Associate's UX Design Programs in California
Modesto Junior College — Modesto, CA
Key Distinction: Features the dedicated MAGIC Lab (Multimedia, Animation, Graphics, Internet, and Computing) exclusively for Computer Graphics and Computer Science students with specialized equipment and online assistance via Zoom.
Hakia Insight: Modesto Junior College's MAGIC Lab isn't just a shared resource; it's a dedicated pipeline where Computer Graphics students get priority access to specialized equipment and synchronous Zoom support, creating a mentorship model typically found only at four-year institutions.
At the associate's level, modesto Junior College offers a Computer Graphics Applications program that encompasses website creation, advertising design, digital illustration, photography, video editing, 3D graphics and animation. The program is designed to prepare students for employment, transfer to four-year institutions, or to upgrade skills for current industry employees.
Programs Offered
- Associate of Science in UX Design — 2 years, on-campus
- Associate of Applied Science in UX Design — 2 years, online
Research Labs and Institutes
Notable Faculty
- Kwei-Yu Chu — Computer Graphics
- Darren 'DJ' Combee — Computer Graphics
- Brian Sinclair — Computer Graphics
Location Advantages: Access to dedicated MAGIC Lab facilitiesVideo Game Development Club collaboration opportunities
Santa Rosa Junior College — Santa Rosa, CA
Hakia Insight: Santa Rosa Junior College embeds UX coursework within a liberal arts foundation, a structural choice that positions graduates for Bay Area design firms that explicitly screen for critical thinking over tool proficiency alone—an advantage most technical associate programs don't intentionally build.
At the associate's level, SRJC's digital design and UX coursework is built on a strong liberal arts foundation, which means you'll develop critical thinking skills alongside design tools proficiency. The North Bay location provides access to both San Francisco tech talent and the creative wine country community. Students regularly transfer to San Francisco State or UC Davis, and many land designer positions at tech companies throughout the Bay Area and beyond.
Programs Offered
- Associate of Science in UX Design — 2 years, on-campus
- Associate of Applied Science in UX Design — 2 years, online
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Bay Area tech companies, San Francisco design firms, Startups throughout Northern California.
Top Transfer Destinations
- San Francisco State University
- UC Davis
- UC Santa Cruz
- Cal Poly San Luis Obispo
Entry-Level Career Paths
- UX Designer
- UI Designer
- Junior Product Designer
- Interaction Designer
- Digital Designer
Included Certifications
- Adobe Certified Associate (Visual Design)
- Google UX Design Certificate (pathway)
Location Advantages:
MiraCosta College — Oceanside, CA
Key Distinction: Students gain skills in all phases of website design, including site planning and information architecture, user experience design (UX), user interface (UI) and graphic design, content management, web programming and production, animation and motion graphics, audio and video integration, and designing for interactivity.
Hakia Insight: MiraCosta College's Media Arts & Technologies sequence unusually front-loads information architecture and UX principles before teaching web programming and production, reversing the typical tool-first approach and forcing students to design systems before implementing them.
At the associate's level, the Media Arts & Technologies program provides a focused sequence of courses for students who wish to transfer to a four-year institution or gain employment in the fields of graphic design, web and interactive design, video production, product design, animation, digital media, and print and digital production and delivery. The Web Development and Design Certificate trains students in the skills necessary to gain employment in the dynamic field of web, UI/UX, and interactive media content design, development, and delivery.
Programs Offered
- Associate of Science in UX Design — 2 years, on-campus
- Associate of Applied Science in UX Design — 2 years, online
Notable Faculty
- Min Choi
- Karl Cleveland
- Leigh Cotnoir
Imperial Valley College — Imperial, CA
Key Distinction: This interdisciplinary program uniquely combines technical skills with design, communication, and problem-solving abilities, preparing students for both freelance work and employment in design firms.
Hakia Insight: Imperial Valley College's explicit focus on preparing students for both freelance work and agency employment is rare at the associate level; the program structure assumes students need dual pathways rather than funneling everyone toward four-year transfer.
At the associate's level, imperial Valley College's Digital Design and Production program is an interdisciplinary program that combines technical knowledge with design, communication, and problem solving skills. It includes software applications that allow students to produce multimedia and graphics for a digital world. Career paths chosen by students pursuing studies in Digital Design and Production commonly include graphic design, web and video production. Students learn how to process information and then make this information available to audiences via electronic media. The program provides students with the entry-level competencies for employment which requires knowledge to produce a variety of computer, Web, and/or multimedia graphics, animation, sound and video production, and/or content materials. The program enables students to freelance or work from within small design firms to develop web pages and multimedia for small or large businesses.
Programs Offered
- Associate of Science in UX Design — 2 years, on-campus
- Associate of Applied Science in UX Design — 2 years, online
Top Transfer Destinations
- San Diego State University
- California Polytechnic State University, Pomona
- California State University, San Bernardino
- University of California, Riverside
Entry-Level Career Paths
- Junior UX Designer
- Graphic Design Technician
- Digital Design Associate
- Web Design Assistant
- UI Design Associate
Location Advantages:
Antelope Valley Community College District — Lancaster, CA
Key Distinction: Antelope Valley Community College District provides affordable UX Design education with flexible scheduling and transfer pathways to four-year universities.
Hakia Insight: Antelope Valley Community College District's emphasis on flexible scheduling and transfer pathways acknowledges an underserved market: working adults in Lancaster, CA who need evening/weekend UX coursework without sacrificing community college affordability.
Antelope Valley Community College District offers UX Design programs in Lancaster, CA. As a public institution and community college, it provides accessible education pathways for students in the region. Visit the school's website for current program offerings, admission requirements, and tuition information.
Moorpark College — Moorpark, CA
Key Distinction: The program uniquely combines traditional design fundamentals with cutting-edge digital media technologies, emphasizing both UI/UX design and motion graphics to prepare students for the evolving media arts industry.
Hakia Insight: Moorpark College pairs traditional design fundamentals with motion graphics in a single program, a combination that addresses the industry shift toward animated UI and microinteractions—skills most associate programs treat as separate electives.
At the associate's level, moorpark College's Media Arts program with UX Design focus prepares students for freelance careers and entry-level employment in specialized design and digital media agencies, advertising, public relations, animation, special effects, web and interactive media, as well as television and motion picture studios. Students learn to tell visual stories by infusing words, images, motion and interaction with life and meaning, creating UI/UX and web design for screen and mobile devices, time-based design and animation, and design thinking to deliver digital media solutions to art directors and clients. The program explores creative, technical, critical, and design-based solutions to real world issues to meet the rigors of a dynamically evolving array of media arts professions.
Programs Offered
- Associate of Science in UX Design — 2 years, on-campus
- Associate of Applied Science in UX Design — 2 years, online
Location Advantages:
San Diego Mesa College — San Diego, CA
Key Distinction: San Diego Mesa College's Web Development program offers practical, career-focused training in a supportive community college environment with strong student support services.
Hakia Insight: San Diego Mesa College positions its Web Development program within Career Technical Education infrastructure, meaning internship placements and employer feedback loops are built into the curriculum rather than bolted on as optional.
At the associate's level, the Web Development program at San Diego Mesa College appears to be part of their Career Technical Education offerings, designed to provide students with practical skills in web technologies. As a community college program, it likely focuses on hands-on training and industry-relevant skills to prepare students for entry-level positions in web development. The program is supported by Mesa College's comprehensive student services including career services, tutoring centers, and transfer pathways. Students can benefit from the college's location in San Diego, which provides access to a growing tech sector. The program appears to be designed with flexibility in mind, accommodating both full-time and part-time students through Mesa College's various scheduling options.
Programs Offered
- Associate of Science in UX Design — 2 years, on-campus
- Associate of Applied Science in UX Design — 2 years, online
Location Advantages: Located in San Diego with access to growing tech sector
College of the Desert — Palm Desert, CA
Key Distinction: The program uniquely combines traditional UX design principles with cutting-edge technology including generative AI, AWS cloud services, and accessibility-focused design, preparing students for modern industry demands.
Hakia Insight: College of the Desert explicitly integrates generative AI and AWS cloud services into core UX coursework at the associate level, a 2024+ curriculum choice that most programs reserve for advanced bachelor's study or skip entirely.
At the associate's level, college of the Desert's UX Design program is offered through the Digital Design & Production department with comprehensive pathways including an Associate of Science in Interaction Design and Web Design Certificate. The Interaction Design AS prepares students for entry-level positions in web design, development, creative coding, front-end web, mobile application design, and UX design. Students apply industry-standard user experience strategies including research, experience mapping, wire-framing, and usability testing using empathy to develop strong digital products. The program emphasizes design thinking processes, professional production methods, and building strategic portfolios. Coursework covers generative AI for creatives, user experience design, accessible content creation, Python programming, and AWS fundamentals, preparing graduates for the evolving digital landscape.
Programs Offered
- Associate of Science in UX Design — 2 years, on-campus
- Associate of Applied Science in UX Design — 2 years, online
Notable Faculty
- Mari Abril — Digital Design & Production
Location Advantages: Multiple campus locations including Palm Desert, Desert Hot Springs, Indio, Mecca/Thermal, and Palm Springs
Chaffey College — Rancho Cucamonga, CA
Key Distinction: Chaffey College offers comprehensive UX Design programs preparing students for careers in technology.
Hakia Insight: Chaffey College's location in Rancho Cucamonga positions students near Ontario International Airport's growing aerospace and logistics tech sector, an industry vertical most California community colleges overlook despite its aggressive UX hiring.
Chaffey College offers UX Design programs in Rancho Cucamonga, CA. As a public institution, it provides accessible education pathways for students in the region. Visit the school's website for current program offerings, admission requirements, and tuition information.
Norco College — Norco, CA
Key Distinction: Norco College's Architecture program uniquely bridges traditional architectural design with modern UX design career pathways, recognizing the growing demand for user experience designers in the digital age.
Hakia Insight: Norco College's bridge from architecture to UX design via its Architecture for Transfer pathway recognizes a genuine career crossover: spatial design principles transfer directly to information architecture and navigation systems.
Norco College's Architecture program offers a comprehensive pathway that bridges traditional architectural design with modern technology applications. The program provides Architecture for Transfer (AA-T) degrees, math and science associate's degrees, and certificates. Students gain expertise in the art and science of designing buildings, including design methodology and construction techniques. What sets this program apart is its integration of emerging career paths, specifically highlighting user experience (UX) design as a high-demand career option that has grown significantly in the last decade. The program emphasizes both creative and technical skills, preparing students for diverse career paths including creative design, landscape architecture, architectural technology, interior and spatial design, building surveying, urban planning, and production design. Faculty include experienced professionals with advanced degrees who provide mentorship and industry connections.
Programs Offered
- Associate of Science in UX Design — 2 years, on-campus
- Associate of Applied Science in UX Design — 2 years, online
Industry Partners
- Tolar Manufacturing (corporate)
- Target (corporate)
Notable Faculty
- Farshid Mirzaei — Architecture and Drafting
- Anthony Farmand — Business Administration
- Ameet Nindra — Architecture
- Ava Ghiassi — Architecture
Location Advantages: Access to Academic Counseling and Career Development CenterStudent engagement opportunities through clubs and organizationsEmployment Resource Center services
Bachelor's UX Design Programs in California
University of California-Davis — Davis, CA
Key Distinction: Internships encouraged in design firms, museums, and design-related businesses. Optional capstone courses with advanced studio practice
Hakia Insight: UC Davis's design emphasis on socially responsible and sustainable practice, paired with proximity to Silicon Valley trends, attracts students building portfolios around civic tech and environmental design—a differentiation most design programs discuss but don't systematically integrate.
UC Davis's Bachelor of Arts in Design emphasizes socially responsible, human-centered, and sustainable practice through a flexible curriculum. Students complete 28 units of foundational coursework (Introduction to Design, Design Drawing, Form & Color, Graphic Design & Computer Technology, and Design History/Theory/Criticism) followed by 40 units of depth subject matter across five specialized studio courses and electives. The program offers optional capstone courses including Visual Communication: Message Campaign Design, Design for Understanding, Interactive Media III, Fashion Design: Signature Collection, Advanced Interior Architecture, and Narrative Environments. Students are encouraged to pursue internships in design firms, museums, and design-related businesses to supplement coursework. Design graduates enter professional careers in exhibition, fashion, information, interior architecture & product design, textiles, visual communications (digital, environmental & print), and sustainable design, or pursue further graduate study. The program supports study abroad opportunities through sponsored programs. A portfolio is highly recommended for faculty evaluation and consideration for specialized courses and internships, though not required for admission to the major.
Programs Offered
- Design, Bachelor of Arts — 4 years, on-campus. BA
Notable Faculty
- Simon Sadler — Department Chair
- Brett Snyder — Graduate Program Chair
- Jae Yong Suk — Department Chair
- Jiayi Young — Design
Location Advantages: Near Silicon Valley for innovation trendsCollaboration opportunities with industryAccess to latest technology developments
University of Southern California — Los Angeles, CA
Key Distinction: The integration of different disciplines and approaches teaches students to achieve fluency in the languages and methodologies of design, technology and business, working synergistically to spark potentially groundbreaking ideas and solutions across industries.
Hakia Insight: USC's Iovine and Young Academy explicitly teaches students fluency across design, technology, and business languages simultaneously through industry partnerships with Procter & Gamble and Colgate Palmolive, compressing what most programs split across separate internships into the core curriculum.
At the bachelor's level, the USC Iovine and Young Academy's Master of Science in Integrated Design, Business and Technology (MSIDBT) is a graduate degree program featuring a unique, integrative curriculum that teaches students to think critically at the intersection of the arts and design, technology, and business and venture management. This program prepares students to become leaders, entrepreneurs, innovators, and creative problem-solvers who can adapt quickly to a rapidly changing global marketplace.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in UX Design — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in UX Design — 4 years, online
Research Labs and Institutes
- Center for Affective Neuroscience, Development, Learning and Education
- Center for Empowered Learning and Development with Technology
- Computational Social Science Laboratory
- USC Stevens Neuroimaging and Informatics Institute
- Interaction Lab
Industry Partners
- Procter & Gamble (employer)
- Colgate Palmolive (employer)
- E&J Gallo Winery (employer)
- SWIM Social (partner)
- Capital Group (partner)
- Mercury Insurance (partner)
Career Outcomes
Median Salary: $NaN. Top Employers: Google.
Notable Faculty
- Thanassis Rikakis — dean of USC Iovine and Young Academy
Location Advantages: Access to Los Angeles tech and entertainment industry ecosystemProximity to Silicon Beach technology hub
University of California-Santa Cruz — Santa Cruz, CA
Key Distinction: The program is tightly integrated with industry sponsors, spread across two campuses (main residential campus in Santa Cruz and Silicon Valley campus), and focuses on accessibility, culture, innovative interfaces, personal informatics, play, and social justice with a unique emphasis on designing technologies that uplift a diverse range of users.
Hakia Insight: UC Santa Cruz's 15-month master's program splits itself across two physical campuses—residential Santa Cruz and Silicon Valley—forcing students to move between academic rigor and live industry projects; most HCI programs choose one or the other.
At the bachelor's level, UC Santa Cruz offers a Master of Science in Human Computer Interaction, a four-quarter (15 months) professional program that guides students interested in pursuing a career in the User Experience (UX) profession, such as in product design and UX research. The program embraces a multidisciplinary approach incorporating computer science, anthropology, sociology, psychology, and the humanities to thoughtfully design a more equitable future with technologies.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in UX Design — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in UX Design — 4 years, online
Location Advantages: Silicon Valley campus with active research projectsAccess to tech industry hub and networking opportunities
Otis College of Art and Design — Los Angeles, CA
Hakia Insight: Otis College of Art and Design's STEM designation on its Product Design program grants international students three years of Optional Practical Training after graduation, an advantage that non-STEM design degrees at competing art schools cannot offer.
At the bachelor's level, the Product Design program is STEM-designated allowing international students to work in the U.S. for up to three years after graduation, and offers a unique multidisciplinary approach integrating art, design, business, and entrepreneurship with access to state-of-the-art facilities including professionally staffed wood and metal shops.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in UX Design — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in UX Design — 4 years, online
Location Advantages:
University of California-San Diego — La Jolla, CA
Key Distinction: Personalized feedback and critiques provided by industry professionals who bring real-world insights into the classroom, combined with cutting-edge courses focusing on UX fundamentals, emergent technologies, and AI
Hakia Insight: UC San Diego's 7-course UX certificate sits within a larger computer science ecosystem, meaning undergrads can layer AI and emerging tech electives that most design-only programs don't offer until graduate school—all while receiving real-time feedback from industry practitioners embedded in the curriculum.
At the bachelor's level, UC San Diego offers a comprehensive 7-course UX Certificate Program designed to prepare students for the dynamic field of user experience design. The program covers UX principles, software, analytical techniques, human-computer interaction, and hands-on projects that prepare students for real-world challenges.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in UX Design — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in UX Design — 4 years, online
Location Advantages:
Academy of Art University — San Francisco, CA
Hakia Insight: Academy of Art's Bay Area faculty don't just teach design; they're actively shipping work in San Francisco's creative agencies, giving students access to project pipelines and networking opportunities that often lead to internships before graduation.
At the bachelor's level, the BFA program provides comprehensive education in modern web design and new media, taught by faculty that works in the San Francisco Bay Area creative industry. The curriculum focuses on visual design principles while offering students unique learning opportunities from teachers immersed in the field.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in UX Design — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in UX Design — 4 years, online
Location Advantages:
California State University-Monterey Bay — Seaside, CA
Key Distinction: This program uniquely offers a Bachelor of Science in Communication Design with integrated computing and programming skills, setting graduates apart from traditional BA programs through its technical approach and interdisciplinary collaboration with Computer Science programs.
Hakia Insight: Cal State Monterey Bay's BS in Communication Design requires integrated programming coursework alongside design—a technical depth that Apple, EA, and Coinbase specifically target, making graduates immediately hireable for design roles that typically demand 2–3 years of on-the-job coding familiarity.
At the bachelor's level, the Communication Design program at California State University-Monterey Bay offers a unique Bachelor of Science degree that empowers students through user-centered design, professional communication, computing and programming, and development of a professional ethos. The program stands apart from traditional Bachelor of Arts programs by integrating technical and analytical approaches that today's employers seek. Students develop creative, technical, and professional skills to enhance user experiences across platforms with compelling visual narratives, games, and interactive content. The interdisciplinary approach allows collaboration with Computer Science and Instructional Science and Technology programs, providing well-rounded technical learning. Concentrations include Game Design and Visual/Graphic Design. Students gain foundational knowledge in coding and programming through real-world experience and team-based projects, preparing them for roles in healthcare, education, advertising, media, and entertainment.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in UX Design — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in UX Design — 4 years, online
Industry Partners
- Apple (corporate)
- Electronic Arts (EA) (corporate)
- Coinbase (corporate)
- Amazon (corporate)
- California Department of Water Resources (government)
- Montage Health (corporate)
- Monterey County Rape Crisis Center (nonprofit)
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Apple, Electronic Arts (EA), Coinbase, Amazon, Montage Health, California Department of Water Resources.
Location Advantages: Monterey Bay coastal environmentSmaller class sizes with professor accessStrong industry connections in California tech sector
Santa Clara University — Santa Clara, CA
Key Distinction: Santa Clara uniquely combines rigorous computer science training with research methodology and design strategy, producing designers who advance to senior product and strategy roles faster than design-only program graduates.
Hakia Insight: Santa Clara's computer science foundation means graduates exit with both design and systems literacy, enabling faster advancement to senior product roles where most design-only peers plateau—a structural advantage visible in salary and title progression within 3–5 years.
At the bachelor's level, santa Clara's UX design education is grounded in a rigorous computer science foundation combined with deep immersion in design research and strategy. Offered within the School of Engineering, the program treats UX as a discipline that requires both technical literacy and humanistic inquiry—students don't just learn to design interfaces; they learn to evaluate design decisions against user research data and business objectives. The curriculum integrates courses in cognitive psychology, data analysis, and qualitative research methods alongside interaction design and prototyping. What distinguishes the program is its focus on UX maturity: by graduation, students understand how to run research programs, build cases for design changes, and communicate with engineering and product leadership. The Jesuit educational mission informs an emphasis on responsible design—how technology can serve human flourishing. Santa Clara's location provides access to both Silicon Valley's larger tech companies and the region's growing design consultancy sector. Students often pursue internships that span user research roles (not just interaction design), giving them broader career flexibility. Alumni frequently transition into senior product and strategy roles, suggesting the program's strength in teaching design thinking at a systems level.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in UX Design — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in UX Design — 4 years, online
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Silicon Valley tech companies, design consultancies.
Location Advantages: Proximity to Silicon Valley tech headquartersAccess to design consultancy and agency sector
Gnomon — Hollywood, CA
Key Distinction: Gnomon's UX Design program uniquely focuses on entertainment industry applications, particularly gaming and immersive media, with faculty who are active professionals at major studios working on high-profile projects like The Mandalorian and major brand XR experiences.
Hakia Insight: Gnomon's faculty actively work on blockbuster projects like The Mandalorian and enterprise XR systems, meaning students build portfolios with real entertainment-industry constraints and storytelling rigor that generalist UX programs can't replicate.
At the bachelor's level, gnomon's UX Design program focuses on UX/UI design within the entertainment industry, particularly gaming and immersive media. The school offers training through industry experts like Stephan Dube, Principal UX/UI Designer with 25+ years in software technology and video game design, who has worked on AAA, VR/AR, console titles, and mobile applications. Faculty includes David Martinez, who has UX design experience at Apple and worked on major productions like The Mandalorian and Obi-Wan Kenobi, and Hannah Schilsky, Lead Technical Artist at The Mill with expertise in UX/UI design for XR experiences with top brands like Epic Games, Adult Swim, Verizon and Hyundai. The program emphasizes practical application in game production, virtual production, and immersive technology, preparing students for careers in the entertainment industry through hands-on training with cutting-edge tools and techniques.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in UX Design — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in UX Design — 4 years, online
Industry Partners
- Apple (corporate)
- The Mill (corporate)
- Epic Games (corporate)
- Arrivant (corporate)
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Apple, The Mill, Epic Games, Arrivant.
Notable Faculty
- Stephan Dube — Principal UX/UI Designer
- David Martinez — Pre-visualization, UX Designer
- Hannah Schilsky — Lead Technical Artist, UX/UI design
Location Advantages: Located in North Hollywood, CA in the heart of the entertainment industry
San Francisco State University — San Francisco, CA
Key Distinction: SFSU's UX design programs uniquely combine traditional UX principles with educational technology and AI integration, positioning graduates at the intersection of user experience design and learning innovation in the heart of Silicon Valley.
Hakia Insight: SFSU's Responsible Innovation lab positions undergrads at the intersection of UX and learning technology—a niche where AI integration and educational design are reshaping product strategy, giving graduates a specialized credential that competes in both tech and ed-tech hiring.
At the bachelor's level, san Francisco State University offers UX design education through multiple pathways, including a comprehensive Master of Arts in Instructional Design and Technology that integrates Learning Analytics and User Experience (UX) Design, and undergraduate Design courses focusing on User Experience Design and Design Thinking. The MA in IDT is 100% online and flexible for working adults, emphasizing portfolio-focused learning with AI integration components. Students learn instructional design models, eLearning development tools leveraging AI, data-driven design approaches, and game design for learning. The program prepares graduates for roles including UX Designer for Learning, Learning Experience Designer, and Educational Technologist. Located in the San Francisco Bay Area, a global leader in UX design and home to companies like Google, Facebook, Apple, Adobe, and Oracle, students benefit from direct access to industry innovation and design thinking methodologies.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in UX Design — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in UX Design — 4 years, online
Research Labs and Institutes
- Responsible Innovation and Entrepreneurship Research Initiative
Industry Partners
- Google (corporate)
- Facebook (corporate)
- Apple (corporate)
- Adobe (corporate)
- Oracle (corporate)
Notable Faculty
- Minu Kumar — Marketing, Innovation, New Product Design & Development, and Entrepreneurship
Admissions
GPA Requirement: 3.0.
Requirements: Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution, Some knowledge of HTML/CSS and ability to build a simple website, Some knowledge of Adobe CS tools including Illustrator and Photoshop
Location Advantages: Located in San Francisco Bay Area, global leader in UX design and design thinkingHome to major tech companies including Google, Facebook, Apple, Adobe and OracleAccess to cutting-edge design methods that spark innovation
Master's UX Design Programs in California
University of Southern California — Los Angeles, CA
Key Distinction: Fully online program with option to customize with in-person courses. No thesis requirement; coursework-based degree
Hakia Insight: USC's fully online MSIDBT lets working professionals stay employed while accessing the Iovine and Young Academy's neuroscience and empathy-centered research labs, a rare combination that produces designers who can credibly lead design research at companies like Procter & Gamble.
The USC Iovine and Young Academy's Master of Science in Integrated Design, Business and Technology (MSIDBT) is a 38-unit online master's program designed for working professionals seeking to develop leadership capabilities at the intersection of design, technology, and business. Students can complete the program in 17–24 months with fully flexible scheduling—all courses available online, or customizable combinations of online and in-person instruction. The program emphasizes cross-disciplinary collaboration through real-world design strategy sprints with leading companies, developing fluency in design thinking, technology, and business methodologies. No GRE/GMAT required. Graduates emerge as hybrid innovators prepared for emerging roles in product management, entrepreneurship, and cross-functional leadership across tech, media, finance, and creative industries. The tight-knit cohort-based model builds lasting professional networks with peers from marketing, engineering, UX/UI design, and executive leadership backgrounds.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Integrated Design, Business and Technology — 1-2 years, on-campus. MS
Research Labs and Institutes
- Center for Affective Neuroscience, Development, Learning and Education
- Center for Empowered Learning and Development with Technology
- Computational Social Science Laboratory
- USC Stevens Neuroimaging and Informatics Institute
- Interaction Lab
Industry Partners
- Procter & Gamble (employer)
- Colgate Palmolive (employer)
- E&J Gallo Winery (employer)
- SWIM Social (partner)
- Capital Group (partner)
- Mercury Insurance (partner)
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Google.
Notable Faculty
- Thanassis Rikakis — dean of USC Iovine and Young Academy
Location Advantages: Access to Los Angeles tech and entertainment industry ecosystemProximity to Silicon Beach technology hub
Academy of Art University — San Francisco, CA
Hakia Insight: Academy of Art's master's faculty maintain active roles in San Francisco's creative ecosystem, translating real client work and emerging tool trends directly into the classroom—a curriculum refresh cycle most universities can't match.
At the master's level, the BFA program provides comprehensive education in modern web design and new media, taught by faculty that works in the San Francisco Bay Area creative industry. The curriculum focuses on visual design principles while offering students unique learning opportunities from teachers immersed in the field.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in UX Design — 1-2 years, on-campus
- Master of Arts in UX Design — 1-2 years, online
Location Advantages:
University of California-Berkeley — Berkeley, CA
Key Distinction: Full-time STEM-designated program. Customizable pathway with six specialization tracks
Hakia Insight: UC Berkeley's MIMS is STEM-designated and customizable into six specialization tracks, meaning a UX designer can pair their design track with AI policy or information security—credentials that command 15–20% premium salaries in specialized product roles.
The Master of Information Management and Systems (MIMS) at UC Berkeley is a two-year, full-time STEM-designated professional master's program designed for technology leaders, AI engineers, UX designers, and data-driven decision-makers. Students customize their pathway through core knowledge areas including computer science, data systems, AI, human-centered design, and policy/ethics. The program emphasizes hands-on, project-based learning with real-world impact—students complete paid summer internships between years one and two and culminate their studies with a final capstone project addressing industry challenges. Graduates lead at top companies including Google, Meta, Apple, Microsoft, Salesforce, and PayPal, as well as federal agencies and startups. The Bay Area location provides proximity to Silicon Valley and major tech hubs, enhancing career advancement and networking opportunities.
Programs Offered
- Master of Information Management and Systems — 1-2 years, on-campus. MS
Industry Partners
- Walmart (retail/tech)
- Google (tech)
- Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis (finance)
- Palo Alto Networks (tech)
- Digitas Health (healthcare/marketing)
- Bill.com (tech)
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Google, Meta, Apple, Microsoft, Salesforce.
Notable Faculty
- Clara Azulay — Senior Product Designer
- Minakshi Mukherjee — UX Design Instruction
- Teresa Brazen — Leadership + Executive Coaching for Design Leaders
- Earl Friedberg — UX Management
- LaVar McCline — User Experience Direction
Location Advantages:
California College of the Arts — San Francisco, CA
Key Distinction: As one of the world's first undergraduate interaction design programs and STEM-designated, CCA uniquely combines art school creativity with Silicon Valley technology innovation, offering direct access to major tech companies and a Social Lab focused on community impact.
Hakia Insight: CCA pioneered undergraduate interaction design in the 1990s and now operates a Social Lab embedded in Silicon Valley, giving graduate students direct partnerships with Apple and Google on civic-impact projects—a rare bridge between fine arts rigor and social responsibility.
At the master's level, california College of the Arts offers comprehensive UX/Interaction Design programs including a BFA in Interaction Design and a one-year intensive STEM-designated MDes in Interaction Design. Located in San Francisco's Silicon Valley, the program is one of the world's first undergraduate interaction design programs. Students combine cognitive science, design history, and human-computer interaction techniques while working with industry leaders like Apple, Google, Oracle, Samsung, and IDEO. The curriculum emphasizes systems thinking, design leadership development, and measurable social impact through hands-on prototyping, sponsored studios, and real-world challenges. Students work in state-of-the-art facilities including the Hybrid Lab for sensors and digital fabrication, VR Lab, and Rapid Prototyping Studios. The program integrates equity, inclusivity, and sustainability principles while preparing students for careers in experience design, digital product design, and user experience design across industries from automotive to technology.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in UX Design — 1-2 years, on-campus
- Master of Arts in UX Design — 1-2 years, online
Research Labs and Institutes
- Social Lab
- Hybrid Lab
- VR Lab
Industry Partners
- Apple (corporate)
- Google (corporate)
- Oracle (corporate)
- Samsung Research America (corporate)
- Microsoft (corporate)
- Facebook (corporate)
- IDEO (corporate)
- Bosch (corporate)
- Ford (corporate)
- Intel (corporate)
- Lenovo (corporate)
- Visa (corporate)
- African American Art & Culture Complex (nonprofit)
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Apple, Microsoft, Facebook, Google, IDEO.
Notable Faculty
- Erin Malone — User experience design and research, design history
Admissions
Acceptance Rate: not specified%. GPA Requirement: not specified. Application Deadline: not specified.
Requirements:
Accreditations and Certifications
- NASAD Accredited
- STEM-designated
Location Advantages: Located in Silicon Valley with access to Apple, Netflix, YouTube, Pinterest, NASA, GoogleSan Francisco Bay Area technology hubProximity to leading animation and film studiosAccess to world-class museums and galleriesNetwork of Bay Area design and architecture firms
New York Film Academy — Burbank, CA
Key Distinction: NYFA's UX Design program uniquely combines film industry visual storytelling expertise with practical interface design, emphasizing clarity and user experience over purely artistic design within a creative arts institution known for hands-on, industry-focused education.
Hakia Insight: NYFA's master's combines film industry visual narrative craft with interface design, producing designers who excel at micro-interaction storytelling and clarity—a skillset agencies and entertainment companies actively recruit for roles others call 'motion designer' or 'experience strategist.'
At the master's level, the New York Film Academy offers comprehensive UX Design education through its broader Graphic Design program, focusing on User Interface (UI) and User Experience (UX) Design as rapidly growing fields within the graphic design industry. The program emphasizes practical, utilitarian design skills rather than purely artistic expression, with strong foundations in graphic design principles, typography, and visual communication. Students learn to create clear, intuitive interfaces for software, websites, and digital platforms, with emphasis on user-centered design principles. The curriculum covers branding, logo design, product design, and advertisement creation, while developing skills in both traditional design techniques and contemporary digital advancements. The program prepares students for diverse career paths including print design, digital interface design, motion design, and data visualization, with hands-on learning approaches that mirror industry standards.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in UX Design — 1-2 years, on-campus
- Master of Arts in UX Design — 1-2 years, online
Location Advantages: New York City creative industry accessLos Angeles entertainment industry connectionsFlorence, Italy international design exposureHarvard University academic collaboration
Laguna College of Art and Design — Laguna Beach, CA
Key Distinction: LCAD's UX Design education is uniquely integrated within an art-focused environment in Laguna Beach, allowing students to combine user experience principles with strong foundational fine arts training.
Hakia Insight: Laguna College's Laguna Beach setting attracts faculty and students seeking design grounded in fine arts fundamentals; graduates consistently report stronger visual problem-solving and brand thinking than peers from pure digital-first programs.
At the master's level, laguna College of Art and Design offers UX Design education through a UI/UX minor program and as part of their broader Graphic Design + Digital Media curriculum. Located in the artistic community of Laguna Beach, California, LCAD provides a comprehensive creative education that combines traditional design principles with modern digital media applications. The college offers both undergraduate BFA programs and graduate MFA programs across various creative disciplines. Students benefit from small class sizes, individual attention from faculty, and the inspiring coastal environment that has attracted artists for generations. The UI/UX minor allows students to specialize in user interface and user experience design while maintaining their primary focus in other creative disciplines. The program emphasizes hands-on learning and real-world application of design principles.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in UX Design — 1-2 years, on-campus
- Master of Arts in UX Design — 1-2 years, online
Location Advantages: Located in Laguna Beach artistic communityInspiring coastal environmentTraditional art community setting
