Master’s in UX Design Online

<a href="https://www.onlinemasterscolleges.com/masters-in-ux-design-online/">Masters in UX Design Online </a>

College Name & Address	Tuition	Graduation Rate
#1 University of Wisconsin, Madison 500 Lincoln Dr, Madison, Wisconsin 53706	$10,728	88%
#2 University of California, Irvine 501 Aldrich Hall, Irvine, California 92697	$11,442	85%
#3 Bentley University 175 Forest St, Waltham, Massachusetts 02452	$40,992	90%
#4 University of Southern California University Park, Los Angeles, California 90089	$47,880	92%
#5 Brandeis University 415 South St, Waltham, Massachusetts 02454	$51,940	89%
#6 Northwestern University 633 Clark St, Evanston, Illinois 60208	$56,067	95%
#7 Quinnipiac University Mt Carmel Ave, Hamden, Connecticut 06518	NA	NA
#8 Iowa State University 1750 Beardshear Hall, Ames, Iowa 50011	$9,758	75%
#9 DePaul University 1 E Jackson Blvd, Chicago, Illinois 60604	$19,370	71%
#10 Kent State University Executive Office, 2nd Floor Library, Kent, Ohio 44242	$11,766	65%
#11 Maryland Institute College of Art 1300 Mount Royal Avenue, Baltimore, Maryland 21217	$48,510	73%
#12 Rochester Institute of Technology 1 Lomb Memorial Dr, Rochester, New York 14623	$50,136	71%
#13 University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee 2200 E Kenwood Blvd, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53211	$10,701	46%
#14 University of Baltimore Charles at Mount Royal, Baltimore, Maryland 21201	$13,824	34%

Source – Integrated Post Secondary Education Data System & University Data
*Tuition rates are for in-state and per year. Program specific rates may apply.
**NA – data not available

The user experience (UX) design involves almost all interactions between the active customer and the business. These skills develop the graduate’s problem-solving ability, which most companies now require, and provide technical competence to assure the quality of the design model. The UX design master’s program gives students the integrity to manage diverse design tools, contributing to increased products, services, and experiences in an ocean of industries.

The Master’s in UX Design online program will deliver immense knowledge on end-user interaction, user experience, and more. The UX design encompasses almost all interactions between the active customer and the company. All things considered, UI/UX graduates are industry-ready, able to evaluate, analyze, and present findings in comprehensive reports to maximize the value of data visualization and develop high-quality user interface approaches and processes to boost productivity and profit.

The structure of a master’s in UX design tends to be flexible and is often delivered in online, offline, and hybrid modes across varied degree types. Students are examined through their practical work and written examinations, including case studies, essays, presentations, and tests.

Curriculum and Skills Gained in UX Design Master’s Programs

In the United States, UI/UX design is a curriculum combining user experience and game design to produce products that give relevant and meaningful experiences. It also includes problem-solving skills applied in fields including education, scientific research, health, emergency management, planning, and politics. In many cases, business, science, and data visualization modules are also covered, incorporating aspects of psychology, architecture, anthropology, industrial design, sociology, and cognitive science.

The courses include lectures and tutorials based on real-life scenarios to help students learn the material and improve their ability to perform and demonstrate their talent. Coursework typically includes but is not limited to the following topics:

Principles of Design

This course explores foundational concepts shaping user experience. Students engage in design principles, usability, and aesthetics, cultivating a comprehensive understanding to craft intuitive and user-centric digital interfaces. Practical applications enhance skills crucial for successful UX design careers.

Human-Computer Interaction and Interface

This course explores the dynamic relationship between users and technology. It explores interaction design principles, usability testing, and interface optimization, equipping students with essential skills to create seamless, user-friendly digital experiences in diverse contexts.

Ethnography and Research Design

This course focuses on understanding user behavior through qualitative research methods. Students develop skills in observational research, interviews, and contextual analysis, which are crucial for creating user-centered designs that resonate with diverse audiences in meaningful and authentic ways.

User Experience Design Presentation Techniques

This course equips students with effective communication skills. Focusing on presenting and justifying design decisions, it hones abilities to articulate UX concepts and strategies, fostering proficiency in conveying complex ideas to diverse stakeholders in the industry.

Design Studio

This course emphasizes collaborative creation and prototyping. Students engage in hands-on exercises, applying design thinking methodologies to solve complex problems. This studio-based approach fosters creativity and teamwork, preparing students to tackle real-world challenges in user experience design.

Some of the other common courses across various curricula are:

• Usability Testing
• Creative Thinking and Innovation
• Human-Centered Design
• Usability and Symbols
• Conceptual Model and System Image
• Design Principles
• UX Processes
• Social Computing
• Design Patterns
• Input and Interaction
• User Experience: Research & Prototyping
• Human Factors in Software Development
• Information Design
• Human Systems Engineering
• Designing, Running, and Analyzing Experiments
• Interaction Design Capstone Project
• Understanding User Needs
• Principles of Designing for Humans
• Introduction to User Experience
• Evaluating Designs with Users
• Design Tools
• UX Design: From Concept to Wireframe
• UX Design: From Wireframe to Prototype
• UX Research at Scale: Analytics and Online Experiments
• Design for Omnipresence Digital Strategy
• Service Design and Task flow
• Futuristic Technology Tools
• User Research & Strategy
• Human-Computer Interface in Healthcare
• Digital Experience in Banking and Payment
• Interface Design for Web
• Empathy and Societal Project
• Technology Program and Architecture

On completion of the UX master’s program, students would have acquired the following skills:

• Proficiency in the application of design principles
• Expertise in usability testing and interface optimization
• Mastery of ethnographic research and qualitative research methods
• Effective communication and presentation skills for UX design concepts
• Collaborative ideation and prototyping abilities
• Creative problem-solving using design thinking methodologies
• Comprehensive understanding of human-computer interaction and interface design

UX Design Masters Degree Types

In the United States, a master’s degree in UX Design is generally available to pursue in two distinct types – An MS or Master of Science and an MA or Master of Arts.

Specializations in UX Design Master’s Programs

While the core coursework in UX Design master’s programs gives students a solid base in UX design principles and tools and allows them to expand their creative options, the entire point of a UI/UX design program is to generate a very gifted graduate in the field who will make the most of it. This is where specializations present an ability for a student to opt for a niche topic within the broader area of UX design, making it easy for them to seek specific careers. Some specializations and concentrations in UX Design degree programs are:

Area of Focus	Description	Careers This Concentration Prepares For
Interface Design and User Experience	This specialization focuses on crafting intuitive digital interfaces. Students develop expertise in design principles, usability optimization, and creating seamless interactions, preparing them for impactful roles in enhancing user experiences across various platforms and applications.	UX/UI Designers, Interaction Designers, Usability Specialists, and User Interface Developers.
Industrial Design	This specialization emphasizes the intersection of aesthetics and functionality. Students explore innovative design solutions, combining user-centered principles with industrial design concepts, preparing them for roles in creating visually appealing and ergonomically sound products that prioritize user experience.	Industrial Designers, Product Design Engineers, Design Researchers, and Design Strategists.
User Experience Management & Design	This specialization focuses on strategic planning and leadership. Students develop skills in managing UX teams, designing effective user experiences, and implementing user-centric strategies, equipping them for leadership roles in shaping impactful and user-friendly digital products and services.	UX Managers, UX Design Leads, and UX Strategists.
Information Architecture	This specialization centers on information architecture and data visualization. Students gain expertise in organizing and presenting information intuitively, enhancing user understanding and interaction. This specialization prepares graduates for roles optimizing the informational aspects of digital interfaces and experiences.	Information Architects, Information Designers, Data Visualization Specialists, and Content Strategists.
Unique Option: Digital Strategy	The focus of digital strategy is to encourage students to develop effective messaging that will enhance conversions and establish long-term brand loyalty in their target audiences. Students in digital strategy learn how to generate leads through creative and strategic messaging, how to write compelling copy for any digital channel, from websites to email marketing and social media, how to develop meaningful branding that resonates with consumers, and how to design websites that are efficient and effective in terms of user interaction.	Digital Strategists, Digital Experience Managers, and Digital Transformation Consultants.

Timeline For Graduating from Master’s in UX Design Online Programs

Master in UX Design online programs can range from one to three years. Most online programs cater to working people by allowing students to study on their own schedule. In most cases, distance learning or part-time completion of the program is attainable in two to three years. Students can work independently and complete the degree in as little as five years. Overall, full-timers’ average duration to complete this degree is about two years.

Accelerated UX Design Online Programs

Accelerated UX Design Online Programs offer a rapid pathway to master user experience skills. Geared for efficiency, these programs empower students to swiftly grasp design principles, usability, and interface optimization. To choose the right accelerated program, students should meticulously research curriculum, faculty, and program reviews, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the program’s strengths and alignment with individual career goals. Here are examples of accelerated UX design master’s programs:

• New York Institute of Technology ¹– 12 months
• University of Maryland, Baltimore County ²– 18 months Master’s in Information Systems – UX Design

The admission requirements for Master’s in UX Design graduate programs are relatively standard. In general, most schools require prospective students to submit the following:

• An application to the program, along with the requisite application fee.
• Official Academic Transcripts.
• A Bachelor’s Degree with a cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) is 2.5 and above on a scale of 4. (Science-based undergraduate degrees are preferred.)
• A Graduate Record Exam (GRE) score of 290 or more.
• A Statement of Purpose.
• At least 2 Letters of Recommendation.
• Proof of Proficiency in English (for those whose primary language in prior education has not been English).

Additionally, some schools ask students to submit their Portfolios, showcasing their most current artwork/designs/projects.

The GRE is a vital eligibility criterion but is not a hurdle that could prevent a prospective student from pursuing a master’s degree. A GRE score of 290 is considered an eligibility criterion for most top universities in the United States. However, certain universities accept students for their Master’s in UX Design without taking the GRE, provided they have maintained a reasonably high GPA in their undergraduate studies. Some institutions providing online UX design master’s no gre include:

• Kent State Online ³
• University of Denver ⁴

To be valuable and considered by the job market, an online Master’s in UX Design must be certified like all master’s degrees. Accreditation agencies are independent bodies that set standards for schools to follow and ensure that those requirements are met and maintained throughout the accreditation process and the length of the program. While some universities offer officially accredited programs (programmatic accreditation), most schools are regionally accredited, which is an equally viable choice. Regional accreditation agencies in the United States are:

• New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) ⁵
• Middle States Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools (MSA-CESS) ⁶
• Higher Learning Commission (HLC) ⁷
• Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACSCOC) ⁸
• Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU) ⁹
• Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) Senior College and University Commission¹⁰

Without a credible independent accrediting agency for a Master’s in UX Design degree program, students should check that the school’s own program is regionally accredited to ensure quality education and that their degree will be of value.

The Accreditation Guide provides complete information on what accreditation is and why it should be one of the most crucial factors when picking a school.

UX Design seems very limited by its title, but it is a vast subject covering many sectors and industries. Its uses are widespread in the modern world, giving rise to specializations hitherto unheard of. Finding a free master’s degree in UX Design is nearly impossible, but some offer free courses and programs suitable for master’s students and professionals to widen their knowledge and broaden their skills. Here are a few sites offering free courses in UX Design:

Course	Introduction to User Experience Design 11
Provided by	Coursera
Description	This course introduces learners to the four-step user interface design cycle. Throughout the process, participants explore techniques for gathering information about a) user needs, b) designing and modeling interfaces based on these insights, and c) evaluating designs to ensure alignment with user goals. These standardized tools provide the data essential for effective design.

Course	Diploma in Adobe XD: UI/UX Design Masterclass 12
Provided by	Alison
Description	In this free online course, participants will acquire proficiency in utilizing Adobe XD to develop a sample bank website featuring a comprehensive user interface (UI) and UX design. Completing the course results in expertise in crafting user-friendly web and mobile apps.

Course	HECMontrealX: UX Design 13
Provided by	edX
Description	In this free course, students learn how user experience design guides teams in refining new concepts, general interactions, and desired experiences before advancing to user interface design.

The key responsibilities of a UI/UX designer are the development and qualification of next-generation user interface materials. With an influx of new products and services and a dire need to stand out from the competition, many UI/UX engineers and UX researchers are in high demand. The scope of UI/UX in the United States is as vast as the ocean and continues to grow by the day. Therefore, UI/UX designers have a lot of opportunities to advance in their careers. Graduates of a Master’s in UX Design online degree can do various design tasks, including graphical design, UX design, and UI design. Some typical jobs and job titles that UX design graduates can expect are:

Job Title	Median Annual Salary	Job Growth (up to 2032)	Job Description
Lead Visual Designer 16	$116,964	No Data Available	A Lead Visual Designer oversees a team of visual designers, guiding the artistic direction of projects. They collaborate with cross-functional teams to create visually compelling designs, ensuring brand consistency. With expertise in design software, they produce engaging graphics, layouts, and multimedia elements. Strong leadership and communication skills are essential for this role.
Graphic Designer 17	$57,990	3% (As fast as average)	Graphic designers collaborate with text and images, making decisions on type, font, size, color, and line length for headlines, headings, and text. They determine the arrangement of images and text in print or web pages. Working with writers, they structure text in layouts, employing paragraphs, lists, or tables.
Web Developers and Digital Designers 18	$80,730	16% (much faster than average)	Web Developers and Digital Designers construct websites tailored to clients’ requirements, including e-commerce, news, or gaming sites. Developers determine the optimal applications and designs, while designers concentrate on the appearance and usability of these elements across browsers or devices.
UI Designer 19	$70,310	No Data Available	UI Designers specialize in creating intuitive and visually appealing user interfaces for digital products. They collaborate with cross-functional teams to design layouts, interactions, and user experiences. Proficient in design tools, they ensure a seamless and user-friendly interface, combining aesthetics with functionality to enhance the overall digital user experience.

Certifications are more than extensions to a master’s degree. Combined, they make a compelling reason for employers to hire the candidate without much fuss or doubt. This is because certifications endorse the candidate’s knowledge level and skillset they are expected to possess for niche areas within UX design. It is always recommended for students or graduates of UX design to become certified, leading to better career prospects and higher pay. Some certifications to consider are:

Nielson Norman Group UX Certification ²⁰

Nielson Norman Group’s UX Certification offers comprehensive training in user experience design, usability, and interaction design. Recognized globally, it equips professionals with practical skills, techniques, and strategies to create user-friendly designs. Industry experts lead the certification program, ensuring participants gain valuable insights into user-centered design principles.

Human Factors International ²¹

Internationally recognized, HFI certifications elevate skills, providing hands-on training in scientific user-centered design led by industry experts. Professionals are equipped to address intricate design challenges with straightforward and impactful solutions, showcasing expertise and the ability to craft delightful customer experiences by proudly displaying the CUA™/CDPA™ certification on a resume.

Uexel- UX Design Certification ²²

The Uxcel UX design certification is designed to assist designers globally in advancing their careers by distinguishing themselves and demonstrating their design expertise to employers and colleagues.

Uexel’s UX Design Certification provides professional certifications for individuals in various roles:

• Product Designer
• UX/UI Designer
• UX Designer
• UX Writer
• UX Researcher
• UI Designer

In general, graduates of a master’s in UX Design online do not require any licensure to work or remain employed.

Many point out that UX Design is infinite in that it is continuously evolving and has no end. If such is indeed the case, UX Design students and designers alike must network with peers and stay up-to-date with the latest in the fields of UI & UX. Besides seeking updates and discovering emerging techniques/technology, one can also use the vast resources available to develop new design experiences and solve real-world problems. Here are a few resources that UX Design students and professionals should consider:

1. Prototypr.io ²³
   Prototypr.io is a go-to destination for those who want to find the latest tools for UX design. The site offers prototyping, AR/VR experiences, conversational design, UX tools, news, and more.
2. Sidebar ²⁴
   Sidebar is a site that collects and displays the best daily links in UI/UX design, typography, CSS, user research, and more.
3. UX Planet ²⁵
   UX Planet is a one-stop shop for all things UX, including an entire section devoted to UX for beginners. The site also covers careers and research in UX.
4. Inside Design ²⁶
   Inside Design, from In Vision, is a wealth of resources that spans books, podcasts, videos, blogs, webinars, events, and unique products.
5. Muzli ²⁷
   Muzli is essentially a magazine that provides design inspiration, news, and trends curated from over 120 sources.