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The UX Master’s program is designed to train students in the design and use of user experience (UX) research, UX strategy, user interface design, and usability evaluation.
In-depth classes and hands-on experiences provide a comprehensive education and equip students with the tools to effectively drive the design, development, and implementation of successful user experiences.
The program also offers opportunities for students to gain invaluable industry experience through internships, workshops, and networking events. Students will be prepared to take on roles in UX design, UX strategy, and usability evaluation, all essential ingredients for success in the industry.
Quick audio summary:
- Did you know that the country’s Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts web developers’ and digital designers’ employment landscape to grow by 16% from 2022 to 2032?
- A new LinkedIn research showed that, among the skills required by most companies in 2020, UX expertise ranks fifth, proving the rising demand for UX designers.
- A recent Glassdoor study places UX designers as among the best jobs in America. Whatever your reason for pursuing a master’s degree in UX, these facts guarantee that your sought-after skills will lead to lucrative careers.
In the past, computer programmers with limited to zero computer science experience would design websites. Today, amateur web designing skills don’t cut it anymore.
Specialized careers in programming and web design have primarily replaced the role of self-taught computer developers. The demand for user experience (UX) design experts is growing exponentially.
Mastering the art of User Experience and User Interface design is the best path to a career in UI/UX. Thankfully, since many institutions realize the demand for distance learning styles that yield the same educational outcomes as onsite education, you can now access many UX master’s degree programs. By earning your master’s in UX design online, you enjoy the convenience and schedule flexibility.
You can enhance your portfolio with a master’s in UX design and present more skills to your potential employers. A four-year undergraduate degree can help you get started in your career, but it may not prepare you for the more advanced aspects of UX/UI design.
An MS in UX design program can help you develop your skills as a visual artist and understand and implement visual design in the presentation of computer programs and apps that will make users feel intuitively at ease.
Methodology:
Given the rising demand for UX designers in almost all businesses and industries, it only makes sense to grab opportunities that enhance your competency in the field. Many universities promise excellent outcomes from their online master’s degree programs, and it can be a challenge to make the right choice.
The Best Online Master’s in UX programs on our list emphasize the rigorous training offered by prestigious graduate schools. Each institution on this list presents rigorous coursework that covers specific areas of study to enhance UX-related skills. To highlight their strengths, we present the credit hours requirement, core and elective courses, and unique offerings of the UX programs.
This list may also include post-baccalaureate certificate courses and programs. These certificate programs do not lead to a formal academic degree but meet a student’s professional goals and UX career requirements.
We took into account our Methodology to rank the programs in no particular order.
Best Online UX Master’s Degrees
Rutgers University
One of the best UX design master’s programs in the country can be found at Rutgers University. This program prepares students for their unique role in the tech world and the confidence to develop new user interfaces and programs. There is a strong emphasis on allowing students to customize their curriculum.
Faculty members work closely with students to discover their voices when designing user experiences. During the summer, students can work in a real-world tech company as part of their practicum experience. It leads to an understanding of real-life work scenarios related to the UX fields.
The school offers flexible course hours for students already working in the tech field while pursuing their master’s degrees.
Location:
- New Brunswick, New Jersey
Program Features:
- Courses are taught on campus but can also be taken online
- 43 credits are required for completion
- Must attend 12 colloquium events
Course Options:
Admission Requirements:
- Proficient in IT and computers
- GPA of 3.0
- Prerequisite courses
Tuition:
- $1,249 per semester
Financial Aid:
- Fellowships
- Assistantships
- Scholarships
- Need-based grants
- Employment
- Federal and private loans
Arizona State University
The Online Master’s in User Experience degree at Arizona State University consists of the Human Systems Engineering, Technical Writing and Communication, and Graphic Information Technology programs. It provides a holistic education experience that is interdisciplinary.
Expect to gain knowledge in UX research, design, communication, interface evaluations, and tone of voice, and improve your skills in research design, graphic design, writing, data analysis, and statistics.
Location:
- Phoenix, Arizona
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission (HLC.)
Program Features:
- 30 total credits required for completion
- 7.5 weeks per class
- Consists of 10 total classes
Course Options:
- Methods and Tools in Human Systems Engineering
- Foundations of Human Systems Engineering
- User Experience Capstone
- Interaction Design, Planning, and Implementation
- Fundamentals of Technical Communication
Admission Requirements:
- Online application and application fee
- Official transcripts
- Two letters of recommendation
- Work samples
- Statement of purpose
- Statement of an area of UX interest
- Resume
Tuition:
- $12,376 / academic year
Financial Aid:
- Scholarships
- Grants
- Loans
- Work-study
What’s Unique About The Program:
- Most of the 350+ faculty members in the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering have won the highest awards in their fields.
- The project integrates three programs: technical writing and communication, graphic information technology, and human systems engineering.
- In the first six months after graduation, 80% of ASU. Graduates could already find a job.
Drexel University
MSI-HCI/UX students at Drexel are prepared to collaboratively design next-generation interfaces by analyzing, evaluating, and evaluating human-computer interaction.
They offer courses that prepare students for user experience research, interface design, and software development careers. Interaction between people and computers is a tightly coupled relationship that requires a thorough understanding of the theories, concepts, and technologies behind these relationships.
Students explore creative ideas, theories, and technologies in the Human-Computer Interaction and User Experience (HCI/UX) graduate major. Students learn to develop and evaluate technologies that support and complement human needs in diverse contexts, such as the workplace, home, entertainment, and the arts.
Location:
- Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Accreditation:
- Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Program Features:
- Can be taken part or full-time, online, or on-campus
- 45 credit program
Course Options:
- Prototyping the User Experience
- Collaborative and Social Computing
- Designing with Data
Admission Requirements:
- Application form
- GPA of 3.0
- BS degree from an accredited school
- Official transcripts
- Resume
- Statement of purpose
- Letter of recommendation
Tuition:
- $1,396 / credit
Financial Aid:
- Scholarships
- Grants
- Loans
- Military benefits
What’s Unique About The Program:
- By combining a capstone project with HCI/UX work, you’ll have practical work experience by graduation.
- A world-class faculty with expertise in engineering, human factors, sociology, multimedia design, education, and healthcare teaches HCI and UX courses at Drexel University.
Lesley University
Cambridge-based Lesley University offers an 18-credit Online Certificate in User Experience program. This option is an ideal alternative to graduate study, as it is designed for bachelor’s degree holders and professionals seeking to ramp up their UX skills within a short learning timeframe.
Lesley University’s Certificate in User Experience online program of study is delivered in an asynchronous format. Students learn the role of qualitative and quantitative research in design and user experience research, identify and formulate solutions to interface issues and develop and test functional prototypes. As you progress in this program, you’ll gain access to the latest tools and techniques used in the UX industry.
Location:
- Cambridge, Massachusetts
Accreditation:
- New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
Program Features:
- Requires 18 credits for completion
- Can be completed in a year
Course Options:
- User Experience I
- User Experience II
- History of Interface
- Design Thinking
- UX Research Methods
Admission Requirements:
- BS degree
- Official transcripts
- Two letters of recommendation
- Personal statement
- Resume
Tuition:
- $8,490 for the entire program
Financial Aid:
- Private or school-based scholarships
- Grants
- Student employment
- Tuition discounts
- Loans
- Payment plans
What’s Unique About The Program:
- You have access to the most updated and recent learning tools and educational resources.
- You connect with UX professionals in a virtual support community
Maryland Institute College of Art
The Master of Professional Studies in UX Design program focuses on the intersection between art and technology, teaching students about interface design, project management, prototyping, and usability in fields ranging from gaming to healthcare to education.
They present real-world projects to students, talk about networking, and prepare students for real-world UX work requirements. Upon graduation, students will have an extensive portfolio of UX design experience to support their professional careers.
In MPS, all coursework is offered online as a cohort-based program. While working full-time, students can earn a degree in just 15 months.
This MPS in UX Design program provides students with a solid understanding of both the technical and design aspects of user experience, along with the analytical, problem-solving and design-thinking skills that today’s market demands.
Location:
- Baltimore, Maryland
Accreditation:
- Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
Program Features:
- Can be completed in 15 months
Course Options:
- Prototyping
- UX Tools: Exploration and Analysis
- Foundations of UX Design
- UX Product Management
Admission Requirements:
- Completed application form
- Resume
- Statement of purpose
- Application fee of $75
- Work portfolio
- Proof of degree
Tuition:
- $26,580 per semester
Financial Aid:
- Scholarships and fellowships
- Loans
- International financing options
What’s Unique About The Program:
- Content can be accessed on a flexible and adaptive platform.
- Students can review lectures at any time.
- You can access web-based resources like their library and media resource center, Adobe Creative Suite, LinkedIn Learning, MyMICA, and Business Source Premier.
Kent State University
Obtain a solid understanding of the usability, content strategy, information architecture, and user research principles to advance your career as a UX designer. The Online Master of Science (MS) in UX Design program boosts your knowledge, and technical and soft skills to complement your expertise and prepare you for UXD leadership positions.
Comparing similar programs, this online Master’s of UXD program has the lowest tuition rate! Your portfolio will showcase your UXD experience and capabilities to potential employers throughout the program. Students will present this body of work for faculty and peers to critique to improve their design and presentation skills.
Location:
- Kent, Ohio
Accreditation:
- The Higher Learning Commission (HLC.)
Program Features:
- 36 credit hours required for completion
- Takes seven weeks overall
- Can be completed in 24 months
Course Options:
- Principles of Interaction
- Researching the User Experience
- Usability
- Accessibility Evaluation and Universal Design
Admission Requirements:
- Online application
- BS degree from an accredited school
- GPA of 3.0
- Statement of purpose
- Application fee of $45
- Official transcripts
- Resume
- Three letters of recommendation
Tuition:
Financial Aid:
- Scholarships
- Graduate Assistantships
- Fellowships
- Grants
What’s Unique About The Program:
- You will receive a personalized degree plan from your Admissions Advisor once you are admitted to the program.
- You will receive help and support in developing a digital portfolio to help you secure a job in the UXD Field.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Master’s in User Experience Design program?
Designing a website or application to meet the needs of targeted users is called user experience (UX). A UX designer studies and evaluates a product’s aesthetics, ease of use, value perception, utility, and efficiency based on how users experience the product. Different strategies are explored and tested by UX designers to solve specific user problems.
A UX designer’s main job is to ensure the product flows logically from one step to the next. Software is also constantly developed to keep up with technological advances and enhance user satisfaction. In addition to graphic design and visual arts, user experience design includes elements from other disciplines.
You’ll be surprised to know that other fields like psychology, architecture, sociology, business, cognitive science, and anthropology make up some aspects of the entire study of UX. Other courses integrating UX principles include user research and strategy, usability testing, UX processes, design tools, and design patterns.
UX professionals understand users’ problems and address them, learn integration techniques for graphics with application goals, and gain effective testing techniques from studying UX design. There are many career pathways after completing a master’s degree in UX.
A master’s degree is your ace card to a higher-paying position if you are currently employed in the computer or tech industry! You also obtain countless opportunities for promotion, relocation, and assignment to high-scale projects within the company or organization.
Is it worth it to get a Master’s degree in UX?
A Master’s Degree in User Experience can be a good option even for mid-career professionals interested in switching careers. Although User Experience in Design jobs is more about the experience than a high-level degree, some formal training can prove beneficial for those changing careers. Hence, it’s a sound decision to acquire a master’s degree in education in user experience.
Specialized UX designer roles are well suited for professionals with master’s degrees. The master’s degrees that these individuals hold can land them jobs in huge sectors such as consulting, education, healthcare, and even marketing. Hence, these roles and skills that you learn will enable you to play diverse roles in a tech business or industry.
A good online master’s program in User Experience in Design will offer students the opportunity to gain relevant knowledge and technical and soft skills that will complement the on-the-job experience. Students in these programs are more likely to become experts or leaders in User Experience in Design after graduation.
A solid UX design program should include opportunities for hands-on research and innovation. After all, UX designers are hired for their expertise and portfolios. In addition, a good program should consist of mentorship opportunities that allow an individual to network across residences.
What can I do with a UX Master’s degree?
UX or User Experience is one of the most exciting parts of the interactive, fastest-growing computer-driven industry. Careers in the field of user experience are diverse, and all are based on a passion for getting to know users and creating the best possible experience for them. Upon graduation, you’ll find many opportunities for the following job roles:
- Information Architect
It is the responsibility of an information architect to determine what users will see on a website and how it will be presented. By participating in the development of comprehensive and realistic plans, they will support a user experience objective.
Information architects are responsible for creating wireframes, process maps, and prototypes. You’ll also handle other artifacts that would influence the user experience in general. You need to develop a process and flow model, as well as apply user personas. This career has an annual salary range between $63,240 and $168,890.
- UX Designer
As part of a design process centered around users, a user experience designer is essentially someone who can work in various fields and roles. In this role, research, feedback, analysis, testing, and best practices will be utilized to create a successful user experience.
However, your main focus is to smoothen the implementation of a given project, drive results, and enhance communication. Throughout the design process, you’ll conduct research, analysis, development, and testing. These workers earn an average of $117,100, according to Glassdoor.
- Interaction Designer
The interactive designer will pull data from users and research and input from the team to develop an interactive concept that delivers a seamless, fluid, and engaging experience for all users.
A member of this career field may be responsible for creating rapid prototypes representing an application or service and collaborating with peers such as visual designers to create full design solutions for projects. These designers earn from $67,556 to $99,843.
- Usability Analyst
A career in this field will deploy usability principles and user research to identify usability problems. By identifying project goals, measuring outcomes, and assessing the success of given projects, this position helps ensure usability goals are met.
The duties of this job are to investigate and resolve user experience issues through evaluating and testing and improving upon and communicating actionable insights that will significantly enhance customer or user experiences. You can expect to earn $109,000 at most for this position.
- User Researcher
This career is focused on providing insights into the behavior, needs, and motivation of users. From conception to implementation and finally, to completion of the project, these researchers provide feedback on all phases of the design process. User researchers conduct task analysis and user analysis to improve user experience. Salaries range from $69,901 to $97,865.
- Graphic Designer
In a visual designer’s role, wireframes and prototypes will be turned into visually appealing designs that adhere to brand guidelines and are user-friendly. Design systems like style guides, brand standards, and graphical elements are common knowledge for these designers.
It is the responsibility of the visual designer to create engaging, effective, and usable graphic design solutions that will achieve and all goals centered around the user of a website and validate the effectiveness of design solutions through the use of research and usability studies. Graphic designers earn about $46,594 on average, according to Glassdoor.
What are the benefits of a Master’s degree in UX?
- You can take your online master’s degree in UX anywhere.
Studying on campus can be pretty challenging for people who work full-time. But with an online master’s program, no relocation or change of employment will be required.
Students learn at their own pace when taking online classes. Your boss may even pay for some of the costs of getting the degree, particularly if it will improve your performance on the job.
- You will only be required to use tech gadgets and high-speed internet.
There is a minimum amount of equipment you’ll need, like a laptop, tablet, or smartphone. It’s a given to have secure and speedy internet access and reliable headphones for communicating with professors and classmates. Other than these, online learning programs don’t require any expensive device.
- You’ll have opportunities to earn more.
Graduating with a master’s degree in UX online will increase your income. For example, Kent State’s master’s in UX design online program graduates report earning more than 75 percent more than before they completed the program.
- Online and On-campus learning curriculum is equal in quality.
Getting an online degree won’t compromise quality. Master’s degrees earned online are as reputable as those earned in a traditional university setting.
Courses are similar; professors and educators share the same credibility and academic expertise. In short, you’ll have the same quality, except for the difference in learning platforms and methods.
What classes are offered in a UX Master’s degree program?
The classes offered in a User Experience (UX) Master’s degree program range depending on the institution and individual programs. Generally, you can expect courses in:
- Human-Computer Interaction
- Usability
- User Interface Design
- Information Architecture
- Interaction Design
- Cognitive Psychology
- Research Methods
- Data Visualization
You may also take classes in related disciplines such as Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Design Thinking, and Visual Communication. Many institutions also offer classes that cover current industry trends and emerging technologies.
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