Digital Media & Virtual Production Program

Digital Media & Virtual Production Program

Officially launched in 2018 as Virtual Reality & Immersive Media, Drexel’s Bachelor of Science in Digital Media & Virtual Production was one of the first accredited programs of its kind. Today, this major continues to be a leader in its field, teaching and engaging students with the latest processes and technologies.

What is virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), virtual production, and immersive media?

“Immersive media” is a broad term used to describe an entire category of media that effectively surrounds or immerses users and audiences. Rather than simply “watch” immersive media, participants feel that they “experience” content.

There are many sub-categories of immersive media, including virtual reality (VR), which typically uses a headset to block the user’s view of the real world, replacing it with a fully interactive computer-generated experience. Augmented reality (AR) differs from VR in that interactive 3D graphics and experiences are layered over the user’s view of the real world, enhancing what the viewer already sees. Other forms of immersive media include virtual production, 360° video, and full dome projection.

These technologies have been in use in various forms for decades and have been integral to Drexel’s Digital Media curriculum throughout its 20-year history. Traditionally, these tools have been used in specialized industries, such as aerospace, defense, and automotive development. Today, these technologies are readily available even at the consumer level, enabling a rapidly growing economic sector with career opportunities in education, the sciences, historical recreation, entertainment, and much more.

Drexel Westphal’s Virtual Production Undergraduate Degree Program

Drexel University’s Digital Media Department has a 20-year history of research, teaching and expertise in the design and production of immersive media, alongside its robust programs in Animation & Visual Effects, Game Design & Production, and User Experience & Interaction Design.

What will you learn in the Digital Media & Virtual Production Program?

The Digital Media & Virtual Production major provides students with in-depth learning experiences, thorough instruction, and an understanding of the full pipeline of theories, technologies, techniques and skills employed in designing and producing immersive media content.

Whether learning remotely or on campus, the very nature of immersive media affords students the opportunity to experience a vast array of specialized studios, tools and technologies.

Students learn universal principles of storytelling, animation, and design and effective ways to leverage them with the latest technologies, including 3D modeling, virtual production, and use of interactive game engines, while using the latest hardware and software for VR, AR, motion capture, immersive projection, and other technologies that are enabling the rapid growth of the immersive media industry.

Courses in Augmented and Virtual Reality

The design and production of virtual reality, augmented reality, 360° video and other immersive media formats require a unique skill set of creative thinking, understanding of design, aesthetic sensitivity, and storytelling. In addition, students learn technical knowledge in areas such as 3D computer graphics, animation, visual effects, and digital camera and image processing techniques. The Digital Media & Virtual Production program teaches these topics across an equally diverse course offering. Students studying virtual production can expect to take courses in:

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