Design Department

Master of User Experience Design

Application Info
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Fall 2024 Priority Application Deadline: June 30th, 2024
Application Fee Waiver Code: Masters2024

Program Introduction

The Department of Design offers an exciting new Master of User Experience Design degree, which will shape the future of products, services, and user experiences.

Our program takes a practical, hands-on approach to UX design. Students learn industry-ready skills in research, analysis, design, and communication. Students will gain the skills necessary for UI/UX professional work through human-centered research and user-centered design.

The Masters of User Experience Design program is designed to work closely with our Masters of Software Development program, where graduates emerge with expertise in both design and implementation. This cross-disciplinary exposure prepares UX designers for dynamic roles where they can contribute effectively to both design and code. Students will work directly with software development students on projects and coursework throughout their cohort experience.

Our program consists of 30 credits (spread over four semesters), and students complete it in just 16 months. With the most affordable program in the area, scholarship opportunities, and a hy-flex model with in-person and remote synchronous enrollment options, see how Utah Tech’s Masters in User Experience Design can help you attain your career goals!

Hy-Flex

Flexibility for Learners: HyFlex combines the terms “hybrid” and “flexible.” In a HyFlex course, students have the freedom to choose how they participate and can enroll in one of two modalities:

  • Attend face-to-face synchronous class sessions in person (in a classroom).
  • Participate in face-to-face class sessions via video conference.

Collaboration

Our Masters of UX Design program (MUXD) is designed integrate and work closely (through both coursework and real-work projects) with our Masters of Software Development (MSD) program.

Bridge the gap between design & development

Learn More About MSD

Students & Learning

Students with a background in graphic design, industrial design, and service design are great candidates for application; however, our degree is also designed to incorporate pivot learners. We’re eager to work with students in various fields, including graphic design, journalism, advertising, computer science, software engineering, teaching, policy, architecture, psychology, industrial design, and marketing.

Our focus is on teaching project-based, real-world tools & techniques that are current and widely used in the industry.

  • Utilize both qualitative and quantitative design research
  • Understand and actualize user research
  • Incorporate design thinking
  • Master interaction design
  • Innovate with interface design

Curriculum & Faculty

Meet our faculty members to find out who you could mentor with.

View Our Faculty

Fall

Spring

Summer

Fall

UXD 6100 UX Innovation (3 cr.) UXD 6200 Advanced Interaction Design (3 cr.) UXD 6300 Multi-Platform UX Design (3 cr.) UXD 6340 Advanced User Experience (3 cr.)
UXD 6140 Cultural and Global Perspectives in UX (3 cr.) UXD 6240 Tech Entrepreneurship (3 cr.) UXD 6600 Capstone I (3 cr.) UXD 6650 Capstone II (3 cr.)
UXD 6180 UX Methods (3 cr.) UXD 6280 Advanced User Interface (3 cr.)

Application info

Acceptance into the Masters of UX Design program will be based on the number of seats available and an evaluation of the following information:

  • B.A. or B.S. or BFA from a regionally accredited institution or equivalent for international students
  • Curriculum Vitae
  • Portfolio & Narrative
  • 2-3 confidential letters of recommendation
  • Statement of Purpose

The CV should provide the admissions committee with information about any experiences or skills you have supporting your candidacy for a user experience design graduate program. List any skills related to software/programs, coding languages, research methodologies or projects.

Please provide a written statement outlining your enthusiasm for pursuing graduate studies within Utah Tech’s Masters of UXD program.  Highlight the skills from your background that have equipped you for this degree and elaborate on what draws you to the realm of user experience.

Applicants are required to present 3 – 5 portfolio items showcasing proficiency in User Experience Research, Design, or related study. For each piece, include 1 – 2 sentences offering context and narrative to the project and how it strengthens your candidacy for the Master’s in User Experience Design program. Examples for candidates with design experience could include: wireframes, pitch decks, research plans, survey designs, case studies, personas, etc. are appropriate. Candidates without design experience could include: digital marketing projects, product management, research, certifications, writing samples, business plans, problem-solving scenarios, personal projects, etc.  Additionally, submission of other relevant pieces within your respective undergraduate field of study and/or links to web-based resources are welcome.

Candidates should compile the portfolio and narrative into a PDF document for review

  1. Apply through the main Utah Tech University Admissions Application at apply.utahtech.edu
  2. Apply for graduate school through the Utah Tech University website by clicking on “Apply for Admissions” at the right-hand side of the main page or https://apply.utahtech.edu/apply/
  3. Create an account if you are a first-time user, or log in if you attended UT in the past two years.
  4. On the new page, click on “Graduate Student Application (Master’s Degrees)” or “Start New Application”
  5. Fill out the appropriate year you plan to begin attending and fill everything out until the page gives you the chance to submit the following forms as a part of the application.
  6. Request official transcripts for all undergraduate and graduate coursework. Utah Tech/DSU undergraduates may request the registrar upload their transcript free of charge by emailing records@utahtech.edu.
  7. Upload required documents

 

 

International Students

All international students and any applicants educated outside the United States must demonstrate proficiency in Standard American English. The following link lists additional information needed to supplement an international application.

International Graduate Student Admissions

FAQs

Tuition & Fees

The 30 credit hour program spread over 4 semesters totals $12,600. See the Tuition & Fees table for additional information.

Are scholarships available?

A limited number of 1-year scholarships will be available for accepted program applicants.  Application details will be sent to all potential students following program acceptance.

Why a Masters of User Experience at Utah Tech?

The digital sphere is expanding exponentially, seamlessly integrating into our daily routines, spanning mobile applications to expansive corporate platforms. Consequently, the imperative of user-centric design has taken center stage within the modern technological milieu. Given this context, Utah Tech is positioned to spearhead this pioneering initiative due to its inherently interdisciplinary approach and proven track record of innovation.

What is a Masters of User Experience degree?

User Experience Design (UXD) involves the strategic process of designing, particularly for digital products, with a central focus on enhancing the end user’s experience. The paramount objective is to develop products that deliver meaningful and pertinent user experiences–this encompasses visual aesthetics, functionality, user-friendliness, and overall satisfaction and efficiency throughout user interactions with the product. The Master’s Degree in User Experience Design offered by Utah Tech will be a pioneering and comprehensive program meticulously tailored to accommodate individuals with diverse academic and professional backgrounds. Specifically designed for those passionate about digital design, human-computer interaction, and optimizing product usability, this program underscores Utah Tech University’s commitment to bridging gaps within the design industry. The ultimate goal is to cultivate visionary designers with theoretical insights and hands-on proficiency, thus charting a path toward innovation.

Our program consists of a 16-month, 4-semester program with 30 credits.

Graduation Requirements

You must take 30 credits in of UXD courses. To graduate, you must earn a B- or better in each class, with a cumulative 3.0 GPA. You must also fulfill institutional requirements, such as applying for graduation.

Required Courses

UXD 6100 UX Innovation (3 cr.)

UXD 6140 Cultural and Global Perspectives in UX (3 cr.)

UXD 6180 UX Methods (3 cr.)

UXD 6200 Advanced Interaction Design (3 cr.)

UXD 6240 Tech Entrepreneurship (3 cr.)

UXD 6280 Advanced User Interface (3 cr.)

UXD 6300 Multi-Platform UX Design (3 cr.)

UXD 6340 Advanced User Experience (3 cr.)

UXD 6600 Capstone I (3 cr.)

UXD 6650 Capstone II (3 cr.)

What are possible jobs for UX Designers

User Experience roles and titles vary quite a bit from organization to organization but commonly used titles and duties may include:

UX Designer: A general role, focusing on designing the overall feel of the product.
UI/UX Designer: Focuses on both user interface and user experience design.
UX Researcher: Specializes in understanding user behaviors, needs, and motivations through observation techniques, task analysis, and other feedback methodologies.
Interaction Designer: Specializes in creating engaging interfaces with well-thought-out behaviors.
UX Architect: Focuses on the structural and schematic aspect of UX design.
Information Architect: Specializes in organizing information and content in a manner that is navigable and understandable for users.
Product Designer: A broader role that often includes UX design, but also looks at the overall design of the product, including product management aspects.
Senior UX Designer: More experience and responsibility, often overseeing larger UX projects or teams.
Lead UX Designer: Leads UX design projects and teams, making high-level design decisions and establishing design standards.
UX Manager/Director: Manages the UX team and strategy, often responsible for integrating UX design into the company’s strategy.
Head of UX: Top-level position, overseeing the entire user experience across products and services.
UX Writer: Focuses on crafting the textual content that users interact with.
Accessibility Design Specialist: Ensures that products are accessible to people with a wide range of physical disabilities.
Voice User Interface Designer: Specializes in the design of user interfaces for voice-controlled devices and applications.
UX Analyst: Specializes in analyzing and measuring the effectiveness of UX design through various metrics.

How can I learn more about course content and course rotation?

Course descriptions are located in UT’s catalog. For specific programs and courses consult with the Program Director

Are classes offered online?

Yes, both in-person and online modalities are available. All courses are taught in a ‘hy-flex’ environment. Students attend in-person or online synchronously (at a set time), typically twice a week.

Will I be required to write a master’s thesis?

No.  The masters degree consists of two capstone project courses that serve as the project-based outcome requirements.

Do you require a GRE or similar graduate readiness exam?

No. You are not required to submit a standardized exam score.

Program Learning Outcomes

Program Learning Outcomes:

Upon completion of the Master’s Degree in UX Design, students will be able to:

  1. Design User-Centered Solutions: Create user-centric designs that address contemporary user needs and challenges.
  2. Evaluate User Experience Tools & Methods: Assess and employ cutting-edge UX methodologies, tools, and practices essential for advanced user experience design.
  3. Ethical and Inclusive Design Considerations: Appreciate, incorporate, and champion ethical, inclusive, and accessibility considerations in design solutions, ensuring diverse user needs are met.
  4. Collaborative Design: Work effectively within interdisciplinary teams to conceptualize, design, and refine user-centric solutions.
  5. Effective Communication of Design Concepts:Articulate, justify, and visually communicate design decisions and concepts to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.

 

Student Standards of Performance

  • Proficiency in UX design tools and techniques, ensuring digital products are user-friendly and efficient.
  • A deep understanding of user research methodologies and the ability to translate insights into design solutions.
  • Ability to critically evaluate and iterate on designs based on user feedback and usability testing.
  • Strong communication skills, enabling students to present their design ideas and decisions to stakeholders effectively.
  • Collaborative skills to work effectively in cross-functional teams, incorporating feedback and ensuring the final product meets user needs.

Related Resources

MUXD Program Handbook

Contact

Director

MUXD Program Director

Email: jeremey.forsberg@utahtech.edu

Phone: 435-794-4345

Office: SMITH 130