What are the top graduate User Experience (UX), User Interface (UI), and Human Computer Interaction (HCI) schools in the South?
| Ranking | School | State |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Georgia Institute of Technology | Georgia |
| 2 | University of Central Florida | Florida |
| 3 | University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill | North Carolina |
| 4 | North Carolina State University | North Carolina |
| 5 | University of Miami | Florida |
Our 2025 rankings of the Top 5 graduate UX/UI/HCI school programs in the South. For reference, we define the South as Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Louisiana, North Carolina, South Carolina, Kentucky, West Virginia, Tennessee, Mississippi, Arkansas. For an explanation of ranking criteria, click here.
1. Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia
The College of Computing (CC) at Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech) is one of the largest technology colleges in the U.S. In collaboration with the Schools of Industrial Design; Psychology; Literature, Media, and Communication (LMC); and Industrial Design, the CC provides a multidisciplinary Human-Computer Interaction MS (MS-HCI) program with a mandatory internship. Students also have the opportunity to earn a Technology Management certificate from the College of Management. Georgia Tech MS-HCI graduates have been hired at places such as NASA, Boeing, Microsoft, Amazon, NVIDIA, Intel, Disney, IBM, Samsung, Google, Apple, Cisco, Meta, Autodesk, Delta Air Lines, and eBay.
2. University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida
The College of Engineering and Computer Science (CECS) at University of Central Florida (UCF) is home to the School of Modeling, Simulation, and Training (SMST). Within the school is a Modeling and Simulation MS with specializations in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI); Human Systems; and Interactive Simulation, and Cognition, among others. Students can enhance the program by focusing their research in any area—including UI/UX. Some MS graduates have gone on the enroll in UCF’s customizable Modeling and Simulation PhD program. Others have been hired at places such as NASA, Microsoft, Boeing, Epic Games, Lockheed Martin, Activision Blizzard, Sony, and Electronic Arts (EA).
3. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
The School of Information and Library Science (SILS) at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC-Chapel Hill) houses the Information Science MS (MSIS) program. Accredited by the American Library Association (ALA) since 1934, the program has an informal specialization in User Experience and Human-Computer Interaction that allows students to select courses that align with their goals. Examples include User Interface Design; Human Information Interactions; and Usability Evaluation and Testing. The program culminates with a research capstone. UNC-Chapel Hill alumni are routinely hired at places such as Microsoft, Cisco, Amazon, Meta, Capital One, Accenture, Fidelity, Bain & Company, Deloitte, and SAS.
4. North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina
North Carolina State University (NC State) has several graduate programs for students interested in pursuing advanced roles in UX/UI/HCI. Options include the STEM-Classified (CIP) Master of Graphic and Experience Design (MGXD); a limited-enrollment Technical Communication MS; and a PhD in Human Factors and Applied Cognitive Psychology (HFAC). This program explores areas such as HCI, information design, risk perception and communication, and product-usability evaluation. Across programs, graduates have been hired at places such as Cisco, IBM, Adobe, SAS, RedHat, IDEO, and Lenovo.
5. University of Miami, Coral Gables, Florida
University of Miami (UM) is home to the School of Communication. Within the school is the Department of Interactive Media, which houses a STEM-designated Interactive Media MFA. While students are allowed to customize a focus area through the 24 required elective credits, the multidisciplinary curriculum also highlights UX/UI/HCI related courses such as Collaborative Innovation Laboratory; Human-Centered Design; Visual Design for Interactive Media; and Creative Coding. Throughout the program, students will have opportunities to research, design, prototype, and build projects across areas. Graduates go on to establish careers at places such as Google, Meta, Amazon, GE, and Visa.