97%
of grads employed or in grad school within 1 year of graduation
Extended Reality | School of Technology and Innovation
Create new worlds and an exciting career through extended reality
You might not know the term “extended reality” but chances are you’ve used this technology. Ever play Pokémon Go? Have you used Snapchat filters? Watched a football game that uses those yard-line overlays? These are all examples of extended reality technology.
What is extended reality?
Extended reality (XR) is an umbrella term encompassing both virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR). 糖心vlgo传媒’s cutting-edge Bachelor of Science in Extended Reality (XR) program provides you with the skills and knowledge needed to create immersive and interactive three-dimensional environments that bridge the gap between the physical and digital worlds. For students exploring VR degrees or immersive technology programs, Husson offers a hands-on path into virtual reality, augmented reality, and XR technology development.
Why it matters
As XR technology continues to transform industries such as entertainment, manufacturing, aviation, medicine, and education, our program equips you with the expertise to shape the future of these fields. You'll build practical experience with XR technology and interactice digital environments that support real-world innovation across industries. Join us at Husson and embark on a journey to harness the potential of extended reality in solving diverse challenges across many industries.
Virtual & Augmented Reality -- Why Husson XR is For You
At Husson, we offer far more than the standard virtual reality program. Husson’s Bachelor of Science in Extended Reality is the only one of its kind in Maine.
The iEX Center
Even better, you'll have full access to Husson's state-of-the-art iEX Center, an innovation hub stocked with the latest XR, VR and AR technology and tools, including:
- Student XR kits
- Motion capture suits
- Haptic and force feedback gloves
- Virtual reality systems
- Augmented reality projection systems
This makes Husson a strong option for students comparing VR degrees, extended reality programs, and hands-on virtual reality learning environments.
What You'll Study
As an XR major at Husson, you’ll study disciplines such as game engines, computer programming and hardware systems; all within the context of extended reality. You’ll collaborate with other students, faculty and outside partners using emerging XR technology as you develop practical solutions to real-world challenges. Students interested in virtual reality programming will benefit from coursework and projects that connect immersive design, game engines, interacticivity, and technical development.
Projects You May Work On
- Building three-dimensional models for a virtual reality training platform
- Programming an augmented reality application
- Experimenting with interactive projected media hardware
- Using a motion capture system to analyze body movements or create real-time avatars
- Programming a game engine to create interactive spatial audio-triggered effects
- Experimenting with augmented reality glasses
- Creating immersive 360 degree environments and interactive applications designed for modern headset-based and screen-based experiences
XR Extended Reality Program CURRICULUM
Looking for an AR/VR course? At Husson, you'll get so much more. Here, your studies will include core courses in subject areas such as video production and audio production, 3D drafting, user experience and interaction design, XR design, game engines and extended reality. Your studies are rounded off with general education requirements.
Coursework in this program can help students build skills in virtual reality programming, augmented reality application development, interactive design, immersive storytelling, 3D content creation, and XR technology workflows used across multiple industries.
The XR Program from a Student Perspective
"We've been learning some basic 3D modeling in Vectorworks. We've also been working with our motion capture system and our virtual production system. And then, I've been doing some work with Blender on my own. The big thing for us as students in development has been using VR Simlab, which is a development platform for VR solutions that's really easy to get into," Colby explains. "We've been able to add to our skill level and be able to produce projects that actually have interactable elements in VR, which is really cool to be able to do with very little programming experience."
Colby Hope '25
Career Outlook for xr majors
Extended reality (XR) is a rapidly growing field, projected to have a significant economic impact as more and more industries embrace the possibilities it offers. Currently, the market for XR is projected to reach about $345.9 billion by 2030, creating or enhancing more than 23 million jobs worldwide. Even better, XR jobs are in high demand and offer high salaries: the national average for XR or AR careers is currently $113,000 a year, with some salaries going as high as $215,000. Clearly, extended reality business is booming.
Clearly, extended reality business is booming. For students researching VR degrees or careers in XR technology, Husson's program is designed to help prepare graduates for emerging roles in virtual reality, augmented reality, immersive design, and interactive technology development.
job opportunities in xr
XR offers impactful and rewarding job opportunites in gaming, healthcare, education, manufacturing, marketing, and a wide variety of other industries. Here are a few of the career paths that you could pursue with a BS in XR:
- Development and engineering: XR developer, webXR engineer, spatial computing engineer
- Design and user experience (UX): Immersive UX/UI designer, immersive environment designer
- Research and academia: Human-computer interaction (HCI) researcher, educational technology specialist
- Support and infrastructure: XR IT support specialist, XR systems administrator
- Management and strategy: XR product manager, XR consultant
- XR Education and Training: XR curriculum developer, corporate XR trainer, XR instructional consultant
Outcomes
26,000+
strong alumni network and growing
99%
of students receive financial aid
Three Things You Need to Know
- XR majors have access to the latest XR technology being used by some of the world's most impactful tech companies. From Unreal Engine and advanced 3D modeling software programs (Blender, Maya, ZBrush) to our iEX Center and its cutting edge VR/AR tools and systems, you'll gain the industry-revelant experience and skills needed to build a thriving future-ready career.
- Our XR degree program connects you to XR industry leaders and professionals through a variety of guest lectures, internship opportunities and networking events. You'll also have direct access to expert faculty, who boast a wealth of knowledge and professional field experience.
- Through a rigorous curriculum and real-world projects, our students develop rich portfolios that make them stand out to employers.
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For more information
| Name |
Phone and Email | Address |
|---|---|---|
Brave Williams, MFADirector, iEX Center, XR Program Coordinator, Associate Professor |
207.941.7195 williamsbrave@husson.edu |
167 Harold Alfond Hall 糖心vlgo传媒 1 College Circle Bangor, Maine 04401 |
Tony GerowXR Technologist and Project Manager for iEXCenter |
207.992.1956 gerowa@husson.edu |
208 Harold Alfond Hall 糖心vlgo传媒 1 College Circle Bangor, Maine 04401 |
Ashlie BealsOutreach Specialist, Adjunct Instructor |
207.745.3806 bealsas@husson.edu |
161 Harold Alfond Hall 糖心vlgo传媒 1 College Circle Bangor, Maine 04401 |