Best UX/UI Design Bachelor’s Degree Programs, Jobs, and Salaries
Attending a school that offers one of the best UX/UI design bachelor’s degrees gives you a slight advantage if you want to enter this competitive field. You’ll gain the hard and soft skills training you need to succeed. A bachelor’s degree in UX/UI design usually takes about four years to complete.
This article covers everything you need to know about a UX/UI design bachelor’s degree, including schools, tuition, and accreditation. We’ll also go over the best UX/UI design bachelor’s degree jobs to consider after graduation.
Where Can I Get a Bachelor’s Degree in UX/UI Design?
The best colleges where you can get a bachelor’s degree in UX/UI design include Robert Morris University, Arizona State University, and Carnegie Mellon University. The best UX/UI design bachelor’s degrees offer design-related programs such as web development, design, psychology, and computer science.
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What Schools Offer the Best UX/UI Design Bachelor’s Degrees?
- Robert Morris University
- Carnegie Mellon University
- DePaul University (DePaul College of Computing and Digital Media)
- Oregon State University
- Purdue University
What Are the Admission Requirements for a Bachelor’s Degree in UX/UI Design?
The admission requirements for a UX/UI bachelor’s degree are a high GPA and a high school diploma or GED. Many universities also require students to include an application essay, official high school transcripts, and official SAT or ACT scores as part of the application. These requirements for a bachelor’s in UX/UI design will look different depending on the school you select.
UX/UI Design Bachelor’s Degree Admission Requirements
- Minimum GPA of 2.5 to 3.0
- Official high school transcripts
- Official SAT/ACT scores
- Letters of recommendation from teachers or counselors
- An application letter or essay
How to Get a Bachelor’s Degree in UX/UI Design
To get a UX/UI bachelor’s degree, you must fulfill all the university degree requirements. Some degree requirements include completing 120 credit hours, a capstone project, and earning a minimum GPA. You may need to have some background knowledge in design or computer programming before getting into a program.
How Many Credits Do You Need for a Bachelor’s Degree in UX/UI Design?
You need 120 credits for a bachelor’s degree in UX/UI design. Many academic institutions offering this program require students to complete 120 credit hours to satisfy graduation requirements. However, the number of credits might vary from university to university.
UX/UI Design Degree Requirements
- Required courses—48 credits
- Cross-disciplinary courses—18 credits
- Open elective courses—15 credits
- Core courses—39 credits
Best UX/UI Design Bachelor’s Degree Programs and Schools: Overview
| School | Program | Accreditation |
|---|---|---|
| Carnegie Mellon University | Bachelor of Science in Human-Computer Interaction | The Middle States Commission on Higher Education |
| DePaul University College of Computing and Digital Media (CDM) | Bachelor of Science in User Experience Design | The Higher Learning Commission (HLC). |
| Drexel University | Bachelor of Science in User Experience and Interaction Design | The Middle States Commission on Higher Education |
| Oregon State University | Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design Undergraduate Major | The Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU). |
| Purdue University | UX Design Degree | The Association of Technology, Management, and Applied Engineering (ATMAE) |
| Robert Morris University | Bachelor of Arts in UX/UI Design | The Middle States Commission on Higher Education |
| Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) | Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design and Media Arts | The New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE) |
| Pennsylvania State University | Bachelor of Science in Human-Centered Design and Development | The Middle States Commission on Higher Education |
| University of Connecticut | Bachelor of Fine Art in Web/Interactive Media Design | The New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE) |
| University of North Texas | Communication Design, Bachelor of Fine Art with a concentration in User-Experience Design | The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges |
Best Schools for UX/UI Design: Top UX/UI Design Bachelor’s Degree Programs
We’ve compiled a list of schools with the best UX/UI design bachelor’s degrees. These programs will lead you to become career specialists in UX/UI design. The academic program varies from school to school but will include courses like user interface design, interaction design, and graphic design. Each program will prepare you to enter the design industry.
Carnegie Mellon University
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Carnegie Mellon University is a premier private university known for its research and high-quality education. There are over 15,818 enrolled students in this academic institution. The US News and World Report Rankings rank Carnegie Mellon University number one in the School of computer science, artificial intelligence, software engineering, and management of information systems
Bachelor of Science in Human-Computer Interaction
This program is ideal for students looking for a more technical aspect in UX/UI design. By the end of this program, you’ll have the practical skills to design prototype interactive solutions using the latest technology. You’ll also have a strong background in computer science, algorithms, programming, systems, and mathematical foundations.
Bachelor of Science in Human-Computer Interaction Overview
- Accreditation: The Middle States Commission on Higher Education
- Tuition (and Fees): $67,822 per year (commute); $80,540 per year (on-campus)
- Required Credits: 360 credits (35 courses)
- Program Length: 8 semesters at approximately 4 courses per semester
- Learning Format: In-person, on-campus
- Grad Rate: 93%
Bachelor of Science in Human-Computer Interaction Admission Requirements
- GPA: Not Specified
- Standardized Tests: ACT/SAT, TOEFL, IELTS or Duolingo English Test from all non-native English speakers.
- Application Fee: $75
- Minimum Education: High school diploma
- Other Requirements: Teacher recommendation, application essay, official high school transcripts
Applying to Carnegie Mellon University
- Confirm deadline dates and admission requirements on the school’s website
- Click the common app application button to redirect you to the applications page.
- Make sure you’ve gathered all the required materials including high school transcripts and application essays.
- Create an account with Common App and add Carnegie Mellon as a favorite university/ college
- Submit your application and pay the application fee.
DePaul University CDM
Chicago, Illinois
DePaul University College of Computing and Digital Media offers a bachelor of science in user experience design that covers a wide range of disciplines, including human-computer interaction, graphic design, and information technology.
Bachelor of Science in User Experience Design
Consider this program if you are interested in a career path as a user interface/UI designer, social media strategist, web developer, user experience designer, or software engineer. You will work on project-based courses which will give you the skills to conceptualize, conduct research, design, and build interactive systems.
Bachelor of Science in User Experience Design in User Experience Design Overview
- Accreditation: The Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
- Tuition (and Fees): $722/credit hour
- Required Credits: 192 credits
- Program Length: 4 years (8 semesters at 6 courses per semester)
- Learning Format: In-person
- Grad Rate: 71%
Bachelor of Science in User Experience Design in User Experience Design Admission Requirements
- GPA: Not Specified
- Standardized Tests: Optional
- Application Fee: $40
- Minimum Education: High School Diploma
- Other Requirements: Official high school transcripts, letters of recommendations
Applying to DePaul University
- Ensure that you meet this school's admission requirements and deadline dates
- Head over to the official DePaul CDM’s Bachelor of Science in User Experience Design page and hit the apply now button
- You’ll be redirected to the Common app web page, where you’ll complete your application.
- Follow the instructions and pay the application fee
- Submit the necessary documents, including official high school transcripts and letters of recommendation.
Drexel University
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Drexel University is a private research institute that encourages hands-on learning. The university is dedicated to solving real-world issues by continually gaining knowledge through research and experiential learning.
Bachelor of Science in User Experience and Interaction Design
As technology advances, the world is looking for higher standards and better ways of doing things. Innovative thinkers will see the user’s perspective and use creative designs to solve user problems. The user experience and interactive design program will give you a unique skill set with industry insights that will be in demand with future employers.
Bachelor of Science in User Experience and Interaction Design Overview
- Accreditation: The Middle States Commission on Higher Education
- Tuition (and Fees): $1,242/credit hour (in state); contact admissions (out of state)
- Required Credits: 188 credits
- Program Length: 4 years
- Learning Format: In-person
- Grad Rate: 71%
Bachelor of Science in User Experience and Interaction Design Admission Requirements
- GPA: Contact admissions
- Standardized Tests: Test-optional policy, SAT/ACT
- Application Fee: $50
- Minimum Education: High school diploma or GED certificate
- Other Requirements: Essay, transcripts, three years of math (algebra I and II, geometry), one year of a lab science (biology, chemistry, or physics)
Applying to Drexel University
- Review admission prerequisites and application deadlines
- Read the instructions for applications
- Fill out your application form
- Submit the requirements and application fee
- Check the status of your application
Oregon State University
Corvallis, Oregon
Oregon State University is renowned for its contribution in science research and education. This academic institution has over 34,000 students enrolled in the school's 200+ undergraduate programs. Consider the following program if you aspire to work as a graphic designer in the UX/UI industry.
Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design Undergraduate Major
You should consider this program if you aspire to work in graphic design as this is one of the best graphic design degrees. The coursework will give you necessary skills to work in branding, visual identities, responsive design, interactive design (web and video), information design and publication design among other skills in the graphic design field.
Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design Undergraduate Major Overview
- Accreditation: The Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU).
- Tuition (and Fees): $246 per credit hour
- Required Credits: 180 credits
- Program Length: 8 semesters at approximately 22 credits per semester
- Learning Format: In-person
- Grad Rate: 69%
Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design Undergraduate Major Admission Requirements
- GPA: Cumulative grade point average of 3.0
- Standardized Tests: ACT/ SAT (optional)
- Application Fee: $65
- Minimum Education: High school diploma
- Other Requirements: None
Applying to Oregon State University
- Head over to Oregon State’s Graphic Design Undergraduate Major (BFA, HBFA) web page to confirm deadlines and enrollment dates
- Proceed to make your online application.
- Pay the $65 application fee
- Submit a copy of your official high school transcripts to complete your online registration.
Purdue University
West Lafayette, Indiana
Founded in 1869, Purdue University’s mission is to enrich its students' quality of life. Purdue has over 41,000 enrolled students. This academic institution has risen to become a top research institution in Indiana, with its research exceeding $37.1 million each year.
UX Design Degree
This program stands out because students learn different aspects of design while in studio environments. You’ll also get to work on a design portfolio and multiple projects, which will force the tangible application of knowledge acquired in theory. Purdue claims that students will have three and a half years of hands-on experience working on real-world projects by the time they graduate.
UX Design Degree Overview
- Accreditation: The Association of Technology, Management, and Applied Engineering (ATMAE)
- Tuition (and Fees): $9,992 per year (residents) $28,794 per year (non-residents)
- Required Credits: 120 credits
- Program Length: 4 years (8 semesters at 15 credits per semester)
- Learning Format: In-person
- Grad Rate: 83%
UX Design Degree Admission Requirements
- GPA: Not specified
- Standardized Tests: ACT/SAT test scores
- Application Fee: $60
- Minimum Education: High school diploma
- Other Requirements: Proof of English proficiency (International students), application essays
Applying to Purdue University
- You can apply directly through Purdue or through the Common Application webpage
- Answer Purdue specific questions during the first steps of your application
- Attach your high school grades and transcripts
- Attach your ACT/SAT test scores or any other documents (i.e. proof of English proficiency)
- Pay the application fee to complete your application
Robert Morris University
Moon Township, Pennsylvania
Robert Morris University is one of the few universities that offer a fully-fledged UX/UI design degree. However, this is one of many undergraduate programs offered by this institution as there are over 60 undergraduate programs.
Bachelor of Arts in UX/UI Design
This is a cross-disciplinary degree that covers topics in many diverse fields including art, engineering, social science, design and communication. Some of the courses covered include game design, designing for new media, programming and mobile app development. The UX/UI design program also features career coaching and career preparation services.
Bachelor of Arts in UX/UI Design Overview
- Accreditation: The Middle States Commission on Higher Education
- Tuition (and Fees): $1,040/credit hour
- Required Credits: 120 credits
- Program Length: 4 years
- Learning Format: In-person
- Grad Rate: 69%
Bachelor of Arts in UX/UI Design Admission Requirements
- GPA: 2.0 but preference given to students with 3.0
- Standardized Tests: Optional for freshmen
- Application Fee: $30
- Minimum Education: High school diploma/GED
- Other Requirements: None
Applying to Robert Morris University
- Head over to Robert Morris University’s official UX/UI Design bachelor’s degree page
- Scroll to find the apply now button
- Proceed to create an account as a first time user
- Follow the steps to complete the application process
Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU)
Manchester, New Hampshire
SNHU is one of the fastest-growing universities in America. Besides its excellent on-campus programs, this academic institution is known for its broad range of online courses and degree options. At the time of writing, SNHU had about 3,500 on-campus students and over 135,000 online students.
Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design and Media Arts
This graphic design program includes design courses that will help you tap into your creative side. On completion, you'll have acquired a variety of skills including design thinking, brand identity, and digital media. There are two concentration options: Web Design, 3D Modeling and animation.
Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design and Media Arts Overview
- Accreditation: The New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
- Tuition (and Fees): $320 per credit
- Required Credits: 120 credits
- Program Length: 4 years (8 semesters at 15 credits per semester)
- Learning Format: Online
- Grad Rate: 37%
Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design and Media Arts Admission Requirements
- GPA: 2.75 minimum
- Standardized Tests: ACT/SAT
- Application Fee: $20
- Minimum Education: High school diploma
- Other Requirements: High school transcripts
Applying to Southern New Hampshire University
- You can complete your application online through SNHU’s online portal. Head over to the official webpage for this program and hit the apply now button.
- You’ll be redirected to a different window with a set of instructions to follow to complete the application.
- Attach your official high school transcripts and any other documentation that you might be required to provide.
- Complete your application. There are no application fees meaning the process should take a relatively short amount of time.
Pennsylvania State University
University Park, Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania State University, known as Penn State, has over 100,000 students across its 24 campuses, including an online world campus. This academic institution offers hands-on training which ensures students leave with experiences and knowledge that form the foundation for the lives they build.
Bachelor of Science in Human-Centered Design and Development
This program is for students who aspire to design and build technologies that enhance people’s lives. The coursework integrates ideas from design thinking, user experience design, and human-computer interaction (HCI). You might find this program appealing if you are passionate about design, software applications, and building interactive technologies.
Bachelor of Science in Human-Centered Design and Development Overview
- Accreditation: The Middle States Commission on Higher Education
- Tuition (and Fees): $18,898 per year (in state); $36,476 per year (out of state)
- Required Credits: 120 credits
- Program Length: 4 years (8 semesters at 15 credits per semester)
- Learning Format: In-person/on-campus
- Grad Rate: 73%
Bachelor of Science in Human-Centered Design and Development Admission Requirements
- GPA: No minimum GPA
- Standardized Tests: Optional
- Application Fee: $65 (residents), $75 (international students)
- Minimum Education: High school diploma/GED
- Other Requirements: Official high school transcripts
Applying to The Pennsylvania State University
- Choose correct applicant type on official Penn State admissions page
- Ensure you meet Penn State’s admission requirements and deadline dates
- Create account and follow the steps to finish your application
- Pay the application fee
- Attach the required documents
- Check the status of your application in MyPennState
University of Connecticut
Storrs, Connecticut
The University of Connecticut is home to over 31,000 students most of whom are enrolled in undergraduate programs. This academic institution is one of the top 25 public institutions in the country.
Bachelor of Fine Art in Web/Interactive Media Design
This program encourages students to deploy critical thinking and creative exploration skills on internet-based and emerging interactive technologies. Learn design skills in photoshop and illustrator during your first year. Web/interactive media concentration students learn through a wide range of projects that prepare them for careers in coding, creative technology, and design.
Bachelor of Fine Art in Web/Interactive Media Design Overview
- Accreditation: The New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
- Tuition (and Fees): $318 (in state); $968 (out of state)
- Required Credits: 120 credits
- Program Length: 4 years (8 semesters at 15 credits per semester)
- Learning Format: In-person
- Grad Rate: 83%
Bachelor of Fine Art in Web/Interactive Media Design Admission Requirements
- GPA: Not specified
- Standardized Tests: Optional SAT/ACT scores
- Application Fee: $80
- Minimum Education: High school diploma
- Other Requirements: Slideroom portfolio, writing essay/assessment, letters of recommendation, official high school transcripts and GED scores
Applying to The University of Connecticut
- Apply through the common application or coalition
- Upload a portfolio to slideroom (work that highlights your strengths, artistic interests, and experiences)
- Attach the required documentation including high school transcripts, GED scores, application essays, and letters of recommendation
- Pay the application fee
The University of North Texas
Denton, Texas
The University of North Texas serves over 37000 students. This institution offers 113 bachelors degrees, including the communication design degree with a concentration in user experience design.
Communication Design, Bachelor of Fine Art with a Concentration in User- Experience Design
This concentration option focuses on experience design. You'll be introduced to communication design and learn a variety of design related topics such as design prototyping, user testing and interactive systems.
Communication Design, Bachelor of Fine Art with a Concentration in User- Experience DesignOverview
- Accreditation: The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
- Tuition (and Fees): $50/credit hour (in state); $458/credit hour (out of state)
- Required Credits: 120 credit hours
- Program Length: 4 years (8 semesters at 15 credits per semester)
- Learning Format: In-person
- Grad Rate: 57%
Communication Design, Bachelor of Fine Art with a Concentration in User- Experience DesignAdmission Requirements
- GPA: None
- Standardized Tests: Verbal SAT score of 450, or an English ACT score of 18 or higher
- Application Fee: $75
- Minimum Education: High school diploma/GED
- Other Requirements: Official high school transcripts
Applying to The University of North Texas
- Start your application on GoApplyTexas. International students apply with the Common Application
- Pay the application fee
- Submit your official high school transcripts
- Submit your SAT or ACT test scores for financial aid purposes
- Follow the remaining steps to complete your application.
What Is a UX/UI Design Bachelor’s Degree?
A UX/UI design bachelor’s degree is a four-year interdisciplinary program that gives students competency in digital and physical environments. This program is usually a 120-credit program that takes about four years to complete. A bachelor’s degree in UX/UI design program includes design process, visual design, digital marketing, programming software engineering, and web development.
During this period, you’ll learn a wide variety of skills that will make you a professional in user experience and interface design. These skills will help you positively impact the way people work, play, and live.
How Important Is a Bachelor’s Degree in UX/UI Design?
A bachelor’s degree in UX/UI design is important because the US Bureau of Labor Statistics states it is the minimum education requirement to get an entry-level job in this field. However, many professionals do not have bachelor/s degrees in UX/UI. Instead, they have certificates from online courses or a UX/UI coding online bootcamp . Other UX/UI designers are self-taught.
One of the main reasons why a UX/UI design bachelor’s degree is important is that many potential employers only hire people with this advanced degree. It may also be necessary to advance in the field.
What Types of Bachelor’s Degrees Can You Get in UX/UI Design?
You can get the following types of bachelor’s degrees for UX/UI design:
- Bachelor of Arts
- Bachelor of Fine Arts
- Bachelor of Science
A bachelor of arts focuses on humanities and social sciences, which is great for the psychology of design. However, if you prefer a more technical approach, consider a bachelor of science as they focus on mathematics and programming.
Is It Better to Get a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science in UX/UI Design?
It is better to get a bachelor of arts if you’re more into drawing and fine art. If you’re more interested in the technical side of design, it is better to get a bachelor of science. A bachelor of arts also concentrates on design and psychological aspects of design. A bachelor of science degree will focus on technical skills, including programming and coding.
Bachelor of arts and bachelor of fine arts focus mainly on humanities and social sciences. This makes it ideal for those who aspire to work in the user experience field. A bachelor of science degree specializes in mathematics, sciences, and programming. This makes it ideal for those who aspire to work in the user interface field.
What Is the Difference Between a UX/UI Design Bachelor’s Degree and a UX/UI Design Certificate?
The difference between a UX/UI bachelor’s degree and a UX/UI certificate is the coursework. A bachelor’s degree typically offers many courses which take about four years to complete, while a certificate focuses on a few courses which take a few months to complete. If you are deciding between a UX/UI design certificate vs bachelor’s degree, consider your long-term career goals.
A bachelor’s degree encompasses many topics that prepare you for various careers in the UX/UI field. On the other hand, a certificate trains you on a few skills that make you eligible for a few job opportunities. Additionally, some certificates contribute to college credit and can be used to earn a bachelor’s degree.
How Much Does It Cost to Get a Bachelor’s Degree in UX/UI Design?
A UX/UI design bachelor’s degree costs $16,647 per academic year, according to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). If you’re living on-campus, expect to pay as much as $35,331, as this is the average cost of attendance for a four-year program. However, your bachelor’s in UX/UI design cost will vary from institution to institution as public universities tend to be cheaper than private universities.
How Long Does It Take to Get a UX/UI Design Bachelor’s Degree?
It takes about four years to get a UX/UI design bachelor’s degree if you are a full-time student. Most universities adopt a study plan that entails 15 credits per semester over eight semesters. This means that it will take about four years to complete.
However, some accelerated intensive programs take about three to three and a half years to complete. Overall, your bachelor’s in UX/UI design length will depend on how many credits you are able to take each semester.
How Hard Is It to Get a Bachelor’s Degree in UX/UI Design?
It isn’t hard to get a bachelor’s degree in UX/UI design. Many UX/UI designers are self-taught and swear by teaching themselves design skills. You should find many concepts and courses in this degree program reasonably easy to understand.
However, watch out for the technical aspects of this program as programming, software engineering, human-computer interactions, and web development can be challenging for those who do not have previous experience. If you have no tech experience, you may find getting a UX/UI bachelor’s degree is hard.
Why Should You Get a UX/UI Design Bachelor’s Degree?
You should get a UX/UI bachelor’s degree because many employers look for this as a minimum education requirement. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, a bachelor’s degree is the minimum education required for entry-level design jobs in the UX/UI field. One of the benefits of a bachelor’s in UX/UI design is that you can go on to earn a master’s degree .
However, if going to college is not an option, you should consider enrolling in short online courses or online bootcamps and later start building your portfolio. Additionally, many professionals in the UX/UI are self-taught and swear by teaching yourself design skills.
What Courses Do You Need to Take in a Bachelor’s Degree Program in UX/UI Design?
Courses you need to take in a bachelor’s degree program in UX/UI design are design, programming, and psychology-related courses to give you skills to operate effectively in the UX/UI design field. Your bachelor’s in UX/UI design courses will vary, but here are a few you are likely to see on your course list.
Social Psychology
Psychology plays a significant role in a user’s experience with technology. This course exposes how people respond to group situations and social influence. Other topics include communications, personal roles, social roles, interpersonal influences, group problem solving, and leadership.
Distributed-Object Computing
The course concentrates on a project from designing to deploying distributed systems. Students also learn how to manage distributed systems and learn the connection between organizational processes and the architecture of information systems.
Web Development
For years, web development and web design have been popular fields for professionals in the UX/UI field. You’ll enroll in several courses which cover the fundamentals of creating a graphically oriented website. You’ll also learn the basic syntax of HTML and CSS.
Experience Design Studio
This course develops a wide range of skills and knowledge, which come in handy when designing interactive experiences for screen-based outputs. The course includes visual design, prototyping, navigation design, and user testing.
Human Factor Engineering
This course will introduce you to human-machine systems, design, and evaluation. You’ll also learn the use of ergonomic data in design using computer-aided tools in the development process.
Continuing Education Paths for UX/UI Design Bachelor’s Degree Graduates
A continuing education path for UX/UI design bachelor’s degree graduates will be to earn a master’s degree. It is perhaps the best path to take with a UX/UI bachelor’s degree because having one will help you negotiate for better salaries and senior jobs.
Consider enrolling in UX/UI design and development master’s degrees. However, if that is not an option, consider earning certifications in this field such as the Google UX design professional certificate.
Related UX/UI Design Degrees
What to Look For in the Best UX/UI Design Bachelor’s Degree Programs
Things to look out for in the best UX/UI design bachelor’s degree programs include cost, course content, the learning format, employment rate for graduates, and career services. Other things to look out for are the school’s reputation and graduation rate. A good graduation rate shows that the school is supportive of its students.
Course Content
Not many institutions offer outright UX/UI bachelor’s degrees. Most offer programs that will give you the skills to launch a career in this tech industry. For this reason, you should look at the course content to determine if the curriculum will give you the skills you want in the career path you’d like to pursue.
Graduate Employment Rate
It would be in your best interest to find out the employment rate for graduate students who’ve successfully completed this program. Find out the marketable majors or concentrations in the UX/UI degree program.
Learning Format
If you’re an employed worker with full-time responsibilities, you should consider a degree program with an online option. Enrolling in an online degree has been proven to be just as effective as an on-campus degree.
This means that you don’t have to worry about the quality of education or curriculum of an online UX/UI degree. Besides, an online degree will allow you to study without compromising your full-time responsibilities.
Cost of The Program
Finances are a huge factor to consider when choosing between UX/UI degrees. As a rule of thumb, you should compare them to other degrees to find out which one provides more value. Additionally, you want to look at scholarships, financial aid, and payment options which are vital in covering tuition costs.
Career Services
Career services are essential as they help students effectively prepare for the job market. For instance, some degree programs include salary negotiation and resume preparation. Having knowledge about the job market significantly increases your chances of standing out with potential employers.
What Is the Most Affordable UX/UI Design Bachelor’s Degree?
The most affordable UX/UI design bachelor’s degree is Purdue University’s UX design degree. At the time of writing, the total tuition cost of this program was $39,968. Other affordable institutions are SNHU, Oregon State University, and the University of North Texas.
Salary and Job Outlook for UX/UI Design Bachelor’s Degree Graduates
Seeking employment is the next step for many graduates who have completed their bachelor’s degrees. However, you should also consider building a strong portfolio before beginning the job hunt. Building an impressive portfolio can help raise your bachelor’s in UX/UI design salary.
Once you have a portfolio, consider online boards such as LinkedIn and Indeed, as they feature a ton of tech jobs in the UX/UI design field. Here are some of the highest-paying UX/UI design bachelor’s degree jobs to consider.
How Hard Is It to Get a Job With a UX/UI Design Bachelor’s Degree?
It is not hard to get a job with a UX/UI design bachelor’s degree. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, a bachelor’s degree is the minimum education required to work in the digital design field. However, having a solid portfolio and hands-on experience is vitally important.
What’s the Average UX/UI Design Bachelor’s Degree Salary?
The average salary for a UX/UI design bachelor’s degree graduate is $96,832 per year, according to ZipRecruiter. You can generally earn a higher salary by gaining a few years of relevant experience.
What Types of Jobs Can You Get With a UX/UI Design Bachelor’s Degree?
Jobs you can get with a UX/UI design bachelor’s degree include web developer, digital designer, user experience designer, brand experience designer, UI/UX Designer, visual designer, lead UX architect/designer, and interaction designer, just to mention a few. After you graduate, you’ll find it easy to find jobs with a UX/UI design degree.
UX/UI Design Degree Jobs
- UI/UX designer
- Web developer
- Digital designer
- Information architect
- UX researcher
Potential Careers With a UX/UI Design Degree
How Much Money Can You Make With a Bachelor’s Degree in UX/UI Design?
You can make between $77,000 and $130,000 per year with a UX/UI design bachelor’s degree. The amount of money you earn depends on the profession, geographical location, organization, and industry. A digital solutions architect is one of the highest-paying professions in this field, with jobs paying up to $121,290 per year.
Highest-Paying UX/UI Design Bachelor’s Degree Jobs and Salaries: Overview
| UX/UI Design Bachelor’s Degree Jobs | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Digital Solution Architect | $121,290 |
| Interface Analyst | $103,633 |
| UX/UI Designers | $89,955 |
| User Interface Engineer | $87,584 |
| Web Developers and Digital Designers | $77,200 |
Best Jobs for UX/UI Design Bachelor’s Degree Grads
The best jobs for UX/UI design bachelor’s degree grads include digital solutions architects, interface analysts, user interface engineers, UX/UI designers, and web developers. Here’s what you need to know about these jobs, including responsibilities and average salaries.
Digital Solution Architect
Average Salary: $121,290
A digital solutions architect designs business processes to enhance the overall customer experience while meeting other client or employer goals. As a digital solutions architect, you'll be working in many different digital commerce areas to meet the client's needs.
- Average Salary: $121,290
- Job Outlook: 13% job growth from 2020 to 2030
- Number of Jobs: 199,400
- Highest-Paying States: Virginia, Maryland, District of Columbia, Rhode Island, and Washington
Interface Analyst
Average Salary: $103,633
These professionals are responsible for developing and implementing interfaces between numerous systems as used by clients or organizations. They also collaborate with other analysts and software vendors to understand functional interface requirements.
- Average Salary: $103,633
- Job Outlook: 7% job growth from 2020 to 2030
- Number of Jobs: 607,800
- Highest-Paying States: California, District of Columbia, New Jersey, Washington, Massachusetts
UX/UI Designers
Average Salary: $89,955
UX/UI designers create, design, and implement cutting-edge user experience and user interface designs for digital environments. They do so using the help of software such as Adobe Creative Suite, InVidion, Balsamiq, Axure, and Sketch.
- Average Salary: $89,955
- Job Outlook: 13% job growth from 2020 to 2030
- Number of Jobs: 199,400
- Highest-Paying States: Virginia, Maryland, District of Columbia, Rhode Island, and Washington .
User Interface Engineer
Average Salary: $87,584
These professionals are responsible for the design and development of interfaces between various systems. They understand data, different file formats, interface engine workflow, and software development life cycle.
- Average Salary: $87,584
- Job Outlook: 22% job growth from 2020 to 2030
- Number of Jobs: 1,847,900
- Highest-Paying States: California, Maryland, Rhode Island, Washington, and New York
Web Developers and Digital Designers
Average Salary: $77,200
Web developers design, create, and maintain websites. They are responsible for a website's technical aspects, including performance, speed, and capacity. Some web developers create content for websites. Becoming a web developer is fairly straightforward as plenty of technical education paths lead to this profession.
- Average Salary: $77,200
- Job Outlook: 13% job growth from 2020 to 2030
- Number of Jobs: 199,400
- Highest-Paying States: Virginia, Maryland, District of Columbia, Rhode Island, and Washington
Best Jobs According to Your Major
Is a Bachelor’s Degree in UX/UI Design Worth It?
Yes, a bachelor’s degree in UX/UI design is worth it. Having a degree in any field gives you a slight advantage as job markets have become incredibly competitive. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics implies that a bachelor’s degree is the minimum education required to work in entry-level UX/UI jobs. If you want to land a design job, you’ll find getting a bachelor’s in UX/UI design worth it.
However, if going to college is not an option, there are many learning options that could give you the skills to start a career in this field. For instance, online courses and tech bootcamps offer short courses designed to equip you with technical skills that could help you work in specific jobs. Many professionals in this field are self-taught. This shows that a bachelor’s degree is not the only way to get started in the UX/UI field.
Additional Reading About UX/UI Design
UX/UI Design Bachelor’s Degree FAQ
You need a bachelor’s degree to become a UI/UX designer. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, a bachelor’s degree is the minimum education required to work as a UI/UX designer or any other digital designer. However, some of these professionals are self-taught and swear by portfolios and hands-on experience as the two most important factors when searching for jobs.
Design-related
degrees like computer science
, information technology, web development, and human-computer interaction are the best bachelor’s degrees for UX design.
No, you don’t need a bachelor’s degree to be a UX designer. A significant number of professionals in this field are self-taught or have certificates from online courses and coding bootcamps. However, having a bachelor’s degree or an
associate degree
certainly helps with finding jobs and negotiating salaries.
No, UX designers do not need to code. However, having such a set of skills increases your employability or marketability. There are specific occasions where coding knowledge could give you an edge over the competition.
