Professionals in experience design, or UI/UX design, are responsible for creating and designing digital visual interfaces that improve user experiences. To become a UI/UX design designer, the best UI/UX design master’s degrees will prepare you with the skills needed to excel in the tech industry.
Before applying for master’s degrees in UI/UX design, it is important to compare schools to decide the best fit according to your available resources, time, and schedule. This article details some of the best master’s degrees in UI/UX design. We’ll also cover some of the best UI/UX design master’s degree jobs available in the field after graduation.
Where Can I Get a Master’s Degree in UI/UX Design?
The best colleges where you can get a master’s degree in UX/UX design include Arizona State University, Drexel University, and the University of Washington. The universities mentioned in this article offer visual design courses to full-time and part-time students.
What Schools Offer the Best UI/UX Design Master’s Degrees?
- University of Washington
- Drexel University
- Florida Institute of Technology
- Arizona State University
- University of Michigan
What Are the Admission Requirements for a Master’s Degree in UI/UX Design?
The admission requirements for a master’s degree in UI/UX design vary from one school to another. However, there are some basic metrics that most schools require. All programs will require an undergraduate degree from an accredited college or university. It is also typical that you provide a personal statement, letters of recommendation, and official transcripts.
Schools also use other factors to admit prospective students to their UI/UX design master’s degree programs, such as a statement of purpose, resume, TOEFL/IELTS, GRE, GMAT exam scores, and a programming portfolio.
UI/UX Design Master’s Degree Admission Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in UI/UX design or related-field
- Minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0
- Personal statement
- Letters of recommendation
- Official transcripts
How to Get a UI/UX design Master’s Degree
To get a UI/UX design master’s degree, you will need to complete all of the education and credit requirements of a UI/UX design program. You will be required to complete specified credit hours, pass your exams, and maintain a certain GPA. Some programs will require you to complete a capstone project.
How Many Credits Do You Need for a Master’s Degree in UI/UX Design?
You will need to complete 30 to 60 credit hours to complete a master’s degree in UI/UX design. Depending on the school, you may also be required to maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 and complete a thesis or senior capstone project at the end of your studies.
UI/UX Design Degree Requirements
- Minimum 30 to 60 credits
- Maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0
- Complete a senior thesis
Best UI/UX Design Master’s Degree Programs and Schools: Overview
| School | Program | Accreditation |
|---|---|---|
| Arizona State University | M.S. in User Experience | Higher Learning Commission |
| Drexel University | MS in Information Human-Computer Interaction and User Experience | Middle States Commission on Higher Education |
| Florida Institute of Technology | Human-Centered Design, M.S. | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on colleges |
| Georgia Institute of Technology | Master of Science in Human-Computer Interaction (MS-HCI) | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges |
| Pace University | Human Centered Design, MS | Middle States Commission on Higher Learning |
| Rochester Institute of Technology | Human-Computer Interaction Master of Science | Middle States Commission on Higher Education |
| School of Visual Arts | MFA in Interaction Design (IxD) | Middle States Commission on Higher Education |
| Thomas Jefferson University | MS in User Experience and Interaction Design | Middle States Commission on Higher Education |
| University of Michigan | MS in Human-Centered Design & Engineering | Higher Learning Commission |
| University of Washington | Master of Science in Human Centered Design & Engineering (HCDE) | Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities |
Best Schools for UI/UX Design: Top UI/UX Design Master’s Degree Programs
The best schools for UI/UX design master’s degrees are focused on hands-on practical skills and soft skills training to prepare students for successful design jobs in the tech industry. Furthermore, the top UI/UX design master’s programs will give students adequate education to transfer to grad school and earn a PhD degree in a related field.
As a user experience designer, you’ll need to get certifications to be qualified for jobs. Starting with a college or undergraduate degree, such as an associate degree, is essential, but having a master’s degree will further qualify you and make you more attractive to employers. Below are some of the best schools for UI/UX design master’s degree programs in the United States.
What Is a UI/UX Design Master’s Degree?
A UI/UX design master’s degree is an academic program for graduate students to learn design principles for websites and applications and use that knowledge to attract a target audience. The program incorporates design skills like usability testing and design patterns with other fields like cognitive science, sociology, and psychology to solve specific user problems.
It takes about two years to complete a master’s degree in UI/UX design. Master’s graduates are then enabled with advanced knowledge to design systems to provide solutions through graphics and effective testing in real-world projects.
How Important Is a Master’s Degree in UI/UX Design?
A master’s degree in UI/UX design is very important if you want to become a UX/UI designer. It is possible to have a career in the field of user experience without getting a degree. Nonetheless, advancing professionally in your career will require advanced knowledge in your field and one of the main reasons why a UI/UX design master’s degree is important is it will help further qualify you for jobs.
What Types of Master’s Degrees Can You Get in UI/UX design?
You can get the following types of master’s degrees in UI/UX design:
- Master of Arts, Master of Science in UI/UX Design
- Master of Fine Arts in UI/UX Design
Though each degree track teaches core designing skills, their approaches differ significantly. A Master of Science is ideal for students who want to quickly enter the workforce and learn hands-on technical skills and soft skills. A Master of Fine Arts offers a less technical-focused curriculum and will qualify students for more artistic and creative-orientated jobs.
Is It Better to Get a Master of Science Degree or Master of Arts Degree in UI/UX Design?
It is better to get a Master of Science degree in UI/UX design because this degree will give you more of a technical focus and will prepare you for jobs such as interface designer, user experience researcher, and information architect roles.
On the other hand, a Master of Arts degree will give you a more general view of UI/UX design and prepares you for jobs such as interaction designer, web designer, and user interface designer roles. Tech-focused jobs often pay more and students with a Master in Science will have a wider variety of lucrative career opportunities.
What Is the Difference Between a UI/UX Design Master’s Degree and a UI/UX Design Certificate?
The main difference between a UI/UX design master’s degree and a certificate in UI/UX design is a degree develops the necessary skills needed to thrive in the field of human experience design, whereas a UI/UX design certificate aims to help people sharpen their knowledge of specific skills, like design thinking, human-centered design, and human-computer interaction.
A graduate certificate in UX design typically takes a few months to complete and costs less than a master’s degree. A master’s degree program typically takes two years, requires students to have already attained a bachelor’s degree, and is more expensive, but is a highly valued credential for jobs in the field.
How Much Does It Cost to Get a Master’s Degree in UI/UX design?
UI/UX design masters cost an average of $19,314, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. Tuition fees often increase annually and it is important to note that this is only an average figure. It can be more or less expensive, depending on the university you enroll in for a master’s degree. Private institutions are often more expensive than public schools.
How Long Does It Take to Get a UI/UX Design Master’s Degree?
It takes an average of two years to get a UI/UX design Master’s degree. The length of your master’s degree program will depend on your university’s academic calendar. Full-time students enrolled in user experience design programs tend to complete their postgraduate degrees faster than part-time students.
How Hard Is It to Get a Master’s Degree in UI/UX design?
It is quite hard to get a master’s degree in UI/UX design. You will be required to put in a lot of hard work, write a thesis, and do several pieces of research before you can achieve the degree. Getting a UI/UX master’s degree can be hard because you need to have already obtained a bachelor’s degree in a related field and be both creative and technically proficient.
Why Should You Get a UI/UX Design Master’s Degree?
You should get a UI/UX design master’s degree because it will give you a better understanding of human-computer interaction, user experiences, human behavior, and other skills that are necessary for a UX designer. The benefits of getting a master’s degree in UI/UX design are graduates are ready to enter the field or further advance their careers.
What Courses Do You Need to Take in a Master’s Degree Program in UI/UX design?
The required courses for a UI/UX design master’s degree graduate program will vary depending on the school you choose, but generally, they will cover topics like human behavior and technology, information architecture, web development, and user research. Below you’ll find overviews of a few of the most common core courses in a master’s in UI/UX design degree curriculum.
Human-Computer Interaction
Computer-human interaction is the study of how people interact with computers and technology. Students will learn different aspects of interaction design, including how to design for different user needs, how to create effective prototypes, and how to conduct user research.
Web Design
Many schools offer web design as a specialization course in their UI/UX design master’s degree programs. The course teaches students techniques for creating user-friendly interfaces and efficient architecture for websites and apps. Some topics the course discusses include responsive design and browser compatibility.
Information Architecture
Information architecture is the practice of organizing and labeling information in a way that makes it simple for people to find and use. Good information architecture is essential for creating usable, intuitive, and findable websites and applications. This course will teach students the basics of information architecture, including how to design and create labels and taxonomies and develop user flows.
Usability Testing
This course teaches students techniques and procedures for testing their designs to ensure they are user-friendly. It covers topics like usability test planning, test setup, remote testing, and test analysis. At the end of the course, students will be able to create and apply various necessary testing procedures.
User Research
User research is typically a core in UI/UX design master’s degree programs. It teaches students the methods and techniques used for studying and understanding user behaviors. It also covers topics like research protocol, data analytics, contextual inquiries, and ideation techniques. At the end of the course, students will be able to perform their own independent research.
Continuing Education Paths for UI/UX Design Master’s Degree Graduates
The best path to take with a UI/UX design master’s degree is to pursue a doctoral degree with a specialization of your choice based on your interests. With a doctoral degree, you will gain a PhD and be the most qualified type of candidate in the field, with the options of continuing working as an expert UI/UX designer or teaching at a university.
Related UI/UX Design Degrees
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What to Look For in the Best UI/UX Design Master’s Degree Programs
The best UI/UX design master’s degree programs should be cost-efficient, reputable, accredited by an official body, and have the right concentration paths, among other things. You can expect upper-level classes in various subjects related to UI/UX design covering both technical courses, creative courses, and research courses. Below you’ll find some important factors that you should take into consideration.
Area of Specialization
Before you begin your application process for a UI/UX design master’s degree program, you should consider whether the program is in line with your preferred area of specialization. Some schools specialize in design, some in business, and others in product marketing. Choose a career path and find the school that can give you the best curriculum for your specialization.
Reputation
Before applying for a master’s degree, conduct research on what people have had to say about that particular university or program. You can use school reviews from reputable sites like Career Karma or check out the school’s accreditation status. If you graduate from a reputable university, it can increase your chances of getting a job in the tech industry.
Cost
The cost of obtaining a master’s degree in UI/UX design varies with the institution offering the program. Before you apply for a master’s degree at any university, check the tuition fees to see if you can afford them. You should also consider other expenses like the cost of accommodation, books, and other student fees. Many universities offer master’s degree financial aid options.
Program Type
If you have a job and want to get a master’s degree, a part-time or online program may be a better option for you. However, those who have the time to spare can take a break from other activities and focus on their degree program as full-time students. It is essential to ensure the program design suits your schedule and credit capability before making a choice.
Location
Depending on your preferences, residential location is an important factor to consider when searching for a program. Whether you wish to move to a new state or enroll close to home, be sure to consider the location of the school, as well as the differences in residential and non-residential tuition fees.
What Is the Most Affordable UI/UX Design Master’s Degree?
The most affordable UI/UX design master’s degree program is the MS in Human-Centered Design and Engineering from the University of Michigan-Dearborn. This school charges $455 per credit for Michigan residents, which comes to $14,105 for 30 credits, not including other fees. It is the most affordable school of all other schools mentioned in this article.
Salary and Job Outlook for UI/UX Design Master’s Degree Graduates
The primary purpose of getting a degree is to find a well-paying job. UI/UX design master’s degree jobs are well paid across the United States. UI/UX design graduates who have a master’s degree can use their certificates to find better jobs and build professional careers. Earning more experience will also help increase your masters in UI/UX design salary.
How Hard Is It to Get a Job With a UI/UX Design Master’s Degree?
It is not very hard to get a job with a UI/UX design master’s degree. A master’s degree improves your knowledge, skills, and employability, and prepares you for the technicalities of the job. You will also get to meet more people and create positive connections, which will help you get internships, partnerships, and other advancement opportunities.
What’s the Average UI/UX Design Master’s Degree Salary?
The average salary for those with UI/UX design master’s degrees is $80,000 per year, according to Payscale. This number depends on factors like your years of experience, the organization you are working with, its location, and in some cases, the extra certifications you have.
What Types of Jobs Can You Get With a UI/UX Design Master’s Degree?
The jobs you can get with a UI/UX design master’s degree are not limited to any industry. Companies and organizations need professionals to help them represent their brands, products, and campaigns and effectively communicate with customers through graphical designs. Below are a few of the most common jobs you can get with a master’s design degree in UI/UX.
UI/UX Design Degree Jobs
- UX Designer
- Interaction Designer
- Information Architect
- Visual Designer
- User Researcher
Potential Careers With a UI/UX Design Degree
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How Much Money Can You Make With a Master’s Degree in UI/UX Design?
You can earn between $77,000 and $115,000 with a master’s degree in UI/UX design. However, you can earn more depending on your location, experience, size of the company, or sophistication of your job title.
Another way to increase your earnings with a UI/UX design master’s degree is to aim for high-paying jobs and lead roles in management positions. Your earning potential will increase as you gain more professional experience.
Highest-Paying UI/UX design Master’s Degree Jobs and Salaries: Overview
| UI/UX Design Master’s Degree Jobs | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Lead UI/UX design Designer | $115,267 |
| Senior User Experience Designer | $106,056 |
| User Experience Architect | $93,156 |
| User Experience Researcher | $88,594 |
| Interaction Designer | $78,104 |
Best Jobs for UI/UX design Master’s Degree Grads
Below are some of the best jobs you can get with your UI/UX design Master’s degree. The jobs below are some job titles that UI/UX design Master’s degree grads can take.
Best Jobs According to Your Major
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Is a Master’s Degree in UI/UX Design Worth It?
Yes, a master’s degree in UI/UX design is worth it. Having a master’s degree in UI/UX design is a great addition to your resume and improves your employability. It qualifies you for more senior roles or advanced roles that require greater specialization.
The National Center for Education Statistics shows that having a master’s degree improves your earning potential. Along with having a master’s degree, consistent practice in design will ensure you a promising and satisfying career in the field.
Additional Reading About UI/UX design
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UI/UX design Master’s Degree FAQ
No, you do not always need a master’s degree to get a UX design job, as it is possible to secure a job if you have the right skillset and level of experience. However, a master’s degree on your portfolio assures a recruiter that you have a better understanding of the job and will grant you an advantage over other candidates.
Yes, you can be a UX designer without a degree by learning UX design through bootcamps and online courses. You do not necessarily need a master’s degree to be a UX designer, but having a degree makes securing a job much more feasible.
Yes, UI/UX design is a great career that often provides designers with a sense of purpose and fulfillment. UX/UI designers can create visuals that appeal to people and see how many people use and enjoy their designs. Design professionals also earn high salaries and work in a growing field.
No, you typically cannot get a UI/UX design job without any experience. The demand for UI/UX design designers is high, but most companies are not ready to hire a candidate without a portfolio. If you need to get experience, you can work on capstone projects in your degree program or find internship opportunities.
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.
