Immersive Media Communication Master’s Program

A person doing immersive design on two computer monitors
Master's Degree in Immersive Media Communication

Immersive media is not just for training and gaming. The technologies that form Web3 and the metaverse are here, and we’re building a new generation of communication strategists. In our first-of-its-kind, one-year, fully online graduate program, you’ll discover the power of immersive media—including virtual (VR), augmented (AR), and extended reality (XR)—and how to use these new technologies to solve social, environmental, and business problems.

a student uses VR technology in the OR Lab

Master's Degree in Immersive Media Communication

Immersive media is not just for training and gaming. The technologies that form Web3 and the metaverse are here, and we’re building a new generation of communication strategists. In our first-of-its-kind, one-year, fully online graduate program, you’ll discover the power of immersive media—including virtual (VR), augmented (AR), and extended reality (XR)—and how to use these new technologies to solve social, environmental, and business problems.

Apply »  |  Degree Requirements »  |  Sample Schedules »  |  Courses »  |  Faculty and Staff »  |  Internships »  |  Visit Us »

Apply » |  Degree Requirements » |  Sample Schedules » Courses » |  Faculty and Staff » |  Internships » |  Visit Us »

Three people discuss images on a computer screen in the Oregon Reality Lab
Advance Your Career with an Immersive Media Communication Graduate Degree

Just as social media transformed communication more than a decade ago, VR, AR, and XR are positioned to revolutionize content production and communication strategy in the coming years. In our unique master’s program, you’ll learn fundamental skills for creating immersive content, building experiences and production pipelines, and designing and critically analyzing strategies that use emerging technologies to influence key audiences.

Along the way, you’ll work with committed faculty and become part of a tight-knit cohort of professionals who are passionate about using immersive media as ethical communication tools.

 

4
terms to degree completion
46
credits required
10-20
Students In each Cohort 

 

What You Can Do with a Master's Degree in Immersive Media Communication

We’re at the dawn of an immersive media hiring spree. Companies like Nike, Disney, and Gucci are hiring immersive media strategists, Web3 managers and community builders, and chief metaverse officers—job titles that didn’t exist a few years ago. Our program will prepare you for the communication trends of the future by teaching skills in immersive and experiential marketing strategy, user experience and design, the psychology of immersive media, and content creation for AR, VR, and XR platforms.

Apply Now

Applications are open now! The first round deadline to apply for the 2024 cohort is November 15, 2023. Scholarship applicants should consider applying by January 15 to ensure an admission decision before the February 15 UO scholarship deadline.

Questions? Reach out to us at sojcmasters@uoregon.edu.

Female student smiling during class.

Attend a Virtual Info Session

There’s a lot to learn before you commit to a graduate program, and we know you have questions. Sign up for a virtual info session to talk to the program director and learn about:

  • The program’s structure and timeline
  • What you can expect from courses and class projects
  • The online learning format

If you would like to visit the SOJC Portland campus and Oregon Reality Lab, email sojcmasters@uoregon.edu to schedule a visit.

Sign Up Now

Flexible Online Immersive Media Program

Our fully online program offers working professionals the freedom and flexibility to advance their education while maintaining their jobs and other commitments. This 46-credit-hour program is designed to be completed in one year, but the pace can flex to meet your needs. All students will receive a tech package (included in tuition) so you can complete your coursework at home, or you can use our state-of-the-art immersive media gear in the Oregon Reality Lab based at SOJC Portland.

people wearing VR headsets in the Oregon Reality Lab
Immerse Yourself at the Oregon Reality (OR) Lab

At the Oregon Reality (OR) Lab, students get hands-on experience with the latest in AR, VR, and XR equipment and software as they develop and test the effects of immersive media and their capacity to solve social, environmental, and business problems. Although the Immersive Media Communication Master’s program is entirely online, students who live in the Pacific Northwest have access to equipment in the OR Lab, based at SOJC Portland.

Explore the OR Lab

people wearing VR headsets in the Oregon Reality Lab
Immerse Yourself at the Oregon Reality (OR) Lab

At the Oregon Reality (OR) Lab, students get hands-on experience with the latest in AR, VR, and XR equipment and software as they develop and test the effects of immersive media and their capacity to solve social, environmental, and business problems. Although the Immersive Media Communication Master’s program is entirely online, students who live in the Pacific Northwest have access to equipment in the OR Lab, based at SOJC Portland.

Explore the OR Lab

Danny Pimentel instructs a student wearing a VR headset
Meet Danny Pimentel
Assistant Professor of Immersive Media Psychology

Inspired by childhood trips to Disney World, Danny Pimentel has long been fascinated by virtual reality’s promise as a communication tool. His most recent research investigates whether VR goggles can help humans empathize with the plight of endangered sea turtles by allowing them to literally see the world from the turtles’ perspective.

Embodiment of nonhuman bodies is a powerful tool that environmental storytellers can use. I hope that this experience can help raise awareness and hopefully engage the public in a way that trickles down to more support.
Danny Pimentel, PhD

Learn about Danny's Work

Meet the IMC Faculty

Immersive Media Communication Track

You may also be interested in our Immersive Media Track, part of our Strategic Communication Master’s program. Students in that program attend virtual or in-person classes in our Oregon Reality (OR) Lab to discover the potential and pitfalls of immersive and experiential communication strategies and how to use them—ethically and effectively—to engage target audiences.

Your Investment

The estimated total for this fully online master’s program covers tuition for 46 credits—regardless of how long you take to complete them—as well as fees and a $2,500 tech package. This cost is the same for all U.S. students.

Cost of attendance is the estimated cost to attend the UO for the academic year. The Office of Student Financial Aid and Scholarships provides estimates for cost of attendance information that goes beyond tuition and fees, and includes books/supplies/equipment and miscellaneous personal expenses.

$35,000
estimated tuition + fees

Explore Funding Options