If you're looking to get an education in the field of UX, a masters in UX design can be a great way to get started if you’re new to user experience or want to add valuable skills to your resume.
It used to be true that user experience was a field that you’d learn on the job, not in a classroom. However, more and more excellent Human Factors, Human Computer Interaction (HCI), UX, and Design programs are emerging that can give you the background and experience you need to excel in the field. For some, a less-intensive UX certificate program may provide just enough additional education. However, some professions and disciplines (and students) benefit from graduate-level studies.
While an advanced degree isn't always necessary for a career in UX, it can be a great way to learn applicable skills, improve your resume, and build a network. Here are some of the top UX graduate programs currently offered in the US to check out if you’re ready to take your UX education to the next level.
Top UX masters degree programs
If you're worried about fitting a graduate-level program into your schedule, we have good news for you. As the field of user experience continues to grow, so have the options for higher education. Whether you plan to continue working during your studies or dedicate a few years to a full-time program, you'll have lots of options. We've grouped the programs into two sections: in-person programs, in which you'll need to attend classes on campus, and online programs, which are accessible from anywhere. Select the link below to see more detailed information about each program.
In-person programs
1. University of California Berkeley - Master of Information Management and Systems
Who’s it for?
The Master of Information Management and Systems (MIMS) program is a 48 unit, two-year full-time program, designed to train students in the skills needed to succeed as information professionals. Such professionals must be familiar with the theory and practice of storing, organizing, retrieving and analyzing information in a variety of settings in business, the public sector, and the academic world.
Online or in person?
The MIMS program is offered in person, at Berkeley’s campus in Berkeley, California.
How long is the program?
The 48-unit program can be completed by full-time students in two years.
How much does it cost?
Total tuition ranges between $53,866 and $78,356, depending on residency.
2. Carnegie Mellon University - Master of Human Computer Interaction
Who’s it for?
This HCI masters program is for any professionals seeking to expand their careers to include skills in human computer interaction, user experience design, and user-centered research.
Online or in person?
The program is offered in-person at Carnegie Mellon’s Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania campus.
How long is the program?
The 36-unit program can be completed in one year.
How much does it cost?
Total tuition is $72,000 for full-time students.
3. Georgia Tech - Master of Science in Human Computer Interaction
Who’s it for?
The program is for students who desire the practical skills and theoretical understandings needed to excel in the fields of human computer interfacing.
Online or in person?
This program is offered on Georgia Tech’s campus in Atlanta, Georgia.
How long is the program?
The degree requires 36 credit hours, which can be completed in two years.
How much does it cost?
Total tuition costs between $31,576 and $69,672, depending on residency.
4. University of Michigan - Master of Science in Information, Human Computer Interaction Specialization
Who’s it for?
This program is for individuals interested in specializing in human computer interaction that design technologies for work, education, entertainment, and social interaction.
Online or in person?
This program is offered in-person on Michigan’s Ann Arbor campus.
How long is the program?
The 48-credit program can be completed in two years on a full-time basis.
How much does it cost?
Total tuition for full-time students costs between $46,256 and $93,356, depending on residency.
5. Purdue University - Master of Science Computer Graphics Technology
Who’s it for?
This program is for individuals that wish to apply the principles of human-centered design in their profession to help create products and services that are user-friendly.
Online or in person?
The program is offered in-person on Purdue’s West Lafayette, Indiana campus.
How long is the program?
Most students can complete the program in two years.
How much does it cost?
Total tuition costs between $21,128 and $59,312, depending on residency.
6. San Jose State University - Master of Science Human Factors
Who’s it for?
This program prepares students for careers in human computer interaction through a curriculum that emphasizes theory, practical applications, and research.
Online or in person?
The program is offered in person at San Jose State’s campus in San Jose, California.
How long is the program?
The 30-unit program can be completed in two years.
How much does it cost?
Total tuition costs between $18,460 and $30,340, depending on residency.
7. Stanford University - Master of Science of Symbolic Systems
Who’s it for?
This program is for professionals interested in the different aspects of the human computer relationship in the areas of cognitive science, artificial intelligence, and human computer interactions.
Online or in person?
The program is offered in-person at Stanford’s Palo Alto, California campus.
How long is the program?
The 45-unit full-time program can be completed in two years.
How much does it cost?
Total tuition is $32,814.
8. The University of Texas at Austin - Master of Science in Information Science
Who’s it for?
This program is for professionals seeking to accelerate their careers through the study of information systems.
Online or in person?
The program is offered in-person at The University of Texas at Austin’s campus in Austin, Texas.
How long is the program?
The 40-unit program can be completed in three to four years.
How much does it cost?
Total tuition costs between $23,160 and $41,876, depending on residency.
9. University of North Texas - Masters in Interaction Design
Who’s it for?
This program is designed for professionals seeking to advance their leadership skills while learning more advanced industry-focused methods and best practices.
Online or in person?
The program is taught evenings on the University’s Frisco campus.
How long is the program?
The program can be completed in 16 months or less.
How much does it cost?
Total tuition costs between $11,773 and $24,223, depending on residency.
10. The University of Washington - Master of Science in Human Centered Design and Engineering
Who’s it for?
This program is for students who are interested in researching, designing, and engineering technological interactions from a human perspective.
Online or in person?
The program is offered in person at the University of Washington’s Seattle campus.
How long is the program?
The 48-unit program can be completed in one and a half years.
How much does it cost?
Total tuition is $39,536.
Online programs
11. Bentley University - Master of Science in Human Factors in Information Design
Who’s it for?
Bentley’s Human Factors in Information Design (HFID) program is for individuals who want to complement their professional experience with user experience. All applicants must have a minimum of three years of professional experience before joining the program.
Online or in person?
All HFID courses are available online for students living outside of Massachusetts.
How long is the program?
The 10-course program can be completed in one year for full-time students and two to three years for part-time students.
How much does it cost?
Total tuition is $42,250.
12. Iowa State University - Masters in Human Computer Interaction
Who’s it for?
This human computer interaction masters program is best suited for students with a strong background in information technology who are hoping to advance in their current career or branch out into new disciplines. Online or in person? The program is on-demand and completed online.
How long is the program?
The 30-credit program can be completed in two years.
How much does it cost?
Total tuition is $24,870.
13. Maryland Institute College of Art - Master of Professional Studies in UX Design
Who’s it for?
This program is designed for students seeking to master the fundamental principles of interface design, project management, prototyping, and usability as applied to industries from gaming to healthcare and education to defense.
Online or in person?
The program consists of nine online modules and one in-person residency.
How long is the program?
The 30-credit program can be completed in 15-months for full-time students.
How much does it cost?
Total tuition is $37,500.
14. University of Southern California - Masters in Integrated Design, Business and Technology
Who’s it for?
This program is an integrative cross-disciplinary curriculum that’s well-suited for professionals who want to expand their knowledge and expertise across multiple fields.
Online or in person?
The program is offered online with live, interactive classes.
How long is the program?
The full-time, 38-credit program can be completed in one and a half years.
How much does it cost?
Total tuition is $70,794
15. University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee - Masters in Information Science and Technology
Who’s it for?
This course is designed for professionals who want to further expand their skills and expertise related to user interface, design, and human computer interaction.
Online or in person?
The program is offered on-demand, online.
How long is the program?
The 36-credit program can be completed in two years for full-time students.
How much does it cost?
Total tuition is $28,800.
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