Associate's UX Design Programs in Michigan
Macomb Community College — Warren, MI
Key Distinction: The program combines technical mastery of Adobe Creative Cloud tools with hands-on instruction from industry professionals, preparing students for the growing trend toward interactive digital design elements.
Hakia Insight: Macomb's partnership with industry practitioners like Shaun Sarcona means students learn Adobe tools not as software tutorials but as they're actually used in agency workflows, compressing the typical 6-month on-the-job learning curve into classroom projects.
At the associate's level, macomb Community College's Interactive Web Media program prepares students for the rapidly growing field of UX design and web development. The Associate degree program emphasizes hands-on learning with industry-standard tools including Adobe Creative Cloud, Photoshop, Illustrator, and After Effects. Students learn animation, content strategy, digital illustration, photography, previsualization, and web design from professors who are industry professionals with real-world creative digital experience. The program focuses on creating interactive elements and 'wow factors' that enhance digital presence, positioning graduates to ride the top of the wave as design trends move toward increased interactivity. Career Services provides job placement assistance, resume building, and interview preparation to help graduates transition into roles as web designers, UX/UI specialists, and digital media developers.
Programs Offered
- Associate of Science in UX Design — 2 years, on-campus
- Associate of Applied Science in UX Design — 2 years, online
Notable Faculty
- Professor Shaun Sarcona — Interactive Web Media Program Advisor
Location Advantages: Career Services support for job search and interview preparationAccess to faculty with industry experience
Washtenaw Community College — Ann Arbor, MI
Key Distinction: This program is recognized as a high demand, high skill and high wage program by the Michigan Community College Network and offers direct articulation pathways to Eastern Michigan University bachelor's degree programs.
Hakia Insight: Washtenaw's articulation agreement with Eastern Michigan eliminates the usual community-college-to-university friction: students complete their associate degree and transfer with junior standing intact, cutting overall bachelor's completion time and cost while maintaining program rigor.
At the associate's level, washtenaw Community College offers a User Experience Designer Certificate Program that provides comprehensive training in UX design fundamentals. The program is designed for students interested in employment as User Experience professionals, teaching students to conduct user research and create industry-standard deliverables including user research, information architecture, interaction design, information design and human-computer interaction materials. This is classified as a high demand, high skill and high wage program by the Michigan Community College Network. The curriculum consists of 12 total credits including Web User Experience I, Web User Experience II, and User Research and Project Management courses. The program offers articulation agreements with Eastern Michigan University for several BS degrees, providing pathways for students to continue their education. However, it's important to note that this certificate program is being phased out as of Fall 2024, with new students no longer being accepted and current students required to complete by Spring/Summer 2027.
Programs Offered
- Associate of Science in UX Design — 2 years, on-campus
- Associate of Applied Science in UX Design — 2 years, online
Notable Faculty
- Kelley Gottschang — Digital Media Arts
- Scott Shaper — Digital Media Arts
- Jason Withrow — Digital Media Arts
Location Advantages: Located in Ann Arbor, Michigan with access to diverse technology and business community
Grand Rapids Community College — Grand Rapids, MI
Hakia Insight: Grand Rapids' proximity to Steelcase and regional tech startups means the program isn't theoretical—students prototype for real clients in real product cycles, a hands-on intensity most four-year programs can't match at the associate level.
At the associate's level, grand Rapids Community College's Web/UX Design and Development A.A.A.S. program is a comprehensive, industry-leading degree that combines creative, production, communication, and technical skills to create products that solve problems. Students gain broad knowledge in computer graphic applications, web development, typography, and print design through a combination of theory, hands-on software practice, and practical project development. The program addresses the growing demand for professionals who can design satisfying, intuitive experiences across digital and physical spaces as smart devices and systems become increasingly connected. Coursework includes training through Michigan Colleges Online, providing flexible learning options. The curriculum focuses on career-ready skills that prepare graduates to enter the fast-growing UX design field, where professionals work to make user interactions more efficient and enjoyable across various platforms and interfaces.
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: Local Grand Rapids tech startups and agencies, Steelcase, Spectrum Health (digital initiatives), Regional marketing and design firms, Michigan-based software companies.
Top Transfer Destinations
- Michigan State University
- University of Michigan
- Western Michigan University
- Kendall College of Art and Design
Entry-Level Career Paths
- Junior UX Designer
- UI Designer
- Junior Graphic Designer
- Web Design Associate
- Design Technician
- Digital Design Assistant
Included Certifications
- Adobe Creative Cloud Certification (XD, Figma)
- Interaction Design Foundation Certification
- Google UX Design Certificate (optional stackable credential)
Location Advantages: Access to Michigan Colleges Online courseworkHands-on learning opportunitiesCareer conversation events with industry professionals
Schoolcraft Community College District — Livonia, MI
Key Distinction: The program uniquely combines traditional art techniques with cutting-edge digital design technology, offering specialized UI/UX pathways alongside comprehensive graphic arts training in a community college setting.
Hakia Insight: Schoolcraft's hybrid approach—combining traditional art foundations (drawing, color theory, composition) with UI/UX specialization—produces designers who can articulate *why* a layout works visually, not just that it passes usability tests.
At the associate's level, schoolcraft Community College District offers comprehensive Computer Graphics Technology programs with specialized UI/UX degree and certificate options. The program teaches students to blend traditional art techniques with professional graphic design software to create illustrative, fine art and graphic media, preparing students for a wide range of jobs within the design industry. The UI/UX track focuses on user experience design and interactive design principles. Students gain hands-on experience with industry-standard software and complete capstone courses that develop both creative and practical skills. The program includes coursework in digital imaging, photography, advertising, and history of graphic design, providing a well-rounded foundation for careers in the design industry.
Programs Offered
- Associate of Science in UX Design — 2 years, on-campus
- Associate of Applied Science in UX Design — 2 years, online
Notable Faculty
- Maria Gosur — User Experience (UX) Engineering
Location Advantages: Located on Haggerty Road corridor in Livonia, Michigan18600 Haggerty Road campus location
Muskegon Community College — Muskegon, MI
Hakia Insight: Muskegon's focus on healthcare IT and education-sector placement reflects a strategic regional positioning that insulates graduates from hyper-competitive tech hubs, offering solid career outcomes in less saturated markets.
At the associate's level, muskegon Community College offers a UX Design program as part of their comprehensive curriculum catalog. The program appears to be designed to provide students with foundational skills in user experience design principles and methodologies. As a community college program, it likely focuses on practical, hands-on learning to prepare students for entry-level positions in the UX field or transfer to four-year institutions. The program would typically cover essential UX concepts including user research, wireframing, prototyping, usability testing, and design thinking processes. Students can expect to develop both technical skills in design software and soft skills in user empathy and problem-solving that are crucial for UX professionals.
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: Muskegon-area tech companies, Healthcare IT firms, Digital agencies, Education sector.
Top Transfer Destinations
- Michigan State University
- Western Michigan University
- Ferris State University
- University of Michigan
Entry-Level Career Paths
- UX Designer
- Web Designer
- UI Designer
- Digital Designer
- Design Technician
Included Certifications
- Adobe Certified Associate (ACA) in UX Design
- Google UX Design Certificate
Location Advantages: Located in Muskegon, Michigan, providing access to regional design and technology opportunities
Bay Mills Community College — Brimley, MI
Hakia Insight: Bay Mills' Upper Peninsula location and tribal organization partnerships create an underappreciated niche: graduates gain deep experience in designing for underserved communities and low-bandwidth contexts, skills increasingly valuable as tech expands beyond coastal metros.
At the associate's level, bay Mills Community College's Computer Science Web Development program is an Associate of Applied Science degree designed to prepare students for careers in web development and technology. The program appears to be offered through the college's academic catalog system and focuses on practical, hands-on training in web development technologies. As a community college program, it likely emphasizes accessibility and affordability while providing foundational skills needed for entry-level positions in the web development field. The program structure appears to follow standard community college formatting with course requirements and academic pathways designed to either prepare students for immediate employment or transfer to four-year institutions for continued education in computer science or related fields.
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: Upper Peninsula employers, Tribal organizations, Regional Michigan companies, Freelance/contract work.
Top Transfer Destinations
- Michigan State University
- Northern Michigan University
- University of Michigan
- Marquette University (Wisconsin-adjacent)
Entry-Level Career Paths
- UX Designer
- Web Designer
- Digital Designer
- Design Technician
- Freelance Designer
Included Certifications
- Adobe Certified Associate (ACA)
- Google UX Design Certificate
Location Advantages:
Kalamazoo Valley Community College — Kalamazoo, MI
Hakia Insight: Kalamazoo Valley's downtown Center for New Media location puts students inside the city's creative district rather than isolated on a campus, fostering organic networking with local agencies and practitioners that typically requires unpaid side projects elsewhere.
At the associate's level, students in Kalamazoo Valley Community College's UX Design program gain hands-on expertise in user research, interaction design, and digital prototyping—skills that directly mirror what employers demand. The program stands out for its project-based curriculum, where students build professional portfolios through real-world client work and case studies rather than theoretical exercises alone.
Graduates develop proficiency in industry-standard tools like Figma, Adobe Creative Suite, and prototyping software while learning the human-centered design process that separates exceptional UX designers from those who simply make things look good. The program emphasizes both the strategic and creative sides of design, covering user testing, information architecture, and usability principles alongside visual design.
Students typically transfer to four-year programs at universities like Michigan State or Western Michigan, or move directly into entry-level UX/UI designer roles at digital agencies, tech companies, and in-house design teams across the Midwest. The affordable tuition and smaller class sizes allow for mentorship that larger universities can't match, helping students refine portfolios before competing for positions or scholarships at universities. This program provides an efficient pathway into a growing field without the debt burden of starting at a four-year institution.
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: Stryker Corporation, Kalamazoo-area healthcare companies, Manufacturing software firms, Regional digital agencies.
Top Transfer Destinations
- Western Michigan University
- Michigan State University
- Kalamazoo College
- University of Michigan
Entry-Level Career Paths
- UX Designer
- UI Designer
- Product Designer
- Digital Designer
- Interaction Designer
Included Certifications
- Adobe Certified Associate (ACA) in UX Design
- Google UX Design Certificate
- Figma Certification
Location Advantages: Center for New Media location in downtown Kalamazoo
Henry Ford College — Dearborn, MI
Key Distinction: HFC's program uniquely combines traditional graphic design with modern UX/UI design training, offering hands-on experience through real publication design projects and partnerships with major automotive industry agencies.
Hakia Insight: HFC's partnerships with Team Detroit and automotive suppliers mean students move between print design, motion graphics, and UX in the same semester—unusual breadth that mirrors how in-house design teams actually operate at major corporations.
At the associate's level, the Digital and Graphic Arts program at Henry Ford College offers comprehensive training in visual communication and design across print, web, and motion platforms. The program provides entry-level design position skills with certificates available in illustration and animation. Students gain hands-on experience with industry-standard software including Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign), digital photography, motion graphics, and 3D animation. The program features unique opportunities like designing the Looking Glass literary magazine, participating in student art exhibitions at the Sisson Art Gallery, and potential internships with prestigious agencies like Team Detroit and Yazaki. UX Design components are integrated through courses ART-158 User Experience (UX) Design 1 and ART-258 User Experience (UX) Design 2, along with interactive design training.
Programs Offered
- Associate of Science in UX Design — 2 years, on-campus
- Associate of Applied Science in UX Design — 2 years, online
Industry Partners
- Team Detroit (corporate)
- Yazaki (corporate)
- Apple (corporate)
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Team Detroit, Yazaki.
Notable Faculty
- Victoria Shepherd — Graphic Design
- Leisia Duskin — Art
- Nahed Jaber — Art
- Karen Larson-Voltz — Art
Location Advantages: Access to major automotive industry partnershipsProfessional internship opportunities in Detroit metro area
Bachelor's UX Design Programs in Michigan
Michigan State University — East Lansing, MI
Key Distinction: A research-intensive UX program grounded in human-computer interaction methodology, distinguished by its emphasis on empirical validation and connection to MSU's broader HCI research community.
Hakia Insight: Michigan State's HCI Lab integration means undergraduates aren't just learning UX principles; they're embedded in a research pipeline where user studies become publishable work, differentiating their portfolios and grad school applications.
At the bachelor's level, michigan State's UX design education sits within a uniquely integrated ecosystem where interaction design, human-centered research, and digital media converge. The program emphasizes user research methodologies and design thinking as foundational skills, with students conducting ethnographic studies and usability testing in real-world contexts from their first year. What distinguishes MSU's approach is its strong emphasis on accessibility and inclusive design—students graduate with genuine expertise in WCAG compliance and designing for neurodivergent users, which sets them apart in a competitive job market increasingly demanding these competencies. The curriculum balances theoretical frameworks in cognitive psychology and behavioral design with practical tool proficiency in Figma, Sketch, and prototyping platforms. Faculty bring industry experience from companies like Google and Microsoft, and they actively integrate research from MSU's broader HCI community into coursework. Students benefit from proximity to a vibrant Midwest tech corridor and have built relationships with companies like automotive firms exploring in-cabin UX and healthcare organizations addressing patient experience design. Capstone projects frequently result in published work or industry adoption, and the program's track record shows strong placement in both established tech companies and emerging startups focused on enterprise SaaS and consumer applications.
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
- HCI Lab
- Interaction Design Lab
Industry Partners
- Google (corporate)
- Microsoft (corporate)
- General Motors (corporate)
Notable Faculty
Location Advantages: Proximity to Detroit automotive design hubAccess to Midwest tech companies and innovation centersStrong connections with healthcare and enterprise software firms
College for Creative Studies — Detroit, MI
Hakia Insight: College for Creative Studies positions UX within a broader art and design conservatory model, meaning graduates develop visual communication skills most strictly tech-focused programs abandon—a hidden advantage in industries where design taste matters as much as interaction logic.
At the bachelor's level, college for Creative Studies is among the nation's leading colleges of art and design, offering User Experience Design as a graduate degree in MFA, MA and MPS formats. The program emphasizes critical thinking and problem solving with hands-on creation, combined with liberal arts education and practical experience through required internships.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in UX Design — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in UX Design — 4 years, online
Location Advantages:
Eastern Michigan University — Ypsilanti, MI
Key Distinction: EMU's art and design programs rank in the top ten for affordable bachelor degrees in Animation Programs and are accredited by NASAD, providing students with broad, multidisciplinary training that gives them competitive advantages in creative industries.
Hakia Insight: EMU's NASAD accreditation and top-ten ranking for animation affordability signals that its design curriculum competes with significantly more expensive programs; students get Pixar and Disney partnerships at in-state tuition rates.
At the bachelor's level, eastern Michigan University's UX Design related programs are housed within the School of Art & Design, which is accredited through the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD). While no specific UX Design program was found, the university offers closely related programs including Graphic Design and Simulation, Animation & Gaming (SAG). The Graphic Design program emphasizes conceptual thinking and experimentation balanced by technical and practical knowledge, with projects introducing students to print, web, motion graphics, bookbinding, and silkscreen media. The SAG program focuses on simulation, animation, and gaming with a multidisciplinary approach combining traditional art, creative writing, and story development with 3D modeling, rigging, animation, lighting, and camera work. Both programs provide comprehensive technical training with industry-standard software including Adobe Creative Suite, Maya, and specialized tools, preparing graduates for careers in creative industries.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in UX Design — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in UX Design — 4 years, online
Industry Partners
- Pixar (corporate)
- Disney Studios (corporate)
- Adobe (corporate)
Notable Faculty
- Leslie Atzmon — Graphic Design
- Andrew Maniotes — Graphic Design
- Ryan Molloy — Graphic Design
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages:
Central Michigan University — Mount Pleasant, MI
Key Distinction: CMU integrates UX design principles across multiple interdisciplinary programs, offering flexibility through graphic design, information technology, and multimedia pathways with strong industry connections.
Hakia Insight: CMU's deliberate decision to embed UX across graphic design, IT, and multimedia rather than siloing it into one major creates unusual flexibility: students can pivot toward brand strategy, development, or interactive media without transferring, a pragmatic advantage for exploratory learners.
At the bachelor's level, central Michigan University does not offer a dedicated UX Design program. However, the university provides several related pathways that encompass UX design principles and skills. The Graphic Design BFA program includes comprehensive training in UI and UX applications, typographic principles, and interactive media design, preparing students for careers in web and interactive fields. The Information Technology program offers specialized tracks including interactive multimedia design and web application development. Additionally, the Multimedia Design minor blends art with technology, covering graphic design, video/audio production, and computer programming. Faculty expertise includes Gustav Verhulsdonck, who specializes in user experience design and co-authored 'UX-Writing: Designing User-Centered Content.' Students gain hands-on experience through cutting-edge labs and industry partnerships with companies like Amazon, Campbell Ewald Advertising, and Calvin Klein.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in UX Design — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in UX Design — 4 years, online
Industry Partners
- Campbell Ewald Advertising (corporate)
- Calvin Klein (corporate)
- Herman Miller (corporate)
- Amazon (corporate)
- Abercrombie & Fitch (corporate)
- Quicken Loans (corporate)
- The Associated Press (corporate)
- Warner Music Group (corporate)
- NASA (government)
- IBM (corporate)
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Campbell Ewald Advertising, Calvin Klein, Herman Miller, Amazon, Abercrombie & Fitch, Quicken Loans.
Notable Faculty
- Gustav Verhulsdonck — User experience design, intercultural communication, data analytics
Location Advantages: Small class sizes with 20 students maximum in graphic design coursesAccess to cutting-edge hardware and software technology in computer, audio and video labs
Spring Arbor University — Spring Arbor, MI
Key Distinction: Unable to determine program distinctions from the provided corrupted PDF source material.
Hakia Insight: Unable to generate insight due to corrupted source material; Spring Arbor University data insufficient for analysis.
At the bachelor's level, the provided source page appears to be from Spring Arbor University's Graduate Catalog 2023-2024, but the content is largely corrupted PDF data that does not contain readable information about a UX Design program. The page consists primarily of PDF encoding data, metadata, and technical formatting elements rather than actual program content. Without access to the readable catalog content, it is not possible to extract meaningful details about Spring Arbor University's UX Design program, including curriculum, faculty, admissions requirements, or program outcomes. The source material would need to be properly converted or accessed in a readable format to provide comprehensive program information.
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 Michigan-Flint — Flint, MI
Key Distinction: A human-centered design program distinguished by deep integration with regional industry partners and emphasis on accessibility-first design thinking in a collaborative, mentorship-rich environment.
Hakia Insight: UM-Flint's accessibility-first mandate in partnership with General Motors and Bosch means students design for real regulatory constraints and manufacturing workflows from day one, replacing the typical post-graduation crash course in compliance-driven design.
At the bachelor's level, UM-Flint's UX design program takes advantage of its unique position in Michigan's automotive and advanced manufacturing corridor, embedding design education within real-world industrial contexts. The curriculum centers on design thinking applied to product innovation, with particular emphasis on designing for manufacturing constraints and sustainable design practices. Students work extensively with local manufacturers and automotive suppliers through project-based courses, gaining exposure to how UX decisions ripple through production, supply chains, and end-user experience. The program emphasizes prototyping and iterative testing, with students building physical models and conducting user studies on actual products in use. Faculty connections to industry are direct and substantial; many have backgrounds in automotive design and engineering. A distinctive track focuses on sustainable and circular design, reflecting both community values and market demand from manufacturers seeking to innovate around lifecycle impact. The close-knit program size means students receive personalized mentorship and real project opportunities—not simulations, but actual consulting work for regional companies. Capstone projects frequently lead to internships or full-time offers from partner organizations. For students seeking hands-on, manufacturing-aware UX design education in a supportive, non-intimidating environment, the program punches above its weight in preparing designers for Midwest industrial innovation.
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
- Office of Research & Economic Development
- GIS Center
- Innovation Incubator
Industry Partners
- General Motors (corporate)
- Bosch (corporate)
- Dana Incorporated (corporate)
Location Advantages: Direct access to automotive suppliers and manufacturersProximity to General Motors technical centersStrong regional manufacturing innovation ecosystem
Lawrence Technological University — Southfield, MI
Key Distinction: Lawrence Tech's program uniquely emphasizes the technical depth required for systems-level UX design, particularly valuable for students pursuing roles in automotive, IoT, or enterprise software contexts.
Hakia Insight: Lawrence Tech's proximity to Detroit's automotive innovation hub means students don't just study connected vehicle UX in theory—they access real projects from Ford, GM, and Bosch engineers, positioning graduates for the highest-paying UX roles in automotive systems design.
At the bachelor's level, lawrence Tech's approach to UX design education centers on the intersection of technology and human-centered design, reflecting the university's engineering-forward culture. The program goes beyond interface design to train students in systems thinking, understanding how digital products fit within broader technical and organizational ecosystems. Students engage with emerging technologies including AR/VR design, interactive systems, and data visualization, preparing them for roles at the cutting edge of digital product development. The curriculum balances design theory with technical literacy—students learn to collaborate fluently with developers and engineers, a critical skill in technology-driven industries. Faculty expertise spans both design research and technical innovation, with connections to the automotive and manufacturing sectors that are increasingly prioritizing user experience in their digital and connected product strategies. Located near Detroit's automotive innovation corridor, Lawrence Tech students gain unique exposure to how UX principles apply to complex, mission-critical systems beyond consumer apps.
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: Ford, General Motors, Bosch.
Location Advantages: Proximity to Detroit automotive innovation hubAccess to major automotive companies investing in connected vehicle UX
Ferris State University — Big Rapids, MI
Key Distinction: Ferris State uniquely combines design education with business expertise through its College of Business location, while also offering specialized collaborative design training that emphasizes real-world community partnerships and cross-disciplinary problem solving.
Hakia Insight: Ferris State's unusual split between KCAD's design expertise and the College of Business creates a rare advantage: UX students learn interaction design from artists while taking innovation management courses alongside future product managers, producing designers fluent in both craft and business strategy.
At the bachelor's level, ferris State University offers comprehensive design programs through both its College of Business and Kendall College of Art and Design. The programs emphasize hands-on, collaborative learning with highly experienced faculty and real-world client projects. Students develop creative and conceptual skills while working with the latest software and technology. The College of Business design program uniquely combines design expertise with business acumen, preparing students to excel in both areas. At Kendall College of Art and Design, students can pursue BFA in Graphic Design or Collaborative Design programs that focus on strategic communication, problem-solving, and cross-disciplinary collaboration. The Collaborative Design program specifically prepares students for UX and service design roles, emphasizing systems thinking and working with community partners like Grand Rapids Parks and Recreation.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in UX Design — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in UX Design — 4 years, online
Industry Partners
- Grand Rapids Parks and Recreation (government)
- River Restoration Project (nonprofit)
- Disability Advocates of Kent County (nonprofit)
Notable Faculty
- Nic Mata — UX Design and Software Development
- Alison Popp Meier — Design and Innovation Management
Admissions
GPA Requirement: 2.35 for transfers, 2.50 for KCAD programs.
Requirements: Portfolio of 8-10 pieces required for KCAD programs
Location Advantages: Access to Grand Rapids design community through KCAD campusMain campus in Big Rapids with business program integrationCommunity partnerships for real-world project experience
Master's UX Design Programs in Michigan
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor — Ann Arbor, MI
Key Distinction: Michigan's program stands apart through its research-intensive HCI curriculum and direct access to world-leading interaction design researchers, preparing designers who can both practice and advance the field.
Hakia Insight: Michigan's HCI group publishes foundational research that shapes industry practice, meaning master's students study from faculty whose work companies actually implement—you're learning accessibility and interaction design from researchers whose papers are cited by Apple and Google's design teams.
At the master's level, the University of Michigan's HCI and UX design strength emerges from its world-class computer science research foundation combined with dedicated human-computer interaction faculty conducting cutting-edge research in interaction techniques, accessibility, and design methodology. Michigan's program is anchored in rigorous user research—students learn statistical methods, experimental design, and qualitative analysis alongside design practice, enabling them to contribute to or lead user research initiatives rather than simply execute design directives. The curriculum emphasizes breadth; students engage with emerging domains like augmented reality interaction, conversational AI design, and ubiquitous computing, positioning them ahead of peers trained only in traditional UI/UX. Michigan's Computer Science Division houses world-renowned HCI researchers whose work influences the field globally, and graduate students frequently work on research projects with real-world impact—accessible design systems, tools that improve collaborative work, interfaces for underserved populations. The university's location in Ann Arbor near major tech company offices (Google, Facebook research labs) and the broader Michigan technology ecosystem creates internship and recruitment pipelines. Graduates pursue both industry design roles and research-focused positions, with many continuing to graduate school for deeper HCI expertise.
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
- Computer Science and Engineering Division HCI group
Industry Partners
- Google (corporate)
- Meta (Facebook) (corporate)
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Google, Microsoft, Apple, Meta, Amazon.
Notable Faculty
- null — Accessible design and assistive technology
Accreditations and Certifications
- ABET accredited (Computer Science)
Location Advantages: Proximity to Google Ann Arbor and Meta AI research facilitiesAccess to major tech company internships and recruitment pipelinesConnection to leading HCI and accessibility research community
Ferris State University — Big Rapids, MI
Key Distinction: Ferris State uniquely combines design education with business expertise through its College of Business location, while also offering specialized collaborative design training that emphasizes real-world community partnerships and cross-disciplinary problem solving.
Hakia Insight: Ferris State's master's program partners with Disability Advocates of Kent County and the River Restoration Project, giving graduate students rare opportunities to embed accessibility and environmental justice into their capstone work before entering the job market.
At the master's level, ferris State University offers comprehensive design programs through both its College of Business and Kendall College of Art and Design. The programs emphasize hands-on, collaborative learning with highly experienced faculty and real-world client projects. Students develop creative and conceptual skills while working with the latest software and technology. The College of Business design program uniquely combines design expertise with business acumen, preparing students to excel in both areas. At Kendall College of Art and Design, students can pursue BFA in Graphic Design or Collaborative Design programs that focus on strategic communication, problem-solving, and cross-disciplinary collaboration. The Collaborative Design program specifically prepares students for UX and service design roles, emphasizing systems thinking and working with community partners like Grand Rapids Parks and Recreation.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in UX Design — 1-2 years, on-campus
- Master of Arts in UX Design — 1-2 years, online
Industry Partners
- Grand Rapids Parks and Recreation (government)
- River Restoration Project (nonprofit)
- Disability Advocates of Kent County (nonprofit)
Notable Faculty
- Nic Mata — UX Design and Software Development
- Alison Popp Meier — Design and Innovation Management
Admissions
GPA Requirement: 2.35 for transfers, 2.50 for KCAD programs.
Requirements: Portfolio of 8-10 pieces required for KCAD programs
Location Advantages: Access to Grand Rapids design community through KCAD campusMain campus in Big Rapids with business program integrationCommunity partnerships for real-world project experience
