How to get into User Experience (UX) — Master’s Degree Programs in the U.S
#1, BEST compiled list of the Master’s (Graduate) programs for UX in the U.S
Please spread this article to more aspiring UX students by pressing on the “❤️” to start before reading through this fantastic list of programs!
*The order for the programs is not in terms of rank. It’s just to get a count.
Introduction
The purpose of this article is to provide a detailed information for those of you who are looking for a graduate degree programs in User Experience (UX). However, regardless of your citizenships, enrolling in any graduate schools need to be thought of carefully and thoughtfully.
First of all, it costs a lot of money to submit applications and to take exams (GRE and TOEFL). Also, writing essays like the SOP (Statement of Purpose) and getting recommendation letters from the professors could be time consuming and stressful. Moreover, most importantly, spending one or two more years at school instead of going out to start your career or coming back from your career to school could be scary.
Therefore, with thorough research and preparation, you should think to yourself why you want and need to pursue a graduate degree. Also, with sufficient amount of time, seriously think about what you wish to get out of it.
*This article will be updated every once in a while! And I encourage for those of you who are attending other UX-related Master’s degree programs to list your school in the comment section if I hadn’t introduced them! I will update them onto this list :)
Human Computer Interaction (HCI) Degrees
#1. Masters of Human Computer Interaction (MHCI) at Carnegie Mellon University
Website: https://www.hcii.cmu.edu/academics/mhci
Description: Carnegie Mellon University is one of the top schools in the field of HCI. At CHI conference, which is the most prestigious and top ranked conference in the field of Human Computer Interaction, Carnegie Mellon University is ranked number one to publish most recognizable papers. Also, there are many well-known and reputed professors that teaches HCI courses.
During the first semester, students learn core HCI methodologies and techniques in the required classes, while customizing their academic experience with the immense selection of electives across all of the schools at Carnegie Mellon University. While completing the second and third semesters, students continue their diverse electives and complete a substantial industry capstone project with an external client.
Program Length: One Year
#2. Master of Science in Human Computer Interaction (MS-HCI) at Georgia Institute of Technology
Website: http://www.mshci.gatech.edu/program/about
Description: Along with Carnegie Mellon and University of Washington, it is one of the highly reputed and top ranked HCI programs. What’s unique about Georgia Tech is that students can apply for four different tracks: Interactive Computing, Industrial Design, Digital Media and Psychology based on their background and skill sets. Also, it’s not mandatory but most of the students go off to take an internship during the Summer to gain more experience in the industry. Moreover, with a lot of labs that are actively researching on HCI-related topics, the students have ample opportunities to take part in ongoing research. Visit the list of labs here.
The program allows students to explore many other disciplines outside of their specializations to build up on their strengths. Elective courses can be in a wide variety of areas, such as Architecture, Music Technology, Industrial and Systems Engineering, Computer Science, Human-Robot Interaction, Human Factors, Management of Technology and Cognitive Science. Students can earn the Management of Technology Certificate from the College of Management.
Program Length: Two Years
#3. Master of Human Centered Design & Engineering (HCDE) at University of Washington, Seattle
Website: http://www.hcde.washington.edu/ms
Description: Students have a variety of academic and professional backgrounds, with an approximate breakdown of one-third from technical and engineering backgrounds, one-third from social sciences backgrounds, and one-third from design backgrounds. About half of the students are working professionals, studying as part-time students; the other half of our students study full-time. Due to this reason, most of the classes are held in the evening.
The students are able to enroll in elective courses to maximize their learning experiences. Also, there is a lab called DUB which is a grassroots alliance of faculty, students, researchers, and industry partners interested in Human Computer Interaction & Design research and education at the University of Washington. Students can take part in ongoing research to further broaden their skills and knowledge.
Program Length: Two Years
#4. Master of Human Computer Interaction + Design (MHCI+D) at University of Washington, Seattle
Website: https://mhcid.washington.edu/program/
Description: The program is is offered by four departments: Computer Science & Engineering, Human-Centered Design and Engineering, the Information School and Division of Design in the School of Art + Art History + Design. It is a non-thesis full-time program where students will engage in capstone project studio courses as well as other general and elective courses to build up their strengths.
Unlike University of Washington’s HCDE MS degree, MHCI+D focuses more on User Research, Ideation, Design and Prototyping. The students also have the opportunity to take part in ongoing research at the DUB lab.
Program Length: One Year
#5. Master of Science in Information (MSI) with HCI Specialization at University of Michigan Ann Arbor
Website: https://www.si.umich.edu/content/msi
Description: It is one of the oldest existing information schools in the U.S. The students are able to choose from User Experience Research/Design (HCI), Libraries/Archives and Records Management/Preservation of Information, Data Analytics/Search Engineering/Informatics and customizable (Tailored) option.
For User Experience Research/Design, students have to complete “mastery courses” which are UX Research and Design, Big Data Analytics, Search and Recommender Systems, User-Centered Agile Product Development, Civic Technology and Social User Experience as well as other elective courses to finish their degrees.
Program Length: Two Years
#6. Master of Science in Human Computer Interaction (HCIM) at University of Maryland
Website: http://www.hcim.umd.edu/
Description: The Master of Science in Human-Computer Interaction degree at University of Maryland integrates information studies, computer science, education, psychology, and engineering to prepare HCI leaders of the future. There is a mandatory Summer internship in the middle of first and second year of the program and most of the students are successfully landing jobs as Information Architects, Interaction Designers, UX Designers, UX Researchers, UI Designers and more.
During the second year, the students have the option to either do a Master’s thesis or a capstone project in order to graduate. Except a few mandatory courses, the program offers a lot of flexibility for the students to pick out courses that will help them to prepare for their future careers. For the first term of the first year, all students take three course: Intro to Programming, Intro to HCI and Research Methods In HCI.
Program Length: Two Years
#7. Human Computer Interaction Design(HCI/d) at University of Indiana Bloomington
Website: http://www.soic.indiana.edu/graduate/degrees/informatics/hcid/
Description: The goal of the human-computer interaction design (HCI/d) at Indiana Bloomington is to teach you to think like a designer in the field of User Experience and Information Technology. Because students take the same classes and work together frequently on projects, they quickly become part of a close-knit, highly collaborative, and imaginative group — building relationships that will continue long after they graduate.
There are three main career goal themes in the program: Interaction Design, Strategic Design Planning and Research, Scholarship, & Creative Activity. Interaction Design is for students who want to professionally design interfaces, interactive applications, social networking sites, and digital products. Strategic Planning is for students who want to start their own design consultancies, or who want to achieve executive level positions and influence in design firms or other firms that make use of digital technologies, or who want to pioneer systemic design innovations for social good. Lastly, Research, Scholarship, & Creative Activity is for students who are considering a career in scholarship, as a professor or researcher.
Program Length: Two Years
#8. Master of Human-Computer Interaction & Design Program (MHCID) at University of California, Irvine
Website: http://mhcid.ics.uci.edu/
Description: MHCID is an inclusive, interdisciplinary academic community geared towards highly successful professionals in user experience. Graduates of MHCID will be prepared for a variety of careers, including user experience (UX) research and design, systems analysis, design research, product design, project management, usability evaluation, web development; and more. Students will attend intensive accelerated in person classes on the beautiful UC Irvine campus in Orange County, CA as well as courses online.
All of the students take same courses throughout the two year period to build up skills and friendships. Although there aren’t much flexibility in course selection, all of the courses are fundamental and necessary to become successful professionals. During the final six months of the program, students form teams to work together to solve a variety of user experience challenges in nearly any domain (education, the environment, healthcare, retail, and more) working with an external client. Iterative research, design, development, and evaluation.
Program Length: Two Years
#9. Master of Science in Human-Computer Interaction (MHCI) at Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI)
Website: https://soic.iupui.edu/hcc/graduate/hci-masters/
Description: The M.S. in Human-Computer Interaction integrates interactive computing, user experience (UX), usability, interaction and interface design, and the social sciences in the research, design, and development of user-centered and socially acceptable interactive technologies, applications, and information systems.
Students have the option to do a final project or a thesis throughout their second year in order to graduate. The program may be completed in two years by a full-time student. Part-time study options are available for domestic students. However, international students and any students funded directly by the School of Informatics and Computing (in the form of an assistantship or fellowship) must complete the program in two years.
Program Length: Two Years
#10. Master of Science in Human Computer Interaction at Iowa State University
Website: http://www.vrac.iastate.edu/hci/degree-programs/masters/
Description: The MS in Human Computer Interaction is an interdisciplinary degree program. In addition to four core HCI graduate courses, students take electives from a wide variety of disciplines and write a thesis of their research for graduation. The program prepares students for a career in the private or public sector, as well as, for continuation of studies in a PhD program.
In order to earn an MS at Iowa State University, each student’s Program of Study (POS) must include at least 30 graduate credits. A minimum 22 of the graduate credits must be earned at ISU. MS students will be required to choose any four courses, 1 each from the Design, Implementation, Phenomena, and Evaluation categories.
Program Length: One/Two Years
#11. Master of Science in Human Computer Interaction at Depaul University
Website: http://www.cdm.depaul.edu/academics/Pages/Current/Requirements-MS-in-Human-Computer-Interaction.aspx
Description: The Master of Science in Human-Computer Interaction prepares students to ideate, design, implement, and evaluate computer-based technologies so they are useful and usable for end users. This interdisciplinary degree integrates concepts and methods from computer science, graphic design and the social sciences. Drawing upon these concepts and methods, students learn user-centered and participatory design approaches as they create information and communication technologies (ICTs) such as dynamic web sites, mobile apps and desktop applications. Particular emphasis is given to ICT evaluation, exploratory user research, information architecture, interaction design and prototype development.
Some of the core and foundation courses include: Scripting for Interactive Systems, Web Site Design for HCI, Foundations of Digital Design, Statistics and Data Analysis, Introduction to User-Centered Design, Introduction to User-Centered Development, Foundations of Human-Computer Interaction and Prototyping and Implementation.
Program Length: Two Years
Information Science Degrees
#1. Master of Information Management and Systems (MIMS) at University of California, Berkeley
Website: http://www.ischool.berkeley.edu/programs/mims
Description: The first year of the program consists mostly of a core curriculum; the second year involves further study in core areas along with additional electives, with the expectation that the student will specialize in particular aspects of information management and systems, as well as complete a final project requirement.
During the summer between the two years, students are strongly encouraged to participate in an internship program in order to use their newly acquired skills in real-world settings.
Program Length: Two Years
#2. Master of Professional Studies (MPS) in Information Science at Cornell University
Website: http://infosci.cornell.edu/academics/mps
Description: Cornell’s Information Science MPS allows each student to individually tailor a unique skill set for their career goals, such as user experience design, data science, interactive technology, and networks and markets. Students can choose from all the courses offered at Cornell during the program.
The Information Science department is home to a number of innovative research groups, with interests ranging from connective media to ubiquitous computing. View list of labs here.
Program Length: One Year
#3. Information Science and Technology (IST) at Pennsylvania State University
Website: http://ist.psu.edu/education/degree/ms
Description: For the first year, students complete two core courses: Foundations of Theories and Methods of Information Sciences and Foundations of Research Design in Information Sciences and Technology to get a broad understanding of the core constructs of people, information, technology, and the significant interactions among these elements.
Also, under the direction of the adviser, students are required to complete a minimum 6 research credits as well as a minimum of 6 credits of research methodology coursework. The goal is for students to develop a basic understanding of the research methods utilized in the information sciences. A research methodology course can be in IST, communications, computer science, political science, statistics or any area that is linked to the information sciences. Lastly, the students need to complete a minimum of 12 credits of specialty area coursework. A specialty area course could be in IST, law, business, education, engineering, the liberal arts or any area that is linked to the information sciences.
Program Length: Two Years
#4. Master of Science in Information System (MSIS) at University of Texas at Austin
Website: https://www.ischool.utexas.edu/programs/masters
Description: All students need to first take three core courses: Information in Social and Cultural Context, Perspectives on Information and Understanding Research. Without the mandatory core courses, there are a lot of flexibility in choosing the elective courses that are offered within or outside of the iSchool.
In order to graduate, each student must complete his or her Capstone Experience. Also, the program offers a number of options for students to craft a concentration or specialization once they have completed their required courses. Some of them include: User Experience, Interactive Design, Web Development, Information Architecture, Health Informatics and Digital Humanities.
Program Length: Two Years
#5. Master of Science in User Experience Design (UXD) at Kent State University
Website: https://www.kent.edu/slis/master-science-user-experience-design-concentration
Description: The UXD program at Kent State University is designed to prepare professional user experience designers to work in agencies and within organizations and to immerse students in the following major components of the field: information architecture, usability, content strategy, organization of information, and user research. All courses are offered conveniently online.
There are two core courses: User Experience Design Principles and Concepts and User Experience Design in Practice that students need to take which would introduce them to the discipline of UXD, design thinking, sketching as way to generate and communicate ideas, design deliverables and portfolio creation. With wide range of elective courses, the students can strengthen their skills and knowledge more broadly. During the last semester, the students need to take a Culminating Experience course which is a Master’s project
Program Length: One/Two Years
#6. Master of Science in Information Systems (MSIS) at Drexel University
Website: http://drexel.edu/cci/academics/programs/graduate-programs/ms-in-information-systems/
Description: Drexel’s Master of Science in Information Systems (MSIS) program is an interdisciplinary program that prepares students with both the domain knowledge and practical competencies to compete in the ever-changing technical landscape of information system business requirements, software design and management, data-oriented informatics and user experience design. The program is designed for students with no prior background in information systems.
The classes are offered as Full-time, Part-time, On Campus and Online. The students take nine required courses: Software Development, Perspectives on Information Systems, Introduction to Database Management, Human-Computer Interaction, Information Systems Analysis and Design, Requirements Engineering and Management, Software Project Management, Information Systems Management and Web Systems & Architecture. Later, they have options to choose from a variety of electives.
Courses integrate the business, organizational, information, and technical aspects of computer-based information systems, while offering the chance to develop expertise in three specialist areas:
- Software and systems development, such as organizational information system design, requirements analysis, software project management, modern systems development and implementation.
- Data analytics, information, and knowledge management, such as organizational data management, data mining, natural language processing, intelligent systems, and competitive intelligence.
- Human-centered computing, such as human-computer interaction, user-experience design, social computing, collaboration systems, and online community support.
Program Length: Two Years
#7. Master of Business and Science in User Experience Design (UXD) at Rutgers University
Website: http://mbs.rutgers.edu/node/245
Description: The User Experience Design Concentration (UXD) trains students in the essential skills needed to design and develop engaging, easily learned, accessible and usable interfaces and interactions, from web sites and mobile apps to new products that blend the web with physical forms. User Experience and Interaction Design have become rooted in many industries, from cars to travel, as new services and products are developed to respond to technical and social innovation. Students learn up-to-date methods and practices involved in gathering user information, creative designing, interface prototyping and evaluating a wide range of interactive media.
The program will provide students with a basic understanding of design methods and principles (drawing from human computer interaction, interaction design); the psychology, communication and sociological theories that guides design; plus training in implementing designs (using visual design and programming). Students are required to take core courses like: Introduction to User Experience Design, Contextual Inquiry, Usability Evaluation, Visual Design for UXD and UXD Practicum in addition to elective courses and capstone projects.
Program Length: Two Years
#8. Master of Science in Information Technology (MSIT) at UNC Charlotte
Website: http://sis.uncc.edu/academics/masters-programs/areas-concentration
Description: The goal of the MSIS program is to enable students to contribute to the design, development, and maintenance of information systems and networks; lead the development of new technologies and new applications relating to the delivery of information; and demonstrate a theoretical knowledge of information science, including the theory of information storage and retrieval, systems science, and social, political, and ethical implications of information systems.
Program Length: Two Years
Interaction Design / Digital Media / Fine Arts Degrees
#1. Master’s in Media Arts and Sciences (MAS) at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
Website: http://www.media.mit.edu/admissions/program-overview
Description: At MIT Media Lab, there are approximately 400 projects under way at the Lab are as varied as the students who conduct them: from tools for learning and expression, to innovative devices for human adaptation and augmentation, to new modes of transportation for tomorrow’s smart cities.
Students have backgrounds ranging from computer science to psychology, architecture to neuroscience, mechanical engineering to material science, and more. With diverse range of courses, Media Lab courses explore several themes, including, for example, human-computer interaction, communications, learning, design, and entrepreneurship.
Program Length: Two Years
#2. Master of Science in Integrated Digital Media at New York University (NYU)
Website: http://engineering.nyu.edu/academics/programs/integrated-digital-media-ms
Description: The IDM degree at NYU focuses on the intersection of engineering and creative practice, encouraging students to engage with technology in a creative, critical, sustainable, and ethical manner; IDM courses feature strong emphasis on human-centered, outward-facing work that integrates values of self-expression, equity, and social justice into engineering.
The required courses in the Master of Science program are Ideation and Prototyping, Creative Coding, Media Studies, and Media Law. Some of the electives we offer include, but are not limited to, web design and development, digital cinema, game design and development, sound, live performance, interaction design, and mobile augmented reality. Graduate level special topics courses currently include AR, VR, motion capture, assistive technology, human-computer interfaces (HCI), mobile application development, user experience (UX) design, motion capture, digital fabrication, interactive installation, among many others.
Program Length: Two Years
#3. Master of Design (MDes) at Carnegie Mellon University (CMU)
Website: http://design.cmu.edu/content/master-design
Description: The Master of Design (MDes) in Design for Interactions is a two-year professional degree for students with an undergraduate degree in design or previous design experience. The curriculum is structured in a way that the students can have intellectual and practical foundation about the field of interaction design. Also, throughout the years, students will have opportunities to work around a lot of projects related to social innovation, businesses and public policy sectors.
A unique feature of the MDes program is the second year thesis project, an independent research and design project developed by students under the mentorship of a faculty advisor. The thesis year is complemented by elective coursework from the School of Design and other departments across the CMU campus.
Program Length: Two Years
#4. Master of Fine Arts (MFA) Interaction design at School of Visual Arts
Website: http://interactiondesign.sva.edu/
Description: The MFA in Interaction Design program trains students to research, analyze, prototype, and design concepts in their business, social, and cultural contexts. It’s aims to explore the strategic role of interaction design in shaping everyday life, and intends to increase the relevancy of design to business and society so designers can make a difference. It seeks to cultivate interaction design as a discipline and further its visibility as a community of practice.
The curriculum is pretty much set throughout the two years and some of the classes are: History of Design, Research Methods, Service Design and Transformation, Product Design, Fundamentals of Physical Computing, Crafting Interactions, User Experience Design, Design Management, Future Wearables and more.
Program Length: Two Years
#5. Master of Fine Arts (MFA) Digital + Media at Rhode Island School of Design (RISD)
Website: http://dm.risd.edu/
Description: The mission of the Digital + Media Department at Rhode Island School of Design is to provide a deeply grounded, dynamic and creative education in the consequential arena of art, technology and society. The students are able to explore diverse subject matter and develop multidisciplinary research methodologies and creative strategies (analog or digital) to interrogate the social, psychological and cultural consequences of ubiquitous or emerging technologies.
In combination with coursework, students may assist in faculty research and develop skills through technical assistantships. Students in the second year of the program develop new, leading-edge approaches to sustainable artistic practice. Working with a thesis committee, MFA candidates integrate conceptual and technical skills in order to articulate a polished, intellectually robust thesis project.
Program Length: Two Years
#6. Interactive Telecommunications Program (ITP) at New York University (NYU)
Website: http://tisch.nyu.edu/itp
Description: The mission of this program is to explore the imaginative use of communications technologies — how they might augment, improve, and bring delight and art into people’s lives. Perhaps the best way to describe us is as a Center for the Recently Possible. The program not only focuses on the technology but also focuses on critical thinking, creative exploration, and the ability to learn how to learn.
For the first year, the students are provided with the baseline of technical skills, conceptual understanding and creative process to support and catalyze student projects. Later on with the program, the students participate in workshops and seminars to broaden their knowledge.
Program Length: Two Years
#7. Master of Fine Arts (MFA) Design and Technology at Parsons School of Design
Website: http://www.newschool.edu/parsons/mfa-design-technology/
Description: The Master of Fine Arts in Design and Technology program provides a dynamic, challenging, and idea-driven environment in which to address these challenges. Students can work with peers in related programs including Communication Design, Photography, Fine Arts, and Illustration.
Program Length: Two Years
#8. Master of Science in User Experience and Interaction Design at Philadelphia University
Website: http://www.philau.edu/msintdesign/
Description: The curriculum features a foundation based on establishing strong visual thinking and conceptual skills common to most art and design fields. In advanced courses, students develop the ability to visualize and produce work for richer information environments. They explore complex aspects of time-based, interactive design, web-based media, user experience, user interface and mobile communications.
In the first term of study, students are engaged in a comprehensive course which establishes the essentials of being an interactive designer as well as builds tight bonds to fellow students in a collaborative working environment. In the following two semesters, students explore concepts of User Experience design both in screen-based devices as well as more industrial input/output applications. In the final semester, a final capstone research project allows students to synthesize all previous knowledge and skill to develop a final working prototype of a product, service, entertainment or publication of the student’s choice.
Program Length: 18 months/Two Years
#9. Master of Science in Design Impact Engineering at Stanford University
Website: http://designimpact.stanford.edu/
Description: The program is project-based, highly immersive, and is based on design thinking, the human-centered design process pioneered at Stanford. It teaches students about the process, mindsets and skills needed to lead high-impact design teams. Also, it prepares students with a rigorous approach to problem-finding and solving, and expect them to produce extraordinary results. Moreover, there is a heavy focus on the strategic without sacrificing the actionable, creating innovative and tangible solutions.
For the first year, all of the students take the same courses as a cohort and during the second year, students continue to work together in the year-long “Design Impact” course, which will be the culmination of their educational experience and propel them to career paths. The Electives in second year will be a combination of building a deep learning in the student’s chosen theme area (Impact theme), and expanding the skill toolkit of the student as appropriate (skillset track). Typically, students take an internship during the Summer as well.
Program Length: Two Years
#9. Master of Design at Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT)
Website: https://www.id.iit.edu/master-of-design/
Description: Throughout the Master of Design program students collaborate in multi-disciplinary teams on real-world projects with partners in healthcare, business, CPG, civics, and more. Projects focus on local and global challenges, addressing problems through innovation, rigor, and creativity.
Over 80% of the courses in the program are electives (seminars and workshops) allowing students to customize their program of study. Students can choose courses ranging across communication design, product design, strategic planning, user research, interaction design and systems design.
Program Length: Two Years
#10. Master of Fine Arts (MFA) at University of Miami
Website: https://interactive.miami.edu/
Description: The University of Miami Interactive Media program aims to prepare a new generation of innovators and leaders in the field of interaction design. Its mission is to explore the use of technology, design, human behavior, and their impact on communication. The multidisciplinary curriculum brings together students from different backgrounds to learn about game design, web design, mobile, data visualization, interaction design, and other emerging technologies. The program trains students to research, prototype, design, and build projects in business, social, academic, and cultural contexts.
There are three focus areas that the students are encouraged to leverage focus areas to produce and evaluate new interactive products: UI/UX, Game Design and Data Visualization.
Program Length: Two Years
Human Factors Degrees
#1. Master’s in Human Factors in Information Design at Bentley University
Website: http://www.bentley.edu/graduate/ms-programs/masters-human-factors-information-design
Description: The program combines a deep understanding of human behavior and perception to inform product design and optimize the user experience. Our graduates have the ability to move quickly from research and data to innovative design solutions.
With core courses like, Foundations in Human Factors, Managing a User-Centered Design Team, Innovation Boot Camp and Testing and Assessment Programs, the focus is to gain a deep understanding of human behavior, values, perception and emotion. Typically, full-time students take three to four per semester and complete the program in one year. Part-time students finish in two to three years.
Program Length: One Year
#2. Master of Science in Human Factors/Ergonomics at San Jose State University
Website: http://www.sjsu.edu/hfe/
Description: The San Jose State University Human Factors and Ergonomics Master’s Degree Program is an interdisciplinary degree program that prepares students for practice in their emerging profession through a course sequence that emphasizes theory, practical applications, and research.
Human Factors/ Ergonomics students take a group of five core courses from several different San Jose State University departments and elective courses in topics of their choosing. The program culminates in a major project or thesis. Courses in this program are usually offered in the evening, allowing students to complete the program on a full or part-time basis.
The core courses include: Industrial & Systems Engineering (Human Factors/Ergonomics, Experimental Design/Statistics), Psychology, Kinesiology, Human Factors Experiment and Writing Requirement. In order to graduate, the student needs to finish a thesis and take up some of the elective courses based on their needs.
Program Length: Two Years
#3. Master of Science in Human Factors at Tufts University
Website: http://engineering.tufts.edu/me/graduate/msHumanFactors.htm
Description: The program offers specialized courses, training, and research opportunities in the human-centered aspects of engineering activities such as: medical devices and systems design, product design, computer-interface design, ergonomics, and workplace safety.
The students are required to complete courses like: Human-machine Systems Design, Analytical Methods in Human Factors Engineering, Inventive Design and Human Factors in Product Design. The purpose of this requirement is to expose the student to the connections between the various sub-disciplines of human factors. Students are required to take the design course after the first semester. All core courses will have an analytical component that is taught as applied to the subject area, a project component, and a software component.
Program Length: Two Years
Computer Science Degrees
#1. Master of Science in Computer Graphics Technology at Purdue Polytechnic Institute
Website: https://polytechnic.purdue.edu/degrees/ms-computer-graphics-technology
Description: The MS degree in CGT is highly flexible and enables students to focus in one of the areas below and to create an individualized plan of study: Building information modeling, Computational art, Computer animation, Computer graphics programming, Game studies, Human-centered design and development (HCDD), Information visualization and visual analytics, Product lifecycle management, Video production and visual effects, Virtual and augmented reality, Web and mobile development.
Program Length: One Year
#2. Master of Science in Computer Science with HCI Specialization at Stanford University
Website: https://cs.stanford.edu/academics/current-masters/choosing-specialization#hci
Description: As an MSCS student, students must choose one of ten predefined specializations, or a combination of any two specializations (dual depth). The students can choose from: Artificial Intelligence, Biocomputation, Computer and Network Security, Human-Computer Interaction, Information Management and Analytics, Mobile and Internet Computing, Real-World Computing, Software Theory, Systems, Theoretical Computer Science.
Program Length: Two Years
Conclusion
Although I listed many schools and programs that may help you in getting closer to your UX career, there might be a few more that I have missed. Since UX a field that diverse disciplines combine, there are so many diverse sets of programs that offer knowledge related to User Experience (UX). Some of the programs are rooted in Computer Science, Information Science, Design, Human Factors and many more.
From my point of view, when applying to any of these programs you should thoroughly take a look at their curriculum, job prospects, reputations, labs and many other things so that your precious time and effort don’t go to waste. As much as people say about how a lot of people can easily get into User Experience nowadays, building your own focus and strengths (skill sets) around it would be the most important thing before starting your career.
Thank you for reading and if there is any schools that I’ve missed, please introduce them in the comment section!
More articles written by me:
- “How to Structure Your First UX Design Portfolio”
- “Having a Psychology background is already a huge step towards User Experience (UX)”
- “How to prepare for your first UX interview”
- “How a young designer takes advantage of Dribbble”
- “Combining humanities and technology is more important than ever for User Experience”
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