Virtual Environments and Simulation: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Virtual Environments and Simulation is a forward-thinking academic discipline centered on the design, development, and evaluation of immersive digital systems that replicate real-world scenarios. This program equips students with the technical and analytical expertise needed to create and assess interactive environments used across industries such as defense, healthcare, engineering, and entertainment.
Key modules and areas of study include:
- Object-oriented programming: A foundational approach to software development that emphasizes modularity, reusability, and structured code organization using classes and objects.
- Artificial intelligence: The study and implementation of intelligent systems capable of learning, reasoning, and adapting within complex virtual environments.
- Computer communications and networks: The principles governing data transmission, system interoperability, and real-time interaction in distributed simulation platforms.
- Computer graphics: Techniques for generating and manipulating visual content, including 3D modeling, rendering, lighting, and animation for realistic virtual experiences.
- Virtual worlds and simulation systems: The construction and management of persistent, interactive digital environments used for training, research, and experiential learning.
- Probability and statistics: Core mathematical frameworks for quantifying uncertainty, analyzing data patterns, and making evidence-based decisions in simulation outcomes.
- Stochastic modeling: The use of random processes and probabilistic methods to represent and predict behavior in dynamic, unpredictable systems.
- Data analysis: Advanced methods for extracting meaningful insights from large-scale simulation outputs and user interaction logs.
- Human-performance evaluation: The systematic assessment of how individuals interact with and perform within simulated environments, focusing on efficiency, accuracy, and cognitive load.
- Human-behavior modeling: The development of computational representations of decision-making, movement, and social dynamics to enhance realism in virtual scenarios.
Virtual Environments and Simulation Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Virtual Environments and Simulation Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Virtual Environments and Simulation degrees, including Computer and Information Research Scientists, Software Developers and Data Scientists. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 2,093,750 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Computer and Information Research Scientists 15-1221 | $140,910 | $80,670 - $232,120 | 38,480 | $67.74 |
| Software Developers 15-1252 | $133,080 | $79,850 - $211,450 | 1,654,440 | $63.98 |
| Data Scientists 15-2051 | $112,590 | $63,650 - $194,410 | 233,440 | $54.13 |
| Special Effects Artists and Animators 27-1014 | $99,800 | $57,220 - $174,630 | 21,280 | $47.98 |
| Computer Programmers 15-1251 | $98,670 | $52,190 - $162,090 | 109,870 | $47.44 |
| Computer Science Teachers, Postsecondary 25-1021 | $96,690 | $48,910 - $172,380 | 36,240 | N/A |
Virtual Environments and Simulation Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $77,408 in South Dakota to $157,318 in Washington—a 103% difference. The highest-paying states include Washington, California, and New York. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 2,093,750 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for Virtual Environments and Simulation by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 39 institutions offering Virtual Environments and Simulation programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Virtual Environments and Simulation is found at Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) (185 graduates), Academy of Art University (120 graduates), DigiPen Institute of Technology (102 graduates), University of Wisconsin-Stout (66 graduates), and University of Southern California (USC) (65 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 1,028 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
| College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Location | Control | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
185 | Rochester, New York | Private | rit.edu |
| Academy of Art University |
Associate's
Bachelor's
Master's
|
120 | San Francisco, California | Private | academyart.edu |
| DigiPen Institute of Technology |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
102 | Redmond, Washington | Private | digipen.edu |
| University of Wisconsin-Stout |
Bachelor's
|
66 | Menomonie, Wisconsin | Public | uwstout.edu |
| University of Southern California (USC) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
65 | Los Angeles, California | Private | usc.edu |
| Brigham Young University (BYU–I) |
Bachelor's
|
50 | Rexburg, Idaho | Private | byui.edu |
| University of California (UCI) |
Bachelor's
|
47 | Irvine, California | Public | uci.edu |
| Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College (MGCCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
34 | Perkinston, Mississippi | Public | mgccc.edu |
| University of California (UCSC) |
Master's
|
32 | Santa Cruz, California | Public | ucsc.edu |
| Robert Morris University (RMU) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
30 | Moon Township, Pennsylvania | Private | rmu.edu |
| University of Maryland (UMCP) |
Bachelor's
|
28 | College Park, Maryland | Public | umd.edu |
| Naval Postgraduate School (NPS) |
Postbac Cert.
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
26 | Monterey, California | Public | nps.edu |
| University of Cincinnati (UC) |
Bachelor's
|
26 | Cincinnati, Ohio | Public | uc.edu |
| Neumont College of Computer Science |
Bachelor's
|
25 | Salt Lake City, Utah | Private | neumont.edu |
| Rider University |
Bachelor's
|
18 | Lawrenceville, New Jersey | Private | rider.edu |
| Butler Community College |
Associate's
|
15 | El Dorado, Kansas | Public | butlercc.edu |
| Eastern Iowa Community College District (EICC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
14 | Davenport, Iowa | Public | eicc.edu |
| University of Houston (UHV) |
Bachelor's
|
14 | Victoria, Texas | Public | uhv.edu |
| University of Colorado Colorado Springs (UCCS) |
Bachelor's
|
13 | Colorado Springs, Colorado | Public | uccs.edu |
| University of Dayton (UD) |
Postbac Cert.
|
11 | Dayton, Ohio | Private | udayton.edu |
| University of Silicon Valley (USV) |
Bachelor's
|
10 | San Jose, California | Private | usv.edu |
| Academy of Interactive Entertainment (AIE) |
Associate's
|
10 | Lafayette, Louisiana | Private | lafayette.aie.edu |
| Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU) |
Bachelor's
|
9 | Prescott, Arizona | Private | prescott.erau.edu |
| University of Pennsylvania (Penn) |
Postbac Cert.
|
9 | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania | Private | upenn.edu |
| University of Tulsa (TU) |
Bachelor's
|
8 | Tulsa, Oklahoma | Private | utulsa.edu |
| Academy of Interactive Entertainment (AIE) |
Certificate (≥2 yrs)
|
8 | Seattle, Washington | Private | seattle.aie.edu |
| California Institute of the Arts (CalArts) |
Master's
|
7 | Valencia, California | Private | calarts.edu |
| Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College (LSU) |
Master's
|
7 | Baton Rouge, Louisiana | Public | lsu.edu |
| Pennsylvania College of Technology |
Bachelor's
|
7 | Williamsport, Pennsylvania | Public | pct.edu |
| Cochise County Community College District |
Other Award
|
6 | Sierra Vista, Arizona | Public | cochise.edu |
| Montclair State University |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
5 | Montclair, New Jersey | Public | montclair.edu |
| Lawrence Technological University (LTU) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Postbac Cert.
|
4 | Southfield, Michigan | Private | ltu.edu |
| University of Advancing Technology (UAT) |
Associate's
Bachelor's
|
4 | Tempe, Arizona | Private | uat.edu |
| Orange Technical College (OTC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
3 | Orlando, Florida | Public | orangetechcollege.net |
| University of Missouri (Mizzou) |
Postbac Cert.
|
3 | Columbia, Missouri | Public | missouri.edu |
| Shenandoah University (SU) |
Bachelor's
|
3 | Winchester, Virginia | Private | su.edu |
| Riverland Community College |
Other Award
|
2 | Austin, Minnesota | Public | riverland.edu |
| Thomas Jefferson University |
Postbac Cert.
|
1 | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania | Private | jefferson.edu |
| Husson University |
Other Award
|
1 | Bangor, Maine | Private | husson.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Virtual Environments and Simulation programs
How much can I earn with a Virtual Environments and Simulation degree?
Salaries for Virtual Environments and Simulation graduates vary by role and location. Computer and Information Research Scientists earn a median of $140,910 annually, while Software Developers earn around $133,080. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in Washington average $157,318 compared to $77,408 in South Dakota. Approximately 2,093,750 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest Virtual Environments and Simulation programs?
Currently 39 accredited institutions offer Virtual Environments and Simulation degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) (185 graduates), Academy of Art University (120 graduates), and DigiPen Institute of Technology (102 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
Is enrollment in Virtual Environments and Simulation growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have increased over the past decade, rising from 256 in 2010 to 1,028 in 2023-24. This represents a 302% increase overall from 2010.
The field remains specialized with steady interest, though opportunities are most concentrated in major metropolitan areas with active arts scenes like New York, California, and Illinois.
Graduate enrollment data from IPEDS, 2010-2024 academic years. Trends reflect reported completions at participating institutions.
What career paths are available with a Virtual Environments and Simulation degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Computer and Information Research Scientists, Software Developers, and Data Scientists. Related occupations employ approximately 2,093,750 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
Related Computer & IT Programs
Explore similar degree programs within the Computer & IT field. These programs share the same academic discipline and may offer complementary skills and career pathways.
Software and Media Applications
Any instructional program in computer software and media applications not listed above.
Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications
A program that focuses on the design, implementation, and management of linked systems of computers, peripherals, and associated software to maximize efficiency and...
Cloud Computing
A program that prepares individuals to design and implement enterprise software systems that rely on distributed computing and service-oriented architecture, including databases, web...
Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications
Any instructional program in computer systems networking and telecommunications not listed above.
Network and System Administration
A program that prepares individuals to manage the computer operations and control the system configurations emanating from a specific site or network hub....
System and Network Management
A program that prepares individuals to oversee and regulate the computer system and performance requirements of an entire organization or network of satellite...