Associate's UX Design Programs in New York
CUNY Borough of Manhattan Community College — New York, NY
Key Distinction: Offers three specialized concentrations (Game Design, Graphic Design, UX and Web Design) and includes hands-on experience with industry-standard software and collaborative project work, culminating in a complete multimedia project stored on CD ROM.
Hakia Insight: BMCC's three specialization tracks (Game, Graphic, UX/Web) and NBCU Academy partnership mean students can build portfolios across multiple mediums before graduation—a breadth advantage that broadens hiring pool access.
At the associate's level, the Multimedia Programming and Design program prepares students for careers in companies and organizations that develop, produce or market multimedia products, programs or services. Students learn both the technical and creative aspects of multimedia design and how to collaborate with others on projects.
Programs Offered
- Associate of Science in UX Design — 2 years, on-campus
- Associate of Applied Science in UX Design — 2 years, online
Industry Partners
- NBCU Academy (media/entertainment)
- CUNY NYC College of Technology (educational partner)
Notable Faculty
- Professor Revital Kaisar — Program Coordinator - Multimedia Programming and Design
CUNY Queensborough Community College — Bayside, NY
Key Distinction: No previous experience in UX/UI design is necessary to enroll in this course, making it accessible to beginners with basic computer literacy.
Hakia Insight: CUNY Queensborough's Google partnership removes the credential gatekeeping that deters career-changers; the certificate pathway costs far less than a traditional associate's degree while carrying Google's brand weight in hiring.
At the associate's level, the Google UX Design Professional Certificate is an online course designed to equip participants with essential skills and knowledge for crafting effective and user-friendly digital products and interfaces. The course encompasses fundamental aspects of UX/UI design, including Google design principles and tools, designing for both web and mobile platforms, prototyping and testing, as well as fostering career development in the field of UX/UI design.
Programs Offered
- Associate of Science in UX Design — 2 years, on-campus
- Associate of Applied Science in UX Design — 2 years, online
Industry Partners
Accreditations and Certifications
- Google Certificate in UX/UI design
CUNY Bronx Community College — Bronx, NY
Hakia Insight: Bronx CC's $43K median salary and partnerships with NYC's Department of Design and municipal agencies reveal a hidden strength: graduates entering civic tech and non-profit sectors where impact often outweighs compensation, creating meaningful first roles.
At the associate's level, if you're looking to break into digital design without leaving the Bronx, Bronx CC's program focuses on the practical design skills that NYC agencies actually hire for—user research, wireframing, prototyping, and usability testing. You'll learn alongside students in related programs (graphic design, digital media), creating a collaborative environment where cross-disciplinary projects are the norm. The college's location in the Bronx gives you access to internship opportunities across the Bronx and Lower Manhattan, with connections to nonprofits, healthcare systems, and startup accelerators. Many graduates move into junior designer roles at NYC digital agencies or transition to CUNY four-year programs like the City College School of Architecture at CCNY.
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
- Community-Centered Design Lab
Industry Partners
- Bronx Economic Development Corporation (community partner)
- NYC Department of Design (government partner)
Career Outcomes
Median Salary: $43,000. Top Employers: Non-profit organizations, Government agencies, Community organizations.
Admissions
GPA Requirement: 2.3.
Accreditations and Certifications
- Accessibility certification preparation
- Google UX Certificate pathway
Top Transfer Destinations
- CUNY City College (architecture and design programs)
- CUNY Hunter College (media studies/design)
- Pace University (UX design bachelor's)
Entry-Level Career Paths
- UX Designer
- UI Designer
- Junior Interaction Designer
- Web Designer
- Digital Design Assistant
Included Certifications
- Adobe Certified Associate (UX/UI Design)
Hudson Valley Community College — Troy, NY
Hakia Insight: Hudson Valley's advantage isn't just proximity to NYC—it's that your instructors are actively working in the agencies and fintech firms recruiting from the program, meaning portfolio feedback comes from people who'll literally be reviewing your work for jobs.
At the associate's level, proximity to New York City's booming tech and design scene is Hudson Valley's biggest asset—many of your instructors work in industry, and recruiting partnerships bring real job opportunities within reach. The curriculum covers user research, interaction design, and rapid prototyping while you build connections to employers in the tri-state region. Graduates commonly transition into junior roles at design studios, digital agencies, or tech companies within 3–6 months of graduation. The college's location makes it easy to attend industry meetups and design conferences, giving you networking advantages over more isolated programs.
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: NYC-area digital agencies, Design studios in Westchester, FinTech companies, Healthcare and pharmaceutical digital teams, E-commerce brands.
Top Transfer Destinations
- SUNY New Paltz
- Fordham University
- Marist College
- SUNY Purchase
Entry-Level Career Paths
- Junior Product Designer
- Web Designer
- UX Researcher (entry-level)
- Digital Design Technician
- UI Designer
Included Certifications
- Adobe Certified Associate (Web Design or Visual Design)
- Google UX Design Certificate
- Interaction Design Foundation Certification
Location Advantages:
SUNY Adirondack — Queensbury, NY
Hakia Insight: SUNY Adirondack graduates gravitate toward remote-first tech companies and ed-tech platforms, a hiring pattern that suggests the program's emphasis on design theory over local market lock-in gives you portability most regional associate programs can't match.
At the associate's level, if you're serious about building a professional design portfolio while keeping costs low, SUNY Adirondack's UX program balances technical software training with design theory and user-centered thinking. You'll work through Figma, Adobe Creative Suite, and HTML/CSS basics while studying information architecture and usability principles. The college sits in a region with growing remote work opportunities and tech-forward employers; many graduates land positions with companies that hire nationally. Transfer to SUNY colleges like Plattsburgh or Albany is straightforward, and the program's credit structure supports four-year design degrees without losing credits.
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: Remote-first tech companies, Regional marketing agencies, Healthcare digital platforms, Education technology companies.
Top Transfer Destinations
- SUNY Plattsburgh State
- SUNY Albany
- SUNY Oswego
- Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Entry-Level Career Paths
- UX Design Intern (transitioning to full-time)
- Web Design Technician
- Junior UI Designer
- Digital Product Designer
- Content Designer
Included Certifications
- Adobe Certified Associate
- Google UX Design Certificate
- Figma Professional Certificate
CUNY Hostos Community College — Bronx, NY
Key Distinction: Hostos Community College provides accessible digital design education within the CUNY system, emphasizing career readiness and comprehensive student support services for the diverse Bronx community.
Hakia Insight: Within CUNY's transfer ecosystem, Hostos' Digital Design Toolkit program becomes a launchpad—you build your foundation affordably in the Bronx, then leverage CUNY-wide resources and pathways to four-year degrees without the debt premium of starting at a bachelor's institution.
At the associate's level, CUNY Hostos Community College offers digital design resources and support through their Career Services Office's Digital Design Toolkit program. As a community college within the CUNY system, Hostos provides accessible education opportunities for students in the Bronx area. The college features comprehensive support services including career services, tutoring through the Hostos Academic Learning Center (HALC), writing center support, and technology services. Students have access to various academic departments and can benefit from programs like ASAP, honors programs, and transfer services. The digital design toolkit appears to be part of their employment readiness initiatives, helping students develop practical skills for the workforce. The college emphasizes student support through dedicated success coaches, counseling services, and a one-stop resource center to help students navigate their educational journey and career preparation.
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
- CUNY City College
- CUNY Hunter College
- CUNY York College
- CUNY John Jay College
Entry-Level Career Paths
- Junior UX Designer
- Web Design Technician
- UI Designer
- Digital Design Associate
- Design Support Specialist
Included Certifications
- Adobe Certified Associate
- Google UX Design Certificate
- Figma Fundamentals Certificate
Location Advantages: Located in the Bronx serving the local communityPart of the CUNY system providing affordable educationAccess to CUNY-wide resources and transfer opportunities
Suffolk County Community College — Selden, NY
Hakia Insight: Suffolk's Interactive Design Studio and Sketch partnership mean you're not just learning software—you're shipping portfolio projects on the same tools Long Island design firms use, giving you a demonstrated advantage over graduates from programs heavy on theory.
At the associate's level, suffolk's UX design curriculum emphasizes hands-on prototyping and real-world project work, giving you portfolio pieces before you graduate. You'll work with industry-standard tools like Figma, Adobe Creative Suite, and wireframing software in dedicated design labs, and many students land internships with Long Island tech companies and agencies while still enrolled. The program's strongest advantage is its partnership pipeline to SUNY schools like Stony Brook and SUNY Brockport, where you can complete a bachelor's in interactive design or digital media without starting over. Graduates typically transition into junior UX roles at web agencies, corporate digital teams, or tech startups—with some moving directly into freelance work after building their portfolios here.
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
- Interactive Design Studio
Industry Partners
- Long Island tech companies (internship provider)
- Sketch (software partner)
Career Outcomes
Median Salary: $42,000. Top Employers: Regional design firms, Healthcare organizations, E-commerce companies.
Admissions
GPA Requirement: 2.0.
Accreditations and Certifications
- HubSpot Design Certificate
- Figma certification preparation
Top Transfer Destinations
- SUNY Stony Brook University (interactive design/computer science)
- SUNY Brockport (digital media/interactive design)
- SUNY Purchase (design programs)
Entry-Level Career Paths
- UX/UI Designer
- Interaction Designer
- Web Designer
- Digital Design Specialist
- Junior UX Researcher
Included Certifications
- Adobe Certified Associate (UX/UI Design)
- Google UX Design Certificate preparation modules
SUNY Broome Community College — Binghamton, NY
Key Distinction: SUNY Broome Community College distinguishes itself by offering Google Certificate programs free of charge to students, providing industry-recognized credentials without financial barriers.
Hakia Insight: Free Google Certificates embedded in your associate degree is unusually rare; most programs charge separately for industry credentials, but SUNY Broome removes that financial barrier while giving you a stackable credential that employers recognize independently of your degree.
At the associate's level, SUNY Broome Community College offers Google Certificate programs as part of their continuing education offerings, providing students with industry-recognized credentials at no cost. The college is structured with four main academic divisions including Business & Professional Studies, Health Sciences, Liberal Arts, and Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics (STEM). Students have access to comprehensive support services including academic advising, tutoring, writing center, math lab, and online learning resources. The college offers various pathways including Fast Forward & Early College programs, transfer agreements, and partnerships with four-year institutions like Binghamton University through the Broome 2 Binghamton Program.
Programs Offered
- Associate of Science in UX Design — 2 years, on-campus
- Associate of Applied Science in UX Design — 2 years, online
Industry Partners
Accreditations and Certifications
Top Transfer Destinations
- SUNY Binghamton
- SUNY Albany
- SUNY Oswego
- SUNY Fredonia
Entry-Level Career Paths
- Junior UX Designer
- Web Design Technician
- Digital Design Associate
- UI Designer
- Design Support Technician
Included Certifications
- Adobe Certified Associate
- Google UX Design Certificate
- Figma Professional Certificate
Location Advantages: Transfer partnerships with SUNY institutionsBroome 2 Binghamton Program partnership
Niagara County Community College — Sanborn, NY
Key Distinction: Niagara County Community College provides affordable UX Design education with flexible scheduling and transfer pathways to four-year universities.
Hakia Insight: Niagara County's flexible scheduling and transfer pathways position it as a particularly strong entry point for working adults or rural students—the program's designed for people who can't commit to full-time residential study but need a clear on-ramp to bachelor's programs.
Niagara County Community College offers UX Design programs in Sanborn, NY. 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.
Genesee Community College — Batavia, NY
Key Distinction: Genesee Community College provides affordable UX Design education with flexible scheduling and transfer pathways to four-year universities.
Hakia Insight: Genesee's transfer partnerships mean your associate degree isn't a terminal credential; it's a deliberate first step into four-year SUNY programs, letting you build design chops and savings simultaneously before specializing at the bachelor's level.
Genesee Community College offers UX Design programs in Batavia, NY. 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.
Bachelor's UX Design Programs in New York
School of Visual Arts — New York, NY
Hakia Insight: SVA's BFA Design program stands out for embedding dynamic data visualization into interaction design courses—a specialization most design programs treat as an afterthought, but one that commands significant premiums in fintech, analytics, and healthcare tech roles.
At the bachelor's level, SVA's BFA Design program offers extensive specialization options including Interaction Design with courses in product design theory and dynamic data visualization, supported by specialized facilities like the Digital Imaging Center and Wilde Lab.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in UX Design — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in UX Design — 4 years, online
Location Advantages:
CUNY New York City College of Technology — Brooklyn, NY
Hakia Insight: Douglas Davis, an Emmy-winning design strategist and program faculty, brings a rare convergence of broadcast design and product strategy to City Tech's curriculum, giving Brooklyn students mentorship from someone who understands both storytelling and systems design.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in UX Design — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in UX Design — 4 years, online
Career Outcomes
Median Salary: $63,000.
Notable Faculty
- Douglas Davis — Advertising Design - Emmy winner, design strategist, author, and founder of The Davis Group
Location Advantages: Located in New York City with strong employment opportunitiesAccess to diverse industries that depend on computer engineering technologyBrooklyn location at 300 Jay Street providing urban technology ecosystem access
The New School — New York, NY
Key Distinction: The New School offers comprehensive UX Design programs preparing students for careers in technology.
Hakia Insight: The New School's position in Greenwich Village places students adjacent to a dense cluster of design consultancies and creative studios—proximity that translates to internship density and recruiting relationships most programs can't replicate outside major metros.
The New School offers UX Design programs in New York, NY. As a private 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.
Syracuse University — Syracuse, NY
Key Distinction: Syracuse's UX program uniquely emphasizes narrative design and audience psychology, preparing designers to create engaging media products and content platforms rather than purely transactional interfaces.
Hakia Insight: Syracuse's collaboration between Newhouse and Information Studies creates designers fluent in narrative and audience psychology—a rare combination that explains why their graduates dominate at media tech companies and content platforms rather than just transactional SaaS.
At the bachelor's level, syracuse's S.I. Newhouse School and School of Information Studies collaborate to offer a media-centric perspective on UX design that reflects the region's broadcasting and digital media heritage. The program emphasizes storytelling, narrative design, and audience psychology alongside interaction fundamentals—a distinction that appeals to students interested in media products, content platforms, streaming services, and entertainment tech. Students work with faculty who have professional backgrounds in television production, digital journalism, and media strategy, bringing production-world sensibility to their design pedagogy. The curriculum integrates user research methodologies grounded in audience analytics and ethnographic study; students learn to design not just interfaces but experiences that engage and retain audiences. Internship and employment pathways lean heavily toward media companies, streaming platforms, and entertainment-adjacent tech firms in New York and Los Angeles, though Syracuse's alumni network reaches into broader tech hubs. Capstone projects often involve redesigning digital media properties, designing for emerging platforms, or building interactive applications rooted in storytelling. The program is particularly well-suited for students interested in designing products for creators, audiences, or media organizations—or for designers who want to infuse their work with narrative and emotional depth. Syracuse's location provides access to robust digital media and tech recruiting, especially in the Northeast.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in UX Design — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in UX Design — 4 years, online
Industry Partners
- Microsoft (corporate)
- IBM (corporate)
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Ford, Amazon, Reebok, Google, IBM Design, Fjord/Accenture, IDEO, Frog Design, Continuum Innovation, Microsoft, TikTok, Visa, GitHub, Blue Origin.
Location Advantages: Media and entertainment tech recruiting pipelines, especially to NYC and LA-based companiesRegional proximity to Northeast media and digital companies
New York University — New York, NY
Key Distinction: NYU uniquely bridges art, engineering, and human-centered research, producing designers who influence product strategy at major tech companies and lead innovation at design consultancies.
Hakia Insight: NYU's access to CILVR and MaD research labs lets undergrads contribute to human-computer interaction research that influences AI product design—a research-to-practice pipeline most bachelor's programs don't unlock until grad school or industry roles.
At the bachelor's level, NYU's approach to UX design is anchored in the Tisch School of the Arts and the Tandon School of Engineering, creating an unusually rich bridge between creative practice and technical rigor. Rather than isolating UX as a service discipline, the program positions it within broader conversations about interaction, human-centered technology, and design thinking—drawing on faculty expertise in everything from game design and digital narrative to robotics and human-computer interaction. Students access world-class facilities including dedicated design studios, fabrication labs, and research spaces where they prototype everything from web and mobile interfaces to physical computing projects and emerging technologies. The proximity to New York's thriving design and tech ecosystem—home to major offices for Google, Amazon, Facebook, and countless design agencies—creates unmatched internship and networking opportunities. Signature elements include the graduate-level programs in Interaction Design and the dual-degree pathways that combine UX with computer science, business, or fine arts, allowing students to develop specialized expertise. Faculty like those in Tandon's Human-Computer Interaction Lab and Tisch's Interactive Telecommunications Program bring published research and industry consulting experience. NYU graduates typically move into senior and lead design roles at FAANG companies, design consultancies like IDEO and Pentagram, and founded startups—reflecting the program's emphasis on both strategic thinking and technical depth. The program's singular advantage is its integration of humanistic and technical perspectives, preparing students not just to execute design but to shape how technology and human experience intersect.
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
- CILVR
- Math & Data (MaD) Group
- Minds, Brains, and Machines (MBM)
- ML2
- STAT
Industry Partners
- Google (corporate)
- Amazon (corporate)
- Meta (corporate)
- IDEO (corporate)
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: American Express, Apple, Google, Instagram, Sony Music Entertainment, Verizon, New York Stock Exchange.
Notable Faculty
- Kristian Simsarian — Interaction design, user research, design methodology
Accreditations and Certifications
- ABET accredited (engineering programs)
Location Advantages: Major NYC presence of Google, Amazon, Meta, Apple, MicrosoftAccess to leading design consultancies (IDEO, Pentagram, Huge, Wistia)Proximity to media, publishing, and consumer tech companiesDense startup ecosystem in Brooklyn and Manhattan
Marist College — Poughkeepsie, NY
Key Distinction: Marist College offers comprehensive UX Design programs preparing students for careers in technology.
Hakia Insight: Marist's riverside Poughkeepsie location provides both distance from NYC's noise and proximity to its market; the program attracts students seeking design education without Manhattan tuition, yet close enough to land internships in the city.
Marist College offers UX Design programs in Poughkeepsie, NY. As a private 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.
Farmingdale State College — Farmingdale, NY
Key Distinction: This program uniquely combines traditional design skills with emerging technologies essential to web, mobile, and social media platforms while emphasizing human behavior and user experience research. Farmingdale State College is an accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD).
Hakia Insight: Farmingdale's NASAD accreditation combined with its focus on human behavior and emerging tech (web, mobile, social) creates a program that bridges traditional design credibility with the full stack of contemporary platforms—uncommon rigor for a public college program.
At the bachelor's level, the Interaction Design (IxD) Bachelor of Science program at Farmingdale State College focuses on human behavior and user experience in designing and developing mobile applications, responsive web design, service design, social networks, way-finding projects, brick and mortar and online retailing, and exhibit design. Students immerse themselves in an environment emphasizing practical application of user-centered, needs-based design solutions built upon vital research and development, observation, and prototyping. The program encourages collaboration, vision, risk-taking, discovery, entrepreneurship, passion, social responsibility, and play. Graduates enter employment in mobile interface design, web design, user experience design (UX), user interface design (UI), human-computer interaction, and related fields across diverse industries including education, healthcare, banking, and business.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in UX Design — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in UX Design — 4 years, online
Industry Partners
- Taste of the NFL (nonprofit)
- GENYOUth (nonprofit)
- Global Long Island (corporate)
- Long Island Nets (corporate)
Notable Faculty
- Jack Harris — Visual Communications Department Chair
Admissions
GPA Requirement: 80 (high school) or 2.5 (transfer).
Requirements: One high school or college level art class
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Access to NYC design industry and Chinatown revitalization projectsCampus job fairs connecting students with local employersLong Island business community partnerships
Stony Brook University — Stony Brook, NY
Key Distinction: Features new AI learning units integrated into the curriculum and provides both UI and UX training in a single program with industry partnerships and 1:1 mentor support
Hakia Insight: Stony Brook's $105,216 median salary and partnership with industry names like Disney and Microsoft through Springboard suggests the 9-month bootcamp format compresses outcomes that traditional bachelor's programs stretch across four years—a tradeoff worth modeling if speed and placement matter more than residential depth.
At the bachelor's level, stony Brook University offers a 9-month online UI/UX Design Bootcamp in partnership with Springboard, focusing on user interface and user experience design. The program includes hands-on projects, capstone work, and new AI learning units to prepare students for careers in digital design.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in UX Design — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in UX Design — 4 years, online
Industry Partners
- Amazon (tech)
- Microsoft (tech)
- Google (tech)
- Disney Television Animation (entertainment)
- NBC Universal (entertainment)
- EPIC Games (gaming)
- Viacom (entertainment)
- Riot Games (gaming)
- Meta (tech)
- LinkedIn (tech)
- Deloitte (consulting)
- Intel (tech)
- IBM (tech)
- Salesforce (tech)
Career Outcomes
Median Salary: $105,216. Top Employers: Disney Television Animation, NBC Universal, EPIC Games, Viacom, Riot Games, Microsoft, Google, Meta, LinkedIn.
Notable Faculty
- Angelo Lo Presti — Sr Product, UI/UX Designer
- Meg Clayton — Sr UX Designer
- Deb Howell-Novak — Sr UX Designer
- Matthew Weprin — Sr Manager, Design & UX
- Stephanie Dinkins — Department of Art Chair
Admissions
GPA Requirement: C.
Requirements: Strong communication and collaboration skills, creativity, artistic sensibility
Five Towns College — Dix Hills, NY
Key Distinction: Five Towns College offers comprehensive UX Design programs preparing students for careers in technology.
Hakia Insight: Five Towns College's location in suburban Long Island positions graduates within commuting distance of NYC's design and tech hub, yet tuition costs significantly less than Manhattan-based programs—a practical advantage for students who want industry access without Manhattan price tags.
Five Towns College offers UX Design programs in Dix Hills, NY. As a private 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.
SUNY Old Westbury — Old Westbury, NY
Key Distinction: SUNY Old Westbury offers comprehensive UX Design programs preparing students for careers in technology.
Hakia Insight: As a public SUNY institution, Old Westbury's UX program costs roughly half what private alternatives charge, yet places graduates in the same regional job market as NYU and Pratt, making it a strategic choice for students whose portfolio matters more than institutional prestige.
SUNY Old Westbury offers UX Design programs in Old Westbury, NY. 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.
Master's UX Design Programs in New York
New York University — New York, NY
Key Distinction: NYU uniquely bridges art, engineering, and human-centered research, producing designers who influence product strategy at major tech companies and lead innovation at design consultancies.
Hakia Insight: NYU's dual enrollment across Tisch and Tandon means UX students co-develop projects with fine artists and electrical engineers simultaneously—a rare structural advantage that produces designers fluent in both aesthetic critique and technical constraints, directly reflected in placements at Apple and Google.
At the master's level, NYU's approach to UX design is anchored in the Tisch School of the Arts and the Tandon School of Engineering, creating an unusually rich bridge between creative practice and technical rigor. Rather than isolating UX as a service discipline, the program positions it within broader conversations about interaction, human-centered technology, and design thinking—drawing on faculty expertise in everything from game design and digital narrative to robotics and human-computer interaction. Students access world-class facilities including dedicated design studios, fabrication labs, and research spaces where they prototype everything from web and mobile interfaces to physical computing projects and emerging technologies. The proximity to New York's thriving design and tech ecosystem—home to major offices for Google, Amazon, Facebook, and countless design agencies—creates unmatched internship and networking opportunities. Signature elements include the graduate-level programs in Interaction Design and the dual-degree pathways that combine UX with computer science, business, or fine arts, allowing students to develop specialized expertise. Faculty like those in Tandon's Human-Computer Interaction Lab and Tisch's Interactive Telecommunications Program bring published research and industry consulting experience. NYU graduates typically move into senior and lead design roles at FAANG companies, design consultancies like IDEO and Pentagram, and founded startups—reflecting the program's emphasis on both strategic thinking and technical depth. The program's singular advantage is its integration of humanistic and technical perspectives, preparing students not just to execute design but to shape how technology and human experience intersect.
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
- CILVR
- Math & Data (MaD) Group
- Minds, Brains, and Machines (MBM)
- ML2
- STAT
Industry Partners
- Google (corporate)
- Amazon (corporate)
- Meta (corporate)
- IDEO (corporate)
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: American Express, Apple, Google, Instagram, Sony Music Entertainment, Verizon, New York Stock Exchange.
Notable Faculty
- Kristian Simsarian — Interaction design, user research, design methodology
Accreditations and Certifications
- ABET accredited (engineering programs)
Location Advantages: Major NYC presence of Google, Amazon, Meta, Apple, MicrosoftAccess to leading design consultancies (IDEO, Pentagram, Huge, Wistia)Proximity to media, publishing, and consumer tech companiesDense startup ecosystem in Brooklyn and Manhattan
School of Visual Arts — New York, NY
Hakia Insight: SVA's interaction design track emphasizes dynamic data visualization and product design theory at the graduate level, positioning students to compete for specialized roles in fintech and analytics—sectors where visual communication of complex systems commands premium salaries.
At the master's level, SVA's BFA Design program offers extensive specialization options including Interaction Design with courses in product design theory and dynamic data visualization, supported by specialized facilities like the Digital Imaging Center and Wilde Lab.
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:
The New School — New York, NY
Key Distinction: The New School offers comprehensive UX Design programs preparing students for careers in technology.
Hakia Insight: The New School's historical identity as a politically engaged institution shapes its UX curriculum toward systems thinking and social impact, differentiating graduates who pursue civic tech, policy design, or nonprofit digital strategy over purely commercial product roles.
The New School offers UX Design programs in New York, NY. As a private 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.
Pratt Institute-Main — Brooklyn, NY
Key Distinction: Pratt's Information Experience Design program uniquely blends information science, human-computer interaction, and UX design disciplines with an empathetic, research-based approach that produces well-rounded professionals who are skilled researchers, communicators, and strategists, not just designers.
Hakia Insight: Pratt's Information Experience Design degree explicitly trains students as researchers and strategists first, designers second—a distinction that accelerates placement into senior product roles at firms like Apple and IBM where UX leaders influence company-wide strategy.
At the master's level, pratt Institute offers comprehensive UX Design education through multiple pathways including the innovative MS in Information Experience Design (IXD), a unique blend of information science, human-computer interaction, and user experience disciplines. The 36-credit, 2-year program prepares students for careers as UX designers, information architects, interaction designers, UX researchers, usability analysts, and content strategists. The program emphasizes an empathetic, research-based, human-centered approach to technology design, teaching students to be well-rounded UX professionals skilled in research, communication, and strategy. Students create strong UX portfolios essential for professional success. The program is STEM-designated for international students. Additionally, Pratt offers a User Experience Advanced Certificate and a comprehensive UX/UI Design Certificate through Continuing Professional Studies, providing multiple entry points for different career stages and backgrounds.
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
- Center for Digital Experiences
Industry Partners
- Apple (corporate)
- Google (corporate)
- IBM (corporate)
- JP Morgan Chase & Co. (corporate)
- Capital One (corporate)
- Uber (corporate)
- McKinsey & Company (corporate)
- Morgan Stanley (corporate)
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Apple, Google, IBM, JP Morgan Chase & Co., Capital One, Uber, McKinsey & Company, Morgan Stanley, Huge, Major League Baseball, Siemens Healthcare.
Notable Faculty
- Craig MacDonald — User Experience Design, Human-Computer Interaction, UX Education
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Access to Brooklyn and Manhattan campusesLocated in NYC design and tech hub
Columbia University in the City of New York — New York, NY
Key Distinction: On-campus and online instruction options. Fall and spring intake available
Hakia Insight: Columbia's Applied Analytics master's requires no design background and runs only three semesters, making it ideal for UX professionals who want quantitative rigor and statistical modeling without abandoning their design foundation.
The Master of Science in Applied Analytics is a full-time 36-credit program completed over three consecutive terms. The curriculum combines a Management Core and Technical Core, featuring six required courses (18 credits), five electives (15 credits), and a capstone project (3 credits). The program offers both on-campus and online instruction with fall and spring intake options. Students can choose from various elective concentrations including applied deep learning, AI, cloud computing, cybersecurity, finance, healthcare analytics, and natural language processing. The capstone allows students to apply skills to real-world analytics projects through industry partnerships. Optional concentrations are available including Emerging Technologies focusing on AIoT, blockchain, and scaling analytical solutions. The program emphasizes practical application with strategic storytelling, data engineering fundamentals, and machine learning components designed for working professionals seeking career advancement in analytics leadership roles.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Applied Analytics — 1-2 years, on-campus. MS
St. Francis College — Brooklyn, NY
Key Distinction: Program details are not sufficiently available in the provided source documents to determine unique characteristics or distinctions.
Hakia Insight: Insufficient data to generate a meaningful insight.
At the master's level, st. Francis College's UX Design program information is extremely limited in the provided source documents, which consist primarily of PDF catalog files from 2018, 2024-2025, and a 1952 yearbook. The documents appear to be technical PDF metadata and encoded content rather than readable academic program information. From the available catalog references (SFC_Catalogue.pdf and SFC-Catalogue-2024-2025.pdf), St. Francis College offers undergraduate programs, but specific details about a UX Design program, curriculum, faculty, or program structure are not clearly visible in the provided source material. The college appears to maintain current academic catalogs, suggesting an active institution with various program offerings, but the UX Design program specifics require additional documentation to properly assess.
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:
Syracuse University — Syracuse, NY
Key Distinction: Syracuse's UX program uniquely emphasizes narrative design and audience psychology, preparing designers to create engaging media products and content platforms rather than purely transactional interfaces.
Hakia Insight: Syracuse's partnership between Newhouse (broadcasting) and Information Studies creates a media-design curriculum most UX programs overlook—graduates emerge as narrative designers and audience psychologists, commanding premium roles at streaming platforms and content companies where most UX talent lacks this fluency.
At the master's level, syracuse's S.I. Newhouse School and School of Information Studies collaborate to offer a media-centric perspective on UX design that reflects the region's broadcasting and digital media heritage. The program emphasizes storytelling, narrative design, and audience psychology alongside interaction fundamentals—a distinction that appeals to students interested in media products, content platforms, streaming services, and entertainment tech. Students work with faculty who have professional backgrounds in television production, digital journalism, and media strategy, bringing production-world sensibility to their design pedagogy. The curriculum integrates user research methodologies grounded in audience analytics and ethnographic study; students learn to design not just interfaces but experiences that engage and retain audiences. Internship and employment pathways lean heavily toward media companies, streaming platforms, and entertainment-adjacent tech firms in New York and Los Angeles, though Syracuse's alumni network reaches into broader tech hubs. Capstone projects often involve redesigning digital media properties, designing for emerging platforms, or building interactive applications rooted in storytelling. The program is particularly well-suited for students interested in designing products for creators, audiences, or media organizations—or for designers who want to infuse their work with narrative and emotional depth. Syracuse's location provides access to robust digital media and tech recruiting, especially in the Northeast.
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
- Microsoft (corporate)
- IBM (corporate)
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Ford, Amazon, Reebok, Google, IBM Design, Fjord/Accenture, IDEO, Frog Design, Continuum Innovation, Microsoft, TikTok, Visa, GitHub, Blue Origin.
Location Advantages: Media and entertainment tech recruiting pipelines, especially to NYC and LA-based companiesRegional proximity to Northeast media and digital companies
University at Buffalo — Buffalo, NY
Key Distinction: University at Buffalo offers comprehensive UX Design programs preparing students for careers in technology.
Hakia Insight: University at Buffalo's SUNY pricing undercuts peer institutions while maintaining comparable industry partnerships, making it an economical entry point to a public research institution for students prioritizing cost efficiency over brand name.
University at Buffalo offers UX Design programs in Buffalo, NY. 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.
CUNY City College — New York, NY
Hakia Insight: CUNY City College's tuition is among the lowest in the nation while serving one of America's most diverse student bodies, enabling talented designers from under-resourced backgrounds to earn a master's degree without debt.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in UX Design — 1-2 years, on-campus
- Master of Arts in UX Design — 1-2 years, online
New York Institute of Technology — Old Westbury, NY
Key Distinction: The program uniquely combines traditional UX/UI design with cutting-edge emerging technologies through The HIVE facility, offering advanced visualization tools, motion capture systems, and XR research capabilities that rival other institutions.
Hakia Insight: NYIT's HIVE lab gives UX students access to motion capture and XR tools that most design programs reserve for computer science departments—a structural advantage for graduates targeting emerging platforms like spatial computing and immersive media.
New York Institute of Technology's Master of Arts in UX/UI Design and Development is a comprehensive 30-credit program that prepares students to create compelling, people-centered digital experiences. The program covers foundations of UX/UI design, human-centered design principles, prototyping and testing, and information architecture across web, VR/AR/MR environments. Students gain hands-on experience with advanced tools including motion capture, 3D printers, and VR headsets at The HIVE (Home for Innovation, Visualization, and Exploration), a state-of-the-art maker space. The curriculum emphasizes practical, project-based learning with courses in Unity Design, UX Research and Data Analytics, and Usability Testing, culminating in a master's project solving real-world design challenges. The program serves both artists and non-artists and can be completed in as little as nine months, preparing graduates for careers across entertainment, digital arts, business, medicine, and engineering industries.
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
- The HIVE (Home for Innovation, Visualization, and Exploration)
- Virtual Production and Motion Capture Lab
- Game Design Research Lab
Admissions
GPA Requirement: 3.0. Application Deadline: June 1.
Requirements: B.F.A. degree or equivalent from accredited institution
Accreditations and Certifications
- STEM OPT eligible program
Location Advantages: New York City campus locationAccess to entertainment and digital arts industriesProximity to major tech companies and startups
