Northeastern University

Overview

Northeastern University offers a Master of Science in Extended Realities (XR), aimed at equipping students with the interdisciplinary knowledge and practical skills necessary for creating immersive augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and extended reality (XR) experiences.

The program features a multi-college curriculum and hands-on learning opportunities, allowing you to examine XR from technical, creative, human-centered, and business viewpoints. This prepares graduates for diverse roles in industries such as entertainment, healthcare, design, media, and technology.

What you'll study

• Immersive lab experience: Engage in Northeastern’s state-of-the-art environments and research facilities that foster experimentation and design in AR/VR/XR.
• Multi-college learning: Benefit from coursework that integrates insights from various sectors, including the College of Arts, Media and Design, Khoury College of Computer Sciences, Bouvé College of Health Sciences, College of Engineering, College of Social Sciences and Humanities, and the D’Amore-McKim School of Business.
• Career-ready focus: Develop both production and strategy skills, with a focus on how XR products are designed, assessed, and launched in the marketplace.

Degree: Master of Science in Extended Realities (XR)

Credits: Typically 30–36 credits

Duration: Commonly 16 months, varying based on course load and chosen pathways

Delivery: On-campus at Northeastern University campuses in the United States and Canada

Specialisation/pathways: XR+Design, XR+Media, XR+Games (portfolio required for certain pathways)

Language of instruction: English

Application materials: Transcripts, CV/resumé, personal statement, letters of recommendation, and portfolio (if applicable)

Entry requirements

A strong academic record is essential for admission, with a minimum GPA depending on the applicant profile. Prospective students should verify specific academic requirements with the official admissions resources.

For English language proficiency, a common requirement is an IELTS score of 7.0 or equivalent; however, applicants should confirm the language requirements for their specific intake.

Career prospects

Graduates of the Master of Science in Extended Realities can pursue various career opportunities across multiple industries. The program prepares individuals for roles that involve creating immersive experiences, developing user-centered designs, and implementing effective business strategies in XR-related fields.

With the growing demand for XR professionals, graduates are well-positioned to enter innovative sectors, contributing to advancements in technology, entertainment, healthcare, and beyond.