| Ranking | School | State |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Carnegie Mellon University | Pennsylvania |
| 2 | University of Washington | Washington |
| 3 | Savannah College of Art and Design | Georgia |
| 4 | University of California, San Diego | California |
| 5 | University of Michigan | Michigan |
| 6 | Purdue University | Indiana |
| 7 | DePaul University | Illinois |
| 8 | Stanford University | California |
| 9 | Arizona State University | Arizona |
| 10 | Drexel University | Pennsylvania |
| 11 | University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign | Illinois |
| 12 | California College of the Arts | California |
| 13 | Academy of Art University | California |
| 14 | Cornell University | New York |
| 15 | University of Texas at Austin | Texas |
| 16 | Full Sail University | Florida |
| 17 | ArtCenter College of Design | California |
| 18 | University of Maryland | Maryland |
| 19 | Pennsylvania State University | Pennsylvania |
| 20 | Rutgers University | New Jersey |
| 21 | Michigan State University | Michigan |
| 22 | Northeastern University | Massachusetts |
| 23 | University of California, Irvine | California |
| 24 | University of Illinois Chicago | Illinois |
| 25 | University of North Texas | Texas |
Our 2024 rankings of the Top 25 undergraduate UX/UI/HCI school programs in the US. For an explanation of ranking criteria, click here.
Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) is one of the world’s first universities to offer a major in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI). Launched in 2020 and housed in the School of Computer Sciences (SCS), Human–Computer Interaction Institute (HCII), CMU’s HCI program has BS, minor, and concentration options. The BS requires 35 courses, the interdisciplinary minor consists of three courses and nine-plus elective units, and the concentration comprises five courses including two required courses and three elective courses.
Students enrolled in any Carnegie Mellon undergraduate program may enroll in the school’s Interdisciplinary HCI Major. This option allows students to maintain their primary major and complete the Interdisciplinary HCI major by taking 12 prerequisite and required courses. Course examples include Programming Usable Interfaces (PUI); Design Educational Games; Software Structures for User Interfaces (SSUI); Statistics for Lab Sciences; and User-Centered Research & Evaluation (UCRE).
The HCI BS program at Carnegie Mellon University consists of coursework in humanities and the arts, math, statistics, science and engineering, psychology, ideation and design, computing, and research and evaluation. Course examples include Digital Service Innovation; Matrices and Linear Transformations; Statistical Graphics and Visualization; Reason, Passion and Cognition; Advanced Interaction Design; and Software Structures for User Interfaces.
In addition to required courses, BS students have the opportunity to take up to four elective courses in the areas of design and technology. Design of Artificial Intelligence (AI) Products and Services; Human AI Interaction; Computer Game Programming; Digital Service Innovation; Gadgets, Sensors and Activity Recognition in HCI; and Human Robot Interaction.
Throughout the program, BS students will have opportunities to design for digital technologies such as virtual and augmented reality (VR/AR), web, fabrication, mobile, IoT, and gadgets. The program culminates with a Capstone course, which consists of a team project that allows students to work with CMU-based clients or external clients to design, build, and test a software applications. Second HCI major students will also complete the Capstone.
The HCI minor at Carnegie Mellon University is open to students in computer science, information systems, and mechanical engineering as well as areas such as art, design, psychology, statistics, architecture, and decision science, and business administration. The HCI concentration is designed for SCS students. Across options, area explored include digital technologies, virtual and mixed reality (VR/MR), and human psychology as it relates to interactions with digital services and products.
Students in the HCI minor and concentration have access to many of the same courses as students in the BS program do. Students in both options will take Designing Human-Centered Software (DHCS) and Interaction Design Fundamentals. Elective examples include Building User-Focused Sensing Systems; Artificial Intelligence Methods for Social Good; Machine Learning in Practice; Experimental Animation; and Web Application Development.
Graduates of the HCI minor are prepared to pursue careers related to the creation of new interactive products, environments, services, and systems. Graduates of the HCI BS program, second major, and concentration at Carnegie Mellon University are well-positioned to compete for careers in the tech industry. Examples include Interaction Designer, Technical Product Manager, UX Engineer, and Front End Engineer. Some program alumni go on to pursue graduate study at CMU or other major universities.
Founded on November 15, 1900 by industrialist and philanthropist Andrew Carnegie, Carnegie Mellon University opened its doors as Carnegie Technical Schools. Today, this private global research university provides more than 200 programs to approximately 16,780 students representing 126 countries. In addition to the main campus in Pennsylvania, CMU has campuses in California's Silicon Valley and Doha, Qatar.
Housed across seven colleges and schools, Carnegie’s academic programs are also provided in Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, Mexico, and Portugal. Carnegie Mellon University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).
The College of Engineering at University of Washington (UW) is the number one source of all UW start-ups and a national leader in women in engineering. Serving approximately 5,615 undergraduate students, UW College of Engineering also houses one of the nation’s top Human Centered Design & Engineering (HCDE) programs.
At the undergraduate level, students can earn a BS in HCDE. This competitive program attracts students in their second year of study at the University of Washington. With three major areas of learning including design, technicality, and social scientific, the HCDE program requires 180 credit hours in general education, core and electives, and free electives. Course examples include Interaction Design and Prototyping; Empirical Traditions in Human Centered Design and Engineering; User-Centered Web Design; Inclusive Design and Engineering; Human Data Interaction; and Interactive Systems Design and Technology.
Through the experiential learning requirement, students will have the opportunity to complete an internship, study abroad course, or directed research in HCDE.
Graduates of the HCDE BS program at University of Washington are prepared to pursue positions that involve creating information visualizations, designing for the web, conducting user research, building web technologies, and designing user experiences and interfaces. HCDE graduates hold positions such as UX/UI Designer, User Experience Researcher, Interaction Designer, Consulting Development Analyst, Product Designer (Internet & Software), Program Manager, and Software Architecture Analyst.
Examples of companies and organizations that have hired UW HCDE alumni include Boeing, Amazon, Google, Disney, Microsoft, Apple, T-Mobile, NBC Universal, Accenture, GE Digital, Capital One, Alaska Airlines, Intel, Expedia Group, IBM Designs, Intuit, Lyft, GoDaddy, Razorfish, Verizon, Publicis Sapient, Getty Images, Raytheon Technologies, Adobe, Nike, Starbuck’s, Cisco, Uber, Bungie, Inc., and Getty Images.
Established in 1861, University of Washington serves approximately 60,095 students across campuses in Seattle (main), Bothell, and Tacoma, Washington. Collectively, these campuses provide more than 470 programs and 845 degrees housed across 18 colleges and schools. University of Washington is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU) and is a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU). UW Engineering is accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET).
Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) has a UX Design program that was developed in collaboration with Google. Leading to a BFA and available at the Savannah and Atlanta campuses, the program provides the opportunity to complete an undergraduate internship or work with major corporations to solve real-world problems. Through SCADpro, students have worked with Microsoft, Capital One, Home Depot, 3M, Hewlett-Packard, and Instagram, among others.
In addition to completing an undergraduate internship or participating in SCADpro—all before graduation—SCAD UX students have the opportunity to select a minor from more than 75 options. Examples of minors that complement the UX program include Graphic Design, Mobile and Interactive Design, Game UX, Electronic Design, and Interactive Design and Game Development.
Consisting of 180 credit hours, the UX BFA at Savannah College of Art and Design requires foundation, general education, major, and elective courses. Students can expect to take courses such as User Experience Design Methods; Coding for UX Designers; Computer-aided Product Design; Front-end Visual Interface Design; Interactive Product Design; Usability Testing: People vs. the World; and Production for Digital Environments.
The UX BFA curriculum also requires a number of studios including Studio I: Production and Technique; Design Studio I: Innovation; and Design Studio II: The Complexity of Simplicity. The program culminates with Senior Studio I: Researching and Ideation; and UX Design Senior Studio II: Prototyping and Communication.
Graduates of the UX BFA program at SCAD are prepared for careers such as UI/UX Designer, Product Researcher, Interaction Design Director, UX Design Analyst, Visual Designer, Mobile Application Designer, UX Strategist, Product Designer, Front-end Developer, and UX Researcher. Program alumni have been hired at Google, Ernst & Young, Microsoft, Amazon, Facebook, Deloitte Digital, Apple, FedEx, IBM, Volvo, Uber, State Farm, Truist, and Uber.
Founded in 1978, Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) opened in 1979 with just 71 students, one classroom, and an administration building. Today, SCAD serves more than 15,000 students across campuses in Atlanta and Savannah, Georgia, and Lacoste, France. Providing more than 100 degree program options and over 75 minors and certificate programs, the has more programs and specializations than any other art and design college in the U.S.
Savannah College of Art and Design is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
The University of California, San Diego (UC San Diego or UCSD) is home to the School of Social Sciences. Founded in 1986, this interdisciplinary school houses 16 departments and programs, including the Department of Cognitive Science (CogSci). The UCSD Cognitive Science community dates back to 1961 and the establishment of the Cognitive Science Society took place in 1979. The Department itself was established around the same time as the School of Social Sciences, making it the first CogSci Department in the world.
Within the CogSci Department are eight undergraduate degree programs and two minors. This includes a BS in Cognitive Science with a specialization in Design and Interaction. With a focus on project-based coursework, the program is designed for students interested in UX design, HCI, mobile app development, web design, usability research, and product design.
The program begins with lower division courses such as Design, Neuroscience, and Programming. Upper division requirements consist of 48 units or 12 courses including a combination of cores and electives. Course examples include Data-Driven UX/Product Design; Advanced Interaction Design; Cyborgs Now and in the Future; Design for Future Creativity and Productivity; HCI Technical Systems Research; Social Computing; Cognitive Design Studio; Information Visualization; Thinking with Computers; and Usability and Information Architecture.
Students have the opportunity to participate in the internship program, study abroad experiences, practicums, and the HCI Portfolio Design Studio.
The Cognitive Science/Design and Interaction BS program at University of California, San Diego culminates with a final online portfolio of the students best work. Graduates are prepared to pursue an advanced degree in UX/UI/HCI or positions such as UX/UI Designer, HCI Specialist, UX Researcher, Graphic Designer, Front-End Programmer, Mobile App Developer, Data Visualization Specialist, Product Manager, Web Designer, Project Manager, Tech Entrepreneur, Software Engineer, and Product Designer.
University of California, San Diego is one of the top 15 research universities worldwide. Founded in 1960, UCSD serves 42,300 students enrolled in more than 100 degrees and programs across six undergraduate colleges, five academic divisions, and four graduate and professional schools. University of California, San Diego is accredited by WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC).
The School of Information at University of Michigan (U-M) serves approximately 1,800 students enrolled in five degree programs. Known as UMSI, the School of Information was the first iSchool in the world to offer the integrated BS in Information (BSI). This program is also one of the few to provide a UX concentration with the option to focus in areas such as Digital Humanities, Social Media, and Entrepreneurship.
Consisting of 120 credits, the BSI UX concentration features courses that guide students idea and design to building and evaluating interactive systems. Courses include Building Interactive Applications;
Putting the H in HCI: Human Perception, Cognition, and Mental Processes; Needs Assessment and Usability Evaluation; User Experience Design Capstone I; and Interaction Design Studio.
Other program features include the dual degree options in collaboration with the Penny W. Stamps School of Art and Design, the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts, the School of Music, Theatre & Dance, the College of Engineering, and the Ross School of Business; the opportunity to add a minor offered by any department; study abroad in places such as England, Australia, or Spain; and participation in the internship program (optional).
The BSI UX program at University of Michigan culminates with the User Experience Final Project Students. During this course, students will create a project that demonstrates knowledge and skills related to the analysis, design, and evaluation of interactive systems based on client needs. The User Experience Final Project might include constructing a website for an academic unit or organization; designing a patient-facing or clinical support system; building a mobile health application; or constructing a commercially viable product, among others.
With an average starting salary of $88,000, approximately 97% of BSI graduates work in their field of choice. Program alumni have been hired at places such as Amazon, Meta, KPMG, Deloitte, NBCUniversal, Johnson & Johnson, Samsung, Ford, Procter & Gamble, IBM, Yahoo, Nike, Bain & Company, J. Crew, Ernst & Young, BetMGM, Publicis Sapient, Uline, Epic Systems, PNC, Visa, L’Oreal, PepsiCo, TechSmith, Accenture, and Slalom.
Job titles include UX Designer, User Centered Design Analyst, Interaction Designer, UX Associate Consultant, UI Designer, UI Developer, Associate UX Designer, UX Researcher, UX/UI Software Engineer, Lead Product Designer, and Innovation Development Analyst, and Junior Associate Experience Designer, among others.
University of Michigan is one of the first public universities in the nation. Established in 1817 in Detroit, Michigan, the school serves 52,065 students, making it the largest school in the state for the third consecutive year. U-M provides more than 275 degree programs across 19 colleges and schools. University of Michigan is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
Purdue University is home to Purdue Polytechnic Institute—a technology college that provides more than 30 BS programs that focus on innovation, hands-on learning, and interdisciplinary study. One of the 10 colleges of Purdue University, Purdue Polytechnic has six academic departments from Aviation and Transportation Technology to Computer Graphics Technology.
Within the Institute’s Department of Computer Graphics Technology (CGT) Department is a CGT program with five career-ready undergraduate majors. This includes the UX Design.
Courses for this BS program are taught in two types of studios: Learning and Experience. Areas explored in the Learning Studios include user research, creating and assessing prototypes, and solving problems. Course examples include Fundamentals of Imaging Technology; Introduction to Data Visualization; Contemporary Problems In Applied Computer Graphics; Internet Foundations Technologies and Development; and Computer Graphics Professional Practices.
In the Experience Studios, students will apply the skills acquired in the Learning Studios to a variety of projects for industry clients. Examples include visual interfaces, websites, kiosks, mobile apps, desktop applications, educational tools, vehicle dashboards, productivity applications, and smartwatches. Upon completion of the program, students will have 3.5 years of solid experience working on real projects for real clients.
Graduates of the CGT UX Design BS program at Purdue University are prepared to seek careers in all industries that utilize UX. Sample job titles include User Experience Engineer, Front-end Developer, User Researcher, and User Interface Designer. Potential employers include Microsoft, Amazon, Google, JPMorgan Chase, and Salesforce.
Established in 1869, Purdue University serves approximately 52,210 students from all 50 states and 135+ countries. Approximately 11% of all students are enrolled in Purdue Polytechnic Institute. Purdue provides more than 400 programs across 11 academic colleges and schools. Purdue University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
DePaul University (DePaul) is home to Jarvis College of Computing and Digital Media, which houses the School of Design (SoD). Within the SoD is an interdisciplinary User Experience Design (UxD) BS program that emphasizes creativity and hands-on learning. Areas explored include artificial intelligence (AI), graphic design, data visualization, design research, information technology, and industrial design.
Courses for the Jarvis UxD program are collaborative and project-based. This allows students to conduct research, learn about, and develop advanced skills in the user-centered software development process, coding, design, and interactive systems such as designed objects and spaces, web applications, applications, game systems, mobile applications, and many other products and experiences.
Students can expect to take first- and second-year courses such as Design Principles for User Experience Design; Coding Design Frameworks; Prototyping Methods I-II; Typography: Systems; and User-Centered Web Design. In the third year, students will take courses such as Data Visualization Design; Community-Based Technology Projects; and Data Analysis. Design Portfolio Development is also a component of the third year curriculum.
In the final year of the UxD program at DePaul, students will complete a variety of focus-area and open electives. Examples include Web Design for Commercial Projects; Computing Human Lives; User Interface Development for Interactive Systems; Human-Centered Cybersecurity; and Special Topics in User Experience Design. Tools Courses (workshops), round out the curriculum for the program. Options include UI/UX Prototyping Workshop; Design and Fabrication for Physical Space Workshop; Illustrator Workshop; Photoshop Workshop; Hardware Design Basics Workshop; and InDesign Workshop.
The UxD program at DePaul University culminates with the User Experience Design Capstone, completed over a two-course sequence. At the end of the Capstone, students will create a comprehensive case study, present results to an audience, and create relevant content for a resume and/or professional portfolio based on the course project.
Graduates of the UxD degree program are prepared to pursue roles in user-experience design, social computing, and interaction design in industries such as software development, healthcare, marketing, education, and publishing. Potential job titles include UX/UI Designer, Mobile Web Application Developer, Software Engineer, User Researcher, Social Media Strategist, and Web Developer.
DePaul University is the largest Catholic university in the United States. Founded in 1898, the school is also the nation’s 12th-largest private, not-for-profit university, and the largest private, not-for-profit college in the Midwest. Serving approximately 20,920 students, DePaul provides more than 300 undergraduate majors and graduate programs across two campuses, and 10 academic colleges and schools. DePaul University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
The School of Engineering at Stanford University was established in 1925. Serving more than 1,500 students, the School houses nine academic departments and several institutes. The interdisciplinary Hasso Plattner Institute of Design (also known as "the d.school") brings together faculty and students in business, engineering, education, humanities, and medicine to learn design thinking and address problems in a human-centered way. The Woods Institute for the Environment is a collaboration between students, staff, and faculty from the centers and institutes at Stanford. The Institute highlights education, interdisciplinary research, and outreach with a focus on the environment and sustainability.
Another Stanford Engineering highlight is Global Engineering Programs (GEP). Through GEP, students have access to international opportunities such as self-designed engineering internships. These internships allow students to learn about technology and engineering in a global context; gain real world experience in an environment; and build professional networks.
Also within Stanford School of Engineering are 16 departmental and interdepartmental undergraduate majors that provide hands-on opportunities, traditional lectures, interactive learning, and the opportunity to enroll in a double major. Established in 1965, the Computer Science Department here also provides the opportunity to enroll in a track in in-demand areas such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Information, and Human-Computer Interaction (HCI).
Leading to a BS, the Computer Science major with an HCI track is a multidisciplinary program that explores user-centered design with a focus on rapid prototyping, innovative and new interaction techniques, universal computing, and creativity tools. Also offered as a concentration in the Symbolic Systems BS program within Stanford’s School of Humanities & Sciences, coursework for the HCI track explores topics such as Interaction Design; Sketching and Modeling; Process Capability; Interface and Graphic Design; Ethics in Content; and Information Architecture.
Course examples include Introduction to HCI Design; Human-Computer Interaction; Designing Serious Games; Object-Oriented Systems Design; Foundations and Frontiers; Design for Behavior Change; Service Design; Design for Understanding; Design for AI; Interaction Design Studios; Understanding Users; Cognition in Interactive Design; and Design for Play.
Students in the Computer Science-HCI program at Stanford University will complete a User Interface Design project, which consists of designing, prototyping, and evaluating user interfaces and computing applications.
Graduates are prepared for careers in Computer Science and any industry that requires a background in HCI, UX and UI. Examples of companies that routinely hire Stanford alumni include Apple, Google, Amazon, Microsoft, Meta, Netflix, VMware, LinkedIn, Arista Networks, and Snapchat.
Stanford University was established in 1885 by former California Governor Leland Stanford, and his wife, Jane. The school opened its doors on October 1, 1891 with 555 students. Today, Stanford University is home to approximately 17,325 students served 2,300+ faculty members. Nearly 300 programs are provided across seven schools, supplemented by dozens of centers, institutes, and labs. Schools include Engineering; Humanities and Sciences; Sustainability; Business; Education; Law; and Medicine. Stanford University is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC).
The Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering at Arizona State University (ASU) is the nation’s largest engineering program. Housing eight schools, Fulton provides 25 undergraduate programs and nearly 50 graduate programs to approximately 31,815 students from all 56 states and nearly 160 countries. Among Ira A’s eight schools is The Polytechnic School, which houses the Human Systems Engineering program. At the undergraduate level, the program has a User Experience concentration that leads to a BS.
The design, development, and evaluation of products is at the center of the User Experience curriculum. Students in this program will explore topics in areas such as technical communications, the web, visual displays, human factors, and psychology. Course examples for the concentration include UI/UX Consulting; Multimedia Authoring, Scripting and Production; Product Design and Evaluation; Visualizing Data and Information; Web Site Design and Internet/Web Technologies; User Experience; and New Media Internet Technologies.
In addition to extensive coursework in UX, the Human Systems Engineering program at ASU provides the opportunity to complete an internship and a study abroad experience, with access to over 300 programs in more than 65 countries. Examples include China, Spain, France, Czech Republic, New Zealand, Germany, Ireland, Colombia, South Africa, Argentina, Sweden, Japan, and the UK. ASU study abroad experiences range from one week to one year.
All ASU Engineering students also have access to the Fulton Schools Career Center, which prepares students year-round for career fairs and job opportunities. The Fulton schools has numerous engineering-focused Career Fair days in Fall and Spring. These events attract major corporations and organizations from across the country.
Some of the top employers who participate in Fulton Schools Career Fairs include Amazon, Boeing, Microsoft, Oracle, Verizon, Cisco Systems, American Express, Honeywell, the U.S. Armed Forces, Deloitte, General Motors, American Airlines, Epic Systems, Intel, Lockheed Martin, Cox Communications, Starbucks, Infosys Limited, Choice Hotels International, eBay, Inc, PayPal, and the U.S. Federal Government.
Graduates of the Human Systems Engineering (User Experience) program at Arizona State University are prepared to pursue positions at these and other companies across the U.S. and abroad. Potential job titles include UX Engineer, Product Designer, UX Designer, UX Architect, Visual Designer, UX Strategist, UI Designer, UX Prototyper, Motion Designer, UX Writer, Interaction Designer, and UX Researcher.
Arizona State University opened on Feb. 8, 1886 as Territorial Normal School (TNS)—the state’s first higher education institution. On the first day of class, TNS welcomed 33 students to a four-classroom building in Tempe, Arizona. Today, ASU serves approximately 142,635 students from across the U.S. and close to 160 other countries. More than 800 degree programs are provided across four campuses, 16 colleges and schools, and ASU Online. Arizona State University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission (HLC). Engineering at ASU is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET.
Drexel University houses the Antoinette Westphal College of Media Arts & Design, home to the undergraduate User Experience & Interaction Design (UXID) program. As part of the Westphal College, students in this program benefit from a studio-based curriculum; access to computer labs, a hybrid making lab and shop facilities, and the materials library; and opportunities to collaborate with other art and design students on projects within the college’s in-house record label, graphic design firm, and lifestyle magazine.
All students will participate in the Drexel University Co-op Program, which provides the opportunity to work with a variety of companies and studios. Co-ops are six months, full-time. Examples of places students have worked include Franklin Institute Science Museum, Dream Machine Creative, Night Kitchen, YouTube, Toll Brothers, Sedso Design, Matte Finish, The Glimpse Group, and Philadelphia Theatre Company, Janell Wysock Textile Designs, and History Making Productions.
Leading to a BS, the UXID program explores five major areas: User Experience Design; User Interface and Interaction Design; Development; Information Architecture (IA) and Content Strategy; and Project Management. During the first two years of the program, students will learn how to design and code. The junior and senior years consist of elective coursework and working with interdisciplinary teams on projects.
The UXID BS program at Drexel University culminates with the Senior Capstone Project, which results in a full-blown, professional product launch. In addition, students will graduate with polished portfolio of their best work. Some program alumni have been hired by co-op companies, many have launched their own start-ups, and others have gone on to pursue graduate studies at Drexel and other top universities.
Drexel University was established in 1891 as Drexel Institute of Art, Science, & Industry. The school serves approximately 22,345 students enrolled in more than 200 degree programs across 15 colleges and schools. Drexel University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE). The school’s academic programs in art, design and media are accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art & Design (NASAD).
The School of Information Sciences at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) launched in 1893 as a library school. Today, the school provides nine degree programs, including one of the oldest existing Library and Information Science (LIS) doctoral programs in the U.S. Known as the iSchool at Illinois, the School of Information Sciences also houses a BS in Information Sciences (BSIS) program with a Human Computer Interaction (HCI)/User Experience (UX) pathway.
This interdisciplinary STEM-designated degree program focuses on designing information systems and services; interpreting and using data for real-world collaboration and application; and organizing, evaluating, and managing information for varied users. Students will master these areas and others through 123 credit hours of coursework consisting of core courses, electives, and general education requirements. Course examples include Social Aspects of Information Technology; Programming for Information Problems; Quantitative Reasoning; Design of Usable Interfaces; Entrepreneurial IT Design; Mobile Applications; Topics in Human-Centered Design & Systems; Adaptive Minds and Computers; Web Content Strategy & Management; User Research & Evaluation; Cognition in the Wild; and Accessible & Inclusive Technologies.
To enhance the degree, HCI/UX students have the opportunity to take courses, minors, certificates or even dual degrees from complementing disciplines such as Computer Science, Graphic Design, Human Centered Design, Art & Design, or Psychology. In addition, all iSchool students may participate in the study abroad program.
Provided in partnership with Illinois Abroad and Global Exchange (IAGE), the iSchool study abroad program consists of Virtual Global Experiences (VGE) including internships, research, and projects with companies, organizations, and universities in places such as Brazil, South Africa, Barcelona, India, Asia, and the Middle East.
Graduates of the BSIS HCI/UX program at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign are prepared to pursue positions locally, nationally, and abroad in fields such as finance, arts and communications, education, government, and health care. Examples of career paths include UX Designer, Human-Centered AI Designer, UX Researcher, Human-Computer Interaction Researcher, UX Design Innovator, Content Strategist, UX Product Designer, Digital/Mobile Application Developer, UX Writer, Product Manager, UX Consultant, Web Developer, and Digital Producer.
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign was established in 1867 as Illinois Industrial University. The second oldest public school in the state, UIUC serves 55,500 students from 50 U.S. states and 126 countries. More than 150 undergraduate programs and over 100 graduate and professional programs are offered across 16 colleges and instructional units. University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
Undergraduate design at California College of the Arts (CCA) consists of six BFA programs including Interaction Design, Illustration, Graphic Design, Fashion Design, Furniture, and Industrial Design. All options feature hands-on learning; sponsored studios; required internships; and the opportunity to study abroad in places such as Paris, Japan, Iceland, London, Mexico, and Seoul. Recent sponsored studios include Intel, Visa, Bosch, Oracle, Lenovo, Ford, and Samsung.
CCA design students also have access to shops and studios designed for research, creating, and collaborating. Examples include the IxD Studio Space and the interdisciplinary Hybrid Lab. Across spaces, students have access to HD monitors, 3D printers, whiteboards, iOS and Android tablets, digital fabrication tools, and lounge areas.
For students interested in pursuing a career in UX/UI/HCI, the Interaction Design (IxD) BFA is the most popular option. Students in this STEM-designated program can expect to take a variety of core, advanced, and other studios presented by instructors who are practicing designers at places such as Google, Apple, Microsoft, IDEO, and Facebook.
Examples of core studios include Visual Interaction Design & User Interface; Design Research; 2D, 3D, and 4D; and Prototyping. Examples of advanced studios include Emerging Tech; Service Design or Strategy; Digital Products; and NUI & Objects. Other studios include Critical Ethnic Studies Studio and Upper Division Interdisciplinary Studio.
All Interaction BFA students at CCA must also complete a number humanities and sciences courses to graduate. Computational Practices; History of Interaction Design; and Writing 1 and 2 are just a few examples.
The Interaction BFA at California College of the Arts culminates with the Professional Practice course and Senior Thesis 1 and 2. Graduates are prepared to pursue positions with consulting firms, product and services companies, and startups, among others. Potential roles Experience Designer, Interaction Designer, User Interface Designer, Design Researcher, Creative Director, Product Designer, Service Designer, Design Director, Voice Interface Designer, Product Manager, and Information Architect.
Established in 1907 as the School of the California Guild of Arts and Crafts, California College of the Arts had just three teachers and 43 students when it opened. Today, CCA employs 420 faculty members that serve just approximately 1,500 students enrolled in more than 40 undergraduate, graduate, minor, and dual degree options. California College of the Arts is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC), the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD), and the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB).
Academy of Art University is home to the School of Interaction & UI/UX Design, which provides five programs led by creatives who are working professionals in the San Francisco Bay Area. Undergraduate programs include an AA, BFA, and certificate in Interaction & UI/UX Design. All options provide opportunities to intern at major tech companies such as Google, X (formerly known as Twitter), LinkedIn, PayPal, Eventbrite, Facebook, and GoPro.
In addition, Interaction & UI/UX Design students enjoy the use of state-of-the-art classrooms; the high-end Motion Graphics Lab; Computer Labs equipped with the latest software, digital workstations, and new media technology; and virtual and augmented reality studios featuring the latest equipment and emerging technologies.
Across programs, Interaction & UI/UX Design students will explore User Experience, Motion Graphics, Product Design, Technology (programming), and Visual Design. The curriculum for BFA students will also delve into design strategies and web design. This 120 credit hour program is the most popular option for students seeking a fine arts degree.
Course example for the BFA program include Design Technology: Digital Publishing Tools; User Experience 1 and 2; The Art of Influencers; Web Design 1 and 2; Design Technology: Visual Design Tools; Programming and Culture; Visual Storytelling: Editing Fundamentals for Short-Form Video Content; History of Graphic Design; Short Copy for Campaigns; Visual Design 1 and 2; History of Gaming; Motion Graphics 1 and 2; History of Comics: International and Alternative Comics; and Topics in World Art.
Halfway through the BFA program, students will complete a Midpoint Portfolio review worth three units. In semester seven, students will complete Collaborative Project: Automotive UI, also worth three units. In this course, Interaction & UI/UX Design students collaborate with Industrial Design students to address challenges in UI/UX within the automotive industry.
During the eighth and final semester of the program, students will have the opportunity to complete the Corporate Sponsored Project course, the Senior Project course, and a final portfolio. Past corporate sponsors have included NASA, Jaguar, Blizzard Entertainment, Walt Disney, GM, Alfa Romeo, and Maserati. Students also have the opportunity to work with the student-run ad agency Young & Hungry (Y&H). Past Y&H clients have included Ubisoft, BMW, Goodwill, and Habitat for Humanity.
Graduates of the Interaction & UI/UX Design BFA program at Academy of Art University are prepared to pursue positions with corporate sponsors and many other companies across the San Francisco Bay Area, and throughout Silicon Valley, the U.S., and around the world. Examples of companies that have hired Academy of Art graduates include Tesla, Google, IBM, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Ancestry.
Established in 1929 and serving more than 7,000 students, Academy of Art is one of the nation’s largest private art and design schools. Family-owned and divided into 22 schools, Academy of Art University provides more than 125 degree programs across 40+ areas of study. Programs lead to the AA, BA, BFA, BS, B. Arch, MAT, MA, MFA and M. Arch degrees. The Academy of Art is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC).
Information Science at Cornell University is listed as a major in the College of Arts and Sciences; the Ann S. Bowers College of Computing and Information Science (Cornell Bowers CIS); and the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS). At the undergraduate level, depending on the college, students can earn a BA or a BS. Students may also choose a concentration. Just a few examples include UX Design; Interactive Technologies; and Networks, Crowds, and Markets.
The Information Science BA/BS with a concentration in UX Design emphasizes hands-on learning and coursework in four areas including Core Principles of Design; Design in Context; Knowing the User; and Knowing the Technology. Across areas, course examples include Qualitative User Research and Design Methods; Human-Computer Interaction Design; Intelligent User Interfaces; Crowds, Communities, and Technology; Communication in Virtual Worlds; Human Computer Interaction Studio; Interactive Information Visualization; Novel Interaction Techniques; Teams and Technology; Human-AI Interaction Design Research; App Design and Prototyping; and Re-Designing Robots.
In addition to immersive courses, Information Science-UX Design students will have opportunities to complete a number of projects, an internship, and a study abroad experience. Internships and participation in the Cornell University study abroad program are optional.
Upon completion of the UX Design program at Cornell, students will have a professional portfolio of their best work. Graduates are prepared to pursue job titles such as User Experience Designer, User Experience Architect, Product Designer, Usability Analyst, Interaction Designer, Technical Product Manager, and User Research Associate.
Examples of companies that have hired Cornell University Information Science alumni include Amazon, Microsoft, Capital One, Google, Deloitte Consulting, Apple, Meta, Visa, Bank of America, Procter & Gamble, American Express, L’Oreal USA, and Accenture.
Cornell University was founded in 1865 by Ezra Cornell and Andrew Dickson White. In 1868, Morrill Hall, the first building constructed on campus, opened its doors to 412 male students. Today, the Cornell campus consists of 608 buildings situated on more than 2,000 acres. The school also has campuses across the State of New York, and in DC, Doha, Qatar, and Rome, Italy.
Cornell University employs 10,830 educators and staff that serve approximately 25,900 male and female students enrolled in more than 300 majors, minors, and graduate programs across 16 colleges and schools. Cornell University has been continuously accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) since 1921.
The School of Information at University of Texas at Austin (UT Austin) is a founding member of the International iSchools Organization. This global consortium of 131 universities focuses in education research, and problem-solving in areas such as human-computer interaction, information organization and access, data science, information integrity, and bibliometrics. To date, iSchools has managed 10 projects and initiatives, hosted 18 conferences, and funded 20 grants.
Founded in 1948 And serving approximately 400 students, the School of Information at UT Austin (UT iSchool) provides a variety of programs at all degree levels. Among them is an undergraduate Informatics program. Launched in 2021 and leading to a BA or BSI, this interdisciplinary program has six major concentrations, including User Experience (UX) Design. Course examples include Introduction to User Experience Design; Programming for Informatics; Advanced Topics in User Experience Design; Career Success in the Digital Organization; and Human Centered Data Science.
Students in this and all UT iSchool programs have access to internship opportunities, study abroad experiences, and two labs including the Information eXperience Lab (IX Lab) and the Immersive Human Development Lab. The IX Lab is a state-of-the-art research facility that focuses on HCI, UX, usability, accessibility, and the interactions between humans and information sources. The Immersive Human Development Lab specializes in the effects of virtual reality and immersive experiences across the lifespan from childhood to adulthood.
In the final year of the BA/BSI UX Design program, students will complete a semester-long capstone course. The resulting projects are presented at a poster presentation session prior to graduation.
Graduates of the Informatics programs at UT Austin are prepared for careers in technology, government, business, products and services, education, and more. Top job titles include UX Designer, UX Researcher, Analyst, and Data Engineer.
University of Texas at Austin serves approximately 52,385 students, making it one of the largest universities in Texas. Founded in 1883, the school provides more than 155 undergraduate degree programs across 170+ fields of study, along with nearly 240 graduate degree programs—including close to 100 doctoral programs. The academic offerings at UT Austin are housed across 19 distinct colleges and schools. University of Texas at Austin is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
From film sets and state-of-the-art design studios to live venues and labs, Full Sail University provides endless opportunities to work and learn in a professional environment that mirrors today’s professional production studios. The school’s project-based programs also allow students across majors to gain valuable real-world experience before graduation.
All Full Sail students have access to the Project LaunchBox, which provides software and tools to create projects. LaunchBox also houses student coursework and files, which can be accessed 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
For undergraduate students seeking a UX program, Full Sail University has two options: a BS and a 28-week certificate. Consisting of 23 credit hours, the UX certificate is designed to help students increase their marketability in the user experience and human-centered design arenas. Courses include Introduction to User Experience; Graphic Principles I-II; Design Art and theory; and UI Visual Design and Prototyping. The final two courses for the program include Project I: User Experience and Portfolio I: User Experience.
Graduates are prepared for advancement opportunities in their current careers or to pursue entry-level roles in a variety of interactive media industries.
The User Experience BS at Full Sail University explores visual design, typography, and psychology and perception as they relate to UX design. Students in this program will design user experiences for products and services by utilizing research, testing, and prototyping.
Course examples for this 120 credit hour program include User Experience Design; Psychology of Play; UX Production; UI Visual Design and Prototyping; UX/UI for Gaming Platforms; Graphic Principles I-II; Interactive Editorial Design; Information Visualization; Interactive Media Design and Usability; Psychology of Perception in UX; Systems Design; UX Design for Platform Standards; Typography and Page Layout; Physiology of Sensation in UX; UX Production; and Creative Presentation.
Throughout the User Experience BS program at Full Sail University, students will complete six project and portfolio courses. These hands-on learning experiences culminate with a multimedia postmortem presentation. The final course in the program—Career Readiness—prepares students to enter the job market through industry research, personal brand development, and developing strategies for employer engagement. Students will build resumes and cover letters, while developing a professional portfolio for their target audience.
Graduates of the User Experience BS program are prepared for careers in areas such as technology, retail and ecommerce, game design, manufacturing, fine arts, product design, healthcare, education, finance, digital marketing, and advertising. Full Sail alumni have been hired at places such as Apple, ESPN, Disney, Google, HBO, Insomniac Games, NASA, Industrial Light & Magic, PBS, NASCAR, Sony, Unity Technologies, and Universal Studios.
Full Sail University opened in 1979 in Dayton, Ohio. Today, the school is located just 35 minutes from downtown Orlando and Universal Studios. Serving approximately 21,000 students, Full Sail provides graduate certificates and programs at all degree levels in the Arts, Entertainment, Media, and Technology. Full Sail University is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC).
ArtCenter College of Design has an Interaction Design program that provides interdisciplinary training in entertainment design, graphic design, media design, transportation design, and industrial design. Leading to a BS, the Interaction Design program also explores the role of interactions across technologies; creating interactive environments; and how we engage in digital environments (mobile apps, games, wearable technologies, etc.).
Coursework for this 132-unit program emphasizes human factors, psychology, and cognitive sciences as well as design, communication, and visualization. Course examples include Visual Interaction Design-UX/UI; Human Factors and Design Psychology; Computer Science for Artists; Persuasive Sketching; Interactive Prototyping; HCI for Interaction Design; Materials and Explorations; Systems, Services, and Digital Products; Communication Design; Transdisciplinary Studio; Branding Strategies; Rapid Prototyping; Data Visualization; History and Futures of Interaction Design; and Emerging Technologies Studio.
The Interaction Design BS program at ArtCenter College of Design culminates with the IxD Graduation Studio. During this course, students have the opportunity to finalize projects, participate in critiques with faculty, and assemble their virtual senior show. Grad Shows take place three times a year.
Graduates of the ArtCenter Interaction Design program are prepared to pursue careers such as Interaction Designer (IxD), UX Designer, UI Designer, Creative Technologist, Mobile Designer, Design Strategist, Designer/Developer (front-end or back-end), and Creative Director. Graduates have been hired at places such as Apple, Google, and IDEO. Other potential employer’s include NASA, Microsoft, and Facebook.
ArtCenter College of Design serves approximately 2,425 students from across the U.S. and more than 50 countries. Founded in 1930, ArtCenter has campuses in Pasadena and Los Angeles, California, along with satellite studios in Petersen Automotive Museum (Miracle Mile, Los Angeles), and Berlin, Germany. ArtCenter provides 21 degree programs in the industrial design, and visual and applied arts disciplines. Undergraduate minors in Business, Creative Writing, Material Science, Research, and Social Innovation, are also available.
ArtCenter College of Design is fully accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC) and the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD).
The College of Information Studies at University of Maryland (UMD) houses an undergraduate Technology and Information Design (InfoDesign) program that leads to a BA. As part of the UMD INFO College (or iSchool), the BA program provides opportunities to connect with one of more than 400 top industry partners through the INFO Corporate Partnership Program. Employers, corporations, and organizations engage with students through hands-on capstone projects, campus events, and UMD’s Careers Listserv.
The UMD INFO College also provides hands-on learning opportunities at the school’s research centers and labs. Examples include the Human-Computer Interaction Lab (HCIL); the Center for Archival Futures (CAFe); the Values-Centered Artificial Intelligence (VCAI) Initiative; and the Computational Linguistics and Information Processing (CLIP) Lab.
Technology and InfoDesign BA at UMD requires 120 credit hours. This includes a combination of general education, major, and elective courses. Sample courses include AI and Society; Designing Fair Systems; Modeling and Simulating Systemic Problems; Cross-disciplinary Design Communication Lab; and Prototyping and Development Technologies Studio. Examples of major electives include Information User Needs and Assessment; Video Games as Emergent Experiences; Designing Patient-Centered Technology; Information Organization; and Game Design Studio.
The culminating experience for the Technology and InfoDesign BA at University of Maryland is the Integrated Capstone for Technology and Information Design course. This semester-long course consists of working in teams on a project for a real-world client. This includes identifying client problems and designing solutions. Based on what they’ve learned during the course of the BA program, students will build design proposals; direct system and user analyses; and review project achievements and defeats.
Graduates of the UMD INFO College are prepared to pursue a variety of roles at companies and organizations across industries. College alumni have gone on to reconstruct the New York Times UX; address Chicago’s information infrastructure; govern the American Library Association (ALA); and oversee social media for the United Nations. UMD iSchool alumni also work for Google, Booz Allen Hamilton, Facebook, National Geographic, Capital One, Walmart, AT&T, the National Standards Bureau (NIST), and VIDAA.
Founded in 1856, University of Maryland is the flagship institution of the State of Maryland. The school employs more than 14,000 faculty and staff members that serve approximately 40,710 students. UMD provides more than 300 academic programs across 12 colleges. University of Maryland is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).
Pennsylvania State University (Penn State) is home to the world’s largest student-run philanthropy; more than 50,000 career preparedness programs; one of the nation’s largest athletic programs; and 20 expansive undergraduate campuses across the state. The school’s main campus (University Park) houses the College of Information Sciences and Technology (IST), which provides more than 30 on-campus and online programs at all degree levels.
At the undergraduate level, the College of IST at Penn State has a Human Centered Design and Development (HCDD) program that leads to a BS. The program emphasizes three areas: designing and building practical technologies to meet the demands of a constantly evolving world; pinpointing opportunities to augment experiences through the use of technology; and identifying ways in which technology can bolster human activity. Students will utilize quantitative and qualitative techniques within this third area.
Within the HCDD BS program are eight application focus areas. Students may also customize their own focus area. Formal options include Digital Arts and Communication; Healthcare; Geographic Information Systems; Data Sciences; Psychology; Security and Risk; Informatics; and Sociology.
To further enhance the HCDD BS program, the College of IST provides minor options such as Digital Media Trends and Analytics; IST for Communication Arts and Sciences; and Entrepreneurship and Innovation. In addition, students are required to complete at least one HCDD internship to gain valuable experience before graduation. Past internships have consisted of activities such as researching and testing application usability; website consulting; integrating virtual reality in to curriculums; modernizing airport terminals via mobile and web developments; and creating mobile-friendly websites.
Graduates of the BS program at Pennsylvania State University are prepared for a variety of HCDD-related careers across industries. Recent graduates have accepted roles such as User Interface Developer, UX/UI Researcher, Web Application Develop, Product Designer, Usability Engineer, Mobile Application Developer, Information Architect, Instructional Designer, and Systems Analyst.
Pennsylvania State University (Penn State or Penn) is one of only three land- space- sun-, and sea-grant universities in the U.S. Chartered in 1855, the Penn serves approximately 88,115 students from all 50 states and 145 countries. More than 275 undergraduate majors and 300+ graduate and professional programs, are provided across 24 campuses, sixteen academic colleges, and several schools. Pennsylvania State University has been accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) since 1921.
Rutgers University (Rutgers) is home to the School of Communication and Information, which has an Information Technology and Informatics (ITI) major that provides the opportunity to customize the curriculum through several guided pathways. This allows students to explore, select, and build a specialized focus that closely aligns with their specific career goals.
Leading to a BS in ITI, the program requires five foundational courses before students advance into their customized area. Required courses include Introduction to IT and Informatics; Social Informatics; I.T. Fundamentals; Object-Oriented Programming; and Management of Technological Organizations. The most common guided pathways for students interested in human-computer interaction include Data Management, Analytics, and Information Visualization (DMAIV); and Web Design and Development.
Students can build a specialized focus from a diverse selection of primary and secondary electives. Students may also choose a recommended minor to enhance the degree. Across pathways, examples of primary electives include Human-Computer Interaction; Information Visualization; Database Technologies; Networking and Internet Technology; and Data Analytics for Information Professionals. Examples of secondary electives include IT and Web Accessibility; Web Design; and Advanced Web Design Technologies. Recommended minors include Art, Computer Science, Business and Technical Writing, Statistics, and Economics.
All ITI BS students have access to the Intelligent Visual Interfaces (IVI) Lab, which focuses on research in human-computer interaction, visual computing, and artificial intelligence. Housed in the Department of Computer Science in the School of Arts and Sciences, the Lab’s mission is to develop intelligent visual interfaces for human-guided content creation. Note that the Computer Science BS here is another option for students interested in studying HCI.
The ITS BS program at Rutgers University culminates with a senior thesis or experiential-learning course. Students choice. Upon completion of the program, graduates will be prepared to pursue careers in their chosen fields. Approximately 96% of Rutgers graduates are either employed or in graduate school within six months of earning their degree. Potential job titles include HCI Specialist, UX Researcher, UX Designer, Product Manager, Interaction Designer, Digital Innovation Manager, Information Architect, Web Administrator, Database Architect, Data Warehousing Specialist, Web Developer, and Business Intelligence Analyst.
Rutgers University was founded in 1766, making it the 8th oldest university in the U.S. with a presence in all 21 New Jersey counties and serving 67,620 students from all 50 states and more than 120 countries, Rutgers is also the largest institution of higher education in New Jersey. The school provides more than 550 undergraduate majors and graduate programs across 29 colleges and schools. Rutgers University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).
Michigan State University (Michigan State or MSU) recently enrolled a record 40,400 undergraduate students. This is one of the largest populations of undergrads in the nation. Students at MSU have access to more than 200 undergraduate majors, minors, and other programs across 15+ colleges. Among the school’s many colleges is the College of Communication Arts and Sciences (ComArtSci), which houses the Department of Media and Information (MI).
Within the MI Department are two undergraduate programs for students interested in UX, UI and/or HCI. These include the Information Science BA and the Games and Interactive Media BA. The Information Science BA provides the opportunity to select a focus area from three options: Students have a choice of following one of three paths. These include Design of Human-Centered Technologies; Media and Information Management; or Information and Society. Focus areas are 18 credits. Students will choose the majority of their courses from the selected focus area and the remaining course from another area.
The Human-Centered Technologies focus area is an ideal choice for students interested in UX, UI and/or HCI. Course options include Introduction to Applied Programming; Creating Human-Centered Technology; Evaluating Human-Centered Technology; Interactive Prototyping; Web Design and Development; and Advanced Web Development and Database Management.
To enhance the degree, the Department of Media and Information encourages additional concentrations; minors from areas such as information and communication technology and development, game design and development, or information technology; special topics; and participation in the MSU Internship Program. Examples of where students have interned include Apple, Fabrik Entertainment, ABC Studios, The Daily Show, and AutoZone.
Graduates of the Information Science BA program are prepared for careers in health care, education, finance, and management, among others. Potential job titles include User Experience Architect, User Experience Lead, Interface Developer, Interaction Designer, Information Technologist, Digital Marketing Expert, Network Architect, Web Application Front-end Developer, and Big Data Analyst.
The Games and Interactive Media BA at Michigan State University isn’t just for aspiring game designers. The program also prepares students for careers in UI/UX design, web design and development, programming, mobile app design and development, and project management. Students in this program develop skills in a variety of areas such as virtual/augmented/mixed reality, programming (artificial intelligence, computer graphics, data mining), and project management. Soft skills include communication, production, teamwork, presenting, client relations, negotiating, and leadership.
Course examples include Methods for Understanding Users; Building Innovative Interfaces; Introduction to Programming I and II; Understanding Media and Information; Advanced Web Development and Database Management; Game Interface Design; Media and Information Policy; Introduction to Information Science; and Games and Interactivity. Students also have the opportunity to take electives from Media and Information (MI) as well as any minor from the MSU College of ComArtSci.
Students in both the Games and Interactive Media, and Information Science programs at Michigan State University benefit from an interdisciplinary learning environment; instructors who are leaders in their respective fields; high-tech classrooms; and access to state-of-the art labs and centers. Examples include the Social and Psychological Approaches to Research on Technology-Interaction Effects (SPARTIE) Lab; Games for Entertainment & Learning Lab; Quello Center for Media & Information Policy; and the Rural Computing Consortium.
Other program benefits include the opportunity to join a number of media clubs and student groups such as SandBox COLabs, VIM Magazine, and MSU Leaders in IT; and study abroad experiences in places such as the France, Italy, China, and the UK.
Graduates of the Games and Interactive Media BA at Michigan State University are prepared for careers in all areas of game design and development, and in industries that utilize UX/UI/HCI. Examples of potential job titles in this area include User Experience Designer/Researcher; Usability Engineer; Web/User Interface/User Interaction Designer; Information Architect; Web and Mobile App Developer; and Programmer.
Established in 1855, Michigan State University is a land-grant, public research institution that serves more than 51,000 students. One of the largest and greenest campuses in the U.S., MSU houses more than 100 institutes and centers including the Institute of Global Health and the Clinical and Translational Sciences Institute. The school also houses over 400 programs of study across 17 degree-granting colleges. Michigan State University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
Northeastern University (Northeastern) serves more than 19,000 undergraduate students enrolled in 290+ majors, and over 180 combined majors, across nine colleges and programs. With so many options, students at Northeastern have the unique opportunity to personalize their academic experience.
Among the school’s nine colleges and programs is Khoury College of Computer Sciences. Established in 1982, Khoury was one of the nation’s first colleges dedicated to the field of Computer Science (CS). Within the College are dozens of BA and BS programs, as well as nearly 50 combined undergraduate majors. One such major is the Computer Science and Design BS. This is a top choice for students interested in human-centered design methods used in developing digital applications and interfaces.
Consisting of 130 semester units, the CS + Design BS combines design and programming with several co-ops. These required experiential learning opportunities consist of professional work, global experiences, research activities, and service-learning courses. Through these co-ops, Northeastern students have the opportunity to select from more than 500 industry partners around the globe. Examples include Google, AWS, Facebook, PwC, HubSpot, and ServiceNow.
Another beneficial component of the Computer Science and Design BS at Northeastern University is the design concentration requirement. Options include Experience Design, Interaction Design, Information Design, and Graphic Design. Students in all concentrations will take courses such as Human-Computer Interaction; Object-Oriented Design; Experience and Interaction; Studio for Typographic Systems; and Design Perspectives: An Introduction to Design in the World.
Across concentrations course examples include Experience Design Principles; Graphic Design 2; Information Design Principles; and Interaction Design 2. In addition, students will have the opportunity select options from a wide range of degree-focused electives. Examples include Machine Learning and Data Mining; Information Presentation and Visualization; Artificial Intelligence; Programming Languages; and Mobile Application Development.
The Computer Science and Design BS at Northeastern University culminates with a Design Degree Project. Students will create a final project and presentation based on their specific focus area. Graduates of the program are prepared to pursue positions in computer science, user experience design, user interface design, interaction design, information design, human-computer interaction, and graphic design, among others.
Northeastern University began as the Evening Institute of the Boston Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA) in 1898. The school serves approximately 36,630 students enrolled in more than 500 programs across nine colleges and schools. Northeastern has campuses in Boston, Massachusetts; Charlotte, North Carolina; Seattle, Washington; Silicon Valley; San Francisco, California; Toronto, Ontario Canada; Vancouver, BC Canada; London, UK; Portland, Maine, and the Massachusetts communities of Nahant and Burlington. Northeastern University is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE).
University of California, Irvine (UC Irvine or UCI) is home to the Donald Bren School of Information & Computer Sciences. The School houses the Department of Informatics, which has an Informatics BS program with a Human-Computer Interaction concentration. Students in this program have access to 20 research labs, institutes and centers; internship opportunities with local companies and organizations; and summer study abroad opportunities in countries around the globe.
The interdisciplinary Informatics BS at UCI Donald Bren provides hands-on experience through project-based courses that explore topics such as app development, information management, ethnography, business IT, and creative design practices. Course examples for the program include User Interaction Software; Information Visualization; Organizational Information Systems; Information Retrieval; Boolean Logic and Discrete Structures; Python Programming and Libraries; and Computer Supported Cooperative Work.
Students will have the opportunity to select two project courses during the program. Options include Computer Game Development; Project in User Interaction Software; Project in Ubiquitous Computing Project in the Social and Organizational Impacts of Computing; and Project in Health Informatics.
The Informatics BS-Human-Computer Interaction program at University of California, Irvine culminates with the three-quarter capstone course, where students engage in a real-world project sponsored by an outside company or organization.
Graduates are prepared to pursue positions such as Interaction Designer, UX Engineer, User Experience Designer, Product Designer, UX Prototyper, Product Manager, Systems Engineer, Front-End Developer, and Software Architect.
With more than 1,200 faculty members and 10,000 staff, University of California, Irvine is the largest employer in Orange County California. Established in 1965, the school serves approximately 37,245 students enrolled in more than 220 programs across 18 colleges, schools, and divisions. University of California, Irvine is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC).
The Computer Science Department at University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) is accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET. Housed in the College of Engineering, the Department has a Computer Science BS program with several concentrations. A popular option for students interested in UX/UI/HCI is Human-Centered Computing (HCC). This program explores user interface design and development for mobile and desktop devices; animation and computer graphics for games and special effects; and engineering, medical, and scientific visualization.
Some specific topics include human-centered computing practices such as user-interface design, visual media, natural language processing, and computer graphics. In addition, because this is a Computer Science program, students will also immerse in areas such as programming, computer architecture, algorithms, formal languages, operating systems, discrete mathematics, and data structures.
Course examples for the program include User Interface Design and Programming; New Media Arts; Programming Language Design and Implementation; 3D Space I: Modeling; Computer Graphics; Framework-based Software Development for Hand-held Devices; Human Augmentics; Visualization and Visual Analytics; Machine Learning; Virtual, Augmented and Mixed Reality; Video Game Design and Development; Creative Coding; and Technical and Professional Communication in Computer Science.
In the final semester of the Computer Science (Human-Centered Computing) program. students will complete the Professional Development Seminar course, which consists of the CS Major Field Exam and information about future career paths.
Graduates of the UIC Computer Science program are prepared for a range of roles across all industries. Examples include UX Designer, Interaction Designer, Product Manager, Software Architect Analyst, Product Designer, UI/UX Designer, Data Analyst, Product Designer (Internet & Software), User Experience Researcher; and Consulting Development Analyst.
Recent graduates have been hired at places such as Amazon, Google, PricewaterhouseCoopers, Microsoft, Cisco, Intel, Deloitte, Yahoo!, Norton LifeLock, Adobe Research, Facebook, Target, Motorola, Samsung Research Institute, Wayfair, Citadel, Nordstrom, Discover Financial Services, Allstate, Expedia; Softlayer (IBM); Northrop Grumman, VMware, Cambria Healthcare, and Morningstar.
University of Illinois Chicago formed in 1982 when two University of Illinois campuses—the Medical Center campus and the Chicago Circle campus—consolidated. Today, with approximately 33,520, UIC is the largest university in the Chicago area. The school provides close to 260 degree programs and more than 60 certificate programs across 14 colleges and the School of Law. University of Illinois Chicago is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
The College of Visual Arts and Design (CVAD) at University of North Texas (UNT) is home to the Department of Design. Within the Design Department is a Communication Design program with a concentration in User Experience Design. Program highlights include courses taught by professionals who are active in user experience and graphic design; access to state-of-the-art facilities and studios; workshops and studio courses; and the opportunity to complete an internship at a Dallas-Fort Worth company, organization, or studio.
Leading to a BFA, the Communication Design program (with concentration) consists of 120 credit hours, including a combination of major requirements, concentration courses, and electives. Course examples include Foundations of User-Centered Design; Data Visualization and the Design of Information; Cause-Based User-Experience Design; Topics in User-Experience Design; Advanced UX Campaigns; Planning and Developing Interactive Systems; Design Prototyping and User Testing; and Typographic Systems.
The Communication Design BFA program at University of North Texas ends with the Final Portfolio in UXD. During this course, students will develop a final project case study and portfolio of their best work from class and any professional experiences.
Graduates of the program are prepared to pursue roles such as UX Designer, Information Architect, Experience Designer, Interaction Designer, and Publication Designer. UNT CVAD alumni have been hired at places such as Nike, Walmart, BBDO, Fossil, Pentagram-New York, and Quanta Magazine.
Established in 1890 and employing more than 4,600 faculty and staff members, University of North Texas is one of the largest employers in the City of Denton, Texas. The school serves 46,940 students, making it one of the top 10 largest universities in Texas, and one of the largest in the U.S. Students at UNT have access to more than 200 degree options across 14 colleges and schools. University of North Texas is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
