With the advances in computational power, Internet access and speed, and graphical 3D reproductions possible on an "ordinary" home computer, and with the development of new software products that place the ability to create new digital content in the hands of "ordinary" people, everyone is beginning to see in virtual worlds emergent behaviors that rival the explosion of creativity, innovation, and engagement seen in other web-based media. Yet despite these changes, many people often dismiss virtual worlds as a technology that isn't yet ready for prime time or as a young gamers' fad that holds little relevance to professionals or serious academics. In this article, the author discusses the implications of the emergence of metaverse. The author also discusses the role of higher education in preparing students for the explosion of virtual worlds in the near future. (Contains 14 notes.)