As businesses become increasingly digital, the demand for skilled user experience (UX) designers is also on the rise.
The Labor Statistics Bureau reports that the job outlook for UX designers is expected to grow by 14% from 2019 to 2029, which is much faster than the average rate for all occupations. This is great news for anyone interested in pursuing a career in UX design.
But with so many schools offering online bachelor’s degree programs in UX design, how do you know which one is right for you?
In this guide, we’ll take a look at the best bachelor’s schools offering online degree programs in UX design, based on factors such as curriculum, faculty, and reputation.
We’ve scoured the internet, looking at rankings from reputable sources, such as U.S. News & World Report, and read reviews from current and former students. Aside from that, we’ve also taken into account the specific needs of UX design students, such as access to industry-standard tools and software.
Whether you’re a recent high school graduate looking to start your career in UX design or a working professional wanting to enhance their skills and earn an additional degree, this guide will help you find the best bachelor’s degree online programs and online courses in UX design for you.
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Methodology
After thorough research, we were able to narrow down the list of the best online Bachelor’s in User Experience design. All the schools listed here have been carefully selected based on several factors.
To identify the top-rated online schools where learners can earn a degree in user experience design, one of the factors that we considered is the school’s comprehensive curriculum. Schools with a commendable reputation for providing top-quality education, flexible distance learning environment, and experienced faculty members.
Other crucial factors an online student should look into include the following:
- Curriculum: A school needs to cover all the essential courses for basic knowledge and comprehensive education in UX design, including user research, usability testing, interaction design, and interface design, along with general education courses that enhance their practical skills and technical skills,
- Faculty: The institution must offer a degree program in UX design taught by highly qualified faculty members to ensure students only receive the best quality education.
- Online Learning Environment: A school’s distance learning environment was also assessed to ensure its flexible, easy to navigate, and user-friendly. Students must also have access to online resources, including discussion forums, virtual labs, and online libraries.
- Reputation: Choose only an accredited university with an impressive reputation for providing quality education in UX design and is recognized by organizations such as the National Association of Schools of Art and Design.
- Career Services: A reputable school will provide career services to help students with internships, job placements, and other related issues.
Best Online Schools for Bachelor’s in User Experience Design
Lindenwood University
Bachelor in Art and Design with an emphasis on Web and User Experience
Program Standouts:
Lindenwood University’s Bachelor in Art and Design with an emphasis in Web and User Experience offers diverse courses to allow students to choose the career path they want to pursue, be it on the artistic or technical side to design user interfaces.
To graduate, you will need to complete 78 credit hours with a focus on graphic design, animation, web design, and video production. You will also take classes on the Adobe Suite and other similar programs to have the opportunity to build your credibility as an Adobe Certified designer.
At Lindenwood University Art and Design, you will be equipped with some of the most high-tech computers and the latest versions of different software applications on campus. You will also have access to the Library and Academic Resources Center’s Media Center, where you can use top-of-the-line computer systems and create professional design pieces.
One of the things that set this online bachelor’s degree program in user experience design is that you will be allowed to take a class in the university’s Digital and Web Design Firm (DWD Firm), an on-campus firm that provides students a chance to gain real-world experience with local clients. This also gives you a chance to build your portfolios and resumes so that you can be better suited for a successful profession in the near future of digital design.
Coursework Sample:
- Visual Storytelling
- Adobe Certification in Photoshop
- Motion Graphics
Campus Location: Kingshighway, St. Charles, MO 63301
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Acceptance Rate: 74.8%
Retention Rate: 70%
Graduation Rate: 50.6%
Learn more about Lindenwood University’s Bachelor in Art and Design with an emphasis in Web and User Experience.
Did You Know?
Lindenwood University is a great learner-centric institution that’s nationally recognized for higher learning. It offers more than 100 degree and certificate programs in on-campus, online, and hybrid delivery formats. The school offers an average of $15,750 in financial aid to every student each year.
Academy of Art University
Bachelor of Fine Arts in Interaction & UI/UX Design
Program Standouts:
The Bachelor of Fine Arts in Interaction & UI/UX Design will help develop students’ skills to land rewarding jobs in the user experience design field. Some of the courses in this online bachelor program will prepare you for a rewarding job as a user experience designer, including design strategies, motion graphics, visual design, user experience, and web and mobile app design.
The BFA degree program offers a comprehensive education in modern web design and new media principles. Like other online bachelor’s degrees at the Academy, it is taught by faculty members with relevant professional experience in the creative industry, giving you an opportunity to learn from industry experts!
You are expected to meet the performance criteria below at the end of the degree program:
- Demonstrate essential design principles by creating grid-based visual compositions;
- Develop design ideas that are focused on real users using research findings;
- Determine the user demographics and use them to create a diagram of the user experience;
- Develop an interactive experience that’s consistent and meets user needs;
- Build fully functional prototypes and products using coding skills to stimulate the intended UX;
- Use current interactive tools, apps, and technologies to complete substantive projects;
- And immerse in various communities outside the classroom through student interest clubs, study abroad programs, and internship opportunities.
To earn a degree in Bachelor of Fine Arts in Interaction & UI/UX Design, you must complete a total of 132 units, a minimum grade of C- in all major and core courses, and a minimum 2.0 GPA.
Coursework Sample:
- Design Technology: Visual Design Tools
- Digital Photography for Artists
- Visual Storytelling: Editing Fundamentals for Short-Form Video Content
Campus Location: New Montgomery St., San Francisco, CA 94105
Accreditation:
- WSCUC-WASC Senior College and University Commission
- NASAD-National Association of Schools of Art and Design
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 61%
Learn more about the Academy of Art University’s Bachelor of Fine Arts in Interaction & UI/UX Design.
Did You Know?
The Academy of Art University’s online education ensures the same quality of education as its on-campus degree programs. This is to provide more flexibility to students who want to study on their own time and pace.
This university is the only higher arts education school in the country to hold an NCAA Division II athletics program. If you’re a student-athlete, this is one of the best institutions where you can fulfill your personal, professional, and academic goals.
DePaul University
Bachelor of Science in User Experience Design
Program Standouts:
DePaul University’s BS User Experience Design is a hands-on, interdisciplinary degree program that combines technical and creative disciplines, including human-computer interaction, information technology, and graphic design. At the end of the program, students emerge with excellent skills as coders, user researchers, and designers for social computing, interaction design, and user experience design jobs.
Students will also be taught user-centered software development processes in collaborative courses to be able to design, build, conceptualize, and conduct research on web and mobile applications and other interactive systems. You will also be able to incorporate social computing and social media into various interactive applications at the end of the program.
Students also work in labs dedicated to user research and software evaluation, including the Software Observation and Usability Laboratory (SOUL), where you can perform usability playtests and studies. Aside from that, you can work in other CDM labs, where you can use professional tools for creating visual designs and prototypes.
The UxD program is taught by faculty members who are active in developing, designing, and researching interactive systems in various domains.
Coursework Sample:
- Design Principles for User Experience Design
- Design Portfolio Development
- Ai Approaches for User Experience Design
Campus Location: South Wabash Avenue, Chicago, IL 60604
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Acceptance Rate: 69.4%
Retention Rate: 86%
Graduation Rate: 72%
Learn more about DePaul University’s Bachelor of Science in User Experience Design.
Did You Know?
DePaul University’s UxD students are given access to a network of graduate and undergraduate students, alumni, faculty, and professionals through UxD-related events and activities. You will also be invited to connect around jobs, events, articles, ideas, and resources.
You will also be given many opportunities to showcase your skills through exhibitions and presentations. There will also be School of Design Talks, where the school invites renowned speakers from around the world to inspire and motivate students.
Lesley University
BS in Design for User Experience Online
Program Standouts:
The Bachelor of Science Design for User Experience Online program at Lesley University has a strong foundation in graphic design principles, teaching students to understand how and why the human experience is at the center of the design process.
This bachelor’s degree has a curriculum that features a collaborative, interdisciplinary approach to problem-solving, preparing learners to apply and implement all aspects of the UX design process. This program will also develop students’ conceptual and critical thinking skills, which are essential in designing intuitive experiences across an ecosystem or systems, products, and services. Aside from that, you’ll also learn how to conceptualize, research, prototype, and design user experiences and interfaces for digital interactions.
At the end of the degree, you will also be able to enhance your skills in the fundamentals of core interface design for mobile devices, websites, product interfaces, and information kiosks. Plus, you’ll be able to build an impressive portfolio showcasing your visual and interactive design knowledge. Upon graduation, you can choose from a wide variety of UX design careers, including mobile app designer, technical artist, art director, graphic designer, software developer, web developer, or UX researcher.
Coursework Sample:
- User Experience Research Methods
- Digital Culture
- History of Interface
Campus Location: Everett St, Cambridge, MA 02138
Accreditation:
Acceptance Rate: 84%
Retention Rate: 80%
Graduation Rate: 58.1%
Learn more about Lesley University’s Bachelor of Science in Design for User Experience Online.
Did You Know?
Lesley University offers financial aid and scholarships to first-year and transfer undergraduate students. These include:
- Lesley Merit Scholarships
- Urban Scholars Initiative (USI)
- Community Scholarships for First-Year Students
- Federal Pell Grants
- Federal TEACH Grant for Education Students
- Private scholarships
- Federal Work-Study Program (FWS)
Arizona State University
Online BS in Graphic Information Technology
Program Standouts:
The Online BS in Graphic Information Technology gives you the opportunity to experience multiple media and design disciplines. At the end of the program, you’ll be able to take on roles such as user experience designer, web designer, advertising executive, and digital media specialist.
Through ASU’s online degree program in graphic information technology, you’ll be able to develop your passion for technical and creative designs while gaining transferable skills in various industries in the private, public, and nonprofit sectors.
During the entire bachelor’s degree program, you’ll be able to harness graphic design principles to communicate ideas and information. The interdisciplinary courses will also give you access to different technical areas you can explore, including user experience, user interface, digital media and advertising, and web design and development.
At the end of the program, you’ll be able to gain the following competencies:
- Video production
- Print technology
- User experience design
- Commercial photography
- 2D and 3D motion graphics
- Front-end web design and development
Coursework Sample:
- Introduction to Human Systems Engineering
- Principles of Visual Communications
- Multimedia Design, Planning, and Storyboards
Campus Location: Tempe, Arizona 8528
Accreditation: Higher Learning Education
Acceptance Rate: 88.2%
Retention Rate: 86.2%
Graduation Rate: 66.9%
Learn more about Arizona State University’s Online Bachelor of Science in Graphic Information Technology.
Did You Know?
The Online BS in Graphic Information Technology does not always specify whether you earn your degree through distance learning or on campus. Your diploma and transcript will simply say the university’s name. After all, all online students learn from the same faculty and receive the same coursework as on-campus students.
Drexel University
Bachelor of Science in User Experience & Interaction Design
Program Standouts:
The Bachelor of Science in User Experience & Interaction Design will help students see through the eyes of users and better understand projects from start to finish. It will help you combine various disciplines, giving you the necessary tools to understand the technology and human principles behind it.
During your freshman year, you’ll learn all about the fundamentals of design. In sophomore year, you’ll tackle coding and develop skills that will bring your designs to life. In your third and fourth years, you’ll focus more on interdisciplinary teamwork and electives.
You’ll also get to work full-time within a firm through Drexel’s Cooperative Education (co-op) program, where you will have a capstone project that will pave the way for you to launch a product at full-scale, industry-level. By the time you graduate, you’ll have built an enviable portfolio and be able to gain real-world experience.
Students are exposed to the following:
- User Experience Design
- Development
- Information Architecture (IA) and Content Strategy
- User Interface and Interaction Design
- Project Management
Coursework Sample:
- User Experience Design
- Microinteractions
- Mathematical Foundations for Design
Campus Location: Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104
Accreditation:
- MSCHE-Middle States Commission on Higher Education
- NASAD-National Association of Schools of Art and Design
Acceptance Rate: 82.6%
Retention Rate: 90%
Graduation Rate: 78%
Learn more about Drexel University’s Bachelor of Science in User Experience & Interaction Design.
Did You Know?
Applicants of Drexel University’s Westphal College of Media Arts & Design must submit a portfolio for admission. These include applicants for Animation & Visual Effects, Digital Media & Virtual Production, Graphic Design & Production, and Graphic Design.
Purdue University Polytechnic Institute
UX Design Degree
Program Standouts:
Purdue University Polytechnic Institute’s UX Design Degree is a Computer Graphics Technology Program major. It is an approach to creating systems, products, and services that are not only effective and practical but also enjoyable to use.
This program ensures that technologies are fun and enjoyable, easy and convenient to use and learn, and helps users realize their goals by placing users at the core of the design process. With UX Design, you’ll be able to create experiences, including kiosks, desktop applications, smartwatches, mobile apps, websites, visual interfaces, productivity applications, and educational tools.
When designing experiences in a human-centered manner, there are some common processes that you need to use to ensure that they are not only functional but also meet the needs and preferences of the users.
- User Research
- Prototyping
- Evaluation
- Problem Framing
Most UX Design major courses are taught in two types of studio environments: Learning and Experience Studios. This is to give students a chance to actively engage in projects and learn skills and concepts with tangible applications. As a result, students will have hands-on experience for 3.5 years working on projects for real clients.
Coursework Sample:
- Fundamentals of Imaging Technology
- Introduction to Data Visualization
- Contemporary Problems in Applied Computer Graphics
Campus Location: N. Grant St., West Lafayette, IN 47907
Accreditation:
- Engineering Technology Accreditation Commission (ETAC)
- Higher Learning Commission
Acceptance Rate: 68.8%
Retention Rate: 91.6%
Graduation Rate: 83%
Learn more about Purdue University Polytechnic Institute’s UX Design Degree.
Did You Know?
The Polytechnic Institute, one of Purdue University’s ten academic colleges, has a unique selection of in-demand technology disciplines for bachelor’s, master’s, and Ph.D. degrees. Also, their staff and faculty encourage students’ creativity, collaboration, and innovation among various interdisciplinary groups in the pursuit of novel approaches and success.
Robert Morris University
Bachelor of Arts in UX/UI Design
Program Standouts:
This bachelor’s degree program in UX design will prepare you to become advocates who will leverage empathy to assess user and client needs better. Students are expected to creatively improve their know-how in marketing, health, information technology, and entertainment.
Upon graduation, you will learn the following:
- Write and enact flexible proposals, organize projects, work in and lead teams, and collaborate with other disciplines in order to meet the changing demands of fast-moving fields.
- Identify UX design problems, raise ethical considerations, and understand human behavior and user needs through research-driven journey maps, processes, and scenarios.
- Develop ideas and solutions through mind-mapping, sketching, and wireframing, and test these ideas using analog and digital prototyping techniques. Refine ideas based on feedback from user tests and stakeholders.
- Clearly and persuasively present ideas and concepts, prototypes, completed projects, and start-to-finish processes using oral, written, and visual communication skills.
- Use a strategy of intelligent failure in order to learn resilience and critically evaluate your own work and the work of peers. Also, be skilled at providing and accepting constructive oral and written feedback in diverse settings.
Coursework Sample:
- Idea Development, Writing, and Storyboarding
- Designing for New Media
- Python Program Language
Campus Location: University Blvd., Moon Township, PA 15108
Accreditation:
- Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
- Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET
Acceptance Rate: 94%
Retention Rate: 81%
Graduation Rate: 64%
Learn more about Robert Morris University’s Bachelor of Arts in UX/UI Design.
Did You Know?
To be accepted for Robert Morris University’s BA UX/UI Design, you must have a minimum GPA of 2.75.
Students who cannot afford to pay their tuition in full can take advantage of the university’s work-study and scholarship opportunities. They offer Merit Scholarships, Federal Grants, State Grants, and International Student Scholarships.
Southern New Hampshire University
BA in Graphic Design and Media Arts – Concentration in User Experience Design
Program Standouts:
The BA in Graphic Design and Media Arts is an incredible way to learn how to produce designs that influence and inspire audiences to take action. After completing the coursework, you’ll be able to develop the necessary skills in visual storytelling through digital, print, and video media platforms.
Program learning outcomes include:
- Designing, developing, and presenting work using the latest design technologies and tools
- Working with interdisciplinary teams
- Knowing how to apply visuals in a culturally sensitive and ethical way
- Analyzing messaging and media strategies
With a User Experience Design concentration, you’ll gain the essential knowledge and skills to design and develop accessible and highly engaging user experiences. You’ll also get exposure to the collaborative process and learn how to optimize and test user experience design.
Coursework Sample:
- Design Thinking for Graphic Designers
- User Interface and Experience
- Personal Branding and Self Promotion
Campus Location: North River Road Manchester, NH 03106
Accreditation:
- New England Commission of Higher Education, Inc. (NECHE)
- New Hampshire Department of Education, Division of Higher Education – Higher Education Commission
Acceptance Rate: 92.1%
Retention Rate: 62%
Graduation Rate: 32.7%
Learn more about Southern New Hampshire University’s BA in Graphic Design and Media Arts-Concentration in User Experience Design.
Did You Know?
SNHU is known to offer some of the lowest tuition rates in the country. In fact, they have recently slashed 50% off their campus tuition to make traditional college more attainable and more affordable. The school has helped over 5,000 students reduce their loans by over $23 million.
Maryville University
Bachelor of Fine Arts in Digital Media
Program Standouts:
Pursuing an online bachelor’s degree in digital media means you’ll earn a highly respected degree from a private institution that was ranked as one of the best colleges by the U.S. News & World Report.
With an online degree in digital media, you’ll have access to sophisticated software applications and design tools. You’ll also be able to pave your career path in various settings, including graphic and interactive design, UX/UI design, print production, motion graphics, and video game production. Official data show that a UX designer can earn an estimated $116,207 each year.
At Maryville University, you’ll be given access to courses that use state-of-the-art tools, like Adobe, to help hone your digital media skills. Because this university is NASAD-accredited, you are guaranteed to graduate from a school that’s recognized for its delivery of an excellent academic foundation.
Coursework Sample:
- Introduction to Digital Media
- Intro to Motion Graphics
- Introduction to Contemporary Communication
Campus Location: Maryville University Drive, St. Louis, MO 63141
Accreditation:
- NASAD-National Association of Schools of Art & Design
- Higher Learning Commission
Acceptance Rate: 91.5%
Retention Rate: 68%
Graduation Rate: 35.3%
Learn more about Maryville University’s Bachelor of Fine Arts in Digital Media.
Did You Know?
Maryville University offers financial aid opportunities to help reduce the total cost of a college degree. They are committed to helping students earn a degree without having any financial concerns and just be able to focus on their academic goals.
Some financial aid options offered include federal grants, Stafford Loans, PLUS loans, Federal Work-Study Program (FWS), employer assistance programs, and private sources.
Take a look: THE BEST ONLINE SCHOOLS FOR BACHELOR’S IN WEB DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT
Frequently Asked Questions
Why earn an online Bachelor’s degree in UX Design?
Pursuing a career in UX design does not necessarily require a specific degree. However, earning a diploma in UX design will provide you with the hard and soft skills needed to be a successful user experience designer in the future.
A lot of employers look for candidates that hold a degree in this program to ensure that they are hiring someone who can be a valuable asset to the company.
By pursuing formal education, you’ll learn about the most important UX design principles, such as user-centricity, consistency, hierarchy, context, user control, accessibility, and usability.
What do students need to look for in the best online Bachelor’s in UX Design program?
Three of the most important factors to look into when choosing the best school to earn your online bachelor’s degree in UX design are as follows:
- Course content – check the school’s curriculum to know whether their UX design program offers course content that will effectively prepare you for a successful career in this field.
- Graduate employment rate – the number of graduates who have actually landed rewarding jobs in the field after graduation would be one of the most important metrics that will tell you whether its degree program is top-notch or not.
- Career format – if you’re looking to get a degree in UX design on the side while working full-time, you need to make sure that the school of your choice offers online classes to ensure your schedule does not interfere with your career.
Additional Information: BEST ONLINE BACHELOR’S IN 3D ART