Master of User Experience Design

Design Department

Gain industry-ready skills in research, design, and communication with a hands-on program that prepares you to shape meaningful user experiences.

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Fall 2026 Application Priority Deadline: January 21st, 2026

Design the Future: Master of User Experience Design

The Department of Design’s new Master of User Experience Design equips students to shape the future of products, services, and user experiences. With a hands-on, practical approach, the program emphasizes industry-ready skills in research, analysis, design, and communication—grounded in human-centered research and user-focused design methods.

Working in tandem with Utah Tech’s Master of Software Development, students gain valuable cross-disciplinary experience, collaborating directly with software development cohorts to bridge design and implementation. Completed in just 16 months, this 30-credit program offers a hy-flex format with both in-person and remote options, along with competitive tuition and scholarship opportunities—making it the most affordable program of its kind in the region.

PROGRAM TYPE

Graduate

DEGREE

M.S.

OFFERED AS

Hyflex: (online or in person)

COLLEGE

Science, Engineering, and Technology

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.
hy-flex ux classrooms

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

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Students & Learning

Our program welcomes students from diverse fields—whether from design backgrounds like graphic, industrial, or service design, or pivot learners from areas such as journalism, advertising, computer science, education, policy, architecture, psychology, and marketing.

We emphasize project-based, real-world learning with tools and methods that drive the UX industry today, including:

  • Qualitative & quantitative design research
  • User research and analysis
  • Design thinking
  • Interaction design
  • Interface innovation

Hear from our students:

Stephen Bessey

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Camila Andrade

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Alaina Jardine

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Luke Stocking

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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.

Statement of Purpose

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.

Video Submission

As part of the application process, you will be asked to record and submit a 2–4 minute video narrative addressing the following questions to help us learn more about you and your interest in the Master’s of User Experience Design program.

Why do you want to study User Experience Design?
What makes you interested in studying at Utah Tech University?
What are your short term and long term career plans?
What personal strengths would you bring to the program?
Share your experience in design or related fields (if any).

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

Application Process

  1. Apply through the main Utah Tech University Admissions Application at 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://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

Application Timeline

  • January 21st, 2026: Priority application deadline
  • February 14th, 2026: Scholarship application deadline
  • February 28th, 2026: Final application deadline
  • March 6th, 2026: Finalize admission
  • March 18th, 2026: Award & notify for scholarship applications

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.

Application Timeline
  • January 21st, 2026: Priority application deadline
  • February 14th, 2026: Scholarship application deadline
  • February 28th, 2026: Final application deadline
  • March 6th, 2026: Finalize admission
  • March 18th, 2026: Award & notify for scholarship applications
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