Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality

Advance your AR, VR, MR skills to build fully immersive XR experiences for any business

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Course Dates

STARTS ON

June 13, 2024

Course Duration

DURATION

8 weeks, online
5–6 hours per week

Course Fee

PROGRAM FEE

US$2,675 US$2,381 and get US$267 off with a referral

Course Information Flexible payment available
Course Fee

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Application Details

program fee

US$2,675 US$2,381

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Note: For successful completion of the program, you will have to purchase a few hardware and software applications. These are additional costs and are not included in the program fee. Learn more.

Be The Pioneer: Immerse Yourself in the Fundamentals of Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR), and Mixed Reality (MR)

The benefits associated with XR technologies for industry and for society are too great to ignore. Imagination and technology combine to create mixed reality experiences that change the way we communicate, learn, play, and work. Over the next decade, every industry will adopt aspects from this suite of immersive technologies — notably retail/ecommerce, education, IT, entertainment, manufacturing, and healthcare. Now it’s your turn.

The Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality program from MIT xPRO provides a foundational understanding and conversational fluency in the principles of XR technologies, an umbrella term that includes AR, VR, and MR. Over the course of eight weeks, you will:

  • Acquire the essential vocabulary and knowledge of XR concepts to communicate meaningfully with different stakeholders.
  • Gain introductory practical experience with XR system development and better understand how to generate XR system development ideas and communicate with developers.
  • Expand your knowledge of XR system elements, including design principles, approaches, and processes, taking into account users’ needs and values.
  • Apply XR concepts and design principles to create a high-fidelity XR prototype.
  • Ensure your technologies are inclusive and designed to promote social good.
  • Explore the broader implications of XR technologies, including the new opportunities they provide, enabling you to make recommendations to stakeholders, clients, and other key audiences.
Drawing on faculty expertise, case studies, and peer interactions, you will develop a deeper understanding of XR system elements, including design principles, approaches, and processes, learning to consider users’ needs and values in XR design to create XR prototypes.

Why VR and AR? And Why Now?

According to Forbes, XR technologies, including VR and AR, will be "one of the most transformative tech trends of the next five years." Organizations of all types will be looking for technology professionals with the knowledge base, vision, and skills to implement VR and AR applications that provide a competitive edge.

23 Million

Projected number of jobs that will be enhanced by VR and AR technologies by 2030

SOURCE: STATISTICA

40%

of large organizations worldwide will be using a combination of Web3, spatial computing, and digital twins in metaverse-based projects by 2027

SOURCE: GARTNER RESEARCH 2023

Who Is This Program For?

This eight-week program is ideal for seasoned professionals who want to expand their capabilities and explore the rapidly growing field of XR technologies.

  • Design Professionals: UX, UI, and XR designers seeking to expand their capabilities to include a technical understanding of how to integrate visual design elements, user needs, values, and considerations of social impact into the design and development of XR systems for their organization or client.
  • Developers: Unity developers, app developers, and 3D developers focused on VR/AR apps and experiences seeking to expand their technical knowledge of XR technologies and understand their wide range of practical applications and unique development requirements.
  • Technology Adopters: Professionals who are interested in the application of XR technologies to improve the customer experience and/or to reduce costs, time to market, and learning curves.

Prior knowledge of Unity, C++, and C# programming languages are helpful, but not mandatory.

*Participants must be 18 or above to apply for this program.

Key Takeaways

Over the course of this eight-week program, you will learn the principles of designing effective and engaging XR experiences that are inclusive and promote social good. Specifically, you will:

  • Acquire the essential vocabulary and knowledge of XR concepts to communicate meaningfully with different stakeholders.
  • Gain introductory and practical experience with XR system development to better understand how to generate XR system development ideas and communicate with developers.
  • Expand your knowledge of XR system elements, including design principles, approaches, and processes, considering user needs and values.
  • Apply XR concepts and design principles to create a high-fidelity XR prototype.
  • Ensure that your technologies are inclusive and designed to promote social good.
  • Explore the broader implications of XR technologies, including the new opportunities they provide, to make recommendations to stakeholders, clients, and other key audiences.

“VR and AR are remarkable technologies that blend the imagination with the physical world — they are also already frequently used for business, communication learning, training, research, and in the creative industries. Now that these technologies are achieving much more widespread adoption, it’s important for industry workforces to be at the vanguard of VR/AR understanding, use, innovation, and impact.”

— D. Fox Harrell, PhD, Director of the MIT Center for Advanced Virtuality; Professor of Digital Media and AI at MIT

Program Topics

Week 1:

Introduction to Technologies of Virtuality

Learn fundamental XR concepts and characteristics, and explore basic questions regarding the nature of virtuality. You will also be introduced to XR hardware and software and learn about XR applications across different industries.

Week 2:

Producing VR and AR Experiences I: Design Overview

Learn more about XR experience design, starting with the key terms used in the XR design process. You will also explore key design elements, principles, and approaches and learn to consider user needs and values in the design.

Week 3:

Producing VR and AR Experiences II: Design Processes

Take a deeper dive into XR design processes, including a look at how to build prototypes, such as a use case for a VR system and a mood board for an XR game on a topic of your choice. You will also try out digital and immersive authoring tools for XR design.

Week 4:

XR Apps Development

Gain high-level experience with XR system development fundamentals to help you communicate better with developers. This includes experimenting with different techniques for capturing 3D spaces, structuring user interactions, and using and adapting software code. You will also learn about aspects of development for photo-based, computer graphics-based, and other types of XR.

Week 5:

Game Development

Explore the immersive nature of XR technology and its use in creative storytelling for gaming industry applications. Apply what you have learned by pitching a concept for an XR game and building a prototype of a narrative XR game scenario.

Week 6:

XR Communication and Social Applications

Consider both the promise and the peril of XR systems for social impact by examining the benefits and drawbacks of XR for communication and collaboration. Learn the principles for effective collaborative work in computational environments and practice being mindful of the responsibility to factor inclusivity and socio-ethical issues into XR experience design.

Week 7:

Evaluating XR Systems

Learn both the Why? and the How? of XR system evaluations by studying various aims and methodologies. Determine which evaluation methods to use for different XR applications or games, as well as how the data types retrievable from XR hardware and software might be used in evaluating XR design.

Week 8:

Broader Implications of XR

Examine the broader implications of XR, including a look at how computational technologies can integrate simulated experiences with the physical world — particularly beyond experiences enabled by XR technologies (such as VR headsets). You will also review how artificial intelligence (AI), fictitious worlds, and XR technologies can help you learn and work better virtually, even in non-remote settings, and how to assess whether ideas are innovative enough to justify creating or deploying XR technologies.

Week 1:

Introduction to Technologies of Virtuality

Learn fundamental XR concepts and characteristics, and explore basic questions regarding the nature of virtuality. You will also be introduced to XR hardware and software and learn about XR applications across different industries.

Week 5:

Game Development

Explore the immersive nature of XR technology and its use in creative storytelling for gaming industry applications. Apply what you have learned by pitching a concept for an XR game and building a prototype of a narrative XR game scenario.

Week 2:

Producing VR and AR Experiences I: Design Overview

Learn more about XR experience design, starting with the key terms used in the XR design process. You will also explore key design elements, principles, and approaches and learn to consider user needs and values in the design.

Week 6:

XR Communication and Social Applications

Consider both the promise and the peril of XR systems for social impact by examining the benefits and drawbacks of XR for communication and collaboration. Learn the principles for effective collaborative work in computational environments and practice being mindful of the responsibility to factor inclusivity and socio-ethical issues into XR experience design.

Week 3:

Producing VR and AR Experiences II: Design Processes

Take a deeper dive into XR design processes, including a look at how to build prototypes, such as a use case for a VR system and a mood board for an XR game on a topic of your choice. You will also try out digital and immersive authoring tools for XR design.

Week 7:

Evaluating XR Systems

Learn both the Why? and the How? of XR system evaluations by studying various aims and methodologies. Determine which evaluation methods to use for different XR applications or games, as well as how the data types retrievable from XR hardware and software might be used in evaluating XR design.

Week 4:

XR Apps Development

Gain high-level experience with XR system development fundamentals to help you communicate better with developers. This includes experimenting with different techniques for capturing 3D spaces, structuring user interactions, and using and adapting software code. You will also learn about aspects of development for photo-based, computer graphics-based, and other types of XR.

Week 8:

Broader Implications of XR

Examine the broader implications of XR, including a look at how computational technologies can integrate simulated experiences with the physical world — particularly beyond experiences enabled by XR technologies (such as VR headsets). You will also review how artificial intelligence (AI), fictitious worlds, and XR technologies can help you learn and work better virtually, even in non-remote settings, and how to assess whether ideas are innovative enough to justify creating or deploying XR technologies.

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Program Highlights

  • Explore applications for different immersive technologies with an industry thought leader, MIT Professor and Director of the MIT Center for Advanced Virtuality, D. Fox Harrell.
  • Get access to exclusive interviews with industry pioneers in digital storytelling, UX design, multimedia art, and product innovation.
  • Gain practical experience by defining, visualizing, and pitching your XR game concept, punctuated by building a prototype.
  • Learn to apply the principles of AR and VR with Unity and Qlone.
  • Accelerate your professional development through personalized feedback, active support, and network development.
  • Participate in live weekly office hours with learning facilitators.
  • Earn a verified digital certificate and four Continuing Education Units (CEUs) from MIT xPRO.

System and Applications Requirements

  • To experience VR apps, you will need to purchase a VR headset, such as a Merge VR Headset or Google Cardboard VR Headset (compatible with most iOS and Android smartphones. Preferred; phones from 123mm to 156mm).
  • To experience VR/AR apps, your mobile phone must have an iPhone Operating System 11 or latest (iOS) or Android Operating System (OS) Oreo or latest; with a camera.
  • Other headsets that may be used to experience VR/AR include HTC Vive, Oculus Go, Meta Quest, Sony PlayStation VR, and BOBOVR.
  • In addition, as you progress through the program, you will need to install trial and/or free software required for making XR components, such as Unity Personal and Qlone. For example, to view the 360-degree prototypes you will make in Module 3, you will need to download the VR Media Player for Android or the VR Player for iPhone users.

Program Faculty

Faculty Member D. Fox Harrell

D. Fox Harrell

Professor of Digital Media & Artificial Intelligence, Comparative Studies Program and Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory (CSAIL); Director of the MIT Center for Advanced Virtuality

Professor D. Fox Harrell’s research focuses on pioneering new forms of computational media, such as interactive narrative technologies, virtual and augmented reality systems, videogames for social change, and simulations of social phenomena. His research also results in new AI-based tools for analyzing social phenomena in computational media... More info

Guest Speakers

Faculty Member Antoine Cayrol

Antoine Cayrol

Co-Founder and Producer, Atlas V

Antoine is a French producer with 15 years of experience creating immersive works, transmedia documentaries, short films, music videos, and high-end commercials. His company specializes in the development, production, and distribution of VR, AR, and MR works. His award-winning projects include Gloomy Eyes (Annecy Cristal 2019, SXSW best narrative 2019), Spheres (Venice International Film Festival Grand Prize 2018), and Vestige (Peabody Award 2019). Antoine was also the founder and CEO of Fatcat Films, a company he sold to the audiovisual group Première Heure.

Faculty Member Vik Parthiban

Vik Parthiban

Director of Product and Innovation at Arrow Electronics | Digital SaaS; Research Affiliate at MIT

An inventor, engineer, and entrepreneur at heart, Vik desires to positively change how we interact using technology. He leads engineering teams through the full product journey from ideation through research, prototyping, engineering, and QA to production. While a graduate researcher at the MIT Media Lab, Vik developed multimodal XR interfaces and photonics for holographic displays. He also served as the team captain of the award-winning MIT Hyperloop II team, where he drove the development of the world's first autonomous electric hovercraft for Elon Musk's SpaceX and The Boring Company. His work has been featured in MIT, Wired magazine, TEDx, and The University of Texas at Austin.

Faculty Member Allison Crank

ALLISON CRANK

Former Head of Digital Experiences, wow

Allison Crank is a UX designer and researcher exploring the intersection of art, technology, and architecture. Currently, she works as a freelance UX designer for video games and immersive experiences and builds tools for interactive narrative storytelling. Previously, she was head of digital experiences at wowl, an XR studio based in Switzerland that specializes in commercial experiences for luxury brands, and was a design researcher at the EPFL+ECAL lab, a design research lab for digital innovation leading a two-year HCI research project on designing immersive experiences for public space – in particular, for the UNESCO-recognized Montreux Jazz digital archives. She also researches HCI for public spaces and teaches at the AA Visiting School and the HSLU in Lucerne.

Faculty Member Andrea Kim

Andrea Kim

Documentary Media Artist and Fulbright Research Fellow, Seoul Institute of the Arts

Andrea is an interdisciplinary researcher and multimedia artist based in Los Angeles. Her work explores avatar embodiment, virtual idols, and cultural theory, with a focus on identity in social VR and XR performance. She earned a master’s degree from the MIT Comparative Media Studies Program (S.M.) and an undergraduate degree from the Duke University Literature Program (B.A.). Her digital media work ranges from immersive (XR) and participatory to civic media forms. Previously, she worked with the Center for Global Women's Health Technologies at Duke University as the director of The (In)visible Organ, a documentary film and arts-based reproductive health education initiative.

Featured Learner Testimonials

The program is extremely structured, and the tutorials are astonishingly easy to understand.

— Qing Hou, Architect, Arthur Chabon Architects

I enjoyed the content of the program. Learning about so many different technologies and their implications was valuable.

— Emily Wood, CPTD, PMP

I loved being able to build a 3D environment! Receiving feedback during hands-on learning was most enjoyable, particularly when you get to apply immediately what you learn.

— Ian Cross, COO, Credit Builder Card

The best part of the program was being exposed to new XR technologies that directly relate to my industry, especially conceiving real-life case studies.

— Shayne Dubé, Director, Brand & Creative, Soul Kitchen

The program material is high quality and concise. The best parts were the teachings from Professor Harrell. The live interaction and real-life applications added value for me.

— Rochelle Pellicer, Senior Designer, Discovery Communications

The program was very interactive, and the Learning Facilitators helped out wherever needed. The topics were very well explained, and optional assignments were a great way to put the learnt topics to practical use.

— Eric Schmidutz, Handyman, Repair-A-Medics

About MIT xPRO

MIT xPRO's online learning programs leverage vetted content from world-renowned experts to make learning accessible anytime, anywhere. Designed using cutting-edge research in the neuroscience of learning, MIT xPRO programs are helping professionals build their skills on the job. To explore the full catalog of MIT xPRO courses and programs, visit xpro.mit.edu.

About the MIT Center for Advanced Virtuality

The MIT Center for Advanced Virtuality pioneers innovative experiences using technologies of virtuality. Such technologies, ranging from Virtual Reality (VR) to Cinematic Reality (CR) and beyond, all use computing to construct imaginative experiences that overlay our physical world. It is important to create and deploy such technologies effectively as they are now used every day to communicate, express, learn, play, and work. Professor Harrell is Director of the Center for Advanced Virtuality and faculty director of the MIT Center for Advanced Virtuality.

Certificate

Example image of certificate that will be awarded after successful completion of this program

Certificate

Get recognized. Upon successful completion of this program, MIT xPRO grants a certificate of completion to participants and four Continuing Education Units (CEUs). This program is graded as a pass or fail; participants must receive 75% to pass and obtain the certificate of completion.

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Note: After successful completion of the program, your verified digital certificate will be emailed, at no additional cost, in the name you used when registering for the program. All certificate images are for illustrative purposes only and may be subject to change at the discretion of MIT.

Registration for this program is done through Emeritus. You can contact us at mit@emeritus.org

FAQs

  • How do I know if this program is right for me?

    After reviewing the information on the program landing page, we recommend you submit the short form above to gain access to the program brochure, which includes more in-depth information. If you still have questions on whether this program is a good fit for you, please email learner.success@emeritus.org, and a dedicated program advisor will follow-up with you very shortly.


    Are there any prerequisites for this program?

    Some programs do have prerequisites, particularly the more technical ones. This information will be noted on the program landing page, as well as in the program brochure. If you are uncertain about program prerequisites and your capabilities, please email us at the ID mentioned above.


    Note that, unless otherwise stated on the program web page, all programs are taught in English and proficiency in English is required.


    What is the typical class profile?

    More than 50 percent of our participants are from outside the United States. Class profiles vary from one cohort to the next, but, generally, our online certificates draw a highly diverse audience in terms of professional experience, industry, and geography — leading to a very rich peer learning and networking experience.


    What other dates will this program be offered in the future?

    Check back to this program web page or email us to inquire if future program dates or the timeline for future offerings have been confirmed yet.

  • How much time is required each week?

    Each program includes an estimated learner effort per week. This is referenced at the top of the program landing page under the Duration section, as well as in the program brochure, which you can obtain by submitting the short form at the top of this web page.


    How will my time be spent?

    We have designed this program to fit into your current working life as efficiently as possible. Time will be spent among a variety of activities including:



    • Engaging with recorded video lectures from faculty
    • Attending webinars and office hours, as per the specific program schedule
    • Reading or engaging with examples of core topics
    • Completing knowledge checks/quizzes and required activities
    • Engaging in moderated discussion groups with your peers
    • Completing your final project, if required

    The program is designed to be highly interactive while also allowing time for self-reflection and to demonstrate an understanding of the core topics through various active learning exercises. Please email us if you need further clarification on program activities.


    What is it like to learn online with the learning collaborator, Emeritus?

    More than 300,000 learners across 200 countries have chosen to advance their skills with Emeritus and its educational learning partners. In fact, 90 percent of the respondents of a recent survey across all our programs said that their learning outcomes were met or exceeded.

    All the contents of the course would be made available to students at the commencement of the course. However, to ensure the program delivers the desired learning outcomes the students may appoint Emeritus to manage the delivery of the program in a cohort-based manner the cost of which is already included in the overall course fee of the course.

    A dedicated program support team is available 24/5 (Monday to Friday) to answer questions about the learning platform, technical issues, or anything else that may affect your learning experience.


    How do I interact with other program participants?

    Peer learning adds substantially to the overall learning experience and is an important part of the program. You can connect and communicate with other participants through our learning platform.


    What is the relationship between Emeritus and MIT xPRO?

    Emeritus and MIT xPRO collaborate to create and deliver educational programs. None of these programs are Title IV-eligible.

  • What are the requirements to earn the certificate?

    Each program includes an estimated learner effort per week, so you can gauge what will be required before you enroll. This is referenced at the top of the program landing page under the Duration section, as well as in the program brochure, which you can obtain by submitting the short form at the top of this web page. All programs are designed to fit into your working life.

    This program is scored as a pass or no-pass; participants must complete the required activities to pass and obtain the certificate of completion. Some programs include a final project submission or other assignments to obtain passing status. This information will be noted in the program brochure. Please email us if you need further clarification on any specific program requirements.


    What type of certificate will I receive?

    Upon successful completion of the program, you will receive a smart digital certificate. The smart digital certificate can be shared with friends, family, schools, or potential employers. You can use it on your cover letter, resume, and/or display it on your LinkedIn profile.
    The digital certificate will be sent approximately two weeks after the program, once grading is complete.


    Can I get the hard copy of the certificate?

    No, only verified digital certificates will be issued upon successful completion. This allows you to share your credentials on social platforms such as LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter.


    Do I receive alumni status after completing this program?

    No, there is no alumni status granted for this program. In some cases, there are credits that count toward a higher level of certification. This information will be clearly noted in the program brochure.


    How long will I have access to the learning materials?

    You will have access to the online learning platform and all the videos and program materials for 12 months following the program start date. Access to the learning platform is restricted to registered participants per the terms of agreement.

  • What equipment or technical requirements are there for this program?

    Participants will need the latest version of their preferred browser to access the learning platform. In addition, Microsoft Office and a PDF viewer are required to access documents, spreadsheets, presentations, PDF files, and transcripts.


    Do I need to be online to access the program content?

    Yes, the learning platform is accessed via the internet, and video content is not available for download. However, you can download files of video transcripts, assignment templates, readings, etc. For maximum flexibility, you can access program content from a desktop, laptop, tablet, or mobile device.

    Video lectures must be streamed via the internet, and any livestream webinars and office hours will require an internet connection. However, these sessions are always recorded, so you may view them later.

  • Can I still register if the registration deadline has passed?

    Yes, you can register up until seven days past the published start date of the program without missing any of the core program material or learnings.


    What is the program fee, and what forms of payment do you accept?

    The program fee is noted at the top of this program web page and usually referenced in the program brochure as well.

    • Flexible payment options are available (see details below as well as at the top of this program web page next to FEE).
    • Tuition assistance is available for participants who qualify. Please email learner.success@emeritus.org.

    What if I don’t have a credit card? Is there another method of payment accepted?

    Yes, you can do the bank remittance in the program currency via wire transfer or debit card. Please contact your program advisor, or email us for details.


    I was not able to use the discount code provided. Can you help?

    Yes! Please email us with the details of the program you are interested in, and we will assist you.


    How can I obtain an invoice for payment?

    Please email us your invoicing requirements and the specific program you’re interested in enrolling in.


    Is there an option to make flexible payments for this program?

    Yes, the flexible payment option allows a participant to pay the program fee in installments. This option is made available on the payment page and should be selected before submitting the payment.


    How can I obtain a W9 form?

    Please connect with us via email for assistance.


    Who will be collecting the payment for the program?

    Emeritus collects all program payments, provides learner enrollment and program support, and manages learning platform services.

  • What is the program refund and deferral policy?

    For the program refund and deferral policy, please click the link here.

Financing Options

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We offer financing options with our partner, Climb Credit*. Click here to learn more.
*Applicable for US Residents

Flexible Payment Options For All

Flexible payment options allow you to pay the program fee in installments. Click here to see payment schedule.

Didn't find what you were looking for? Write to us at learner.success@emeritus.org or Schedule a call with one of our Academic Advisors or call us at +1 401 443 9591 (US) / + 44 189 236 2347 (UK) / +65 3129 7174 (SG)

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