One of the more exciting technological developments in recent years is the emergence of extended reality (XR), a class of technology that affords users alternate perceptions of reality and enables interaction with digitally generated content, including text, images, and animation. Often described as “immersive technology,” XR offers practical applications for organizations and individuals.
There are three main types of XR technology: virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and mixed reality (MR), which differ according to their usage and the degree of immersion they create.
- Virtual reality completely replaces one’s perception of physical surroundings with a computer-generated environment. The VR experience is the most fully immersive and is typically produced through the use of headsets worn by the user that block out ambient sights and sounds.
- Augmented reality is the overlaying of digital content onto the view of one's real surroundings via a display. A popular example of AR is the online game Pokémon Go, in which virtual characters appear at actual physical locations when viewed through a phone or tablet.
- Mixed reality allows virtual objects to coexist and interact with real-world environments in real time. A practical example of MR is Microsoft HoloLens, a headset that projects interactive 3D holograms into one's actual physical space.
A New and Fast-Growing Job Market
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) does not specifically track XR job data. Rather, those jobs fall under the broader category of computer systems design and related services, which is projected to be the fastest-growing industry sector over the current decade at an estimated 19.5 percent from 2023 to 2033.
What makes XR especially exciting is that these jobs are by no means limited to IT professionals. Creating the XR experience requires the talents of technicians, artists, and content creators of all kinds.
"From my experience in digital design," said Michelle Pittman, portfolio director of digital media and web technology at University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC), “I don't see XR as a separate discipline, but rather as a convergence of disciplines. XR includes folks interested in digital design, gaming, 3D modeling, animation, as well as those who love programming, storytelling, and teaching.”
Some of the higher paying roles according to ZipRecruiter include
- 3D Modeler: A 3D modeler uses specialized industry tools such as Blender, Maya, 3ds Max, or Houdini to turn two-dimensional concept art or physical references into digital three-dimensional objects, characters, environments, and other assets. ZipRecruiter estimates the average entry-level salary at about $78,000 per year.
- Spatial Computing Engineer: Also listed under titles like XR software engineer or AR/VR engineer, these professionals design and build XR software that integrates digital content with real-world objects and positioning in three dimensions. The average annual salary is about $95,000.
- Immersive Experience Designer: As the title indicates, an immersive experience designer combines storytelling, physical spaces, and digital imagery to create engaging, interactive environments. The average salary is estimated at $103,000.
- XR Graphics Engineer: Designing, developing, and implementing XR experiences, including developing rendering pipelines that are optimized for AR/VR ecosystems, is the job of the XR graphics engineer. Average yearly salary is about $116,000.
- Computer Vision Engineer: These professionals design AI algorithms and machine learning models that enable computers to see, process, and understand digital images and videos. Annual salary for a computer vision engineer averages about $121,000.
- Senior Unity/Unreal XR Developer: These high-level professionals use real-time 3D development engines to create photorealistic visuals and build advanced virtual, augmented, and mixed reality applications. Annual salary averages about $128,000.
“The most successful XR professionals tend to be curious, creative, adaptable, and always learning,” said Pittman. “Collaboration and problem-solving skills, including the ability to communicate ideas, accept feedback, iterate on a design, and work across disciplines, are just as valuable as technical ability.”
Study Extended Reality at UMGC
The Bachelor of Science in extended reality (XR) design program at UMGC is designed to equip you with a robust technical and creative skillset designing immersive XR experiences that integrate visual, spatial, and audio elements across platforms. Through hands-on projects, you’ll learn 3D modeling, interactive design, spatial computing, storytelling, and XR development.
Emphasizing user-centered design and industry tools, the BS in XR program can prepare you for a rewarding career in XR development for education, healthcare, entertainment, and more. You’ll learn to evaluate user experiences based on ethical, professional, and broadly accessible practices as you assemble your own portfolio of XR projects.
Why Choose UMGC?
UMGC’s online IT and computer science programs are known and respected by many of the sector’s largest employers. At UMGC, you get the quality, trusted education you need to advance in this rapidly growing, high-paying field.
UMGC was founded more than 75 years ago specifically to serve the higher education needs of working adults and servicemembers like you. We’re accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education and are a constituent institution of the University System of Maryland.
The online bachelor’s in extended reality is one of more than 100 undergraduate and graduate programs offered at UMGC, all of which can be completed entirely online, with courses that you can access virtually anywhere in the world. Your courses are delivered in a seamless, collaborative, and satisfying virtual classroom experience that prepares you for today's digital business environment. And we’ve replaced those bulky, expensive textbooks with no-cost digital course materials in nearly every course.
Your courses are taught by our faculty of highly successful and experienced scholar-practitioners who are leaders in their fields.
“UMGC faculty bring interdisciplinary expertise in the immersive technology fields and practical perspectives on their application in education, training, and simulation; healthcare; manufacturing; business; and many other fields,” said Pittman.
You’ll get support throughout your academic journey from a dedicated UMGC success coach, who can help you map out your education and career goals and assist you with class selection. And wherever you are in your career, you'll always have access to UMGC’s lifetime career services, so you’ll never have to face a job search alone.
If you want to be a part of the exciting and rewarding world of XR and immersive technology and have an opportunity to help shape what that world becomes, a degree from UMGC is a great way to start.
Reference on this webpage to any third-party entity or product does not constitute or imply endorsement by UMGC nor does it constitute or imply endorsement of UMGC by the third party.
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