10 Best Augmented/Virtual Reality (AR/VR) Schools in 2025

Augmented/virtual reality is a growing industry. This article explores the top AR/VR degree programs and answers FAQs about degree options and career outlooks.

The worlds of augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) are digital immersive experiences with rapidly advancing technological applications. There is an increasing demand for professionals with AR and VR learning backgrounds in industries such as gaming, graphic design, web development, and healthcare.

If you are interested in launching your career in this exciting field, read on to learn more about AR and VR in education.

Types of AR/VR Degree Programs

As these technologies are relatively new, there are few dedicated AR and VR degree programs. Some colleges and universities offer courses focusing on augmented and virtual reality education, which make up part of a broader computer or gaming-based degree curriculum.

The best augmented and virtual reality schools have state-of-the-art labs and research institutes dedicated to AR and VR technologies. These learning environments provide students with the opportunity to develop hands-on skills and connect with leaders in this emerging industry.

Bachelor's Degrees

There are two types of bachelor's degree tracks: Bachelor of Arts (BA) and Bachelor of Science (BS). You can earn either your BA or your BS in one of the following majors; however, BS degree options tend to be more popular for AR and VR learners, as programs emphasize science and engineering. Options for majors include:

computer science
computational media
game development
interactive media design

Graduate Degrees

The two main graduate degree pathways that incorporate VR and AR studies are the Master of Science (MS) and the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), specializing in computational media, computer science, or game development. Full-time students can earn their MS in two to three years; a PhD can take three to five years.

Master's degrees and doctoral programs involve a thesis or dissertation project in addition to theory coursework. Graduate students often get research experience in their college or university labs, which is a great way to get real-life AR and VR experience outside of classroom settings.

Certificate Programs

Higher education institutions also offer certificate programs, which provide another avenue for learning about VR and AR technologies. Certificate programs help provide skills for a career in these digital technologies. Subjects can include VR and AR design, user experience and interface design, and immersive design techniques.

You can take many of these courses online. Certificate programs typically take between six weeks and one year to complete, depending on their curriculum depth.

Top AR/VR Colleges in the U.S.

The following list features some of the top AR/VR colleges and universities in the U.S. While there are no degrees exclusively focused on AR/VR technology, the following programs provide students with the education needed to become leaders in this exciting new industry.

1. University of Hawai'i at Manoa

Located in Honolulu, HI, the University of Hawai'i at Manoa has a BS in computational media program that fuses technology with creativity. The program curriculum prepares students to work in a wide range of immersive media sectors, from video game design to digital film production to marketing. Courses include virtual and augmented reality, data visualization, and human-computer interaction.

Estimated tuition cost: $480 per credit hour (in-state)/$1,398 per credit hour (out-of-state)
Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)

2. Georgia State University

Georgia State University (GSU) is a large public school in Atlanta, GA. GSU offers a BS in game development through its Creative Media Industries Institute.

The immersive learning program gives students the background and technical skills needed for careers in game development, software industries, and computational media. The curriculum includes courses in motion graphics, game production, and animation.

Estimated tuition cost: $9,180 per year (in-state)/$29,400 per year (out-of-state)
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

3. Georgia Institute of Technology

The Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech) is an Atlanta, GA, school at the forefront of VR and AR development. Georgia Tech's Augmented Environments Lab has been pioneering immersive experiences since 1988.

Undergraduate students learn how to integrate physical environments with digital augmentation with a BS in computational media. The curriculum fosters hands-on and theoretical knowledge of computing and includes courses on virtual design, the history of media, and music technology.

Estimated tuition cost: $10,512 per year (in-state)/$33,596 per year (out-of-state)
Accreditation: SACSCOC

4. University of California - Santa Cruz

The University of California - Santa Cruz (UC Santa Cruz) offers its Institute for Creative Technologies, founded its Mixed Reality Lab (MxR) in 1998, and has been leading in VR and AR research ever since. Developers at MxR directly impacted the development of virtual reality headsets like the Oculus Rift and other immersive technologies.

UC Santa Cruz offers an MS in computational media through its Viterbi School of Engineering. Graduate students learn skills necessary for simulation games and computer science.

Estimated tuition cost: $12,762 per year (in-state)/$15,102 per year (out-of-state)
Accreditation: WSCUC

5. University of Washington

Located in Seattle, WA, the University of Washington (UW) launched its UW Reality Lab in 2018. Faculty, graduate students, and undergraduates work together researching technologies such as graphics, 3D computer vision, object recognition, and more. There are special mentorship programs and learning experiences designed to develop undergraduate talent.

UW offers a BA in interactive media design program that blends academic theory with real-time creative experiences. Students work in a cohort-based learning environment, learning how to create immersive artworks, videos, platform-specific apps, and more.

Estimated tuition cost: $13,406 per year (in-state)/$44,640 per year (out-of-state)
Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)

6. University of Arizona

The University of Arizona (Arizona or U of A) is a large public school based in Tucson, AZ. Arizona offers a BS in game design and development (BSGDD). The program's curriculum includes courses like market analysis, conceptualization, and technical design and usability.

This bachelor's degree program is 120 credit hours. Coursework is primarily conducted in person, though some courses are available online.

Estimated tuition cost: $13,900 per year (in-state)/$43,100 per year (out-of-state)
Accreditation: WSCUC

7. New Jersey Institute of Technology

Located in Newark, NJ, the New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) has a BS in information technology (BSIT) program that features a special game programming technology specialization. This special track includes courses on algorithms, 3D graphics, artificial intelligence (AI), physics simulation, and more. The BSIT program is run through NJIT's Department of Informatics.

Estimated tuition cost: $16,334 per year (in-state)/$34,024 per year (out-of-state)
Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)

8. University of Denver

The University of Denver (UD) is a mid-sized private school in Denver, CO. Its BS in game development is a blended approach to mathematics, computer science, and creativity. Courses include digital practices, game design, and game development.

Various financial aid options are available to UD students. Financial assistance comes via grants, scholarships, loans, and work-study programs.

Estimated tuition cost: $20,616 per semester (in-state and out-of-state)
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

9. American University

Located in Washington, D.C., American University has a BS in computational media and applied perception. This 120-credit program allows full-time students to graduate in four years. Students in the traditional classroom setting take courses such as data visualization and information design, human-computer interaction, and software engineering.

For students who want to continue their education with an advanced degree in this field, American University offers combined bachelor's/master's programs.

Estimated tuition cost: $57,952 per year (in-state and out-of-state)
Accreditation: MSCHE

10. University of Southern California

The University of Southern California (USC) boasts numerous research labs, such as its Augmented Design Lab and Assistive Sociotechnical Systems for Individuals with Special Needs (ASSIST) Lab. The ASSIST Lab helps people with disabilities and other special needs maintain a high quality of life through technology.

USC offers an MS in computer science/game development through its School of Baskin Engineering. Graduate students learn both in the classroom and in research labs, gaining real-world experience in virtual environments. The MS program prepares students to become game designers, product managers, and AR/VR specialists.

Estimated tuition cost: $34,952 per semester (in-state and out-of-state)
Accreditation: MSCHE

How We Rank Schools

We use the following criteria to ensure our featured schools provide quality education, from accreditation status to program reputation.

Accreditation: All colleges and universities must are vetted by an independent accrediting organization. These organizations are often regionally focused.
Program offerings: The programs offered here must include courses applicable to digital immersive experiences.
Program reputation: A program's reputation is determined by experienced faculty, classroom settings and sizes, graduation rates, and relation to AR/VR research labs and partner organizations.

Why Choose an AR/VR Degree Program?

While few schools offer degree programs focusing exclusively on augmented reality and virtual reality, other pathways can provide you with the educational background in these technologies. If you are excited about computers, art, and the intersection of design and immersive technologies, consider a program that incorporates AR/VR learning. Accredited schools will provide you with the kind of quality education needed to pursue your AR/VR career.

What To Look for in AR/VR Schools

The best AR/VR colleges and universities offer not only quality programming but also have labs and research institutes dedicated to immersive experiences. You can enhance your student learning experience by spending time in a research environment and connecting with scientists and developers.

Be sure to carefully research the programs offered at each school, particularly those focused on computational media, game development, and computer science.

Career Outlook for AR/VR

The career outlook for people interested in the AR/VR world is very promising. As AR/VR becomes more mainstream, there is a growing demand for professionals who can provide AR and VR-based services. AR/VR is being used in fields like healthcare, manufacturing, video game design, and education. Possible career roles include:

multimedia developer
front-end developer
AR/VR specialist
game designer
professor/researcher

Explore Online Tech Degrees

If you are interested in learning about AR/VR to enhance your professional development, connect with Learn.org's partner schools to discover what online learning opportunities will best support your goals.