BA in Virtual Reality Design

The Bachelor of Arts in Virtual Reality Design focuses on aesthetics and interactions, preparing you for a career as a designer of games, simulations, and stories. You’ll master user interface and user experience (UI/UX) design, create amazing 3D objects and environments, delve into the psychology of immersion, direct 360 video productions, produce dynamic soundscapes, and build virtual worlds using state-of-the-art production tools.

Shenandoah’s VR program was more than I could have ever imagined. I had the chance to work on a wide range of projects using diverse technologies, supported every step of the way by faculty and staff who truly want you to succeed as a student, a member of SCIL, and as a person. The program opened the door to once-in-a-lifetime experiences, from presenting my development work at I/ITSEC in Orlando to helping host a VR workshop in South Africa.”

~ Jacob Eisenhart, ’25 (B.A. Virtual Reality Design)

After completing this degree, you’ll be well-positioned for a career as a designer, storyteller, graphic artist, creative director, or producer of VR, AR, XR, and screen-based interactive experiences and games.

The skills you’ll learn are transferable to areas well beyond VR and AR, including software engineering, game and simulation design, 2D and 3D graphic design, web and mobile application development, screenwriting, project management, and UI/UX.

The Bachelor of Arts has expanded not only my knowledge but the very way I think about design and problem-solving.”

– Brynna Strader ’23 (B.A. Virtual Reality Design)

Why VR Design at Shenandoah University?

Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), and Extended Reality (XR) technologies form a multifaceted, revolutionary and rapidly growing industry. The technologies that underly VR and AR are fundamental to modern computing and are integral to everything from entertainment to education.

At SU, you’ll benefit from:

A high-quality curriculum that emphasizes real-world skill building to prepare you for this market
Opportunities for personalized instruction, with coursework, projects and independent studies tailored to your interests
A close-knit, supportive environment with friendly faculty, staff and peers
Small classes, where your professors always know who you are
Opportunities for real-world work experiences, professional networking and travel
Routine access to world-class facilities and equipment
A university that cares about you as a person, not just a number
A vibrant community of scholarship where many different perspectives are respected and welcomed

Shenandoah University’s VR Design BA program is very flexible and packed with new ways to learn from an ever-growing industry. Being a full-time staff member and a part-time student is a learning experience, and I am grateful to Shenandoah University for giving me a chance to learn new and exciting technology that revolves around the VR industry. My favorite part is learning the augmented side of VR, and I am excited to learn new things ahead!”

~ Yohan Joung ’26 (B.A. Virtual Reality Design)

Contact Us

We’d love to hear from you! Please feel free to contact our VR Design, B.A. program director for more information:

Nathan R. Prestopnik, Ph.D.

nprestop@su.edu | 540-535-3477

Professor, VR Design

Director, VR Design (BA)

Co-Director, Shenandoah Center for Immersive Learning (SCiL)

As a Virtual Reality Design, B.A. student, you’ll complete foundational courses, labs, electives and a two-semester capstone sequence in which you’ll complete a client-driven project with real-world impact.

Classes are small, with many opportunities for hands-on learning using state-of-the art equipment. We also offer fun events and learning opportunities such as game jams, project showcases, internships, independent studies and undergraduate research initiatives.

As a Virtual Reality Design, B.A. student, you’ll take courses like…

ARVR 105 Introduction to Immersive Technologies
ARVR 205 Graphic Design for Interfaces
ARVR 210 Narrative Design/Storytelling
ARVR 220 Introduction to Game Design
ARVR 230 Video Production in 360
ARVR 240 3D Modeling and Design
ARVR 310 Immersive Experience Design
ARVR 370 Photogrammetry and Drones
ARVR 401 Design Thinking and Prototyping
ARVR 402 Project Implementation and Testing

See the Full VR Design, BA Curriculum

Shenandoah University’s Center for Immersive Learning (SCiL) is a state-of-the-art AR/VR/XR lab that supports the Virtual Reality Design programs. You’ll have access to all of SCiL’s equipment, including more than 90 VR/AR headsets, high performance workstations, state-of-the-art software tools, motion capture equipment, a makerspace, and sound studio.

SCiL partners with the Winchester community, government agencies, museums, and other clients to develop AR, VR, and 360 video productions, giving you resume-building experience in a professional development environment.

Learn More About SCiL

It’s important to get out of the headset from time to time!

The VR Design, BA program at Shenandoah University offers exciting opportunities for you to engage with the real world through trips, research experiences, projects, and more. In past semesters, our students have…

Crossed the United States, following in the footsteps of the Lewis and Clark expedition of 1804-1806. We visited important historical sites, 3D scanned artifacts, captured 360 video and imagery, interviewed experts, and got to paddle in a dugout canoe.
Visited South Africa to share our knowledge of VR systems and technologies at a partner university in Cape Town. We ran lectures, demonstrations, and workshops. We also got to see the local wildlife, including penguins!
Traveled to Israel and Palestine as part of a collaboration with Arab-American University of Palestine (AAUP). We saw the old city of Jerusalem, visited Hisham’s Palace in Jericho, saw the Dome of the Rock, and rode camels.
Visited Disneyland and Kennedy Space Center (KSC) in Florida as part of a Global Experiential Learning trip. We toured behind the scenes at Disney imagineering, participated in astronaut training, and watched a Falcon 9 rocket launch live from Cocoa Beach.
Collected 3D-scan data of World War One artillery systems at the Ft. Lee Training Support Center and in Winchester, Virginia. We got to 3D scan real artillery shells and range-finding systems, explore a huge warehouse of historical military equipment, and fire a French 75 cannon.
Attended the Organization of American Historians Conference in Boston, Massachusetts. We showcased The Great Experiment, visited MIT and Harvard, and solved crazy escape room puzzles.
Visited Independence Hall in Philadelphia to capture images and 3D-scan data for The Great Experiment VR recreation of the 1787 Constitutional Convention.

Study Abroad

Make studying abroad the highlight of your college experience! Whether you go for a year, a semester, or just a few weeks. You will never forget learning in another culture! Shenandoah University is a member of the International Student Exchange Program (ISEP), a global network of 300 universities. This partnership allows students to study for a full semester or year at other member campuses abroad. By working closely with their academic advisors and the study abroad advisor, students can take classes taught in English abroad while receiving Shenandoah credit.

Shenandoah University also maintains direct partnerships with several universities around the world. These relationships allow students from SU to study abroad as exchange students and students from these universities to study at SU. All partner universities offer courses taught in English.

Learn About Education Abroad

Global Experiential Learning (GEL) Program

The Global Experiential Learning (GEL) Program offers Shenandoah students a short-term, faculty-led, study-abroad experience for academic credit. These short-term, credit-bearing, faculty-led programs are offered winter break, spring break, and during the summer. If a course is not within your major, it might be used as an elective.

GEL Courses Currently Offered

Take the opportunity to round out your education at Shenandoah University by adding a minor or certificate in a specialized topic. Choose from virtually any minor offered at SU. Minors and certificates that are especially complementary to VR Design include:

Demand for skills in VR and related immersive technology fields has been steadily climbing. As a VR Design student at Shenandoah University, you’ll learn the skills you need for careers such as:

VR and AR Designer / Developer
Graphic Designer
2D or 3D Artist
Game Designer / Developer
Simulation Designer / Developer
Software Developer
AR/VR Maintenance / Support Specialist
VR Project Manager

Starting salaries can range from about $80,000 to over six figures.

The Career Services Office provides a comprehensive range of services and resources to assist Shenandoah students in their career search. Services offered include resume and cover letter building, mock interviews, and professional dining etiquette workshops.

Career Services at Shenandoah

Shenandoah University is a proud member of the National Center for Women & Information Technology (NCWIT). NCWIT is a non-profit community that convenes, equips, and unites change leader organizations to increase the influence and meaningful participation of girls and women in the influential field of computing, particularly in terms of innovation and development.

The Honors Program is a multidisciplinary Honors Program for students who are curious, creative, self-motivated, and eager to engage in their education and community.

Not only do Honors Program students partake in honors courses that emphasize collaboration, service, and communication, but they will also have the opportunity to develop aspects of the program based on their own interests and goals. By participating in the Honors Program you will acquire the tools, knowledge and experiences necessary to make meaningful contributions to your community – whether it be globally, locally, or specific to your life’s work. You will have access to unique courses, exciting experiences and a community of peers and faculty who never stop asking questions and striving for excellence.

Explore the Honors Program

Shenandoah University works on rolling admissions and accepts applications throughout the year. Applications are reviewed individually and holistically.

Submit your application, review required admission materials, and find our admissions standards.

Application Information