What you will learn
- To design VR applications with Unity 3D
- How OpenGL works and is used to create realistic looking applications
- To transform coordinate systems for 3D interactions
- Hardware components for VR and how they work
- What makes a VR application successful
- How to create your own VR app
- How to use this VR program to develop augmented reality (AR) applications
Virtual reality (VR) is one of the hottest emerging technologies in the entertainment industry today. Millions of VR devices have been sold in the US alone, but most software developers have no formal training on the technology. This Professional Certificate program will teach you what VR devices exist, how VR technology works, and how to write software, often called VR experiences, for it.
You will learn effective 3D interaction techniques to use VR applications, how to write VR applications in WebVR and Unity 3D, and what features make a VR application successful. You will also learn the required mathematics for successful VR applications and how computer graphics are rendered onto a screen.
The final course in this program will allow you to apply the material learned in the previous courses to create your own VR app.
This program will provide you with a strong foundation to develop VR apps in all areas VR is used, including entertainment and gaming. This VR program also provides a solid foundation for people who want to develop augmented reality (AR) applications.
A program subscription gives you full verified access to all courses and materials within the program you’ve enrolled in, for as long as your subscription is active. Monthly subscription pricing can help you manage your enrollment costs — instead of paying more up front, you pay a smaller amount per month for only as long as you need access. You can cancel your subscription at any time for no additional fee.
Courses in this program
UCSanDiegoX's Virtual Reality (VR) App Development Professional Certificate
- 6–12 hours per week, for 6 weeks
Learn to create images of 3D scenes in both real-time and with realistic ray tracing in this introductory computer graphics course.
- 5–7 hours per week, for 6 weeksLearn how virtual reality technology works by writing simple VR programs with WebVR.
- 5–7 hours per week, for 6 weeksLearn the tools and techniques to develop your own professional VR app in Unity 3D.
- Virtual reality will generate $25 billion of revenue worldwide by the year 2021. (Source: Statistica)
- VR jobs start at $75k/year and range up to $200k/year. (Source: MediaJobs.com)
- “One of the more vibrant, up-and-coming sectors of the tech industry these days is virtual reality.” (Source: Forbes)
- "Now’s the time to get in on the ground floor of this cutting-edge sector.” (Source: Monster.com)
Meet your instructors from The University of California, San Diego (UCSanDiegoX)
Experts from UCSanDiegoX committed to teaching online learning
Program endorsements

At Qualcomm we are working on the next generation of mobile computing devices. Virtual and augmented reality are an important part of it. We value software developers with a strong foundation in 3D computer graphics programming and an understanding of virtual and augmented reality technology. It is my belief that candidates who successfully completed the edX Professional Certificate for Virtual Reality Application Development will be at an advantage when applying to Qualcomm's computer graphics groups.

At Sixense Entertainment Inc. we need software developers with strong knowledge in the areas of computer graphics and virtual reality. Applicants who successfully completed the edX Professional Certificate for Virtual Reality Application Development will have a significant advantage.
Grow your career. Start your program subscription today.
$79/month USD
- Immediate access to all 3 courses in this program
- Course videos, lectures, and readings
- Practice problems and assessments
- Graded assignments and exams
- edX learner support
- Shareable verified certificates after successfully completing a course or program
Get started in computer science
Browse other computer science coursesPropelling
Drive your career forward with university-backed credit programs and verified certificatesConvenient
Study and demonstrate knowledge on your scheduleFlexible
Try a course before you paySupportive
Learn with university partners and peers from around the world