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.
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.
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
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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
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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.
Best Jobs According to Your Major
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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
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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.
About us: Career Karma is a platform designed to help job seekers find, research, and connect with job training programs to advance their careers. Learn about the CK publication.