Media Arts and Sciences (Extended Reality Technologies), MS
Immerse yourself in the creation of content, software and hardware for virtual, augmented and mixed realities. In this transdisciplinary program, you'll prepare for a wide variety of careers in emerging media through connections to industry and community partners in the curriculum.
Quick facts
Credits
Additional facts
STEM-OPT extension eligible: Yes
International students (F1) can extend U.S. work experience by 24 months.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Degree description
In the Master of Science program in media arts and sciences with a concentration in extended reality technologies, you focus on the development of innovative tools and methodologies for extended reality and immersive technologies, including simulation, visualization, interaction, computer vision, human-computer interaction, experience design, artificial intelligence and machine learning.
You develop a fundamental understanding of how emerging media technologies can be used to create virtual worlds that simulate the existing world alongside entirely new ones. In addition, you develop skills in programming languages and software applications necessary for these production workflows, and you have the ability to manage projects; work effectively in collaborative teams; transform research into creative and technological products; and reflect on the ethical, cultural and social frameworks within which your work occurs.
This program is distinct among emerging media programs through the application of these technologies and practices in socially engaged and transdisciplinary modalities, taking tools that evolved primarily from and for entertainment and applying them to the modeling of real-world challenges and futures.
Curriculum
This graduate degree includes courses focused on a specialized topic, so you can advance your skills for further professional opportunities. Explore all courses below.
33 credit hours including the required applied project course (AME 593)
Required Core (9 credit hours) Concentration (9 credit hours) Electives (9 credit hours) Other Requirements (3 credit hours) Culminating Experience (3 credit hours) Additional Curriculum Information HDA 581 is taken three times at one credit hour.
AME 520 Movement and Computing (3)
AME 530 Philosophy of Media Technology (3)
AME 532 Creating Interactive Media (3)
AME 539 Edge and Cloud Computing for XR (3)
AME 541 Design Activation: Practical Research Lab (3)
AME 551 Designing Extended-reality Experiences (3)
AME 584 Internship (3)
AME 590 Reading and Conference (3)
AME 592 Research (3)
HDA 580 Practicum (3)
AME 593 Applied Project (3)
For other requirements, students must complete a minimum of three credit hours of faculty-led research (AME 592), individualized instruction (AME 590), the design and implementation of public programs (HDA 580), or an internship (AME 584).
Admission requirements
Here are the admission and application details
All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.
U.S. applicants (opens in new window) | International applicants (opens in new window) | English proficiency (opens in new window)
Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and the Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts. Applicants are eligible to apply to the program if they have earned a bachelor's or master's degree in media arts, engineering, design or a related field from a regionally accredited institution. Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program or a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program. All applicants must submit: Additional Application Information In the letter of intent, applicants should detail their professional goals and the alignment of those goals with the program. Because of the transdisciplinary nature of the program, portfolio submissions can vary based on the prospective student's background. Materials may illustrate the types of skills the applicant has. Portfolios can be submitted in the form of a website, photos, video, PDFs and other physical documentation. Examples include games designed and programmed by the applicant, music composed by the applicant, performances (submitted as video), and websites programmed by the applicant.
An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of their current residency.
Application deadlines
| Session | Modality | Deadline | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Session A/C | In Person | 07/30 | Final* |
| Session A/C | In Person | 03/01 | Priority* |
| Session | Modality | Deadline | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Session A/C | In Person | 11/30 | Final* |
| Session A/C | In Person | 10/15 | Priority* |
*A final deadline means that all applications and application materials must be received by Admission Services by the deadline date. Applications that are incomplete may not be considered after the final deadline. Applications that are submitted past the final deadline may not be considered.
*A priority deadline means that applications submitted and completed before the priority deadline will receive priority consideration. Applications submitted after the priority deadlines will be reviewed in the order in which they were completed and on a space-available basis. An application is complete after all materials are received by Admission Services.
Paying for college
Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students recieve financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs.
Get an estimateCareer opportunities
Graduates are well prepared for careers in a variety of fields related to the application of extended reality technologies and practices. Virtual reality and augmented reality have obvious and popular applications in entertainment, gaming, workforce development and research, but alumni of this program also have direct experience with the application of these tools to other areas that can expand their available pathways, including urban planning, health care and education. They are ideally suited for the rapidly changing climate of this field.
Contact information
Use the contact information below to get in touch if you're a current student or have general questions.
Prospective students should fill out the Request for Information form.
The GAME School
|
GHALL 232
MIXStudents@asu.edu
480-965-9438
Frequently asked questions about degree programs
Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.
Accelerated master's
These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).
Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master's during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
Concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests, earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor.
Joint programs, or jointly conferred degrees, are offered by more than one college and provide opportunities for students to take advantage of the academic strengths of two academic units. Upon graduation, students are awarded one degree and one diploma conferred by two colleges.
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ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.
The Western Regional Graduate Program (WRGP) provides a reduced tuition rate to non-resident graduate students who qualify. Visit the WRGP/WICHE webpage for more information: https://graduate.asu.edu/wiche.
