- 1.UX Design professionals earn a median salary of $85,380/year, with 23% job growth projected through 2032—much faster than average.
- 2.Our top-ranked ux design programs are Carnegie Mellon University, University of Central Florida, and Purdue University-Main Campus—selected based on graduation rates, program size, and career outcomes.
- 3.Best value: University of Central Florida offers ux design degrees at just $4,478/year with a 93% graduation rate.
- 4.140 accredited ux design programs available nationwide, with options at every degree level from associate's to doctoral.
- 5.Entry-level positions typically require a bachelor's degree; master's degrees unlock senior roles with 20-40% higher salaries and leadership opportunities.
Source: BLS OEWS 2024, IPEDS 2023
Best UX Design Programs - Top 10
These are the best ux design programs in the United States based on our comprehensive methodology that considers graduation rates, program size, institutional reputation, and career outcomes. Rankings are updated annually using data from IPEDS and BLS.
Best UX Design Programs - Top 10
Carnegie Mellon University
Doctoral: Very High Research (R1)
CMU created the world's first Master of Human-Computer Interaction program and has graduated over 1,200 professionals who are now defining how humans interact with technology across leading companies worldwide.
Program Overview
Carnegie Mellon University offers two distinct pathways for UX design education, each representing a pioneering approach to human-computer interaction. The Master of Human-Computer Interaction (MHCI) stands as the world's first and longest-running program dedicated to preparing professionals for HCI and user experience careers, completed in just three intensive semesters over one calendar year (August to August). This interdisciplinary program draws students from diverse backgrounds in design, social science, business, and computer science, culminating in a seven-month industry capstone project with external clients that alumni consistently praise as career-defining.
Alternatively, the Master of Design in Design for Interactions (MDes) offers a two-year, four-semester journey for design professionals with at least one year of industry experience. This program focuses on the 'big picture' of designing for interactions within communities, organizations, and systems, emphasizing research-driven design thinking. Students complete an independent thesis project under faculty mentorship, exploring everything from food citizenship transitions to tactile navigation systems for the visually impaired.
Degree Programs
Research Labs & Institutes
Hub for HCI innovation, education, and research with faculty driving and defining the world of HCI
Location Advantages
- •Access to Carnegie Mellon's renowned liberal arts research university resources
- •Pittsburgh's growing tech ecosystem
Career Outcomes
Leading technology companies worldwide, Industry clients through capstone projects
Certifications & Designations
Admissions
University of Central Florida
Doctoral: Very High Research (R1)
While UCF lacks a dedicated UX Design program, it uniquely positions students through America's Space University innovation ecosystem and the #1-ranked Interactive Entertainment program at FIEA, offering unparalleled access to Orlando's entertainment and technology industries.
Program Overview
The University of Central Florida does not offer a dedicated UX Design master's program among its 90+ graduate degree options. However, UCF provides several related programs that could serve UX Design aspirants. The Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Emerging Media offers tracks in Studio Art and Design as well as Animation and Visual Effects, housed within the College of Arts and Humanities. For those interested in the technical side of user experience, the College of Engineering and Computer Science offers an MS in Computer Science and an innovative MS in Interactive Entertainment through the Florida Interactive Entertainment Academy (FIEA) located in downtown Orlando. The Interactive Entertainment program, ranked #1 nationally by The Princeton Review and PC Gamer magazine, focuses on game design, programming, and 3D artistry while developing problem-solving and project management skills under world-renowned faculty.
Degree Programs
Research Labs & Institutes
World-class facility for game design and interactive entertainment
VR/AR/XR, Human-Centered Design, and Advanced Modeling & Simulation
Location Advantages
- •Orlando entertainment industry hub with theme parks and digital media companies
- •Central Florida Research Park - largest research park in the US
- •America's Space University designation with NASA partnerships
- •Growing tech corridor in Central Florida
Industry Partners
Career Outcomes
Entertainment companies, Theme parks, Tech companies in Central Florida Research Park, NASA and aerospace contractors
Certifications & Designations
Purdue University-Main Campus
Doctoral: Very High Research (R1)
Purdue's UX Design program provides students with 3.5 years of real-world client experience through its unique Experience Studio model, while ranking #6 nationally and #2 in the Midwest for UX/UI/HCI programs according to Animation Career Review 2024.
Program Overview
Purdue University's UX Design program, housed within the School of Applied and Creative Computing at the Purdue Polytechnic Institute, offers a distinctive Bachelor of Science degree that emphasizes hands-on, industry-connected learning. What sets this program apart is its dual-studio approach: Learning Studios where students hone fundamental skills, and Experience Studios where they tackle real-world projects with industry sponsors. Students graduate with an impressive 3.5 years of practical experience working with actual clients, building robust portfolios through projects like designing portable DJing features for Spotify or collaborating with medical startups on product development.
The program's curriculum spans user research, visual and interaction design, advanced prototyping, and cross-channel strategies, with courses ranging from imaging technology and web development to advanced UX design studios and data visualization. Students can even graduate in three years through Purdue's accelerated Degree in 3 program. The program benefits from Purdue's strong industry connections, placing graduates at major tech companies while maintaining the intimate, close-knit environment that comes with smaller class sizes and direct faculty mentorship from experts like Professor Paul Parsons, recently honored as Most Distinguished Faculty for Research.
Degree Programs
Location Advantages
- •West Lafayette campus with strong tech industry connections
- •Access to Purdue's broader engineering and technology ecosystem
Industry Partners
Career Outcomes
Oracle Corp., Microsoft, Salesforce, Citigroup Inc., BraunAbility
Certifications & Designations
Admissions
University of Southern California
Doctoral: Very High Research (R1)
36 ux design graduates annually
The University of Texas at Dallas
Doctoral: Very High Research (R1)
UT Dallas uniquely positions UX design within a broader arts-technology ecosystem, offering the only Certificate in Applied Experience Design and Research that can be paired with any major, while housing cutting-edge research labs like the VAST VR Lab that collaborates with the FAA on aerospace maintenance applications.
The University of Texas at Austin
Doctoral: Very High Research (R1)
UT Austin uniquely positions UX education across information science, traditional design, and healthcare through its pioneering M.A. in Design focused on Health program—the first collaboration of its kind between a design school and medical school to reimagine patient experiences and health services.
Texas A & M University-College Station
Doctoral: Very High Research (R1)
Texas A&M Visualization is one of only a handful of programs nationwide that equally stresses both technical and artistic aspects of digital media, with an unrivaled track record in student placement at top animation studios and an intensive Summer Industry Course where students work 10 weeks under mentorship from professionals at ILM, Pixar, Disney, and Dreamworks.
Harvard University
Doctoral: Very High Research (R1)
Harvard's UX design education spans three schools with unique approaches: performance-based admission at Extension School where you earn your way in through coursework, research-focused Design Studies with collaborative advanced projects, and the interdisciplinary Design Engineering program that uniquely combines Harvard's design and engineering schools to tackle global challenges.
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
Doctoral: Very High Research (R1)
2 ux design graduates annually
Columbia University in the City of New York
Doctoral: Very High Research (R1)
While Columbia lacks a standalone UX Design program, it offers unique opportunities to engage in UX research through its medical center's innovative health informatics projects, where students work on translating complex medical concepts into user-friendly interfaces.
Our rankings methodology weighs program strength (25%), graduation rate (20%), career outcomes (15%), institutional quality (12%), industry recognition (10%), selectivity (10%), and data transparency (8%). Learn more about our methodology →
Who Should Study UX Design?
UX design is ideal for students who combine analytical thinking with creative problem-solving abilities. You don't need prior design experience, but you should enjoy understanding how people interact with technology and be curious about improving those interactions.
- Problem solvers who enjoy understanding user needs and pain points
- Creative thinkers who can visualize solutions to complex interaction challenges
- Analytical minds comfortable with user research and data interpretation
- Collaborative individuals who work well with cross-functional teams
- Detail-oriented students who care about accessibility and inclusive design
- Tech-curious learners interested in the intersection of psychology and technology
UX Design Degree Levels Compared
UX design programs are available at multiple levels, each suited to different career goals and backgrounds
Ux Design Programs by Degree Level
2-year programs for career entry or transfer to bachelor's programs
Top-ranked undergraduate programs nationwide
Top graduate programs for specialization and advancement
Flexible online programs for working professionals
Best UX Design Programs - Bachelor's
A bachelor's degree in ux design is the standard credential for entry-level positions. These 4-year programs provide comprehensive training and hands-on experience.
Best UX Design Programs - Top 3 Bachelor's
University of Central Florida
423 graduates, 93% grad rate, Score: 84.6
Purdue University-Main Campus
181 graduates, 83% grad rate, Score: 79.6
University of Southern California
36 graduates, 92% grad rate, Score: 74.8
4. The University of Texas at Dallas (Richardson, TX) - Score: 72.2, Tuition: $14,564
5. The University of Texas at Austin (Austin, TX) - Score: 68.8, Tuition: $11,678
6. Texas A & M University-College Station (College Station, TX) - Score: 68.6, Tuition: $9,003
7. University of Florida (Gainesville, FL) - Score: 66.3, Tuition: $4,477
8. University of Houston (Houston, TX) - Score: 64.8, Tuition: $8,685
9. Southern New Hampshire University (Manchester, NH) - Score: 60.4, Tuition: $15,450
10. Northeastern University (Boston, MA) - Score: 60.0, Tuition: $62,000
Best UX Design Programs - Master's
A master's degree in ux design prepares students for senior and specialized roles. These 1-2 year programs offer advanced expertise and leadership training.
Best UX Design Programs - Top 3 Master's
Carnegie Mellon University
93 graduates, 98% grad rate, Score: 100.0
University of Central Florida
84 graduates, 93% grad rate, Score: 82.5
Purdue University-Main Campus
30 graduates, 83% grad rate, Score: 76.9
4. Texas A & M University-College Station (College Station, TX) - Score: 68.2, Tuition: $9,003
5. Harvard University (Cambridge, MA) - Score: 67.9, Tuition: $54,269
6. University of Michigan-Ann Arbor (Ann Arbor, MI) - Score: 67.9, Tuition: $17,977
7. Columbia University in the City of New York (New York, NY) - Score: 67.3, Tuition: $64,526
8. Syracuse University (Syracuse, NY) - Score: 66.6, Tuition: $61,310
9. University of Florida (Gainesville, FL) - Score: 63.7, Tuition: $4,477
10. The University of Texas at Dallas (Richardson, TX) - Score: 59.8, Tuition: $14,564
Best UX Design Programs - Online
Online ux design programs offer flexibility for working professionals. Top accredited programs provide the same curriculum quality as on-campus alternatives.
Best UX Design Programs - Top 3 Online
Carnegie Mellon University
93 graduates, 98% grad rate, Score: 100.0
University of Central Florida
423 graduates, 93% grad rate, Score: 84.6
Purdue University-Main Campus
181 graduates, 83% grad rate, Score: 79.6
4. University of Southern California (Los Angeles, CA) - Score: 74.8, Tuition: $66,640
5. The University of Texas at Dallas (Richardson, TX) - Score: 72.2, Tuition: $14,564
6. University of Florida (Gainesville, FL) - Score: 71.3, Tuition: $4,477
7. The University of Texas at Austin (Austin, TX) - Score: 68.8, Tuition: $11,678
8. Texas A & M University-College Station (College Station, TX) - Score: 68.6, Tuition: $9,003
9. Harvard University (Cambridge, MA) - Score: 67.9, Tuition: $54,269
10. University of Michigan-Ann Arbor (Ann Arbor, MI) - Score: 67.9, Tuition: $17,977
Best UX Design Programs - Associate's
An associate's degree in ux design provides a 2-year pathway into the field. These programs are ideal for career starters or those planning to transfer to a 4-year program.
Best UX Design Programs - Top 3 Associate's
Valencia College
57 graduates, 86% grad rate, Score: 58.4
Pierce College District
25 graduates, 93% grad rate, Score: 58.2
Bellevue College
18 graduates, 96% grad rate, Score: 56.9
4. Modesto Junior College (Modesto, CA) - Score: 55.9, Tuition: $1,188
5. MiraCosta College (Oceanside, CA) - Score: 55.7, Tuition: $1,104
6. State College of Florida-Manatee-Sarasota (Bradenton, FL) - Score: 53.8, Tuition: $2,365
7. Palm Beach State College (Lake Worth, FL) - Score: 49.4, Tuition: $3,030
8. Villa Maria College (Buffalo, NY) - Score: 45.9, Tuition: $27,530
9. Lake Washington Institute of Technology (Kirkland, WA) - Score: 45.8, Tuition: $3,195
10. Miami Dade College (Miami, FL) - Score: 45.2, Tuition: $1,987
Best UX Design Programs - Graduate
Graduate programs in ux design (PhD and doctoral degrees) prepare students for research, academic, and senior leadership positions.
Best UX Design Programs - Top 3 Graduate
Carnegie Mellon University
3 graduates, 98% grad rate, Score: 81.1
The University of Texas at Dallas
7 graduates, 77% grad rate, Score: 57.4
Drexel University
2 graduates, N/A% grad rate, Score: 49.9
Most Affordable UX Design Programs
Looking for quality ux design education without the hefty price tag? These programs offer the best value—balancing tuition costs with strong academic outcomes and career prospects. Our Value Score factors in graduation rates, program strength, and institutional quality relative to cost.
Top 5 Most Affordable UX Design Programs
| Rank | Institution | Location | Tuition | Value Score | Grad Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Central Florida | Orlando, FL | $4,478 | 169.2 | 93% |
| 2 | University of Florida | Gainesville, FL | $4,477 | 132.6 | 95% |
| 3 | Kennesaw State University | Kennesaw, GA | $4,450 | 110.0 | 66% |
| 4 | Florida Gulf Coast University | Fort Myers, FL | $4,191 | 106.6 | 95% |
| 5 | University of North Carolina Wilmington | Wilmington, NC | $4,443 | 106.2 | 79% |
UX Design Career Outcomes
UX design offers strong career prospects with the BLS projecting 13% job growth for web developers and digital interface designers through 2032—much faster than average. The field offers diverse career paths from individual contributor roles to management and specialized research positions.
Career Paths
UX Designer
Design user interfaces and experiences for web and mobile applications, conducting user research and creating wireframes and prototypes.
UX Researcher
Conduct user research, usability testing, and data analysis to inform design decisions and validate user experience solutions.
Product Designer
Own the design process for digital products from conception to launch, working closely with product managers and engineers.
Interaction Designer
Focus on how users interact with digital products, designing intuitive navigation, animations, and interactive elements.
Information Architect
Structure and organize information in digital products to create logical, findable, and usable content hierarchies.
UX Design Curriculum Overview
UX design programs typically combine design theory, user research methodologies, technical skills, and business understanding. Core courses cover both the analytical and creative aspects of user experience design.
- User Research: Interviewing, surveys, usability testing, persona development
- Design Thinking: Problem-solving methodologies, ideation, and design sprints
- Information Architecture: Site mapping, user flows, content strategy
- Prototyping: Wireframing, mockups, interactive prototypes using Figma, Adobe XD
- Visual Design: Typography, color theory, layout principles, design systems
- Accessibility: WCAG guidelines, inclusive design, assistive technology
- Psychology: Cognitive psychology, human-computer interaction, behavioral design
- Business Skills: Product strategy, stakeholder management, design metrics
Most programs emphasize hands-on portfolio development through real client projects, internships, and capstone experiences that demonstrate practical UX design skills to employers.
UX Design Programs by State
Arizona
California
Colorado
Florida
Georgia
Illinois
Massachusetts
Michigan
New York
North Carolina
Ohio
Pennsylvania
Texas
Virginia
Washington
Connecticut
Indiana
Maryland
Minnesota
Missouri
New Jersey
Oregon
Tennessee
Utah
Wisconsin
UX Design vs Related Fields
UX design is fundamentally about understanding people—their goals, mental models, frustrations, and contexts of use. Technical skills in design tools matter, but empathy and research skills distinguish great UX designers.
The field bridges design and technology. UX designers need enough technical understanding to design feasible solutions and communicate effectively with developers, but their core skills are research, ideation, and visual communication.
UX careers range from hands-on design work to research specialization to design leadership. Some UX professionals deepen into specific areas like accessibility, voice interfaces, or service design; others move into product management or design management.
Which Should You Choose?
- You want to focus on user research and human-centered design
- You enjoy both analytical thinking and creative problem-solving
- You're interested in the psychology behind user behavior
- You want to work on digital products and interfaces
- You prefer visual communication and brand design
- You're more interested in print and traditional media
- You want to focus on visual aesthetics over user research
- You enjoy illustration and artistic expression
- You want to build and code digital products
- You prefer technical implementation over design theory
- You're interested in programming and software development
- You want stronger technical foundation for career flexibility
- You want broad technical foundations beyond design
- You're interested in algorithms, systems, and software engineering
- You want maximum career flexibility across tech roles
- You enjoy mathematical and computational thinking
Is a UX Design Degree Worth It?
For most students interested in tech careers with creative components, yes. The combination of growing demand (13% job growth), competitive salaries ($77,200 median), and diverse career paths makes UX design a strong choice for those who enjoy user-focused problem solving.
When it's worth it: You're genuinely interested in understanding user behavior, comfortable with both analytical and creative work, and want to work on digital products. The structured learning, portfolio development opportunities, and industry connections through university programs provide significant value.
When to consider alternatives: You're primarily interested in visual design (consider graphic design), want faster entry to market (bootcamps may be sufficient), or need more technical depth (consider computer science with HCI focus). For working professionals, UX design bootcamps may provide faster career transition.
Alternative Paths to UX Careers
While a UX design degree provides comprehensive foundation, several alternative paths can lead to UX careers depending on your background and goals
- UX Design Bootcamps: 12-24 week intensive programs focused on portfolio development and job placement
- Online Certificates: Google UX Design Certificate, Adobe Certified Expert, Nielsen Norman Group certification
- Self-Study + Portfolio: Building projects through online resources, tutorials, and practice
- Transition from Related Fields: Graphic designers, developers, and researchers often transition into UX
- CS Degree + UX Focus: Computer science programs with human-computer interaction concentration
Many successful UX designers combine approaches—starting with bootcamps or self-study, then adding formal education for advancement. The key is building a strong portfolio that demonstrates user-centered design thinking and practical skills.
UX Design Degree FAQ
Based on 485 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OES 2024, NSA CAE Database
Number of ux design graduates from IPEDS 2023, indicating program resources and faculty depth
6-year completion rate from IPEDS 2023, measuring student success
State-level salary data from BLS OES 2024 for relevant occupations
Carnegie Classification with bonus for R1 research universities
NSA/DHS CAE-CD designation for cybersecurity programs, ABET accreditation for engineering
Admission rate from IPEDS 2023 (lower = more selective)
Completeness of reported metrics to IPEDS
Related Resources
Taylor Rupe
Full-Stack Developer (B.S. Computer Science, B.A. Psychology)
Taylor combines formal training in computer science with a background in human behavior to evaluate complex search, AI, and data-driven topics. His technical review ensures each article reflects current best practices in semantic search, AI systems, and web technology.