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Christian Plagemann, Matt Sonic, Vasanth Mohan, Chris Birke, and Austin McCasland

Virtual reality is the future of creative content. There is massive growth in the space, and job opportunities are skyrocketing, making this the perfect time to launch your VR career!

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Virtual reality is the future of creative content. There is massive growth in the space, and job opportunities are skyrocketing, making this the perfect time to launch your VR career!

You’ll master the latest technologies with experts from top companies, and learn the in-demand skills needed to create high-quality VR experiences. Whether your goal is to join an existing VR team or build your own company, this program will equip you with everything you’ll need to make an immediate impact in the field.

  • No programming experience required!
  • Just basic computer skills like managing files, navigating the Internet, and running programs.
  • Some basic knowledge of geometry
  • We’ll teach you everything you need to know, but the difficulty level of the projects may vary based on your familiarity with some of the content that is covered.
  • Forums, in-classroom support, and 1-1 help are always available to help you on your way!
  • No programming experience required!
  • Just basic computer skills like managing files, navigating the Internet, and running programs.
  • Some basic knowledge of geometry
  • We’ll teach you everything you need to know, but the difficulty level of the projects may vary based on your familiarity with some of the content that is covered.
  • Forums, in-classroom support, and 1-1 help are always available to help you on your way!

Hardware Requirements:

  • All students will need a modern smartphone:
  • Android users (comparable to Nexus 5, Galaxy S5, or later) will need a computer running Mac OS X (10.8+) or Windows (7, 8, or 10) to deploy their VR apps.
  • iPhone users (iPhone 5 or later) will need a Mac running Mac OS X (10.8+) to deploy their VR apps.

Students interested in pursuing the optional High-Immersion VR track will need:

  • VR-ready PC (Intel i5 or greater, high-end graphics card)
  • HTC Vive or Oculus Rift

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Develops core VR design principles and foundations, which are essential for high-quality VR experiences
Emphasizes hands-on experience and skill development through projects, which helps students master the latest VR technologies
Taught by experts from top VR companies, such as Christian Plagemann, Matt Sonic, and Vasanth Mohan, who are recognized for their contributions to the field
Provides a comprehensive understanding of VR and its applications, making it highly relevant to those seeking careers in the industry
Suitable for both beginners and experienced VR developers, offering a well-rounded educational experience
Teaches students how to create immersive and performant VR experiences, empowering them to make an immediate impact in the field

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Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in VR Developer Nanodegree with these activities:
Basic Geometry Review
Geometry is essential for a solid foundation in VR
Browse courses on Geometry
Show steps
  • Review the Distance Formula
  • Review the Equation of a Sphere
  • Practice the Cross-Product of Two Vectors
Brush up on Geometry basics
Start by revisiting geometry basics such as 3D shapes, angles, and spatial awareness.
Browse courses on Geometry
Show steps
  • Review notes or textbooks on geometry concepts
  • Solve practice problems to test understanding
Familiarize with VR development tools
Enhance your understanding by following video tutorials and online resources on the relevant development tools.
Browse courses on Unity
Show steps
  • Choose a VR development platform (e.g., Unity, Unreal Engine)
  • Find and follow tutorials on the selected platform
  • Experiment with the tools and create small projects
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Learn the Unity Game Engine
Unity is widely used for VR development
Browse courses on Unity
Show steps
  • Install the Unity Game Engine
  • Create a New Unity Project
  • Build a Simple VR Scene
Build a simple VR environment
Solidify your skills by creating a basic VR environment, experimenting with lighting, textures, and objects.
Browse courses on Unity
Show steps
  • Design a simple layout for your VR environment
  • Create the environment using the development tools
  • Add lighting, textures, and objects to enhance the scene
  • Test and iterate on your environment
Develop a VR application prototype
Apply your learning by creating a functioning VR application prototype, incorporating user interaction and basic functionality.
Show steps
  • Brainstorm and design the concept of your VR application
  • Implement the core functionality and user interactions
  • Test and refine the prototype
Develop a personal VR project
Enhance your portfolio and showcase your skills by developing a personal VR project, exploring your own creative ideas and experimenting with advanced techniques.
Browse courses on VR Development
Show steps
  • Ideate and plan your personal VR project
  • Build the VR environment and implement core functionalities
  • Add advanced features and optimize the experience
  • Test and iterate on your project
Participate in a VR hackathon
Challenge yourself and gain practical experience by participating in a VR hackathon, collaborating with others and creating innovative VR solutions.
Browse courses on VR Development
Show steps
  • Find and register for a relevant VR hackathon
  • Form a team or work individually
  • Brainstorm and develop a VR project idea
  • Build and present your VR project

Career center

Learners who complete VR Developer Nanodegree will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Virtual Reality Engineer
Virtual Reality Engineers design and develop virtual reality experiences. This course offers training in the essential programming skills and the core principles of virtual reality. The course also offers some guidance for building a career in this field.
Software Developer
Software Developers design and build software applications. This course is a strong introduction to the field of computer programming and may be especially useful for those seeking to work with virtual reality.
Game Designer
Game Designers conceptualize and design video games. This course introduces learners to some of the foundational principles that are used to create games and provides a thorough introduction to coding, which is essential for most game design positions.
Video Game Designer
Video Game Designers plan and develop the overall gameplay of video games. This course is designed to introduce the foundational skills needed to pursue a career as a Video Game Designer, including computer programming and design principles.
Graphic designer
Graphic Designers create visual concepts that translate a message. This course combines design with programming fundamentals, giving a solid foundation for a career in this field.
Technical Artist
Technical Artists create 3D models and other digital assets to be used for games and films. This course can be especially helpful in building the technical skills needed to excel in this role. It also includes training in advanced design principles.
Multimedia Artist
Multimedia Artists create art using technology such as animation, video, and audio. This course can be especially helpful in building the programming knowledge essential to a successful Multimedia Artist. It also provides introductory training in advanced design concepts.
Computer Animator
The work Computer Animators do is key to bringing ideas to life in the world of film, television, and other entertainment fields. This course introduces learners to the technical world of computer programming and advanced design concepts. With this foundation, one could excel as a Computer Animator.
Web Designer
Web Designers create the look and layout of websites, working to ensure that they are visually appealing and user-friendly. This course can be useful in teaching the foundational principles of web design and includes introductory programming instruction.
User Experience Designer
User Experience Designers make sure a product is usable, enjoyable, and accessible. This course provides foundational skills, including an introduction to programming and user-centered design principles.
UI/UX Designer
UI/UX Designers create the visual and user-friendly interfaces for websites, apps, and other digital products. This course may be useful in teaching the fundamentals of design thinking and advanced computer programming skills.
Art Director
An Art Director brings creative visions to life by leading a team of writers, designers, and other creatives. This course may be especially helpful for building the skills one needs to take on a leadership role like this. With a focus on design and an introduction to coding, this course helps build a foundation for a creative working in a technical field.
Systems Analyst
Systems Analysts research and implement IT solutions for businesses, working to improve efficiency. This course combines advanced technology knowledge and computer programming skills, preparing one for a career like this.
Interaction Designer
Interaction Designers are responsible for creating enjoyable and engaging user interfaces. This course may be useful for gaining foundational skills that are needed for this role, including an introduction to programming and advanced design principles.
Creative Director
Creative Directors oversee marketing, advertising, and PR campaigns. This course can be useful in learning the technical skills needed to understand the design team and collaborate effectively.

Reading list

We've selected seven books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in VR Developer Nanodegree.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the field of virtual reality, covering topics such as history, hardware, software, applications, and future directions. It good resource for students and professionals who want to learn more about VR.
Provides a comprehensive overview of VR technologies and their applications. It covers topics such as VR hardware and software, VR human factors, and VR future trends.
Utilizes Unity's XR interaction toolkit and its XR plugin management. This book provides very clear and concise instructions that make it easy to understand VR development using Unity XR.
Practical guide to developing VR applications using Unity. It covers topics such as scene setup, physics, user interaction, and optimization. It good resource for students and professionals who want to learn how to develop VR applications.
Will help you learn enough about VR theory and implementation details to build your own VR applications for the Oculus Rift and HTC Vive using C#. It covers details of how to set up your VR development environment, use the Unity game engine, develop 3D graphics and 3D audio experiences, handle input from VR controllers, and optimize your VR applications for performance.
Focuses on user experience and design principles in VR, providing practical guidance for creating engaging and effective VR experiences.
Provides a practical introduction to the field of mixed reality, covering topics such as history, hardware, software, applications, and future directions. It good resource for students and professionals who want to learn more about MR.

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