UX design is one of the most lucrative sectors of today’s tech industry. Every tech company needs skilled UX workers with a strong knowledge of design concepts and technical skills. The best schools for UX design help train graduates that can meet these requirements and build user-friendly products as part of a design team.
Finding the best UX design colleges is undoubtedly a challenging task. However, this article provides a detailed list of the best UX design universities and their programs. It also outlines the different job options available to graduates of the best UX design schools.
Best UX Design College and University Rankings: Top 10 UX Design Schools at a Glance
| School | State | Formats Available | US News Ranking |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carnegie Mellon University | PA | In-person | #25 |
| DePaul University | IL | In-person, online | #127 |
| Purdue University | IN | In-person, online | #49 |
| Rochester Institute of Technology | NY | In-person, online, hybrid | #117 |
| San Jose University | CA | In-person | N/A |
| Stanford University | CA | In-person, online | #6 |
| University of California San Diego | CA | In-person, online | #34 |
| University of Southern California | CA | In-person, online | #27 |
| The University of Texas at Austin | TX | In-person | #38 |
| University of Washington | WA | In-person | #59 |
UX Design School Rankings: Best UX Design Colleges and Universities
UX designers will need to obtain an undergraduate or graduate degree from an accredited university. Below, we list some of the best schools for UX design and the best programs for beginner, intermediate, and advanced-level UX designers.
Carnegie Mellon University is a highly-ranked private college established in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania in 1900. Carnegie Mellon University provides graduate and undergraduate programs in art, social science, engineering, and business. It has over 15,000 students enrolled across its seven colleges.
Carnegie Mellon University Overview
- School Type: Private
- Acceptance Rate: 17%
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
- Degrees Offered: Bachelor’s to doctorate
- US News Ranking: 25
- Times Higher Education Ranking: 28
Best Carnegie Mellon University UX Design Programs
- Bachelor of Design (Product Design Track). Carnegie Mellon University’s College of Fine Art offers a four-year Bachelor of Design program specializing in product design. Students of this program learn concepts such as visualization, prototyping, and designing for user experience.
- Masters of Art in Design. The MA in Design program is aimed toward post-undergraduate students seeking to transition into a career in design. It is a 96-unit, one-year, on-campus program that teaches design principles and prototyping for interaction design.
- Master of Human-Computer Interaction. This program runs on the Carnegie Mellon University campus for a year and includes an eight-month capstone project. There are seven core courses, including courses on user-centered research and interaction design.
- PhD in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI). Carnegie Mellon University offers an on-campus, research-intensive human-computer interaction PhD program. The coursework covers technology and social science concepts. The program is designed to be completed in two and a half years, but students have some flexibility with scheduling.
- PhD in Transition Design. The PhD in Transition Design program is an on-campus, four-year program that emphasizes design theory and design for complex systems. Graduates from this program can go on to work in senior UX roles in software engineering companies and other startups.
Carnegie Mellon University UX Design Key Takeaway
Carnegie Mellon University provides quality education for beginner UX designers, as well as those looking to advance their careers in UX design.
DePaul University is the largest Catholic university in the US, with over 300 programs and about 21,000 students. DePaul University delivers an intimate learning experience with fewer than 40 students in each class.
DePaul University Overview
- School Type: Private
- Acceptance Rate: 70%
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
- Degrees Offered: Bachelor’s to Doctorate
- US News Ranking: 127
- Times Higher Education Ranking: N/A
Best DePaul University UX Design Programs
- Bachelor of Arts in Art, Media, and Design. The BA in Art, Media, and Design program is a 192-credit-hour undergraduate program offered on campus at DePaul. It includes courses on digital imaging, web art, and design, which are helpful for UX designers.
- Bachelor of Science in User Experience Design. The BS in User Experience Design program equips students with design thinking skills. It is a 192-credit-hour program that covers web design, data visualization, and several other aspects of visual design.
- Masters of Science in Human-Computer Interaction. This 52-credit-hour graduate program is available on campus and online. Students enrolled in this program take classes on interaction design and user research methods to prepare them for future UX design job roles.
- Master of Arts in Experience Design. The MS Experience Design program teaches students human-centered design principles for web content, video games, and other forms of digital media. It is a 52-credit-hour program offered on campus at DePaul.
- PhD in Human-Centered Design. This 60-credit doctorate program is designed for user experience designers looking to upgrade their skills to work in more senior roles in academia or industry. It is offered only as an in-person program and usually takes four to five years to complete.
DePaul University UX Design Key Takeaway
DePaul University’s undergraduate and graduate UX degrees provide hands-on experience to students looking to begin a prosperous UX design career.
Purdue University is a public college established in 1869. Purdue has several campuses around the US and a global online campus, and around 50,000 students are enrolled in its numerous graduate and undergraduate degree programs.
Purdue University Overview
- School Type: Public
- Acceptance Rate: 67%
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
- Degrees Offered: Associate to Doctorate
- US News Ranking: 49
- Times Higher Education Ranking: 105
Best Purdue University UX Design Programs
- Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology. The BA Anthropology program is an on-campus, 120-credit, three-year program. It includes courses in liberal arts and behavioral science that can help graduates create a better user experience design for their clients.
- Bachelor of Fine Arts in Industrial Design. This on-campus, 126-credit, four-year program is structured to produce product designers with strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills. It provides students with insight into the history of design and shows them the best modern design practices.
- Bachelor of Fine Arts in Visual Communications Design. The BFA in Visual Communications Design program equips graduates with the foundational conceptual skills necessary to become in-demand UX designers. Students enrolled in this on-campus program will need to complete 126 credit units within four years to graduate.
- Bachelor of Science in UX Design. The 120-credit, four-year BS in UX Design program is part of Purdue University’s Computer Graphics Technology program. It’s offered on campus and includes classes on introductory and advanced UX concepts.
- Master of Fine Arts in Industrial Design. This on-campus, three-year program allows graduate students to choose between a 60-credit non-thesis option and a 66-credit thesis option. It provides classes on user research methods and gives graduate students the opportunity to carry out a research project.
Purdue University UX Design Key Takeaway
Purdue University is a reputable college with comprehensive design programs covering a wide variety of liberal arts concepts.
Rochester Institute of Technology is located in New York State and has a student population of over 19,000 students. Rochester Institute of Technology also has four global campuses and is one of the leading schools in the US for science, engineering, and mathematics.
Rochester Institute of Technology Overview
- School Type: Private
- Acceptance Rate: 74%
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
- Degrees Offered: Associate to Doctorate
- US News Ranking: 117
- Times Higher Education Ranking: 801-1000
Best Rochester Institute of Technology UX Design Programs
- Bachelor of Fine Arts in Industrial Design. This four-year, 120-credit, on-campus program trains students to develop easy-to-use products. It offers 2D and 3D workshops where undergraduates can practice their design skills via hands-on projects.
- Bachelor of Science in Human-Centered Computing. The BS in Human-Centered Computing program is a four-year, 120-credit, on-campus UX design program. Its curriculum includes courses on software development, design, and psychology that prepare graduates for work in multiple industry roles.
- Master of Science in Human-Computer Interaction. This advanced-level, two-year, 30-credit program is designed to help UX designers understand how to create seamless interfaces and build great digital products. The MS in Human-Computer Interaction program also offers online courses.
- Master of Science in Integrative Design. The MS in Integrative Design program is a one-year, 30-credit program for students seeking to work as UX designers or in other product development roles. All classes for this graduate degree are provided in person.
- PhD in Color Science. Color management is one of the vital aspects of user experience. This on-campus, 60-credit-hour, four-year PhD program allows students to conduct intensive research in color modeling and management, lighting, and other color science subjects.
Rochester Institute of Technology UX Design Key Takeaway
Rochester Institute of Technology’s experienced faculty and top-quality in-person and online degree programs are an excellent option for your career development as a UX designer.
San Jose State University was founded in 1857 to train students to become professionals and community leaders. This public college has more than 33,000 students pursuing graduate and undergraduate programs.
San Jose State University Overview
- School Type: Public
- Acceptance Rate: 67%
- Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission
- Degrees Offered: Bachelor’s to Doctorate
- US News Ranking: N/A
- Times Higher Education Ranking: 1001-1200
Best San Jose State University UX Design Programs
- Bachelor of Arts in Behavioral Science. The BA in Behavioral Science program includes courses from the Departments of Psychology, Anthropology, and Sociology. This 120-credit, four-year, on-campus program helps prospective UX designers to better understand user behavior and design effective products.
- Bachelor of Arts in Design Studies. San Jose University’s BA in Arts and Design Studies program is a 120-credit program covering design fundamentals and the modern design process. This program is delivered on campus and can be completed in four years.
- Bachelor of Science in Industrial Design. UX designers are expected to have critical thinking, problem-solving, and design skills. The BS in Industrial Design program is a four-year, 120-credit, on-campus program that teaches undergraduate students these essential skills to enable them to enjoy a successful UX design career.
- Master of Fine Arts in Art, Spatial Art Concentration. The MFA in Art program provides graduates with the ability to understand visual problems and provide valuable solutions. Graduates from this on-campus, 60-unit program will be able to work in diverse academia and industry roles.
- Master of Arts in Psychology, Research, and Experimental Psychology Concentration. This 60-unit graduate program is geared towards advanced research on human behavior. UX designers who take this course will better understand user psychology and how to apply current research findings to create better products.
San Jose State University UX Design Key Takeaway
San Jose State University’s interdisciplinary programs give UX designers a solid theoretical background of technical skills, art concepts, and application of user data.
Since its inception in 1885, Stanford University has built a reputation as one of the highest-ranked private colleges in the US. Stanford University also has more than 15,000 undergraduate and graduate students and boasts a 5:1 student to faculty ratio.
Stanford University Overview
- School Type: Private
- Acceptance Rate: 5%
- Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission
- Degrees Offered: Bachelor’s to Doctorate
- US News Ranking: 6
- Times Higher Education Ranking: 4
Best Stanford University UX Design Programs
- Graduate Certificate in Human-Computer Interaction. This online program teaches designers the principles of intuitive user interface design. The knowledge obtained from this four-course program enables students to create user-friendly software products.
- Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology. The BA in Anthropology program is a 65-credit, on-campus program that helps students understand the factors affecting human behavior. UX designers with an anthropology background can work as part of a product design team to provide valuable solutions to complex design issues.
- Bachelor of Science in Product Design. This 52-unit, on-campus program merges mechanical engineering and design concepts. Graduates from this program can work as UX or product designers in any leading company.
- Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. The BA in Psychology program offers courses on perception, cognitive neuroscience, and social psychology. Upon completing the minimum 70 credits required to obtain this degree, students gain information on consumer behavior that enables them to create improved user experiences.
- PhD in Psychology. Stanford University’s PhD in Psychology program is a four-year on-campus program that covers psychology and statistics topics. This advanced-level program is excellent for those looking to work in senior UX design roles.
Stanford University UX Design Key Takeaway
Stanford University is one of the most reputable higher institutions in the US, offering certificate, graduate, and undergraduate courses for beginner and advanced UX designers.
University of California San Diego was founded in 1960 to train global leaders in various industries. The university has several degree programs in diverse fields, including public health, economics, and visual arts, and its total student population is about 39,500.
University of California San Diego Overview
- School Type: Public
- Acceptance Rate: 37%
- Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission
- Degrees Offered: Bachelor’s to Doctorate
- US News Ranking: 34
- Times Higher Education Ranking: 34
Best University of California San Diego UX Design Programs
- Bachelor of Arts in Speculative Design. This program emphasizes user-focused research and critical thinking skills for developing design solutions. The BA in Speculative Design program has a 76- to 78-unit curriculum that enables UX designers to come up with context-specific solutions when creating products.
- Bachelor of Science in Cognitive Science with a Specialization in Design and Interaction. The degree is one of four specialization options available to students in the cognitive science undergraduate program. This four-year on-campus program combines behavioral science, computer interaction, and visual arts concepts.
- PhD in Experimental Psychology with a Specialization in Cognitive and Behavioral Neuroscience. This five-year, on-campus doctorate program involves in-depth research into what affects human behavior. It is an advanced program designed for students seeking senior UX design roles at software companies or research roles in academia.
University of California San Diego UX Design Key Takeaway
The University of California San Diego has excellent design programs for students looking to begin or advance their UX design careers.
University of Southern California was founded in 1880 and has grown to become one of the top-rated universities in Los Angeles. This private research university presently has a student population of about 49,000 students across its 23 specialized schools.
University of Southern California Overview
- School Type: Private
- Acceptance Rate: 16%
- Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission
- Degrees Offered: Associate to Doctorate
- US News Ranking: 27
- Times Higher Education Ranking: 63
Best University of Southern California UX Design Programs
- Bachelor of Arts in Design. The BA in Design program is a four-year, 128-unit, on-campus program offered by the University of Southern California. Its curriculum includes courses on art and visual culture for aspiring UX designers.
- Master of Fine Arts in Design. The MFA in Design program is a five-term, 56-credit program provided by the Roski School of Design at University of Southern California. In addition to preparing a thesis, students enrolled in this program learn design theory and contemporary issues in design.
- Master of Science in Integrated Design, Business, and Technology. This online graduate program’s 38-credit-unit curriculum includes a course on design essentials. Graduates from this program will be able to apply innovative techniques toward the creation of intuitive products.
- Master of Science in Product Innovation. The MS in Product Innovation graduate program is a 64-credit, on-campus program. It helps UX designers improve their skills via the elementary principles of human-centered design.
University of Southern California UX Design Key Takeaway
UX design students at University of Southern California have access to several top-quality, interdisciplinary programs and highly skilled faculty members.
University of Texas at Austin was established in 1883. It has about 52,000 students enrolled across its 156 undergraduate or 237 graduate degree programs, and it also provides over 12,000 courses.
University of Texas at Austin Overview
- School Type: Public
- Acceptance Rate: 32%
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
- Degrees Offered: Bachelor’s to Doctorate
- US News Ranking: 38
- Times Higher Education Ranking: 47
Best University of Texas at Austin UX Design Programs
- Bachelor of Fine Arts in Design. The BFA in Design curriculum contains courses on interaction design. This 120-credit-hour, four-year, on-campus program also includes a capstone project and a short internship.
- Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. The BA in Psychology program is a 120-credit-hour, four-year, on-campus program. UX design students can benefit from its courses on behavioral science, science and technology, and visual and performing arts.
- Bachelor of Arts in Informatics with a Concentration in UX Design. The University of Texas at Austin’s School of Information provides a four-year, on-campus undergraduate program for informatics. The six core courses of a concentration in UX design teach students the best practices in user-centered design for web and mobile development.
- Master of Fine Arts in Design. This graduate program takes a multidisciplinary approach to design by incorporating concepts from anthropology, business, engineering, and art. The duration of this 60-credit-hour program is two years and all lectures are delivered on campus.
University of Texas at Austin Key Takeaway
University of Texas at Austin adopts a multidisciplinary approach to all its UX design programs to produce graduates with a broad range of professional skills.
Founded in 1861, the University of Washington has around 49,000 students across 18 schools and colleges. This public university also offers law, medicine, social work, engineering, and business degree programs.
University of Washington Overview
- School Type: Public
- Acceptance Rate: 56%
- Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
- Degrees Offered: Bachelor’s to Doctorate
- US News Ranking: 59
- Times Higher Education Ranking: 29
Best University of Washington UX Design Programs
- Graduate Certificate in User-Centered Design. This four-course, on-campus program is designed for post-undergraduate students looking to develop their skills in user experience and digital design.
- Bachelor of Science in Human-Centered Design and Engineering. The Human-Centered Design and Engineering undergraduate program is a 180-credit program. It provides classes on communication, user research, and interactive systems design, all delivered on campus.
- Bachelor of Design in Interaction Design. Knowledge of interaction design is essential in UX development for computer programs in software engineering. This four-year, 180-credit BDes program prepares students for high-paying UX roles in the tech industry.
- Master of Science in Human-Centered Design and Engineering. This 50-credit master’s program is designed for students looking to work in senior UX designer roles at leading companies. It includes courses on visualization, interface and product design, and management of complex systems.
- PhD in Human-Centered Design and Engineering. Graduate students in this 90-credit doctoral program will spend several hours per week researching a chosen technology or design-related topic.
University of Washington UX Design Key Takeaway
The bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate UX design programs at the University of Washington are ideal for learning how to create seamless experiences for product users.
The Best Schools for UX Design: Types of College Degrees and University Programs Offered
The best schools for UX design offer various degree options, including graduate certificates and associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degree programs. Below, we outline the characteristics of each of these UX design certificate and degree types and what to expect from them.
UX design community college certificates provide postsecondary students with an introduction to the fundamentals of art and interaction design. In most cases, students can get their community college certificate in a year. However, some certificate programs can span two years.
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Students looking to begin their UX design career can get an associate of arts, applied arts, science, or applied science in UX design from an accredited university or community college. UX design associate degree programs typically last for two years. They cover design theory and human-centered design for creating intuitive user interfaces.
A UX design bachelor’s degree program takes three to four years to complete. Graduates from this program are equipped with the technical skills and theoretical foundation they need to build easy-to-use products.
UX design bachelor’s programs are comprehensive and include design labs and other practical sessions to prepare students for future UX design job roles. In addition to a three-to-four year program, you can get a bachelor’s degree through a part-time program or an online class.
UX design master’s programs are advanced-level, research-based programs for students seeking senior UX design jobs. Depending on the specific program, students will choose or be given a research focus area across one of the many design-related subjects. In addition to research, master’s students take classes on user-research methods, design for complex systems, and several other topics. UX design master’s degrees usually last for about two years.
UX design graduate certificates are a one-year postgraduate certificate option for people with a bachelor’s degree. Graduate certificates are also pursued by those seeking higher-paying senior UX roles in the industry or academia.
UX doctoral degrees are typically obtained by people with a strong interest in research and academia. However, a UX design doctorate is extremely valuable in industry roles. Most doctorate programs require a minimum of four years to complete. They involve oral seminars and the preparation of a dissertation on a specific, groundbreaking UX design topic.
Comparing Popular Degree Options
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Best UX Design Schools: Other UX Design University Rankings
The best UX design schools in this list provide various degree programs and study formats for students. Also, all schools in our UX design university rankings are among the most reputable UX design colleges in the US.
Best Online UX Design Schools
- Arizona State University. Arizona State University is well-known for its global online campus, which provides several degree programs for UX designers. It offers an online Bachelor of Science in Human Systems Engineering, which combines the studies of engineering and psychology.
- Drexel University. Drexel University offers several online programs in the arts, business, engineering, and other fields. This private college also offers a Master’s Degree in UX and Human-Computer Interaction, perfect for acquiring hands-on experience in creating user-friendly products.
- Stanford University. Stanford University is a reputable private institution with several qualified staff and faculty members. Their online graduate certificate program in Human-Computer Interaction contains a well-structured curriculum that gives UX designers the opportunity to improve their skills.
Best Community Colleges for UX Design
- Austin Community College. Austin Community College was founded in 1973 and is located in Texas. It delivers an associate degree and certificate program in UX design for entry-level professionals.
- Green River College. Green River College was established in 1963 in Auburn, Washington. Its UX design certificate program covers UX design fundamentals and includes classes on web design and responsive web programming.
- Mission College. Mission College was founded in 1975 in Santa Clara, California. It offers a UX and Interface Design certificate program that teaches students user research, interaction design, and other essential UX design topics.
Best Undergraduate Schools for UX Design
- Purdue University. Purdue University provides several UX design programs, including a Bachelor of Science in UX Design. This undergraduate program thoroughly covers all relevant aspects of modern UX design.
- San Jose State University. San Jose State University is a reputable public institution and one of the largest labor providers for Silicon Valley companies. Its Bachelor of Arts Degree in Behavioral Science includes courses that are helpful for students seeking to pursue a UX design career.
- University of California, San Diego. The University of California, San Diego was established in 1960. It offers several programs for future UX designers, including a Bachelor of Arts in Speculative Design.
Best Graduate Schools for UX Design
- Rochester Institute of Technology. Rochester Institute of Technology is one of the best schools for UX design, with several online and in-person graduate programs. Its Master’s of Science in Human-Centered Computing program delivers top-quality, advanced-level training to UX designers.
- University of Texas at Austin. The University of Texas at Austin is an excellent destination for graduate studies in UX design. It offers a Master of Fine Arts in Design degree through its interdisciplinary graduate program.
- University of Washington. University of Washington is a research-focused public college. It provides a PhD program in Human-Centered Design and Engineering that allows students to conduct in-depth research on relevant UX design subjects.
Best UX Design Schools With Dual Degree Programs
- DePaul University | BS in User Experience Design/MA in Experience Design. DePaul University allows students enrolled in the BS in User Experience Design program to simultaneously obtain a master’s degree in experience design within five years.
- George Mason University | BA or BS in Psychology, Accelerated MA with Cognitive and Behavioral Neuroscience Concentration. George Mason University allows qualified undergraduate psychology students to obtain an accelerated Master of Arts in cognitive and behavioral neuroscience.
- Stanford University | MA in Psychology/PhD in Psychology. Students in Stanford University’s doctorate program in psychology who have completed their first two years have the option to enroll in a master’s degree program. Students who take this option will be awarded both degrees at the end of their PhD program.
Best Schools With Accelerated UX Design Programs
- Carnegie Mellon University | MS in Human-Computer Interaction. Students admitted into Carnegie Mellon University’s accelerated Master of Science in Human-Computer Interaction program can obtain their degree in eight months instead of one year.
- Rochester Institute of Technology | 4+2 BFA/Master of Architecture Pathway. Rochester Institute of Technology offers an accelerated pathway where students can obtain a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Industrial Design and a Master’s Degree in Architecture within six years.
- Wilmington University | BS in Behavioral Science. The BS in Behavioral Science degree is one of the courses eligible for Wilmington University’s dual credit advantage accelerated option. Students enrolled in this program can combine credits with another program and earn both degrees faster.
Easy Colleges to Get Into
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Is Graduate School for UX Design Worth It?
Yes, it is worth going to graduate school for UX design. There are many top companies hiring UX designers in 2022. A graduate degree will help you distinguish yourself and land the best jobs in your industry. Also, graduate degrees allow you to learn new skills and network with leading professionals in UX design.
What Jobs Can You Do With a UX Design Degree?
The jobs you can do with a UX design degree are senior UX designer, design manager, and creative director. The schools in our best UX design universities list offer the easiest pathways to landing these high-paying UX design jobs.
How Much Can I Earn With a Degree in UX Design?
UX designers with a bachelor’s degree earn an average salary of $73,000, according to PayScale. However, with an advanced degree in UX design, you can significantly increase your earning potential. For example, UX designers with a master’s degree earn an average of $80,000, annually.
Highest-Paying UX Design Careers
| Profession | Minimum Education | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Senior UX Designer | Bachelor’s degree | $104,092 |
| Creative Director | Bachelor’s degree | $100,890 |
| UX Researcher | Master’s degree | $96,113 |
| Design Manager | Master’s degree | $85,926 |
| UX Design Lecturer | Master’s degree | $79,640 |
| UX Designer | Bachelor’s degree | $77,200 |
| UX Developer | Bachelor’s degree | $77,200 |
| Product Designer | Bachelor’s degree | $77,030 |
| Graphic Designer | Bachelor’s degree | $50,710 |
| Desktop Publisher | Associate degree | $46,910 |
Best Jobs With a UX Design Degree
The best jobs with a UX design degree are senior UX designer, UX researcher, and design manager. However, the type of UX design job you are eligible for will primarily depend on your level of education. Below, we list the best UX design jobs for various degree types.
UX design jobs you can get with an associate degree include associate product manager, desktop publisher, and junior graphic designer. An associate degree in UX design can help you land most entry-level industry roles. Usually, these jobs involve working with a team lead and providing assistance with basic UX design tasks.
Top UX Design Careers With an Associate Degree
People with a bachelor’s degree in UX Design can work as a UX designer, developer, or product designer. These roles are perfect for people with an undergraduate education because they require extensive knowledge of art and design as well as strong technical skills.
Top UX Design Careers With a Bachelor’s Degree
The best UX design master’s degree jobs include creative director, UX design lecturer, and interaction designer. UX designers with a master’s degree have the opportunity to work in academia. It also enables graduates to take up leading roles at digital design companies.
Top UX Design Careers With a Master’s Degree
UX design doctorate jobs are typically research-based or managerial roles. Some of the best UX design jobs for people with PhDs are UX director, UX researcher, and UX manager. These roles require PhD graduates to oversee a team of fellow UX designers or professionals from other fields.
Top UX Design Careers With a PhD
Internships are an excellent way to gain critical industry experience and sharpen your UX design skills. Glassdoor lists internships at Tencent, Amazon.com, and Autodesk as some of the best internships you can apply for as a UX design student.
Top UX Design Internships
How Can I Pay for UX Design School?
You can pay for UX design school by checking if your chosen college offers scholarships, research assistantships, or fellowships. Also, if you are a US citizen, you could decide to take out a student loan.
- Scholarship awards. Many design schools and colleges offer scholarships to students based on different criteria. These scholarships provide full or partial funding for your tuition and other expenses.
- Research assistantships. Research assistantships allow you to take up a supporting research role in your university in exchange for reduced tuition fees or a complete tuition waiver.
- Fellowships. Fellowships are grants given to students enrolled in advanced-level, research-based programs such as master’s and doctoral programs. These grants sometimes also cover tuition costs and other essential expenses.
- Student loans. Depending on your country, you may have access to federal government loans that enable you to cover the cost of your UX design degree program. Recipients of federal student loans are expected to gradually pay back the loan amount.
How to Pay for Your Chosen School Education Path
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Choosing the Best UX Design School for You
To choose the best UX design school for you, you should consider the university’s faculty credentials and employment outcomes, as well as how it aligns with your career goals. The best schools for UX design will provide you with quality course content that fits your learning style. A strong UX education makes it easier for you to progress to the next part of your career path.
Faculty Credentials
A UX design school’s faculty plays a vital role in determining the quality of its curriculum. Enrolling in a school with experienced and well-known faculty members will give you the opportunity to learn from the best in your industry, and it will also provide you with beneficial networking opportunities.
Career Goals
UX design is a broad field. There are several degree programs you can take to become a UX designer. However, not all programs may align with your specific career goals. You must check if your chosen university offers a program that will enable you to achieve your career objectives, whether you’re a beginner or a professional looking to continue your education.
Employment Outcomes
Checking your prospective university’s employment outcome can give you an overview of its reputation in the industry and the relevance of its curriculum. You should choose a school with a proven track record of producing employable graduates working in various industry roles, particularly in the field of UX design.
How to Get Into the Right School for Your Profession
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Does It Matter What College I Go to for UX Design?
Yes, it does matter what college you go to for UX design. College is expensive, and you need to ensure that you are getting the best value for your money. Enrolling in an unaccredited program or one with a poor industry reputation could severely affect your chances of getting a high-paying job.
UX Design University Ranking Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Schools for UX Design
We ranked the best UX design schools by consulting the university rankings conducted by US News & World Report and Times Higher Education. To further refine our UX design university ranking methodology, we gave special consideration to things like reputation, graduation rate, student-to-faculty ratio, and breadth and depth of UX design degree program offerings.
Additional Reading About UX Design
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Best UX Design Schools FAQ
You can learn UX design for free. There are several free UX design bootcamps online where you can develop the essential skills you need for a career in UX design. However, a college degree is still the best option if you wish to work as a UX designer.
No, you don’t need a laptop to enroll in a UX design school. However, having a laptop enables you to practice and develop your technical skills, especially if your degree program includes computer science and software-related topics. There are several cheap laptops for UX designers that you can buy and use for UX design coursework.
No, it is not hard to get a UX design job after graduating from college. Several tech companies and startups are looking to employ people with a degree in UX design or any related field. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, UX designer jobs are expected to increase by 13 percent between 2020 and 2030.
No, UX design is not the same as graphic design. Although there are many similarities between both fields, UX design covers a much wider scope than graphic design. While graphic designers focus only on creating appealing visual content, UX designers ensure that the usage of the entire product is intuitive and seamless.
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