Immersive Experience Design, MS
Learn how to design immersive experiences and interactive environments using extended reality, simulation techniques, spatial storytelling, artificial intelligence and data-driven design. Work with emerging technologies to create real-world projects across civic engagement, entertainment, health care, education and media --- fields where immersive design is transforming how people connect, communicate and shape their world.
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
The Master of Science in immersive experience design is a comprehensive, two-year graduate program designed to advance your skills in creating immersive experiences that transcend traditional boundaries. The program emphasizes developing expertise in extended reality, immersive storytelling, real-time rendering engines, generative art, 3D asset generation and animation, data visualization, computational media, artificial intelligence, creative programming, human-computer interaction and world-building across both physical and virtual realms.
Unique among emerging media and design programs, this program leverages these technologies with a focus on immersive media experiences from extended reality applications to large-scale media installations. You gain practical and theoretical insights through rigorous coursework and research that includes technical skillsets development, critical discussion and collaborative opportunities across the Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts diverse programs. The curriculum is enriched with courses, critiques and one-on-one mentorship, ensuring you produce a compelling and impactful body of work that addresses real-world challenges and possibilities for the future.
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.
36 credit hours including the required capstone course (DSC 559)
Required Core (18 credit hours) Research (3 credit hours) Electives (12 credit hours) Culminating Experience (3 credit hours) Additional Curriculum Information The culminating experience course is a final design studio with a written component, taken under the guidance of studio faculty and industry professionals.
DSC 551 Immersive Experience Design I (3)
DSC 552 Interactive Art and Media Installations (3)
DSC 553 Designing Digital Worlds (3)
DSC 554 Introduction to Extended Realities (3)
DSC 556 Programming Fundamentals for Immersive Experience Design (3)
DSC 557 Ethics and Social Impact in Immersive Experiences (3)
DSC 558 Applied Research in Immersive Experience Design (3)
DSC 559 Immersive Experience Integration and Realization (3)
Students should see the academic unit for an approved elective list.
What you'll learn
The following learning outcomes highlight some of the knowledge and skills you'll develop to support your future success.
- Design immersive experiences that integrate virtual, computational, and physical design elements in course projects.
- Conduct interdisciplinary research in immersive experience design in course assignments.
- Incorporate ethical and sustainable principles across immersive experiences.
Design immersive experiences that integrate virtual, computational, and physical design elements in course projects.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 design and media arts 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 a student's first bachelor's degree program, or applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program. Applicants are required to submit: Additional Admission Information The portfolio, letter of intent, resume and contact information of two references must be submitted via SlideRoom. The Design School requires that these be submitted in addition to the graduate application requirements. Admission to the program is selective. Students must enroll in the semester for which they are admitted; otherwise, they will need to go through the entire application process again for the year in which they are applying. In the letter of intent, applicants are required to express their intention to apply to the program by outlining the reasons for their application, their motivation for pursuing the program, and their future goals in the field, briefly touching upon their background, experiences and qualifications that make them a suitable candidate for the program. The portfolio must be a curated collection of a candidate's design works, projects and creations to visually represent the applicant's skills, creativity, design sensibilities and ability to conceptualize, innovate and effectively communicate design ideas. Applicants must submit contact information for two professional references. These can come from current and past faculty members, professional mentors, supervisors or community leaders and elders.
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 | 11/16 | Final* |
| Session A/C | In Person | 10/01 | 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.
Explore expanded study opportunities
This program allows you to obtain both a bachelor's and a master's degree in as little as five years. As a high-achieving student, accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree programs are designed for you to share undergraduate coursework with graduate coursework to accelerate completion of your master's degree. These programs feature the same high-quality curriculum taught by ASU's world-renowned faculty.
This program is offered as an accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree with:
Approval to pursue the accelerated master's is typically granted during the junior year of your bachelor's degree program. If you are interested, you can learn more about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
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 receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs.
Get an estimateCareer opportunities
Immersive design is a dynamic and rapidly evolving field with increasing demand for skilled professionals. Graduates of this program are equipped with a powerful blend of technical expertise, critical thinking and creative design methodologies. This unique skill set enables them to lead innovation in immersive technologies and apply them across industries that require not just digital tools, but integrated design strategies for physical, social and spatial experiences. Possible career fields include:
- creative and design leadership
- extended realities and interactive systems
- experience and interface design
- media technology and content development
- spatial and environmental systems
Possible careers in these fields include:
- creative technologist
- experience design lead
- extended reality developer
- human-computer interaction specialist
- immersive media developer
- immersive user experience designer
- spatial computing designer
- smart environment designer
- simulation designer (digital twins, real-time training environments)
- technical artist
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 Design School
|
CDN 162
MIXStudents@asu.edu
480-965-3436
Admission deadlines
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.
ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the "New Programs" option.
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.
