Edited By Christine Skopec
Review & Contribution By Dr. Olivia Martinez
Elevate your career with a Master’s in UX Design Online Degree. Gain expertise in user-centric design and shape the future of digital experiences.
User Experience or UX design is how design teams create products or provide meaningful services to users. The study of UX design includes learning about the entire process of integrating and acquiring the product, including components of design, usability, function, and branding. An online master’s UX design helps students get an integrated education in human systems engineering or product development, technical writing and communication, and graphic information. It provides them with knowledge about UX research, content development, tone of voice, and evaluation of interfaces, components, and products with which end users interact. Those graduating with an online master’s in UX design can expect to apply for roles like content designer, information architect, UX developer, Human factors engineer, usability engineer, human systems integrator, etc.
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Featured Online Programs
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Southern New Hampshire University
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Southern New Hampshire University is a private, nonprofit, accredited institution with more than 3,000 on campus students, over 170,000 online students, making it one of the fastest growing universities in the nation. Founded in 1932, we’ve been relentlessly reinventing higher education ever since and have gained national recognition for our dedication to helping students transform their lives and the lives of those around them.
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National University
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National University, headquartered in San Diego, California, was founded in 1971 to provide educational opportunities for adult learners and working professionals. It offers over 190 degree programs, including bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees, with flexible online and on-campus courses. Serving around 40,000 students and over 240,000 alumni, the university is recognized for its support of U.S. military members. Accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC), National University is committed to accessible and transformative higher education.
Find the Best Master’s in UX Design Online Programs
Choosing the best master’s program is crucial for students as it brings immense opportunities into the field of UX design. While choosing graduate programs across the United States, they should consider factors like the program’s curriculum, quality of the faculty employed, research opportunities, program cost, master’s scholarship, graduate assistantships, and other factors. FBD teams have evaluated colleges and degrees from all over the U.S. and, using proprietary methodology, have prepared a list of schools offering the best online master’s in UX design programs:
Universities and programs are ranked by various factors, such as affordability, curriculum and coursework, reputation and availability, program length, statistics, the potential of employment, and return on investment for the students. For a more in-depth analysis, please read about our rankings methodology page.
What to Expect from a Master’s in UX Design Online Program
An online master’s in UX design focuses fundamentally on design aesthetics and explores the science of human behavior to learn user experience and engagement principles better. Schools’ curricula teach individuals to incorporate design thinking, agile development, presenting designs with evidence-based rationales, collaborating with product owners, etc. The program is offered online, offline, and in hybrid mode. Candidates can complete it in two years and average 30-60 credits. Most institutions provide this program in both synchronous and asynchronous methods of learning. Students may be required to take up capstones and work independently or in small groups to devise a prototype of a system or product. Many graduates also opt to take internship courses, providing them with hands-on experience related to individual career goals. After graduating from this program, candidates can expect employment as digital strategy directors, graphic designers, navigation design leads, principal user experience designers, UI designers, UX researchers, web developers, and more.
Curriculum and Coursework
The master’s program in UX design is generally a project-based program that helps individuals acquire courses focusing on technical communication, design, user experience principles, systems engineering, etc. Through the curriculum, students gain a deep understanding of user experience and engagement principles, helping them to incorporate design thinking and present designs with rationales based on evidence. Many master’s in UX design online require graduates to present a portfolio that showcases their skills, empowering them to advance in the field of UX design and develop digital products, software applications, and websites. Some curriculums have an internship course that allows students to get hands-on experience related to personal career goals.
Typical coursework will include user experience design fundamentals, processes, psychology, and leadership components. Electives are required to develop a more profound interest in areas such as project management, design of emerging technologies, areas of interest, and more. Every institution has unique curricula. Some of the standard courses that can be found across programs are:
User Experience Design
In this course students explore User Experience Design, mastering techniques in creating intuitive digital interfaces. Through hands-on projects and coursework in design principles, psychology, and emerging technologies, students develop skills crucial for crafting user-centric digital experiences, preparing them for careers in UX design.
Information Architecture
This course teaches students to structure and organize digital information effectively, ensuring intuitive navigation and user-friendly interfaces. Through coursework focusing on information design principles and usability testing, students develop skills crucial for designing cohesive and accessible digital environments.
Research Methods
In this course students explore various research methodologies to gather insights into user behavior and preferences. Through hands-on projects and coursework in qualitative and quantitative research techniques, students develop the skills necessary for informing and validating design decisions.
Design Ideation and Prototyping
This course teaches students to generate innovative design concepts and translate them into interactive prototypes. Through hands-on projects and coursework in design thinking methodologies and prototyping tools, students develop skills crucial for creating and iterating user-centered digital solutions.
Some of the other common courses across various curricula are:
- Methods and Tools in Human Systems Engineering
- Interaction Design, Planning, and Implementation
- Fundamentals of Technical Communication
- Foundations of Human Systems Engineering
- Principles of Interaction
- Accessibility Evaluation and Universal Design
- Collaborative and Social Computing
- Designing with Data
- UX Product Management
- Exploration and Analysis of UX Tools
Learning Outcomes and Skills Gained
A UX designer master’s degree helps students learn about creating useful, enjoyable, usable products. The curriculum teaches them how to conduct user research, usability testing, and prototype a solution. It also focuses on interface design, prototyping, field usability, project management, etc. The UX Design master’s program helps students to gain skills in several areas needed to thrive in the professional and academic field of UX design, including the ability to:
- understand what the users will experience and design a user-friendly product or service;
- demonstrate learning of navigation systems and implement a proper visual hierarchy of content on individual pages;
- communicate ideas about the current or future products to various stakeholders involved and collect meaningful feedback from other designers and developers;
- analyze facts and evidence that is available to form judgments about design challenges that come up;
- demonstrate understanding of various qualitative methods like interviewing people who represent target audiences and quantitative methods like analytics and surveys;
- demonstrate knowledge of wireframing to communicate design ideas to others and gain valuable feedback;
- showcase learning about the functional part of the information architecture and product and implementing correct visual appearance;
- demonstrate a fundamental understanding of coding and understand the limitations and advantages of the technology developers use to create products and services.
Types of Master’s Degrees UX Design
The UX design master’s program allows students to problem-solve and involves an in-depth understanding of designing possibilities. In the United States, students can find different types of UX design master’s online, including Master’s of Arts and Master’s of Science in UX design. Both programs help students enhance their technical abilities and communication skills to interpret and analyze data in real-time.
Master of Arts in UX Design
This professionally focused and design-led course equips students with specialist skills to prototype, produce, and conceive human-centered experiences in an interactive and integrated digital context. Students learn about different tasks and skills in interaction design, product prototyping, concept development, evaluation, and research. It covers advanced studio user experience design skills, including practices and user research methods through a fundamental theoretical background.
Master of Science in UX Design
The UX Design program equips students with comprehensive knowledge, tools, and methods, engaging them in skills such as user interface design, prototyping, user testing, data analysis, user-centered ideation, and more. The program emphasizes practical learning so that students can understand various concepts in UX design and demonstrate their ability in the field. After graduating with this degree, students can apply for roles like researcher, specialist, project manager, designer, and more.
Areas of Specialization for UX Design Students
Taking up academic specialization helps students gain expertise in a particular field and makes them more employable. Those interested in specializing in an academic field can pursue a specialization that involves specialized professional fields, helping them gain specific professional skills in one area. Students pursuing a master’s degree in UX design online can consider the following concentrations:
| Area of Specialization | Description | Career Options |
|---|---|---|
| Experience Strategy | This specialization focuses on crafting holistic user experiences. Students explore strategic planning, user journey mapping, and aligning business goals with user needs. Through coursework and hands-on projects, students develop skills essential for creating seamless and impactful digital experiences. | • User Experience Strategist • Digital Experience Consultant • Customer Experience Manager • Experience Design Director |
| Interaction Design | This specialization emphasizes creating intuitive digital interactions. Students explore user interface design, interaction patterns, and usability principles. Through hands-on projects and coursework, students develop skills crucial for designing engaging and user-friendly interfaces across various digital platforms. | • UI/UX Designer • Product Designer • Interaction Designer • User Interface Designer |
| User Research | This specialization explores understanding user behaviors and preferences. Students learn qualitative and quantitative research methods, usability testing, and data analysis techniques. Through practical projects, students acquire skills vital for gathering insights and informing design decisions to create user-centric digital experiences. | • User Researcher • Usability Analyst • User Experience Researcher • Market Research Analyst |
| Information Architecture | This specialization focuses on organizing and structuring digital information effectively. Students learn taxonomy development, navigation design, and content organization principles. Through hands-on projects, they acquire skills essential for creating intuitive and user-friendly information systems that ensure seamless navigation and accessibility for users. | • Information Architect • Content Strategist • Taxonomy Specialist • Information Design Consultant. |
Full-Time and Part-Time Programs
Most online UX design master’s programs typically require around two years for completion in full-time mode. However, opting for part-time mode extends the duration, possibly exceeding two years. Completion time may vary based on chosen electives, credit load per semester, area of concentration, and synchronous or asynchronous learning modes. Here is a summary of the amount of time it would take for candidates to complete the program:
- Time to complete a part-time online master’s in UX Design: more than two years
- Time to complete a full-time master’s in UX Design: two years or less
Accelerated UX Design Programs
Accelerated programs enable students to finish their degrees in less than the standard two-year timeframe, ensuring flexibility for other commitments. They facilitate completing more credits in a shorter duration. Lower cost is a significant advantage, making accelerated programs preferable for many. Here are some universities that provide online master’s in UX design in an accelerated format:
Requirements for Getting into a Master’s in UX Design Online Program
The admission requirements may vary from institution to institution; however, certain basic criteria must be met for all students to qualify for enrollment in master’s programs. Given the high demand in this field, individuals interested in pursuing a master’s in UX design can proceed with the admission procedures at the university of their choice. Some typical admission requirements for online master’s UX design are:
- Form of admission and fee
- Cumulative Grade Point Average of 2.5 or more (differs according to the institution)
- Graduate record examination or GRE scores (not required by all colleges)
- All previous official college transcripts
- Two or more Letters of Recommendation
- Statement of Purpose
No GRE Master’s in UX Design Online Programs
Most colleges typically mandate the submission of Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores for enrollment in the Master in UX Design program. However, certain colleges exempt candidates from submitting GRE scores during the application process. Waiving the GRE requirement benefits numerous candidates from various backgrounds, fostering a more inclusive application pool. This policy is expected to encourage applicants with diverse portfolios to consider and apply for the program. Some institutions that provide master’s in UX design no GRE programs are::
How to Ensure a Master’s in UX Design Online Program Is Accredited
Accreditation is a process overseen by independent agencies that ensures colleges maintain specific standards and continuously improve their programs. Accreditation ensures that colleges provide adequate infrastructure and resources to their students. When applying to an online master’s UX design program, it’s crucial to understand the regional bodies that regulate the institution you are interested in applying to. The six accrediting bodies that accredit institutions offering graduate programs in UX design are:
- New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
- Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
- Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
- Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
- Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)
Students could also refer to the Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs5, which will help them understand the list of institutions and programs recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Another national organization they could refer to is the Council for Higher Education Accreditation6, which focuses on quality assurance.
Read the Guide to College Accreditation to understand more about accreditation.
Where to Find Free Online Courses for UX Design Master’s Students
In the field of UX Design, students can explore free courses to understand the discipline better. Although course-takers may receive certificates of completion, it’s important to note that such certificates may not hold the same validity as accredited courses. Some examples of free UX design courses are:
| Course | Description | Provided by |
|---|---|---|
| User Experience Principles and Processes7 | Through this course, students gain hands-on experience conducting thorough user research, ideation and refinement, formal analysis, user testing, and applying perspectives and methods to ensure the user has a great experience at every level. Individuals can also learn how to design effective interactive systems that require understanding the capabilities and needs of those using them. | Coursera |
| Diploma in Adobe XD: UI/UX Design Masterclass 8 | The Diploma in Adobe XD: UI/UX Design Masterclass is a free online course focusing on Adobe XD proficiency for designing user-friendly web and mobile apps. Participants create a sample bank website with comprehensive UI and UX design. Completing the course yields expertise in crafting intuitive digital experiences. | Alison |
| Google’s Product Design Course9 | This course helps test and develop product ideas and demonstrates Google’s design sprint process. It consists of four lessons, which students can complete in around two months. The course includes real-world examples and insights from UX experts and is valuable for those who want to create a digital product and become product designers. | Udacity |
Ways to Pay for a Master’s in UX Design Online Degree Program
The cost of an online UX design master’s program could be around a minimum of $484 per credit hour in the United States. The costs of these master’s programs could depend on factors like geographic location, thesis and non-thesis-based programs, travel costs, and other resources students would need to pay. Because of these costs, individuals might be hesitant to pursue programs. Along with working full-time, there are other funding options that one can explore, such as:
Scholarships
A scholarship is a form of funding for which students can apply based on merit. Scholarships are provided based on an individual’s educational qualifications and other merits, such as sports or music; recipients do not need to pay back the scholarship money.
Grants
Organizations like educational institutions, non-profit institutions, and state and federal governments can award students grants. These grants can be awarded based on students’ needs and not necessarily on their merit, like scholarships.
FAFSA
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is a form of application that can determine if a student can apply for federal financial aid and receive funding from institutions. To understand more about aid, students can refer to the FAFSA guide.
Federal Direct Loans
Federal Direct Loans are low-interest loans provided by the government. Students are not required to repay these loans until graduating from the institution or during periods of unemployment.
To understand more about how to pay for college, read the guide on financial aid.
Scholarships for Master’s in UX Design Online Degree Students
Scholarships are provided to students enrolled in online master’s UX Design degrees. Such funding will help applicants in reducing the costs of the programs considerably. Some scholarships cover the costs of tuition fees, travel costs, and more expenses. Getting such funding will help candidates make their programs less stressful. Here are two examples of online master’s in UX design scholarships:
| Scholarship | Description | Award/Amount | Application Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adobe Design Circle Scholarships10 | In partnership with Adobe, the Institute of International Education offers the Design Circle scholarship. Winners receive monetary assistance and other opportunities like internships, shadowing, and networking in the design domain. The scholarship is provided to 10 students pursuing their studies in the field leading to careers in product and experience design | $25,000 | Varies |
| Clubs of America Scholarship Program11 | The Clubs of America scholarship committee selects one applicant for the scholarship based on an essay describing their career aspirations and an option YouTube submission. The total award amount is sent directly to the office of financial aid of the winning applicant’s institution. | $1,000 | August 31st every year |
Career Opportunities and Salaries for Students of a Master’s in UX Design Online Degree After Graduating
In today’s world, there is more than one path toward becoming a UX designer. After completing an online master’s in UX design, some occupations graduates can take up are:
- Visual Designer
- UX Designer
- UI Designer
- User Research Expert
- Information Architect
- UX Strategist
- UX Writer
- UX Researcher
Other typical jobs and job titles that UX design graduates can come to expect are:
| Occupation | Skills Required | Median Annual Salary | Job Growth (up to 2031) | Job Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Web Developers and Digital Designers12 | Problem-solving, detail-oriented, customer service, creativity, and communication skills. | $80,730 | 16% (much faster than average for other occupations) | Web developers and digital designers typically write website codes using various programming languages, create and test application interfaces, integrate graphics and audio, and so on. They maintain the client’s vision while building different websites or applications, focusing on device usability. |
| Graphic Designers13 | Analytical, artistic ability, communication, computer, creativity, and time-management skills. | $57,990 | 3% (as fast as average) | Graphic designers create visual components like logos, illustrations, and original images to help deliver messages. They also design layouts, including selecting images, typefaces, and colors and presenting design concepts to art directors or clients. These professionals also incorporate changes that clients and other professionals recommend. |
| Special Effects Artists and Animators14 | Artistic talent, communication skills, creativity, time-management skills, and computer skills. | $98,950 | 8% (faster than average) | Special effects artists and animators edit effects and animation based on feedback from animators, directors, game designers, or other clients. They work in specific mediums; some focus on creating animated movies, while others work on video games. These professionals also make their work primarily by using various computer software to write their computer codes. |
| Industrial Designers15 | Analytical skills, artistic ability, computer skills, creativity, mechanical skills, problem-solving skills, and interpersonal skills. | $75,910 | 2% (as fast average) | Industrial designers generally consult with clients to determine the different requirements for designers. They research a particular product and use computer software to develop virtual models of various designs. These professionals also examine manufacturing and materials requirements to determine production costs. |
Certifications and Licensing for Master’s in UX Design Online Graduates
Professional certifications help boost an individual’s professional credibility and prestige within their network, both with current and prospective clients. Obtaining certificates demonstrates dedication to the profession and serves as proof of being well-trained and proficient in using industry-specific tools. UX professional certifications assist students in gaining a competitive advantage after completing their degree, enhancing their professional efficiency, and increasing their earning potential. Some certifications graduates of UX design master’s degrees online are:
Google UX Design Certificate16
This certification helps individuals learn the foundations of UX design, including building wireframes and prototypes, empathizing with users, and conducting research to test designs. They also learn how to start the UX Design process: define, ideate, and empathize. Additionally, they will learn to build wireframes and low-fidelity prototypes, be responsible for web design in Adobe XD, design social goods projects, and prepare for jobs.
By taking up the Neilsen Normal Group UX certification, individuals learn how to build a solid UX foundation, build new skills in the field, gain UX credentials, showcase commitment to growth, and more. To attain this certification, they must create a curriculum, attend training courses per schedule, pass online exams, and then receive the UX certification.
Uxel- UX Design Certification18
The Uxcel UX design certification aims to help designers worldwide enhance their career prospects by setting them apart and showcasing their design proficiency to employers and peers. Uexel’s UX Design Certification offers professional certifications tailored for individuals in diverse roles:
- Product Designer
- UX/UI Designer
- UX Designer
- UX Writer
- UX Researcher
- UI Designer
Licensure is typically an official process administered by a state-level authority. Many occupations, such as healthcare, law, and education, require professionals to have an occupational license before practicing. However, in the UX design field, individuals are not expected to hold professional licensure before practicing at various levels.
Additional Resources for Master’s in UX Design Online Graduates
Graduates must stay updated with evolving trends and technologies in their field. Association membership provides access to additional resources like workshops, networking opportunities, and industry insights. These aid in continuous learning and skill development, enhancing graduates’ competitiveness and ensuring they remain relevant in their profession. Multiple resources are available online for students to learn about the upcoming trends in UX design. Those with a master’s degree in UX design online can join several organizations in this field, such as:
| Title/Resource | Description |
|---|---|
| User Experience Professionals Association | This organization offers membership at various levels, including global sustaining, associate, and student members. It supports current students and graduates of UX design by providing networking, conferences, classes, and publication opportunities. The organization also offers opportunities to work in different groups to share the UX domain. |
| Nielsen Norman Group | Nielson Norman Group is a business that helps evaluate many websites and applications. However, students can find various research reports and books with in-depth findings and a free library of 1500 articles, including research guidelines, UX methods, and conclusions. They also provide exam-based UX certification programs and training seminars at UX conferences. |
| User Experience Society | The User Experience Society aims to be a community where anyone can participate in the user design process and solve various societal problems through user experience design. Students can access mentorship resources and programs as members of this organization. |
| Interaction Design Foundation | The Interaction Design Foundation has created the most authoritative open-source UX design literature library. It aims to teach concrete design skills to advance individuals’ careers, leverage the power of design, and improve the quality of life through new design skills. The foundation also facilitates learning and career advancement globally. |
FAQs About Master’s in UX Design Online Programs
Why should you do a master’s in UX design degree online?
Earning a master’s in UX design online offers flexibility, allowing students to balance education with work or personal commitments. Online programs often provide practical skills and theoretical knowledge, preparing graduates for careers in user experience design. Additionally, they enable access to a diverse network of professionals and resources worldwide.
Is a master’s of UX design different from a UX design certificate?
What can you do with an online master’s UX design degree?
Is an online master in UX design worth it?
How long does it take to complete a master’s in UX design?
Is it necessary to have a bachelor’s degree in UX design to pursue a master’s?
Citations:
New York Institute of Technology
University of Maryland, Baltimore County
Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs
Council for Higher Education Accreditation
Coursera-User Experience Principles and Processes
Diploma in Adobe XD: UI/UX Design Masterclass
Udacity-Google’s Product Design Course
Adobe Design Circle Scholarships
Clubs of America Scholarship Program
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics- Occupational Outlook for Web Developers and Digital Designers
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics- Occupational Outlook for Graphic Designers
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics- Occupational Outlook for Special Effects Artists and Animators
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics- Occupational Outlook for Industrial Designers