The best online UX design bachelor’s degrees will teach you how to design user interfaces that improve user experience, products that resonate with customers’ desires, and interactive websites that engage their visitors. An online Bachelor’s Degree in UX Design will open you up to a wide variety of job opportunities, such as working as a graphic or digital designer.
UX design is a new and evolving field that has proven its worth in the creative industry. Not many schools currently offer online UX design bachelor’s degrees, but many offer programs that will teach you the skills you need to work in UX. This article goes into detail about the best schools where you can pursue a UX design bachelor’s degree, as well as some of the best UX design bachelor’s degree jobs and their salaries.
Where Can I Get a UX Design Bachelor’s Degree Online?
Some of the best schools where you can get a UX design bachelor’s degree include Southern New Hampshire University, Arizona State University, Midway University, University of Maryland Global Campus, and Liberty University. Though the program title may vary depending on the school providing it, all will teach you the skills you need to thrive in a UX design career.
What Schools Offer the Best UX Design Bachelor’s Degrees?
- Southern New Hampshire University
- Arizona State University
- Midway University
- University of Maryland Global Campus
- Liberty University
What Are the Admission Requirements for an Online UX Design Bachelor’s Degree?
The admission requirements for an online Bachelor’s Degree in UX Design are for applicants to have a high school diploma or its equivalent, provide one or more letters of recommendation, attend an interview, write an essay, and have a minimum GPA or SAT/ ACT score.
Online UX Design Bachelor’s Degree Admission Requirements
- Essay
- Minimum GPA or SAT/ACT score
- Letter(s) of recommendation
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Interview
How to Get a UX Design Bachelor’s Degree Online
The best way to get an online Bachelor’s Degree in UX Design is by fulfilling all the degree requirements. These will vary from program to program but generally include completing around 120 credits divided between general, core, and elective courses, maintaining a minimum GPA throughout your studies, and having no outstanding balances in your student account.
UX Design Degree Requirements
- Complete the required number of general education credits
- Complete the required number of core credits
- Complete the required number of elective credits
- Maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0 throughout your studies
- Have no outstanding balances on your student account
Best Online UX Design Bachelor’s Degree Programs and Schools: Overview
| Schools | Pogram | Accreditation |
|---|---|---|
| Academy of Art University | Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Interaction & UI/UX Design | WASC Senior College and University Commission |
| Arizona State University | Bachelor of Science in Graphic Information Technology | Higher Learning Commission |
| California Baptist University | Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design and Digital Media | WASC Senior College and University Commission |
| Lesley University | Design for User Experience Online | New England Commission of Higher Education |
| Liberty University | Bachelor of Science in Information Technology Web & Mobile Programming | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges |
| Lindenwood University | Online Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Art & Design | Higher Learning Commission |
| Millersville University | Online Bachelor of Art in Interactive and Graphic Design | Middle States Commission on Higher Education |
| Southern New Hampshire University | Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design and Media Arts – Concentration in Web Design | New England Commission of Higher Education |
| University of Florida | Bachelor of Arts in Digital Arts and Sciences | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges |
| University of Maryland Global Campus | Bachelor of Science in Digital Media & Web Technology | Middle States Commission on Higher Education |
Best Schools for UX Design: Top Online UX Design Bachelor’s Degree Programs
The best schools for a Bachelor’s Degree in UX Design will enhance your knowledge in the field and give you the skills and training you need for a long and healthy career in the field of UX design. Below are some of the best schools offering top online UX design programs, along with all of the relevant information you need to know about them.
What is an Online UX Design Bachelor’s Degree?
An online UX design bachelor’s degree is an academic degree that you earn after completing a four-year UX design program at an accredited university or college. To earn this degree, you don’t have to attend classes in a traditional brick-and-mortar campus setting. Rather, you can attend courses remotely using a computer or mobile phone connected to the Internet.
If awarded by a reputable accredited school, an online bachelor’s degree provides you with the same level of quality as one earned physically. Some of the courses in these programs can be self-paced, while others may require interaction by following live classes.
Online vs In-Person UX Design Degrees
The difference between online and in-person UX design bachelor’s degrees is the method in which the curriculum is taught. Online bachelor’s degree courses are taught virtually in live online classes or through prerecorded lessons as opposed to in a physical classroom on campus. Online programs can be accessed from anywhere that a student has Internet access.
Both methods of learning have their benefits and drawbacks, and the one you choose should suit your needs and desires. When choosing whether to study online or in-person, consider your available resources and time. Online degree programs typically provide significantly more flexibility than their in-person counterparts.
Top 5 Benefits of an Online Bachelor’s Degree in UX Design
- More affordable. Online degrees are typically cheaper than on-campus degrees. Not only is the tuition usually somewhat cheaper, but distance learners also save on costs related to room and board, travel, and physical books.
- Flexible learning schedule. Online learning programs often have a different lecture schedule than in-person programs. Live lectures are often recorded, meaning that students can go back at any time to watch them back, and many programs use prerecorded lectures rather than live ones to provide even more flexibility.
- Easily accessible. An online student can attend lectures from anywhere and at any time as long as they have a steady Internet connection. This eliminates any location barriers, allowing students who can’t move to study at their program of choice to still attend.
- Helps with time management skills. Online learning requires a certain amount of self-motivation and independence. Studying in an online bachelor’s degree program is a great way to build these skills, which will help you tremendously after graduation as well.
- Access to networking opportunities. Online learning allows students to expand their horizons by working with peers from around the world. By meeting students of other cultures, religions, and races, they can build stronger social and communication skills and open themselves up to new ideas and experiences.
Top 5 Benefits of an In-Person Bachelor’s Degree in UX Design
- Access to facilities. When learning on-campus, students have access to several state-of-the-art facilities such as libraries, workshops, labs, and more. These resources can come in extremely handy and are much more difficult to access in an online program.
- Credibility. Traditional universities are a well-established type of higher education. Although online degrees are becoming more common and accepted, in-person degree programs will sometimes have a higher perceived value by employers.
- Physical interaction. Physical interaction with teachers and colleagues in a learning environment can help students build necessary social skills on a much higher level than online programs. It’s much easier to participate in class discussions and team projects when all in the same room.
- Dedicated learning environment. One of the biggest benefits on-campus students have is the ability to study in a dedicated learning environment. College campuses and their facilities are built to help their students focus and keep away distractions, helping them develop more academically.
- Reputation. Because traditional university programs have a long-standing history, in-person programs will often have a larger number of notable alumni and professors, leading to a higher reputation and level of recognition.
What Types of Online Bachelor’s Degrees Can You Get in UX Design?
The types of online Bachelor’s Degrees in UX Design you can get include a Bachelor of Arts degree, which focuses on liberal arts, humanities, and language courses, a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree that involves more artistic practices related to design, and a Bachelor of Science degree, which tackles the technological and digital elements of UX design.
Is It Better to Get a Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts in UX Design?
It’s better to get a Bachelor of Science instead of a Bachelor of Arts in UX design if your goals primarily include working in the tech sector as a UX/UI developer, full stack developer, web programmer, or any other more technical role. The technical skills you’ll develop during your degree will lend themselves better to these kinds of positions.
On the other hand, a Bachelor of Arts will provide you with a much broader education covering a wider range of areas of study. In the long run, this will open you up to a more diverse set of career opportunities, including working as a graphic designer, digital designer, or creative director.
How Much Does a UX Design Bachelor’s Degree Cost?
Bachelor’s degree programs in UX design cost an average of $28,775 per year, according to reports compiled by the National Center for Educational Statistics (NCES). This amount could, however, vary based on certain conditions that may be in places, such as living conditions or control of institutions. Applying for financial aid can help you manage this cost.
How Long Does It Take to Get a UX Design Bachelor’s Degree Online?
It takes four years to get an online Bachelor’s Degree in UX Design if studying in a full-time capacity. Considering the average bachelor’s degree takes 120 credits to earn, you need to complete 15 credits each semester to graduate within these four years. Some schools offer an accelerated program which will cut the duration of the program significantly but increase your workload.
Are Online UX Design Degrees Respected?
Yes, online degrees in UX design are respected. As long as your degree is earned from an accredited online institution, it is required for employers to treat it as a college degree without regard to the method of acquisition. Additionally, the number of online degrees earned each year has been steadily increasing, and in turn, so has the acceptance of them by employers.
Is UX Design Hard to Learn Online?
No, UX design is not hard to learn online. Just like the on-campus format of learning, it will require focus and commitment to complete an online degree program. Learning a digital skill like UX design from home will not be any more difficult than learning it in person, especially if provided by a school that provides adequate support to its students.
UX Design Bootcamp vs Online UX Design Bachelor’s Degree: Which Is Better?
It’s better to get an online UX design bachelor’s degree because of the depth of knowledge you can gain from it and the increased number of job opportunities it qualifies you for, especially if you just graduated from high school. A UX design bootcamp provides real-world experience and technical training within a short time, making it better for reskilling or upskilling professionals.
Top 5 Benefits of an Online UX Design Bachelor’s Degree
- More job opportunities. Many jobs related to UX design require applicants to have earned a bachelor’s degree or higher. You will rarely be able to apply for these positions with just a bootcamp certificate.
- Broader education. A bachelor’s degree requires you to take general education and elective courses. These will teach you things outside of your major and help you become a more well-rounded student and person.
- Access to financial aid. The fact that bachelor’s programs are offered by accredited institutions allows students to apply for federal financial aid opportunities. There are generally more scholarships available to degree students compared to bootcamp students.
- Respected by employers. Even for jobs that don’t require applicants to have a bachelor’s degree, having a diploma from an accredited institution will put you in higher standing than someone with just a bootcamp certificate.
- Access to more facilities. Universities and colleges, which offer bachelor’s degrees, are usually home to a wider range of digital facilities such as online libraries, software programs, and more, all of which students can access for free.
Top 5 Benefits of a UX Design Bootcamp
- Fast-paced. Acquiring practical skills in a short period of time is the driving force of bootcamps. This makes it great for working professionals with busy lives to learn new skills while keeping their job.
- Access to career services. Bootcamps often provide a wide range of career services such as portfolio and resume reviews and networking events, allowing learners to build connections with possible future employers, colleagues, and employees.
- Access to working professionals. Bootcamp courses are usually taught by professionals with experience in the field who can offer insight and advice to students. These professors can also help their students find work after graduating.
- Flexible payment options. Bootcamps often offer their students a wide range of flexible payment plans, such as deferred tuition and income share agreements, which allow them to more easily manage the cost of their studies.
- Efficient and relevant curriculum. Because bootcamps are so short, it allows them to more regularly update their curriculum in a way that guarantees that their students will graduate with a relevant skillset.
Why You Should Get a UX Design Bachelor’s Degree Online
You should get an online Bachelor’s Degree in UX Design because it will provide you with all of the necessary tools to become proficient in the field while also allowing you more flexibility, easier access to reading materials, and a cheaper cost of tuition. Studying online will also help you develop strong independent working habits.
What Courses Do You Take in an Online Bachelor’s Degree Program in UX Design?
The Bachelor’s Degree in UX Design online courses you take will depend on the kind of bachelor’s degree you are pursuing and the institution providing it. That being said, there are some common courses you will find across all programs. These will help you build the skillset you need to work in UX design. Here are some examples.
Human-Computer Interaction
A human-computer interaction course teaches students how people interact with computers and digital devices. It covers a wide range of topics, from user interface design to human factors engineering. In this course, students will study the design process and how to apply user-centered design methods to the development of computer interfaces.
Computer Programming
A computer programming course is a must for any prospective UX designer, as they must have a basic knowledge of computer programming in order to create prototypes and test user interfaces. This course teaches the basics of computer programming and how to apply it to UX design. Students learn to write code to create prototypes and test user interfaces.
Interaction Design
A course in interaction design teaches how to design interactive digital products such as websites and software applications. It covers the design of user interfaces, interactions, and workflows between humans and digital systems, information architecture, web development, and user experience design.
Graphics Design
Graphics design is a form of communication that uses visual elements to convey ideas. A graphic design course teaches foundational principles in art and design using diverse tools and technologies used in the field. At the end of the course, students will understand how to create designs that meet clients’ needs.
Usability Testing
Whether or not a user interface will be implemented into products and services depends on how it performs in a usability test. In a usability testing course, students will learn how to conduct effective usability testing to ensure products are up to standards set up by companies or regulatory bodies.
Continuing Education Paths for Online UX Design Bachelor’s Degree Graduates
The best bath to take with an online UX design bachelor’s degree is to pursue a master’s degree in UX design. Various institutions offer Master’s Degrees in UX Design and other programs in this field, such as a Master of Arts (MA) in Interaction Design, a Master of Science in User Experience, and a Master of Science in User Experience Management and Design.
Related Online UX Design Degrees
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What to Look For in the Best UX Design Bachelor’s Degree Programs
The things to look for in the best UX design bachelor’s degree programs include a learning format that caters to your needs, a low student-to-faculty ratio, a wide variety of student services and career services, and affordable application fees. Keeping in mind all of these factors during your school search will help you find the best school for you.
Learning Format
Not all online programs are designed in the same way. Some are better tailored to full-time students, others to part-time students. Some may offer a large portion of their classes as prerecorded lessons, while others require their students to attend at a specific time of day. When picking your program of choice, make sure that the learning format is right for you.
Student-to-Faculty Ratio
It’s been proven that smaller class sizes positively impact the development of students, so you should opt for a ranked college with a low student-to-faculty ratio when considering applying for a UX design program. Fewer students in your classroom mean you’ll more easily be able to get one-on-one feedback from your professor.
Student Services
It is important to attend a school that offers its students as much support as they may need. When researching the different programs you’re thinking of applying to, have a look at what student services they offer. These can be physical and mental health services, planning fun events for the student body, and offering financial support.
Career Services
Schools benefit from their students achieving success after graduation, which is why many offer a wide range of career services. These career services can take the form of interview prep, resume and portfolio reviews, or even job fairs and networking events. Have a look at what career services the schools you’re interested in are offering.
Application Fees
All dependent on the reputation and services provided by institutions, the competition for places in schools’ bachelor programs can be very high, and this usually also leads to higher application fees. If you’re applying to multiple universities at the same time, these application fees can add up fast. Make sure to budget accordingly.
What Is the Most Affordable Online UX Design Bachelor’s Degree?
The most affordable online UX design bachelor’s degree is offered by the University of Florida. This Bachelor of Arts in Digital Arts and Sciences is offered at a rate of $111.92 per credit for in-state students. This will amount to $13,430 for the entire 120 required credits before taking into consideration any fees.
Can I Get a UX Design Bachelor’s Degree Online for Free?
No, you cannot get a free online Bachelor’s Degree in UX Design. That said, the government offers scholarship opportunities and federal funding to students interested in getting into this field of study. Scholarships and federal loans can heavily reduce the cost of your degree.
Salary and Job Outlook for Online UX Design Bachelor’s Degree Graduates
UX design graduates are widely sought-after by companies looking to increase consumer satisfaction. Because this field is relatively new, there is no balance yet between the number of skilled UX designers and the number of open positions. As a UX designer, you could work at companies like Google, Microsoft, and Amazon, which are among the top companies hiring UX designers.
How Hard Is It to Get a Job With a UX Design Bachelor’s Degree?
It is not hard to get a job with a UX design bachelor’s degree. This is a newly emerging market with programs that adequately prepare students with the skills needed to apply for employment opportunities right after graduation. As a UX designer, you can land a job as a UX researcher, UX writer, UX developer, UI/UX designer, and product designer.
The employment opportunities available to a graduate with a UX design bachelor’s degree go well beyond these, and the job market continues to expand as more companies begin to recognize their importance and create more roles and positions to accommodate them.
What’s the Average Online UX Design Bachelor’s Degree Salary?
The average salary for someone with an online Bachelor’s Degree in UX Design is $58,000 per year, according to PayScale. That being said, the median salary for a UX designer is much higher than this and around $76,000 each year. This means that as you gain experience, you can quickly increase your pay.
What Jobs Can You Get With an Online UX Design Bachelor’s Degree?
The jobs you can get with an online UX design bachelor’s degree include working as a UX researcher, UX strategist, UX developer, product designer, and UX writer. All of these positions can earn you a great salary, and all have a positive projected job outlook between now and 2030.
UX Design Degree Jobs
- UX Researcher
- UX Writer
- UX Developer
- UI/UX Designer
- Product Designer
Potential Careers With an Online UX Design Degree
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How Much Money Can You Make With an Online UX Design Bachelor’s Degree?
You can make between $77,679 and $114,240 per year with an online Bachelor’s Degree in UX Design. Although you may not be able to land a job as a lead or senior UX designer straight out of school, you will definitely be able to work your way up to those positions thanks to the skills you’ll learn from a Bachelor’s Degree in UX Design.
Highest-Paying Online UX Design Bachelor’s Degree Jobs and Salaries: Overview
| UX Design Bachelor’s Degree Jobs | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Lead UX Designer | $114,240 |
| Senior UX Designer | $104,929 |
| Product Designer | $91,080 |
| Interaction Designer | $78,104 |
| User Experience Designer | $77,679 |
Best Jobs for Online UX Design Bachelor’s Degree Grads
The best jobs for online UX design bachelor’s degree holders are graphic designers, interaction designers, user experience designers, and senior roles such as lead UX designer, senior UX designer, and product designer. Below, we discuss the jobs in detail.
Best Jobs According to Your Major
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Is an Online UX Design Bachelor’s Degree Worth It?
An online UX design bachelor’s degree is worth it, and it is highly recommended for aspiring designers. A bachelor’s degree is the basic entry-level requirement for most jobs in the field and is an essential requirement for a promotion. An online degree is even more worth it if you can’t move to study at the program you want to.
Additional Reading About UX Design
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Online UX Design Bachelor’s Degree FAQ
Yes, UX design is a suitable career for most people as it is an interdisciplinary field that combines art with technology. Including the fact that it’s a growing and in-demand profession, it is yet to hit its highest potential salary-wise and is getting adopted by virtually every consumer and consumer-related service and organization. There is a wide range of UX design jobs you can apply for in various industries.
You can start a career in UX design by getting a Bachelor’s Degree in UX Design, after which you can decide to get a job or pursue an advanced degree in the field of UX design. However, you can also start a career in UX design by enrolling in and completing a bootcamp in UX design.
No, coding skills are not required for UX design. However, it may be important to know a bit of coding because such a skill may be required when handling some complex aspects of UX design.
Yes, UX designers are in demand. Following the rapid sophistication in technology and the Internet, consumers have easier access to available products as well as high expectations when it comes to interacting with these products. This has led to a wide human-computer interaction gap that UX designers help fill.
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.
