Best UI/UX Design Master’s Degree Programs, Jobs, and Salaries

Arizona State University was established by the 13th Arizona Territorial Legislature. It ranked as the best school for innovation in 2022 according to U.S. News & World Report. It currently enrolls over 135,000 students in its undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degree programs across five campuses.

M.S. in User Experience

This 30 credit hours Master of Science program prepares students for the next phase of their UI/UX design career. Its curriculum emphasizes the aspect of designing interfaces, conducting adequate research, and creating content. The program consists of courses such as user experience, human systems engineering, media design solutions, usability testing, and interaction design.

M.S. in User Experience Overview

• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
• Tuition (and Fees): $32,632/year (in state), $44,456/year (out of state)
• Required Credits: 30 credits
• Program Length: 1.5 years
• Learning Format: In-person, online
• NCES School Graduation Rate: 66%

M.S. in User Experience Admission Requirements

• GPA: 3.0
• Standardized Tests: GRE optional
• Application Fee: $70
• Minimum Education: Bachelor's degree in a related field
• Other Requirements: Two letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, resume/CV, design portfolio, official transcripts, research areas of interest, Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) exam for international students

Applying to Arizona State University

1. Create an account and complete an online application
2. Pay the $70 application fee before deadline
3. Upload required materials and official transcripts
4. Test scores such as GRE or GMAT, undergraduate coursework, and letters of recommendation may be submitted
5. Track application and await an admissions decision

Drexel University was founded in 1891 by Anthony Joseph Drexel. This research university was originally established as the Drexel Institute of Art, Science, and Industry before it became a private, four-year university in 1970. The school offers a variety of programs at the undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels.

MS in Information-Human-Computer Interaction and User Experience

This program helps students understand the creative, practical, and technological aspects of human-computer interactions. Students will learn to design effective user interfaces that complement human needs as they interact with computers. The 45-credit-hour program splits into two semesters and features courses like design problem-solving, prototyping, and programming.

MS in Information-Human-Computer Interaction and User Experience Overview

• Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
• Tuition: $1,342 per credit
• Required Credits: 45 credits
• Program Length: Two years
• Learning Format: In-person, online
• NCES School Graduation Rate: 71%

MS in Information-Human-Computer Interaction and User Experience Admission Requirements

• GPA: 3.0
• Standardized Tests: Not required
• Application Fee: $65
• Minimum Education: Bachelor’s degree or equivalent
• Other Requirements: One or two letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, official transcripts, current resume/CV, TOEFL exam for international students

Applying to Drexel University

1. Create an account and complete an online application
2. Pay the application fee before deadline
3. Upload required materials and official transcripts
4. Apply for financial assistance
5. Track application and await an admissions decision

The Florida Institute of Technology , commonly called Florida Tech, is a private university in Melbourne, Florida. It was founded in 1958 as a space research and educational institute and later became an independent university in 1964. The university offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in engineering, science, business, education, and aviation.

Human-Centered Design, M.S.

This UI program is designed to help students learn how to think about and create for the people using their products. It offers courses in research methods, design thinking, and user experience. Unique for its focus on creativity, innovation, and sustainability, this 30-credit program gives students real-world experience working on UX projects.

Human-Centered Design, M.S. Overview

• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on colleges
• Tuition (and Fees): $1,241/credit hour
• Required Credits: 30 credits
• Program Length: Two years
• Learning Format: In-person
• NCES School Graduation Rate: 60%

Human-Centered Design, M.S. Admission Requirements

• GPA: 3.0
• Standardized Tests: Optional GRE
• Application Fee: $50
• Minimum Education: Bachelor’s degree
• Other Requirements: Two letters of recommendation, statement of purpose, official transcripts, college-level courses in statistics and computer programing, TOEFL exam for international students

Applying to Florida Institute of Technology

1. Complete the application for graduate admission
2. Pay the application fee before deadline
3. Upload official transcripts
4. Upload course-specific materials
5. Track application and await an admissions decision

The Georgia Institute of Technology is a leading research university in Atlanta, Georgia with over 26,000 enrolled students across online and on-campus programs. It was founded in 1885 with a mission to train professionals who can bring solutions to human living and help procure a better future through research.

Master of Science in Human-Computer Interaction (MS-HCI)

This Master of Human-Computer Interaction program equips students with the skills and knowledge necessary to create user-friendly and intuitive interfaces for digital devices and software. Requiring 36 credits from prospective graduates, it provides students with the practical and theoretical knowledge needed for designing and implementing technological interfaces.

Master of Science in Human-Computer Interaction (MS-HCI) Overview

• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
• Tuition: $670/credit hour (in-state); $1,476/credit hour (out of state)
• Required Credits: 36 credits
• Program Length: 2 years
• Learning Format: In-person, online
• NCES School Graduation Rate: 91%

Master of Science in Human-Computer Interaction (MS-HCI) Admission Requirements

• GPA: 3.0 recommended
• Standardized Tests: GRE optional
• Application Fee: $75
• Minimum Education: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university
• Other Requirements: One to two letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, design portfolio, official transcripts, current resume/CV, TOEFL exam for international students

Applying to Georgia Tech

1. Check program specific requirements
2. Create an account and complete an online application
3. Submit transcripts, letters of recommendation, test scores, verification of lawful presence, and any course-specific materials
4. Pay the application fee before deadline
5. Track application and await an admissions decision

Founded in 1906, Pace University is a private institution in New York City. Originally founded as a business school, Pace now has a total enrollment of nearly 13,000 students and offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in a wide range of disciplines.

Human Centered Design, MS

This master’s degree program provides students with the conceptual, methodological, and technical skills needed to design user-friendly, innovative, and effective solutions to real-world problems. The program offers a variety of specialization areas, including information technology and social innovation.

Human Centered Design, MS Overview

• Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
• Tuition: $1,375/credit
• Required Credits: 30 credits
• Program Length: One to two years
• Learning Format: In-person
• NCES School Graduation Rate: 59%

Human Centered Design, MS Admission Requirements

• GPA: No minimum requirement
• Standardized Tests: GRE optional
• Application Fee: $70
• Minimum Education: Bachelor’s degree in psychology, computer science, or other related-field
• Other Requirements: Two letters of recommendation, a personal statement, all official transcripts, current resume/CV, TOEFL exam for international students

Applying to Pace University

1. Complete an online application
2. Pay the application fee
3. Submit required materials and official transcripts
4. Track application and await an admissions decision

Rochester Institute of Technology is a private non-profit institution in Rochester New York that was founded in 1829. Since then, the university enrolls over 19,000 students and offers over 200 undergraduate and graduate programs. The school is renowned as one of the greenest universities and has the fourth-oldest and one of the largest co-op programs in the world.

Human-Computer Interaction Master of Science

The Human-Computer Interaction degree focuses on technological systems that can be designed, enhanced, and applied for the benefit of mankind. The five concentration options offered within the program include Designing for User Experience, Health Informatics, Human Factors and Usability Engineering, Interactive Systems Development, and Web Development.

Human-Computer Interaction Master of Science Overview

• Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
• Tuition: $54,176/year
• Required Credits: 30 credits
• Program Length: Two years
• Learning Format:  In-person, online
• NCES School Graduation Rate: 71%

Human-Computer Interaction Master of Science Admission Requirements

• GPA: 3.0 recommended
• Standardized Tests: GRE for international students
• Application Fee: $65
• Minimum Education: Bachelor’s degree; college-level credit or knowledge in basic computing recommended
• Other Requirements: Two letters of recommendation, a personal statement, all official transcripts, current resume/CV, TOEFL exam for international students

Applying to Rochester Institute of Technology

1. Create an account and complete an online application
2. Pay the application fee
3. Upload required documentation and official transcripts
4. Await an admissions decision

The School of Visual Arts was founded in 1947 and has since been a hub for artists, designers, and other creative professionals. The private art school has over 1,000 faculty and enrolls about 7,000 students within its 31 different programs.

M.F.A. in Interaction Design (IxD)

The MFA in Interaction Design is a two-year degree program that analyzes how interaction design can be used to shape the lives of people, businesses, and society at large. The degree trains students on how to analyze and prototype design concepts in the context of business, community, and culture.

M.F.A. in Interaction Design (IxD) Overview

• Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Learning
• Tuition: $27,965/semester
• Required Credits: 60 credits
• Program Length: Two years
• Learning Format: In-person
• NCES School Graduation Rate: 72%

M.F.A. in Interaction Design (IxD) Admission Requirements

• GPA: No minimum requirement
• Standardized Tests: Not required
• Application Fee: $80
• Minimum Education: Bachelor’s degree or equivalent from an accredited institution
• Other Requirements: Three letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, all official transcripts, a design portfolio, current resume/CV, TOEFL exam for international students

Applying to School of Visual Arts

1. Create an account and complete an online application
2. Pay the application fee
3. Upload required materials and official transcripts
4. Await an admissions decision

Thomas Jefferson University is a private university in Pennsylvania founded in 1824. Today, it is a comprehensive university with more than 10,000 students. The university consists of nine schools, including a graduate studies college that offers several masters and higher degree programs.

MS in User Experience and Interaction Design

This degree program offers students the skills and knowledge necessary to design user-friendly digital products. The curriculum covers various topics, including human-computer interaction, information architecture, and web usability. In addition to coursework, students will also complete a project that allows them to apply their skills in a real-world setting.

MS in User Experience and Interaction Design Overview

• Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
• Tuition: $1,226/credit
• Required Credits: 31 to 37 credits
• Program Length: One to two years
• Learning Format: In-person
• NCES School Graduation Rate: 70%

MS in User Experience and Interaction Design Admission Requirements

• GPA: No minimum requirement
• Standardized Tests: Not required
• Application Fee: $50
• Minimum Education: Bachelor’s degree from a recognized institution
• Other Requirements: Two letters of recommendation, a personal statement, all official transcripts, a design portfolio, current resume/CV, TOEFL exam for international students

Applying to Thomas Jefferson University

1. Create an account and complete an online application
2. Pay the application fee before deadline
3. Upload required materials and official transcripts
4. Track application and await an admissions decision

The University of Michigan , a public research university in Michigan, was founded in 1817. It is the oldest university in Michigan and one of the first universities in the United States. The University of Michigan at Dearborn offers over forty master’s and doctoral programs in many fields, including business, engineering, art, and design.

MS in Human-Centered Design and Engineering

This program is designed to help students learn how to create products, services, and systems that are user-centered. The curriculum focuses on how to understand the needs of users and then design and engineer solutions that meet those needs. It is a two-year program that can be completed via on-campus, online, or hybrid learning formats.

MS in Human-Centered Design and Engineering Overview

• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
• Tuition: $455/credit (in-state); $856/credit (out of state)
• Required Credits: 31 credits
• Program Length: Two years
• Learning Format: In-person, online
• NCES School Graduation Rate: 55%

MS in Human-Centered Design and Engineering Admission Requirements

• GPA: 3.0
• Standardized Tests: Not required
• Application Fee: $60
• Minimum Education: Bachelor’s degree in computer or cognitive science, arts, engineering, design, or a related field
• Other Requirements: Two letters of recommendation, all official transcripts, a design portfolio (optional), TOEFL exam for international students

Applying to University of Michigan

1. Create an account and complete an online application
2. Pay the application fee
3. Upload required materials and official transcripts
4. Await an admissions decision

Located in Seattle, the University of Washington is one of the oldest universities on the West Coast with over 45,000 students and 13 colleges and schools. It was founded in 1861 and has since grown to become a globally renowned institution.

Master of Science in Human-Centered Design and Engineering (HCDE)

This two-year program teaches students to design technology and products that are user-friendly and meet the needs of consumers. The curriculum includes classes in human-computer interaction, engineering, design, and management. Students also have the opportunity to participate in a senior capstone project.

Master of Science in Human-Centered Design and Engineering (HCDE) Overview

• Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
• Tuition: $900/credit
• Required Credits: 50 credits
• Program Length: Two years
• Learning Format: In-person
• NCES School Graduation Rate: 82%

Master of Science in Human-Centered Design and Engineering (HCDE) Admission Requirements

• GPA: Minimum 3.0
• Standardized Tests: Not required
• Application Fee: $85
• Minimum Education: Bachelor’s degree from regionally accredited school
• Other Requirements: Three letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, all official transcripts, a current resume/CV, TOEFL exam for international students

Applying to University of Washington

1. Create an account and complete an online application
2. Pay the application fee
3. Upload required materials and official transcripts
4. Track the application online and await an admissions decision

Lead UI/UX design professionals work closely with the UX designer and developer. In smaller organizations, a single person will be assigned to handle both jobs. The role of a UI designer is to ensure that every function on a page corresponds to the command that has been programmed by the UX designer.

• Average Salary: $115,267
• Job Outlook: 13% job growth from 2020 to 2030
• Number of Jobs: 199,400
• Highest-Paying States: Virginia, Washington, Rhode Island

A senior UX designer provides mockups and wireframes for websites and mobile applications. The front end designer converts these designs into codes to make a functional system. A senior position in UX requires years of experience and a higher-level degree, such as a master’s in UI/UX design.

• Average Salary: $106,056
• Job Outlook: 13% job growth from 2020 to 2030
• Number of Jobs: 199,400
• Highest-Paying States: Washington, New York, Iowa

User experience researchers have two primary jobs. First, they work to understand exactly what the client needs. Their understanding of this first task makes them an essential part of the design and user experience process. They then help with sketching, prototyping, and user testing.

• Average Salary: $93,156
• Job Outlook: 13% job growth from 2020 to 2030
• Number of Jobs: 199,400
• Highest-Paying States: Washington, New York, Iowa

The role of this UX design job is very broad. It involves understanding a product or service. Then, branding and designing the business’s website or mobile application so that it is well optimized for human-computer interaction and maximum functionality.

• Average Salary: $88,594
• Job Outlook: 22% job growth from 2020 to 2030
• Number of Jobs: 30,000
• Highest-Paying States: Oregon, Arizona, Texas

Interaction designers are charged with the responsibility of enhancing the user experience by creating conversational designs. These professionals work with designers, engineers, product managers, and other professionals to create design concepts and meet business requirements.

• Average Salary: $78,104
• Job Outlook: 6% job growth from 2020 to 2030
• Number of Jobs: 31,500
• Highest-Paying States: Virginia, Arizona, Kansas