity to select a focused pathway in Creative Technology or Game Design; and internship opportunities with major companies and studios.

The Design and Technology MFA at Parsons School of Design explores the interactive, visual, and narrative aspects of design technology. The program focuses on software programming and computation. Typical MFA projects involve interaction design, game design, new media art, digital fabrication, web and mobile apps, critical design, and data visualization.

Students in all Parsons programs have access to The New School XReality Center—home to the XR Reality Lab and XR-related events. The Lab supports research, student projects, and immersive learning, and it hosts a variety of workshops and meetups.

Graduates of the Design and Technology Programs at The New School - Parsons School of Design are prepared for careers in areas such as AR/VR, Virtual Reality and Immersion Experience Design, Interaction Design, Game Design, Computer Software and Hardware Design, Motion Graphics, Mobile and Application Design, Web/UI/UX Design, 2D and 3D Animation, Film and Television, and Digital Filmmaking.

The New School was founded in 1919. Serving approximately 10,815 students, the school provides more than 120 degree and diploma programs across six colleges and schools, including Parsons Paris. The New School is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).

In 2018, Ringling College of Art + Design launched the world’s first degree program dedicated solely to Virtual Reality Development. Housed in the Virtual Reality Department and leading to a BFA, the Program helps students develop skills in designing, creating, and analyzing immersive experiences. The program also explores communication, collaboration, and professional practices.

Course examples for this 120 credit hour program Introduction to Virtual Reality, Concept Development for Virtual Worlds, Immersive Media Design I-IV, Programming for Immersive Media, Iterative Design, Visual Scripting, 3D Technical Art, 2D Design, Visual Development: UI/UX, and History of Immersive Media. Open electives allow students to develop skills in other areas. These courses may be selected within the Virtual Reality Development Department or other departments at Ringling.

In the final year of the Virtual Reality Development BFA, students will complete VR Thesis Production, VR Capstone I, and VR Capstone II worth 12 credits. Students will leave the program with a portfolio, body of work, and job application packet.

Graduates of the Virtual Reality Development Program at Ringling are prepared for careers in all industries that require AR/VR skills. Examples include entertainment, education, aerospace, engineering, architecture, healthcare, advertising, game design, eCommerce, law enforcement training, defense, aviation, corporate training, and disaster management.

Companies that have hired graduates of the Virtual Reality Development Program at Ringling include Google VR, Insomniac Games, Disney VR, Framestore, Oculus VR, Flight School, Epic Games, Rewind Studios, Magic Leap, D3 Creative Studios, Ready at Dawn, BAOBAB Studios, Sharecare, Kite & Lightning, and Hoyt Architects.

Ringling College of Art and Design is a private, not-for-profit college that serves more than 1,600 students enrolled in eleven majors leading to a BFA degree, two majors leading to a BA, and minor options in 10 areas. Founded more than 130 years ago by circus magnate John Ringling, RCAD is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD) and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

University of California, Santa Cruz (UC Santa Cruz or UCSC) has a number of paths to study AR/VR. The Baskin School of Engineering at UCSC houses the Computational Media Department (CM), which has BS and MS Programs in Computer Science (CS), as well as Computational Media MS and PhD programs. Students in all pathways may focus in AR/VR by selecting courses such as Introduction to Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality, Programming Abstractions: Python, Advanced Computer Graphics and Animation Laboratory, Artificial Intelligence (AI), User Experience for Interactive Media, Applied Machine Learning, Game AI, Software Engineering, Computational Media Methods, Computer Systems, C Programming, and Data Programming for Visualization.

Across all programs, students will complete a variety of projects, both assigned and in their area of choice. Graduate students will complete a thesis OR additional project with written report.

All Baskin students have the opportunity to work and learn in the VizLab. Dedicated to AR/VR, VizLab provides access to high-end VR equipment that can be used to develop virtual or augmented reality content and interact with imagined worlds. Students can check out equipment such as a VIVE headset, Gear VR, Google Cardboard, 360 cameras, GoPros, DSLR cameras, video cameras, and other media capture devices. The VizLab also hosts class sessions, workshops, and project development meetings.

Another space—the Cave Automatic Virtual Environment (CAVE) Lab—provides the opportunity to create 3D virtual environments that allow multiple users to interact at the same time. The facility houses a room-sized, advanced visualization system (also called the CAVE), which combines high-resolution, stereoscopic projection and 3D computer graphics to create and fully immerse in virtual environments.

The CAVE Lab is also outfitted with Mechdyne CAVE and FLEX technology and adjustable walls that allow environments to be modified for different applications. The Unity development platform is used to create 3D interactive environments.

For students in other programs across UC Santa Cruz or professionals looking to develop skills in AR/VR skills may enroll in a Certificate Program through UCSC Silicon Valley Extension. Options include Software Engineering and Quality, User Experience and Web Design, and Mobile Application Development. Across options, students have access to courses such as Designing User Experience for AR, Smart Things, Virtual Reality, and Wearable Technology; Mobile Interface Design; and Data Structures and Algorithms Using Python.

Other features include hands-on projects, guest speakers, and topics such as Software Engineering, Augmented Reality - UX Design, Virtual Reality - UX/UI Design (Oculus Rift and Samsung Gear VR), Artificial intelligence (AI), Designing Glasses for AR, Visual Design, Design Implementation, and Interface Design. Certificate students will have a professional portfolio upon completion of their respective programs.

Graduates of the Computer Science Programs and Certificate Programs at University of California, Santa Cruz are prepared for positions such as AR/VR Developer, XR Gameplay and Tools Engineer, Software Developer, AR/VR Maintenance and Support, Senior Software Engineer, AR/VR Capture Systems Engineer, Design/Graphics Engineer, and AR/VR Researcher.

Established in 1965, University of California, Santa Cruz opened with 652 students. Today, the school serves approximately 18,980 students enrolled in more than 130 programs in the Arts, Engineering, Humanities, Physical and Biological Sciences, and Social Sciences. Programs at UC Santa Cruz are housed across 10 colleges and the Graduate Division. University of California, Santa Cruz is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC).

University of Rochester (U of R or UR) provides the unique opportunity for students to build their own major. Students may also select a traditional program. For students that choose the build-your-own path, there are no general education requirements and no traditional core curriculum. The only required skill is written communication. Build-your-own students may choose from dozens of writing courses on variety of topics such as Comics and Culture, America’s National Parks, and Philosophy in Science Fiction.

Build-your-own majors at University of Rochester fall in one of three broad areas: Humanities, Social Sciences, and Natural Sciences & Engineering. Undergraduate students can build an AR/VR Program by selecting courses from one or all areas or they can enroll in the BA or BS in Computer Science (CS). Graduate students may enroll in the multi-disciplinary AR/VR PhD Program.

The CS Programs have three Tracks: Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Artificial Intelligence (AI) & Machine Vision, and Natural Language Understanding. Course examples across Tracks include AR/VR Interaction Design, Video Game Development, Programming Language Design and Implementation, HCI, Recreational Graphics, Design and Analytics of Efficient Algorithms, Machine Learning, Logical Foundations of AI, Mobile Vision Computing, and Machine Vision.

Students in the AR/VR PhD Program at University of Rochester typically have a background in Computer Science, Optics, Biomedical Engineering, Electrical & Computer Engineering, or Brain and Cognitive Sciences. Housed in the School of Arts & Sciences’ Georgen Institute for Data Science, the program focuses on AR/VR interfaces and applications, AR/VR platforms and computation, perceptual-cognitive aspects of AR/VR design, and machine intelligence for AR/VR systems.

Graduates of the Computer Science and AR/VR Programs at University of Rochester are prepared to pursue positions  in a variety of industries. Sample job titles include VR Developer, User Experience Designer, AR Developer, Mobile Developer, Solution Architect, AI Developer, Firmware Engineer, Quality Assurance manager, HCI Developer, and Research Software Engineer. 

Founded in 1850, University of Rochester is a private research university that serves approximately 12,200 students. More than 150 programs are provided across two schools—the School of Arts & Sciences and Hajim School of Engineering & Applied Sciences. University of Rochester is an accredited institution by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).

University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) is home to the Hixson-Lied College of Fine and Performing Arts. Within the Hixson-Lied College is the Johnny Carson Center for Emerging Media Arts, which has one pathway to study AR/VR. The program—Emerging Media Arts BFA (BFA-EMA)—requires two emphasis areas totaling 24 credit hours; an interdisciplinary concentration; and 27 credit hours of electives. This provides a number of opportunities to study AR/VR.

Popular emphasis options for AR/VR students include Immersive and Interactive Media (games, VR, AR, XR, interactive and immersive environments); Experience Design (designing projects and experiences that synthesize the virtual and the real); Virtual Production (animation, motion graphics, 3D modeling); Sensory Media (physical computing, wearable technologies, human computer interaction-HCI, hardware and software); and Data + Art (generating art with artificial intelligence (AI), data, and the Internet of Things-IoT).

In addition to completing courses such as Creating Augmented Worlds, Principles of Interactivity, Creating Virtual Worlds, Experience Design, and Game Engines for Real-Time Performances, BFA-EMA students will also spend two semesters each in a total of five studio and lab courses including Innovation Studio, Sound Lab, Computation and Media Studio, Visual Expression Studio, and Story Lab. Other program features include the Entrepreneurship course and a yearlong Capstone Project.

Housed in the College of Business, the Entrepreneurship course introduces students to the fundamentals of entrepreneurship and business creation. The Capstone Project allows students to work in teams to from concept and development to prototype and finished product. Completed projects will be ready for distribution.

Graduates of the Emerging Media Arts BFA Program at University of Nebraska-Lincoln have been hired for positions in areas such as Wearables and Physical Computing, AI, Robotics, Sound Design, Game Design, Visual Effects (VFX), Film Production Design, and Animation. Potential job titles include AR/VR Designer, Theme Park Experience Designer, Game Designer, Creative Technologist, AR/VR Developer, Interactive Designer, Innovation Designer, App and Designer, Mobile Media Designer, Technology Interactives Researcher and Developer, UX Design Lead, and Video Game Director.

Founded in 1869 and serving 23,805 students, University of Nebraska – Lincoln is the state's oldest university and the largest institution in the University of Nebraska System. UNL provides more than 70 doctoral programs and over 150 majors, 70+ master's degree programs, and more than 30 graduate certificates. Programs at UNL are housed across nine colleges. University of Nebraska-Lincoln is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

Southern Methodist University (SMU) is home to Meadows School of the Arts; SMU Guildhall; Simmons School of Education and Human Development; Lyle School of Engineering, which houses the Department of Computer Science and Engineering; and SMU Continuing and Professional Education. Collectively, these SMU Departments and Schools provide a variety of paths to study AR/VR.

In the Lyle School of Engineering, students in the BA, BS, MS and PhD Programs in Computer Science (CS) have the opportunity to choose courses to support Tracks in Game Development, Networks, Research, or Cybersecurity. Most Tracks include a variety of AR/VR related courses. Examples include High Performance Scientific Computing, Game Design, Graphical User Interface Design and Implementation, Digital Computer Design, Fundamentals of Computer Vision, Algorithm Engineering, Programming Languages, and Digital Logic Design.

Meadows School of the Arts houses the Creative Computation Program. Leading to a BA or a Minor, the Creative Computation program is interdisciplinary, combining engineering, computer science, and the arts and humanities. Students in this program will pursue core coursework in both the Meadows School of the Arts and Lyle School of Engineering. The program also features a collection of AR/VR related courses such as Intermediate Digital/Hybrid Media, Digitally Augmented Performance and Installation, Advanced Digital/Hybrid Media, Digital/Hybrid Media Directed Studies, Digital/Hybrid Media Workshop, and Nand to Tetris: Elements of Computing Systems.

Launched in 2003, SMU Guildhall is the Southern Methodist University’s Graduate School for Game Design. Specialization areas include Art, Design, Production, and Programming. Depending on the Specialization, key focus areas may include Artificial Intelligence, Game Engine Design & Architecture, Virtual Sculpting, Environmental Modeling, Animation, Rigging and Weighting, Interface and Systems Design, Player Immersion, Memory Management, Scripting Languages, Real-Time Application Performance Analysis & Optimization, Player Psychology, and User Research.

The Simmons School of Education and Human Development houses the Center for VR Learning Innovation (CVRL). The Center is home to the Olamaie Curtiss Graney VR Design Lab and the Mixed-Reality Simulation Lab. Research and development areas here include Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality for STEM Collaborative Learning, Virtual Reality in Medical Education and VR Surgery Simulations, Mixed Reality for Education, and Game-based Learning Literacy Applications. The Labs include classrooms, practice spaces for mixed reality, and teaching spaces.

The CVRL collaborates with students and faculty across SMU, SMU Guildhall, the Institute for Leadership Impact, and the AT&T Center for Virtualization. The Center also collaborates with other universities such as University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center (UT Southwestern), University of North Carolina Chapel Hill (UNC Chapel Hill), University of Texas at Dallas (UT Dallas), and King’s College.

SMU Continuing & Professional Education has a User Experience Design Certificate, which features courses such as Design Principles in Augmented Reality, Virtual Reality and Holograms; Data Visualization, Infographics and Dashboard Design; Usability Testing; Hands-on Design Thinking Workshop; and Experience Design & Branding on Voice-Enabled Devices.

Graduates of the Certificate, Computer Science, and Creative Computing Programs at Southern Methodist University are prepared to pursue positions in all industries and areas that utilize AR/VR. Examples include Entertainment (Animation, Television, Film, VFX), Art and Design, Military Logistics, Real Estate, Game Design and Development, Manufacturing, Defense, Law Enforcement Training, Advertising, Theme Parks and Museums, Sports, Retail, Logistics, Healthcare, Architecture, Search and Rescue, Automotive, Education, Science and Medicine, Tourism, and News.

Founded in 1911, Southern Methodist University serves approximately 12,050 students from all 50 states, DC, and 88 foreign countries. The school provides 250 programs at all degree levels 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).