1. Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Carnegie Mellon University’s Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) major launched in 2020, making it one of the world’s first undergraduate programs of its kind. Housed in the School of Computer Sciences’ (SCS) HCI Institute (HCII), the program has BS, second major, minor, and concentration options. All students have opportunities to engage in projects that focus on digital technologies such as virtual and augmented reality (VR/AR), IoT, and fabrication. The program culminates with a team-based capstone course. Graduates are prepared to pursue titles such as UX Designer, Front-End Engineer, Interaction Designer, and UX Engineer. They can be found at places such as Apple, Google, and Amazon.
2. University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
The College of Engineering at University of Washington (UW) houses a Human Centered Design and Engineering (HCDE) BS program that combines engineering coursework with flexible free electives and experiential learning. Course examples include Concepts in Human-Computer Interaction; Human Data Interaction; and Strategic Human Centered Artificial Intelligence. Experiential learning includes study abroad experiences, internships, and independent research. UW alumni go on to land positions at places such as Boeing, Getty Images, Amazon, T-Mobile, IBM, Google, Starbucks, Disney, Adobe, Nike, Hitachi, Cisco, Microsoft, IBM, Apple, NBC Universal, RTX Corporation, Intel, Verizon, Intuit, Uber, and SpaceX.
3. Savannah College of Art and Design, Savannah, Georgia
Developed in collaboration with Google, the undergraduate User Experience (UX) Design BFA program at Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) provides the opportunity to work with major corporations such as Microsoft, HP, and Capital One. The school also houses a User Experience Research (UXR) BFA that provides the same opportunities. For students in other SCAD programs, a UX minor is available. Graduates of the UX programs at SCAD have been hired at places such as Google, IBM, Amazon, Microsoft, Lenovo, Apple, JPMorgan Chase, Deloitte Digital, FedEx, Volvo, EY, Uber, and Meta.
4. University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
The School of Information at University of Michigan (U-M) was the first iSchool in the world to launch an integrated BS in Information (BSI). The program is also one of the few to provide a UX Design concentration, which highlights courses such as Human-Computer Interaction; Building Data-Driven Applications; and Needs Assessment and Usability Evaluation. Other program features include dual degree options; study abroad in places such as the UK and Spain; and internships. Nearly all U-M BSI graduates work in their field of choice. Program alumni have been hired at places such as Google, IBM, Amazon, Microsoft, Epic Systems, NBCUniversal, Visa, Samsung, P&G, Nike, EY, PepsiCo, and BetMGM.
5. University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California
The School of Social Sciences at University of California, San Diego (UC San Diego) houses the World’s first Department of Cognitive Science (CogSci). Within the department is a Cognitive Science BS with a project-based specialization in Design and Interaction. Areas explored include user experience (UX) design, human-computer interaction (HCI), and usability research. Internship opportunities, study abroad experiences, practicums, and the HCI Portfolio Design Studio are all part of the program. Students can also add the UC San Diego User Experience (UX) Design certificate provided through Extended Studies. Graduates of the CogSci BS and UX certificate program have been hired at places such as Google, Amazon, Microsoft, IBM, Abbott, Sony, IDEO, Capital One, Hitachi, Adobe, and Qualcomm.
6. Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana
Purdue Polytechnic Institute at Purdue University (Purdue) houses a User Experience (UX) Design BS program that takes place in a studio environment. Learning Studios include user research, creating and assessing prototypes, and solving problems. In the Experience Studios, students will apply the skills acquired in the Learning Studios to projects for industry clients. Upon completion of the program, students will have 3.5 years of marketable experience. Graduates have been hired at places such as Amazon, Microsoft, Google, HP, Expedia, P&G, JPMorgan Chase, PepsiCo, United Airlines, and Citigroup.
7. Stanford University, Stanford, California
The School of Engineering at Stanford University (Stanford) houses the Computer Science Department, which provides tracks in areas such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Systems, Visual Computing (Graphics), and Human-Computer Interaction (HCI). Tracks are available to students enrolled in the Computer Science BS (CS BS) program. HCI is a unique, multidisciplinary track that explores user-centered design thinking with a focus on rapid prototyping, novel interaction techniques, ubiquitous computing, and tools to augment designers’ creativity. Stanford CS BS graduates are routinely hired at places such as Apple, Microsoft, Google, Meta, Snapchat, Netflix, LinkedIn, Arista Networks, and VMware.
8. DePaul University, Chicago, Illinois
DePaul University 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. SoD students can also earn a UxD minor or a combined BS/MS with dozens of eligible graduate programs. Graduates of the UxD degree programs at DePaul go on to land positions at places such as Google, Deloitte, CVS, Meta, PwC, United Airlines, EY, Hilton Worldwide, KPMG, JPMorgan Chase, AT&T, and Walgreens.
9. Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona
Arizona State University (ASU) is home to the nation’s largest engineering program. The Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering serves nearly 32,000 students across eight schools, 25 undergraduate programs, and nearly 50 graduate programs. Among Ira’s schools is The Polytechnic School, which houses a Human Systems Engineering (User Experience) BS program with on-campus and online options. All students also have the opportunity to complete an internship and study abroad experience in one of more than 65 countries. Graduates have been hired at places such as Boeing, Intel, Amazon, Microsoft, Apple, Google, Oracle, Adobe, Qualcomm, Meta, Deloitte, Walmart, JPMorgan Chase, Banner Health, and PayPal.
10. University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, Illinois
The School of Information Sciences at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) houses one of the oldest existing Library and Information Science (LIS) doctoral programs in the U.S. Known as the iSchool at Illinois, the school also houses a STEM-designated, interdisciplinary BS in Information Sciences (BSIS) with a Human Computer Interaction (HCI)/User Experience (UX) pathway. Students in this program have the option to enroll in courses, minors, certificates, or dual degrees from complementing disciplines such as Human Centered Design, Computer Science, or Graphic Design. Course examples for the pathway include Introduction to HCI; Topics in Human-Centered Design and Systems; and Design of Usable Interfaces. BSIS HCI/UX graduates go on to land positions at places such as Disney, Google, Boeing, NBCUniversal, Microsoft, Apple, Intel, Intuit, AbbVie, T-Mobile, Getty Images, and Nike.
11. University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas
The School of Information (iSchool) at University of Texas at Austin (UT Austin) launched an interdisciplinary undergraduate Informatics program in 2021. Leading to a BA or BS, the program has a User Experience (UX) Design concentration that provides access to the state-of-the-art Information eXperience Lab (IX Lab) and the Immersive Human Development Lab. Students also have opportunities to complete an internship. The program culminates with a semester-long capstone. Graduates have gone on to become UX designers, researchers, and analysts at places such as Amazon, Google, AT&T, Dell, Apple, IBM, Accenture, JPMorgan Chase, American Airlines, Deloitte, Expedia, and Athenahealth.
12. California College of the Arts, San Francisco and Oakland, California
California College of the Arts (CCA) houses an Interaction Design (IxD) BFA program that explores human-computer interaction, user experience (UX) design, prototyping, coding, and user feedback. Other program features include sponsored studios by companies such as Intel, Samsung, and Oracle; hands-on learning; a mandatory internship; access to the IxD Studio Space and interdisciplinary Hybrid Lab; and study abroad experiences in places such as London, Paris, and Japan. Graduates of the CCA IxD BFA program have been hired at places such as Microsoft, Apple, Google, Amazon, IDEO, and Adobe.
13. Cornell University, Ithaca, New York
The Information Science major at Cornell University is provided in the College of Arts and Sciences; Ann S. Bowers College of Computing and Information Science (Cornell Bowers CIS); and the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS). Depending on the college, students can earn a BA or a BS and concentrate in UX Design. All programs highlight hands-on learning, immersive coursework, and experiential learning opportunities such as internships and study abroad experiences. Programs culminate with a final project and portfolio of the student’s best work. Graduates can be found at places such as Google, Amazon, Microsoft, Apple, Deloitte, Visa, P&G, Capital One, Accenture, and Meta.
14. Drexel University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
The Antoinette Westphal College of Media Arts and Design at Drexel University houses a User Experience and Interaction Design (UXID) BS program that explores User Interface (UI); Information Architecture (IA); Content Strategy; Project Management; and Full Stack Development. Students have the opportunity to collaborate with other art and design students through Drexel’s in-house lifestyle magazine, graphic design firm, and record label. Students also have opportunities to work with major companies and studios through the school’s co-op program. Drexel UXID graduates have gone on to launch their own studios, pursue graduate studies, or secure positions at places such as Boeing, Amazon, Microsoft, Lockheed Martin, Google, NBCUniversal, PwC, Goldman Sachs, and SAP.
15. University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland
The College of Information (INFO College) at University of Maryland (UMD) houses the Technology and Information Design (InfoDesign) BA program. Students have the unique opportunity to work with one of more than 400 industry partners through the INFO Corporate Partnership Program. Students also have access to research centers and labs such as the Human-Computer Interaction Lab (HCIL); the Values-Centered Artificial Intelligence (VCAI) Initiative; and the Computational Linguistics and Information Processing (CLIP) Lab. INFO College graduates can be found at places such as Google, IBM, Northrup Grumman, Amazon, the Smithsonian Institution, P&G, Booz Allen Hamilton, and Carnival Corporation.
16. Full Sail University, Winter Park, Florida
Full Sail University provides two paths to study user experience (UX) design: the accelerated UX BS and a 28-week UX certificate. Course examples across programs include UI Visual Design and Prototyping; Information Visualization; Interactive Media Design and Usability; UX Production; and Systems Design. BS students will also complete six hands-on project and portfolio courses, culminating with a multimedia postmortem presentation. Full Sail UX graduates have been hired at places such as NASA, Universal Studios, Industrial Light & Magic (ILM), Sony, Apple, Unity, Disney, Google, HBO, and Insomniac Games.
17. ArtCenter College of Design, Pasadena, California
ArtCenter College of Design houses an Interaction Design BS program that explores graphic, media, entertainment, industrial, and entertainment design. Consisting of 132 units, the program features courses such as Visual Interaction Design-UX/UI; Rapid Prototyping; HCI for Interaction Design; Human Factors and Design Psychology; and Communication Design. The final requirement for the program is the IxD Graduation Studio course, culminating with the virtual senior show. Graduates go on to land positions at places such as Microsoft, Google, NASA, Apple, IDEO, and Meta.
18. Rutgers University, New Brunswick, New Jersey
The School of Communication and Information at Rutgers University (Rutgers) houses an Information Technology and Informatics (ITI) BS that allows students to build a specialized focus to match their goals. Elective examples include Human-Computer Interaction (HCI); Advanced Web Design Technologies; and Information Visualization. Students can also add a minor such as Art or Computer Science. All Rutgers ITI BS students have access to the Intelligent Visual Interfaces (IVI) Lab, which focuses on research in HCI, visual computing, and artificial intelligence (AI). Rutgers technology graduates have been hired at places such as Lockheed Martin, Amazon, Google, Microsoft, Johnson & Johnson, and Goldman Sachs.
19. Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts
Northeastern University (Northeastern) houses one of the nation’s first colleges dedicated to the field of Computer Science (CS). Established in 1982, Khoury College of Computer Sciences has a Computer Science and Design BS that highlights heavy human-centered design coursework and several required co-ops with industry partners such as Google, Meta, and PwC. BS students may also concentrate in Experience or Interaction Design. The program culminates with a final project and presentation. Graduates have been hired by co-op industry partners as well as Amazon, IBM, Oracle, Apple, RTX Corporation, Verizon, Tesla, Fidelity, Goldman Sachs, Boston Children’s Hospital, and CVS Health.
20. University of California, Irvine, Irvine, California
University of California, Irvine (UC Irvine or UCI) houses the Donald Bren School of Information and Computer Sciences (ICS). Within the school is the Department of Informatics, which has an Informatics BS program with a Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) concentration. This interdisciplinary program provides hands-on experience through core courses in HCI and project-based courses such as Information Visualization; Software Design - Applications; and Programming in Java as a Second Language. The program culminates with a capstone course sponsored by an outside company or organization. UCI ICS graduates have gone on to secure positions at places such as Google, Disney, Microsoft, Blizzard Entertainment, EY, CrowdStrike, UCI Health, Turion Space, Acorns, and Kofax.
21. Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania State University (Penn State) is home to the College of Information Sciences and Technology (IST), which houses a Human Centered Design and Development (HCDD) BS program that focuses on developing ways to augment experiences through the use of technology; designing and building practical technologies; and identifying ways that technology can support human activity. Students can enhance the curriculum through minor options such as Digital Media Trends and Analytics; IST for Communication Arts and Sciences; and Entrepreneurship and Innovation. UPenn IST graduates are routinely hired at places such as Lockheed Martin, Microsoft, Amazon, Google, Oracle, and Deloitte.
22. Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah
The College of Fine Arts and Communications at Brigham Young University (BYU) houses the Design Department, which provides a Graphic Design BFA and a limited enrollment Product and User Experience (UX) Design BFA. The Graphic Design program includes courses such as Collaborative UX Design; Interface and Usability; Design Lab; and Advanced Interactive Design. The Product and User UX Design BFA includes courses such as UX Research Methods; Collaborative UX Design; Rapid Product Innovation; Product and UX Design; and Advanced Software Construction. BYU Design graduates go on to land positions at places such as Google, Microsoft, Cisco, Amazon, Intel, HP, Adobe, and Intel.
23. University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, Colorado
The College of Engineering and Applied Science at University of Colorado Boulder (CU Boulder) houses the ATLAS Institute. Within the institute is a Creative Technology and Design (CTD) program with BS, minor, and certificate options. In collaboration with the Department of Information Science, ATLAS also provides a User Experience certificate program. Across programs, students will take courses such as User Experience Design 1 and 2; UX and UI Workflows; Design Foundations; and Human-Computer Interaction (HCI). ATLAS graduates have been hired at places such as NASA, Google, Microsoft, Boeing, Amazon, Lockheed Martin, NVIDIA, IBM, Chevron, L3Harris Technologies, RTX Corporation, and Tesla.
24. Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan
Michigan State University’s (MSU) College of Communication Arts and Sciences (ComArtSci), which houses the Department of Media and Information (MI). Within the department are BA programs in Information Science, and Games and Interactive Media. Information Science students can specialize in Design of Human-Centered Technologies. Games and Interactive Media students have access to courses such as Building Innovative Interfaces; Game Interface Design; Methods for Understanding Users; and Games and Interactivity. Students also have the opportunity to take electives from Media and Information (MI) or any ComArtSci minor. MSU MI and Games graduates go on to land positions at places such as Blizzard Entertainment, Google, Electronic Arts, Dow Chemical Company, Ubisoft, Rockstar Games, Ford Motor Company, Bungie, Insomniac Games, Stryker, and Gray Media.
25. University of North Texas, Denton, Texas
The College of Visual Arts and Design (CVAD) at University of North Texas (UNT) houses the Department of Design—home to the Communication Design BFA with a concentration in User Experience (UX) Design. Course examples include Foundations of User-Centered Design; Advanced UX Campaigns; Design Prototyping and User Testing; Cause-Based User-Experience Design; and Topics in User-Experience Design. The program culminates with a final project case study and portfolio of the student’s best work. UNT CVAD graduates have been hired at places such as BBDO, Nike, Haggar, Fossil, Walmart, and Honda.