View a complete list of program courses, program-specific and degree-level requirements, industry certification exams, and more.
This program requires a total of 120 credits.
This course is recommended to fulfill 3 credits of general education coursework in Research and Computing Literacy.
This program is designed to help prepare you for the following certification exams:
Software used in these courses includes Unity and Figma (or other UI/UX prototyping software).
For some upper-level cybersecurity and IT courses, we have outlined the specific set of technological and equipment requirements you will need in order to take the course. Please note that some Web & Digital Design (WDDE) and Extended Reality (XRDE) courses require higher graphics- or computing-intensive capabilties that are also outlined. For example, some of those courses may require a higher processing speed, more RAM, and/or better screen resolution.
Modern employers are continuing to adopt immersive technologies for the purposes of training, education, customer engagement, and product development. As a result, these employers are seeking graduates who have an understanding of both interactive technology and user design experiences. This program is designed to equip you with those competencies.
Our portfolio directors refresh and update the curriculum regularly, with a focus on helping students achieve the following:
This degree program is designed to help you prepare for high-growth careers at the intersection of technology, design, and innovation. By building a professional portfolio and completing industry-aligned projects, you can become career-ready for roles such as XR developer or immersive experience designer.
Throughout your academic curriculum, your instructors will assign coursework that may help you prioritize real-world skills and experience. Examples of course assignments in the curriculum include:
Gain insight from our faculty and staff and delve deeper into a range of topics, including why human skills will still matter in the current age of AI, as well as the human skills that can future-proof your career.
Get answers to questions that current and prospective students are asking about program admission, credibility, certifications, and more.
This 120-credit web design program is fully online and covers technical, creative, and design skills, culminating with a professional portfolio showcasing real-world XR projects. You can develop skills in user experience (UX) and user interface (UI) design; 3D modeling and digital asset creation; VR and AR development; Unity development; emerging AI tools for XR; and more.
In this 120-credit program, you can take courses throughout the year. How long it will take you to complete your degree depends on your goals, transfer credits, and course load each term. You may also be able to benefit from one or more of UMGC’s fast paths to credit, including credit for prior learning and credit for military education and training, which can help you earn your degree faster.
We offer a low in-state tuition rate for Maryland residents and a reduced tuition rate for military servicemembers and their spouses and dependent children. In addition, we're proud to offer scholarships for those who qualify and an interest-free monthly payment plan that allows you to spread your tuition payments out. Plus, we've replaced most textbooks with no-cost digital materials, eliminating one more cost of education and making your degree even more affordable.
You do not need a specific educational background in web design, graphic design, or web development, nor previous programming or Unity game engine experience to apply for this program. As long as you meet our undergraduate admission requirements, you can enroll in this program.
The Graphic Designer Student Association is designed to promote awareness of design, highlight advances and opportunities in the field, and assist design students in their efforts to expand their experiences. The Graphic Designer Student Association has a virtual community where members can connect and learn of upcoming events. Join the Graphic Designer Student Association at UMGC group on Facebook.
Most general education and elective coursework can be completed using a capable personal computer. You may also have opportunities to work with XR hardware such as VR headsets through institutional resources, virtual labs, or recommended equipment.
You may need access to more capable technology and equipment for cyber and IT courses, and graphics- and computing-intensive capabilities for web design and XR design courses. Please review our technology requirements for for more information, including what courses require additional technological access.
Christina B., BS in Digital Media and Web Technology Sykesville, MD
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