Immersive Experience Design, MS
Artificial Intelligence, Human-Computer Interaction, Immersive, SPATIAL, Storytelling, Technology, Virtual Reality, approved for STEM-OPT extension, computing, creative, design, digital, interactive media
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.
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.
This program may be eligible for an Optional Practical Training extension for up to 24 months. This OPT work authorization period may help international students gain skills and experience in the U.S. Those interested in an OPT extension should review ASU degrees that qualify for the STEM-OPT extension at ASU's International Students and Scholars Center website.
The OPT extension only applies to students on an F-1 visa and does not apply to students completing a degree through ASU Online.
- College/school:
Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts
- Location: ASU at Mesa City Center
- STEM-OPT extension eligible: Yes
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.
General university admission requirements:
All students are required to meet general
university admission requirements.
U.S.
applicants | International
applicants | English
proficiency
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:
- graduate admissions application and application fee
- official transcripts
- contact information of two references
- letter of intent
- portfolio
- professional resume
- proof of English proficiency
Additional Admission Information
An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of their current residency.
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.
| Session | Modality | Deadline | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Session A/C | In Person | 06/30 | Final |
| Session | Modality | Deadline | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Session A/C | In Person | 11/15 | Final |
Program learning outcomes identify what a student will learn or be able to do upon completion of their program. This program’s learning outcomes include the following:
- 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.
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
The Design School
|
CDN 162
MIXStudents@asu.edu
480-965-3436
Admission deadlines
Program term definitions
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.
