Find your perfect college degree
Many people think that understanding the concept and ideas behind user interface and user experience design is complicated, but it’s actually easier than what others made it out to be.
UI & UX design is the process of developing how customers and goods interact. It is concentrated not only on interactive features but also on providing customers with a particular outcome in an interactive way.
An Online Master in UI & UX design degree attempts to create products that best assist consumers in achieving their goals.
Additional Resources:
- Best Grad Schools with Online Master’s in Multimedia Design
- Best Grad Schools with Online Master’s in Web Design
- Best Online Master’s in Human-Computer Interaction
Overview
Online master’s degree programs in UI/UX equip students with in-depth knowledge of user experience and end-user interface, among other things, to keep up with the current digital era. UI/UX design is a crucial profession since it entails making appealing and user-friendly interfaces for various digital products, including mobile apps, websites, software, and more.
Methodology
Online UI/UX degree programs are gaining popularity because of their flexible features. Identifying which can meet students’ needs and today’s demands can be challenging. Students might need to spend hours reading and researching details about the university and the program.
To help students save time and quickly narrow down their choices, we made a list of the Best Online Master’s in UI/UX Graduate Schools following these criteria:
- Offers a curriculum that combines theory, practical projects, and hands-on experiences with online courses to ensure that students obtain the practical skills to design and optimize efficient user interfaces,
- Has ties with industry partners and/or UX design agencies that provide graduate students with valuable real-world experience and networking opportunities,
- Employs award-winning faculty that has contributed to research and/or projects in the UI/UX industry,
- Allow online students to apply for financial assistance to reduce overall tuition costs,
- Has received proper accreditation from regional accrediting agencies.
Learn more about our academic ranking process! Read our Methodology.
10 Best Online Master’s in UX/UI Graduate Schools
Arizona State University Online
Scottsdale, AZ
Online Master of Science in User Experience
According to the US News and World Report, Arizona State University Online is among the Top 10 online colleges and universities. Living up to its name as a top online school, ASU Online uses cutting-edge technology and a powerful interface to deliver over 200 online degrees and certificates. Online students get the chance to learn from ASU’s esteemed on-campus academics and instructional leaders.
- ASU Online’s MS in User Experience (UX) offers asynchronous classes to help working adult students enroll in courses that fit their busy schedules.
- The program requires 30 credit hours beyond the bachelor’s degree.
- Students study various interfaces that help optimize UX.
- It offers students a holistic approach to education, allowing them to stand out in a pool of UX designers.
- The program’s core coursework includes design, UX principles, systems engineering, and technical communications.
- Students will study user needs, tasks, procedures, capacities, and constraints when utilizing technology and engaging with information, including hardware and software user interfaces.
- Besides completing the required courses, students can choose two electives that align with their professional goals.
- Graduates will have the skills and knowledge, including UX research skills, to identify criteria for successful products and refine services using testing and evaluation methods.
Standout Features of Arizona State University’s Online Master of Science in User Experience Program:
ASU Online’s MS in UX design is a project-based degree program that offers a curriculum combining graphic information technology, human systems engineering, and technical writing and communication.
Did You Know?
Most of ASU’s Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering faculty have obtained high recognition in their fields. This is one of the many reasons why ASU is popular when it comes to top-notch learning, whether for traditional or online programs.
Kent State University Online
Kent, OH
Online Master’s in UX Design
The first online program at Kent State University was offered 20 years ago. Since then, the university has progressed and offers over 80 programs online, from certificate to graduate degree programs. The US News and World Report included Kent State University as one of the top universities for online graduate programs at the Master’s level.
- KSU’s online Master’s in UX design is a two-year program that allows students to accelerate graduation by enabling them to enroll in more credit hours beyond the suggested hours per semester.
- Students must complete 36 credit hours.
- The program’s core coursework offers a robust conceptual foundation that allows students to obtain design abilities to boost their marketability.
- Upon completing the required core courses, students can choose their own electives and capstone courses to align their degrees with their career aspirations further.
- Students will receive guidance in customizing their degrees to help them make wise choices. Professors can suggest electives if the student is unsure of what to take.
- The program’s coursework is a combination of asynchronous and small class cohorts.
- Graduates will have in-depth knowledge about interaction design, content strategy, and information architecture—all valuable in creating functional UX design.
Standout Features of Kent State University’s Online Master’s in UX Design:
Early in the program, students will have a one-on-one discussion with an academic advisor and discuss details about creating a portfolio. This unique opportunity allows students to graduate from the program with a degree and a body of work demonstrating their expertise.
Did You Know?
Kent State University is one of the 76 schools acknowledged by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching’s classification of public higher education institutions. Because of this, the US News and World Report has put Kent State Online among the top national universities in the US.
Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Worcester, MA
Online Master of Science in Innovation with User Experience
Worcester Polytechnic Institute is one of the top private schools for students seeking affordable degree programs. This is one of the few private schools with abundant financial aid opportunities for students enrolled in traditional and online programs. Additionally, WPI offers several extracurricular activities, clubs, and organizations.
- WPI offers an online Master in UX degree program for students seeking to gain competitive skills in the IT industry.
- WPI Business School houses one of the best labs that prepares students for higher-level UX professions.
- This master’s degree is suitable for students who want to gain foundational knowledge on the business aspect of the UX industry.
- Students learn from a faculty actively engaged in various sponsored research and consultancy projects, including user experience, decision/risk analysis, and conflict management.
- The program’s concentration courses are designed to help students develop mobile and web design skills, human factors in computers, project management, user experience engineering, and product design.
- The program has several specialties, including User Experience Research, Managing and Organizing Innovation, Applied Analytics, System Design for IUX, and more. These specialties allow students to focus on specific user experience areas for a particular career.
- Students must complete 33 credit hours to earn the master’s degree, which usually takes two years.
Standout Features of Worcester Polytechnic Institute’s Online Master’s in Innovation with User Experience Program:
WPI’s MSIUX degree program, offered by The School of Business, gives students access to top-tier knowledge and business and technology-related educational resources. These resources are designed to help students develop entrepreneurial thinking for leadership positions in IT and business industries.
Did You Know?
WPI is an award-winning, ground-breaking project-based, and globally engaged institution that allows students to contribute to solving significant scientific, technological, and societal problems. Undergraduate and graduate students work transdisciplinary together in coursework and research to discover comprehensive answers to socially relevant challenges. They also collaborate with teachers and public and private partners.
Drexel University
Philadelphia, PA
Online Master of Science in Human-Computer Interaction and User Experience
Drexel University is one of the largest, most prominent private research universities, with over 25,000 students enrolled in online and on-campus programs. One of the many features that set Drexel apart from other private universities is its multidisciplinary approach to education. Drexel encourages all its students to participate in at least one experiential learning to acquire knowledge, skills, and values through firsthand encounters outside a typical academic setting.
- Drexel’s MS in Human-Computer Interaction and User Experience is a 100% online program with optional on-campus intensives.
- Students without UX experience can apply to this program.
- By integrating fundamental HCI knowledge with industry-relevant UX design methodologies, graduates will be ready to compete for mid to higher-level UX professions.
- Upon completing the required coursework, students must conclude the program with a design- or research-based capstone project.
- Students will learn about the relationship between people and computing systems.
- Featured courses of the program include Social and Collaborative Computing and Designing with Data.
Standout Features of Drexel University’s Online Master of Science in Human-Computer Interaction and User Experience Program:
This online user experience master’s degree is highly interdisciplinary. The program allows students to study courses related to creating user interface design, including sociology, software engineering, psychology, and computer science.
Did You Know?
Drexel is one of the most technologically advanced institutions. The university required its students to use microcomputers in 1984; this effort was in collaboration with Apple. Enrollment has spiked since then.
Maryland Institute College of Art
Baltimore, MD
Online Master of Professional Studies in User Experience
Maryland Institute College of Art was established in 1862, making it one of the oldest visual arts colleges in the United States. The MICA campus has several creative spaces, including a sound stage, a studio for digital fabrication, and a “Make Cool Stuff Lab.” Moreover, MICA is among the original design colleges chosen for the Clinton Global Initiative University.
- MICA’s MPS in UX program is a unique program focusing on the connection between the arts and technology.
- The program offers coursework on interface design and its application to various sectors, from gaming to healthcare and education.
- It requires students to create a portfolio as they progress through the program. This initiative helps students prove their expertise and dedication to the field, something employers seek from their applicants.
- Classes move in cohorts.
- Students can earn the degree in 15 months, making it one of the fastest master’s in UX design online.
- Students will explore the design and technical aspects of user experience while gaining skills required in today’s tech-focused marketplace.
- The program only accepts applicants with educational and/or professional backgrounds in design.
Standout Features of Maryland Institute College of Art’s Online Master of Professional Studies in User Experience Program:
In addition to required courses in user experience, students must also fulfill the program’s 2-day virtual industry immersive residency requirement. This component allows students to collaborate with peers and faculty and create networks with UX professionals in various fields. This two-day seminar explores ideas, resources, and methods that foster innovation.
Did You Know?
MICA is one of the top schools where big companies like Disney, Nickelodeon, and Pixar send representatives/agents to look for talents. It lays a clear path for those wanting to pursue art-related careers.
Academy of Art University
San Francisco, CA
Master of Arts in Interaction & UI/UX Design Online
Academy of Art University is one of the country’s largest accredited art and design higher education institutions. The Academy of Art is home to 16,000 students from different countries pursuing online and on-campus arts, design, and technology programs.
- The Academy of Arts University offers two master’s in Interaction & UI/UX Design; however, the most known is the Master of Arts.
- The MA degree program is 100% online and prepares students with amateur web designing skills for leadership roles in the UI-UX industry.
- This 36-credit hour program can be completed in 1.5 years.
- Coursework of the program includes Digital Graphics, User Experience Design, Motion Graphics and Video, Advanced Tech: CMS, and Portfolio.
- The program’s curriculum aims to develop students’ design thinking, user experience, and technical skills for professional readiness.
Standout Features of Academy of Art University’s Online Master of Arts in Interaction & UI/UX Design Program:
Online students can engage in extracurricular activities that will help them connect with various communities. They can participate in optional internships and study abroad programs. Additional extracurricular activities include clubs and civic and pro bono projects.
Did You Know?
This institution has an open admissions policy, which means that any student, regardless of where they’re from, can gain admission to programs as long as they meet specific requirements. The institution has a 100% admission rate.
ArtCenter College of Design
Pasadena, CA
Online Master of Design in Interaction Design
ArtCenter College of Design, established in 1930, is known for its challenging and highly specialized programs that educate students for careers in various creative industries. The faculty at ArtCenter includes accomplished and seasoned artists and designers, many of whom are working professionals in their areas. This guarantees that students are given current perspectives and valuable information from professionals in the field.
- The online master’s in interaction design at ArtCenter is a 100% online program that prepares students to become at the forefront of today’s technologically demanding environment.
- The program is centered on human-centered design approaches to help students gain an in-depth understanding of software UX/UI, strategic innovation, creative technology development, and prototyping.
- Students can earn the degree in one year, thanks to its fast-paced curriculum. This allows students to enter the workforce faster than traditional two-year programs.
- It aims to produce graduates well-versed in cutting-edge technologies by providing students with practical experiences in designing usable, appealing, and accessible digital settings.
- The program accepts international students but is not permitted to grant I-20s since this is a fully online program.
Standout Features of ArtCenter College of Design’s Online Master of Design in Interaction Design Program:
Students gain access to the college’s Immersion Lab and Online Maker Hub, which offers unique opportunities to experiment with emerging technologies and explore new possibilities within interaction design tools.
Did You Know?
ArtCenter College of Design regularly holds exhibits, lectures, and events with well-known creatives, designers, and business leaders. These activities enhance the educational options for students and offer beneficial networking opportunities.
Michigan State University
East Lansing, MI
Online Master of Science in User Experience
Michigan State University, one of The Big Ten colleges and universities, is one of the most multicultural institutions, representing over 140 countries. More than 200 concentrations are available at MSU through its 17 degree-conferring schools. Undergraduate and graduate students have hundreds of unmatched possibilities for research where students can collaborate with top instructors.
- The MS in UX at MSU is an online program designed for employed professionals seeking to jumpstart a career in the UX and IT industry.
- The program offers three tracks: Human-Computer Interaction, User Experience Design, and Human-Centered Research. These tracks prepare students for various career opportunities in the field.
- This is an extensive online program. Students should expect an academically rigorous curriculum that offers advanced user experience design training integrating human-computer interaction knowledge with industry-relevant methods and social responsibility.
- The program’s core courses include User Research & Design, Social Science for Design, Usability Evaluation, Design for Interactivity, and UX & Society.
Standout Features of Michigan State University’s Online Master of Science in User Experience Program:
The UX MS program is grounded in a multidisciplinary learning environment with award-winning faculty that teaches students every detail of the dynamic media environment. Faculty members have established a name in human-computer interface, user experience, accessibility, media policy, artificial intelligence, design, cybersecurity, virtual reality, media in society, and game design.
Did You Know?
The study abroad program at MSU is the biggest of any single-campus university in the nation. MSU offers more than 200 study abroad programs covering over 60 countries on all continents, including Antarctica.
Azusa Pacific University
Azusa, CA
Online Master of Arts in User Experience Design
Azusa Pacific University, a private Christian institution, offers various undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs in various fields. The university emphasizes a holistic approach to education, combining academic excellence with spiritual and ethical development. Home to only 7,000 students, this institution is best for students seeking to study in a tight-knit community.
- APU’s MA in UX Design is a hybrid program that combines online courses with a residency requirement.
- Busy working adult students will have a one-on-one session with an academic advisor who will help them create a schedule for their on-campus sessions.
- Students must complete at least 30 credit hours to earn the degree, which usually takes two years.
- Students can expect to undergo a curriculum that uses a human-centered design from an artistic point of view, equipping students with better skills in creating efficient and engaging UX designs.
- Azusa Pacific University’s online UX program allows students to integrate their professional purpose as UX designers with their Christian worldview to benefit others.
Standout Features of Azusa Pacific University’s Online Master of Arts in User Experience Design Program:
Thanks to APU’s close ties with various private and public organizations in the IT and UX industry, online students can apply their knowledge and skills in real-world settings through internships. This allows students to practice and advance their practical skills before competing in the job market.
Did You Know?
Azusa Pacific University is regarded as one of the most friendly campuses. The institution imposes a sense of community and belonging on its students, teachers, and staff. People are supportive and approachable in general.
Rutgers University
Piscataway, NJ
Online Master of Business and Science in User Experience Design
Rutgers University is among the few Big Ten Academic Alliance members and the Association of American Universities. It’s also one of the “Colonial Colleges” established before the American Revolution. With such a long history and tradition, Rutgers University has attracted high-quality faculty, competitive students, and generous funding.
- Rutgers University’s online MBS in UX Design is open for applicants with a bachelor’s degree in a related field and a GPA of 3.0 or higher.
- The curriculum incorporates specialist UXD themes into business and science courses to provide students with a thorough understanding of user-centered design ideas.
- Business skills students obtain from this degree include marketing, management, entrepreneurship, planning, and more.
- Students get practical knowledge in UX research, interface design, usability testing, prototyping, and information architecture.
- They’ll also study the connection between UX design and sociological, psychological, and psychological theories.
- Students have access to hands-on projects where they can use their understanding of UXD to address real-world design problems.
- The program’s core UX courses are Introduction to User Experience Design and Visual Design for User Experience.
Standout Features of Rutgers University’s Online Master of Business and Science in User Experience Design Program:
Students have a wide range of options for electives in mobile app development, digital marketing, web development & programming, general information technology, and customer experience design.
Did You Know?
Rutgers University is believed to be the birthplace of college football. The first intercollegiate football game in American history was played on November 6, 1869, between Rutgers University and Princeton University. Because of this, Rutgers has a special place in the development and legacy of American football.
Courses in an Online Master’s Degree Program in UX/UI Design
Because each program is unique, you might encounter different course titles. The following are typical courses and topics offered in these programs:
UX Research Methods
This course focuses on research techniques for learning about user needs, preferences, and behavior. Students study in-depth the design process, how to perform user interviews, surveys, usability testing, and data analysis.
Human-Computer Interaction for UI/UX Design
This course examines how the interaction between people and computers affects the creation of user interfaces. Students gain knowledge about creating user-friendly, efficient, and intuitive interactions.
Visual Design
Students study visual design principles like typography, color theory, layout, and graphic design to produce visually appealing user interfaces.
Prototyping and Wireframing
To conceptualize and test design concepts before execution, this course teaches students how to produce low and high-fidelity prototypes and wireframes.
Emerging Technologies in UX/UI
This course allows students to stay current on the recent and upcoming trends in UX/UI. Topics often include augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), voice user interfaces (VUI), and AI interactions.
Portfolio Development
A portfolio is an effective tool for job searching that displays traits like creativity, innovation, organization, writing ability, effective technology use, leadership, drive, and achievements. Most graduate programs require students to create a portfolio to outline their strengths and weaknesses clearly.
Top Careers for UX/UI Design Online Masters Graduates
As a graduate of an online master’s degree in UX/UI design degree, you are best suitable for a career as a UX designer, information architect, and user researcher. The Labor Statistics Bureau says the demand for web developers and digital designers is set to rise by 16 percent from 2022 to 2032. This industry’s growth rate results from conversion to a digital-first environment.
Following are some of the top careers UX/UI professionals with a master’s degree should look out for:
Lead UX Designer
This is a senior-level position. Lead UX designers manage and direct the UX design process for a given product or project. They work with cross-functional teams, supervise other UX designers, and ensure high-quality user experiences are delivered.
Median Annual Wage: $142,105
Information Architect
An information architect organizes and arranges content to ensure clients receive clear and user-friendly interfaces. They can work on website navigation, sitemaps, and information hierarchies.
Median Annual Wage: $169,291
User Experience Researcher
A user experience researcher is responsible for learning more about user preferences, needs, and behaviors. They inform the UX design process through various qualitative and quantitative methodologies, including data analysis, usability testing, interviews, and surveys.
Median Annual Wage: $116,773
Usability Analyst
Usability analysts evaluate the effectiveness and usability of digital products. They carry out usability tests, get user input, and pinpoint areas that could use improvement to improve the overall user experience.
Median Annual Wage: $102,829
Interaction Designer
Interaction designers concentrate on developing interesting and meaningful user experiences for digital products. To enhance the overall user experience, they create simple user interfaces, specify user interactions, and focus on micro-interactions.
Median Annual Wage: $115,750
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a master’s degree required to land a job in UX design?
A master’s degree is not generally required to land a position in the field. However, for those who plan on competing for higher-level positions for greater wages, a master’s degree will help them stand out along with their professional experiences.
Is an MS degree better than an MA degree?
An MS degree is best pursued by students who want to study in a more systematic organizing and structuring content. An MA degree is best for those who want to explore the creative and social side of UX design.
Are there free online master’s in UX/UI programs?
The only way you can study for a master’s degree for free is if you apply for a full scholarship, which is rare in online degrees. To minimize the cost of your online program, you should apply for financial assistance. You can also enroll in courses and boot camps; they are cheaper than a full degree.
Key Takeaways
- Online master’s in UX/UI design are graduate-level academic programs that strongly emphasize UX research, user-centered design, design thinking, interaction design, information architecture, prototyping, usability testing, and visual design.
- These online programs allow students to collaborate with peers, professionals, and faculty in user testing and research to develop practical skills to understand and address user needs and preferences.
- Job growth for UX/UI design employment is much faster than the national average for all career paths.
- Graduates may find employment in industries prioritizing digital experiences for their users.
