Media Arts and Sciences (Extended Reality Technologies), MS

Program Overview

The program prepares graduates for diverse career paths in emerging media industries, including content creation, development, design, engineering, and research.

Program Outline

Students will gain a fundamental understanding of how these technologies can be used to create virtual worlds and explore their applications in various fields. The curriculum also covers programming languages, software applications, project management, collaboration, and ethical considerations.

Objectives:

• Equip students with the skills to create content, software, and hardware for VR, AR, and MR.
• Develop transdisciplinary approaches to applying these technologies in socially engaged contexts.
• Prepare students for diverse career paths in emerging media industries.

Program Description:

• Focuses on the application of XR technologies in simulation, visualization, interaction, computer vision, HCI, experience design, AI, and ML.
• Provides a foundation in programming languages and software applications relevant to XR production workflows.
• Develops skills in project management, teamwork, and creative problem-solving.
• Encourages reflection on the ethical, cultural, and social implications of XR technologies.

Outline

Required Courses (33 credit hours):

• Required Core (9 credit hours):
• AME 520: Movement and Computing (3)
• AME 530: Philosophy of Media Technology (3)
• AME 532: Creating Interactive Media (3)
• Concentration (9 credit hours):
• AME 550: Prototyping Futures (3)
• AME 551: Designing Extended-Reality Experiences (3)
• HDA 581: Emerging Media Colloquium (3)
• Electives (9 credit hours):
• Choose from a range of courses offered in the program.
• Other Requirements (3 credit hours):
• Choose from AME 584 (Internship), AME 590 (Reading and Conference), AME 592 (Research), or HDA 580 (Practicum).
• Culminating Experience (3 credit hours):
• Complete the AME 593 Applied Project course.
• Students can choose to focus on specific areas within the XR field through elective courses.
• The program emphasizes hands-on learning and project-based work.
• Opportunities for faculty-led research, individualized instruction, public program development, and internships are available.

Assessment

Assessment methods:

• Coursework assignments and projects
• Exams and quizzes
• Presentations and demonstrations
• Culminating project

Assessment criteria:

• Understanding of key concepts and theories
• Ability to apply knowledge and skills to real-world problems
• Creativity and innovation
• Technical proficiency
• Communication and collaboration skills

Teaching

Teaching methods:

• Lectures
• Seminars
• Workshops
• Hands-on labs
• Individual and group projects

Faculty:

• The program features experienced faculty with expertise in XR technologies, media arts, computer science, design, and engineering.
• Faculty are actively involved in research and industry collaborations.

Unique approaches:

• The program emphasizes transdisciplinary learning and encourages collaboration between students from diverse backgrounds.
• Students have access to state-of-the-art facilities and equipment for XR development.
• The curriculum is constantly evolving to keep pace with the rapidly changing field of XR.

Careers

Career opportunities:

• XR Content Creator
• XR Developer
• XR Designer
• XR Engineer
• XR Researcher
• XR Educator
• XR Consultant

Graduates are prepared for careers in a variety of industries, including:

• Entertainment
• Gaming
• Education
• Healthcare
• Training and simulation
• Architecture and design
• Urban planning
• Career services are available to help students with job search and career development.
• The program is designed for students with a background in media arts, engineering, design, or a related field.
• The program is STEM-OPT eligible, allowing international students on F-1 visas to extend their work authorization in the U.S. for up to 36 months.