User Experience, MS

Program Overview

The Master of Science in User Experience program equips students with the knowledge and skills to become UX professionals. The program covers various aspects of UX, including research, design, content development, communication, and evaluation. Graduates are prepared for careers in UX-related fields such as UX research, design, and strategy. The program is offered on campus and online and is approved for STEM-OPT extension for international students.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

Description:

The Master of Science in User Experience (MS UX) program equips students with the knowledge and skills necessary to become user experience professionals. The program covers various aspects of UX, including research, design, content development, communication, and evaluation. Students learn how to understand user needs, design and develop user-centered products and services, conduct usability testing, and refine their designs through various user-centered evaluation methods.

Objectives:

• Prepare students to be leaders in the UX field.
• Develop students' skills in research, design, communication, and evaluation.
• Enable students to effectively lead teams and collaborate with clients and technical personnel.
• Prepare graduates for careers in various UX-related fields.

Key Features:

• Focus on user-centered design principles.
• Application of user research methods to uncover usability challenges.
• Evaluation of designs and contexts of use to identify problems and improve user experience.

Outline:

Required Core Courses (15 credit hours):

• GIT 540 Cross-media Design Solutions (3 credits)
• HSE 542 Foundations of Human Systems Engineering (3 credits)
• TWC 501 Fundamentals of Technical Communication (3 credits)
• Two courses from the following:
• GIT 542 Usability and User Experience (3 credits)
• HSE 521 Methods and Tools in Human Systems Engineering (3 credits)
• TWC 544 User Experience (3 credits)

Electives or Research (15 credit hours):

• Students choose 15 credit hours of electives or research courses.
• The electives and research options are approved by the academic units.

Culminating Experience (0 credit hours):

• Students complete a portfolio showcasing their UX skills and knowledge.

Overall Program Structure:

• The program consists of 30 credit hours of coursework and a portfolio.
• Students can choose to complete the program on campus or online.
• The program offers multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year.

Assessment:

Assessment Methods:

• Coursework assignments
• Exams
• Projects
• Ability to conduct user research and analyze data.
• Design and development of user-centered products and services.
• Effective communication and collaboration skills.
• Critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.

Teaching:

Teaching Methods:

• Lectures
• Discussions
• Case studies
• Hands-on projects
• Guest speakers

Faculty:

• The program features experienced faculty with expertise in UX research, design, and evaluation.

Unique Approaches:

• The program emphasizes a user-centered design approach.
• Students have the opportunity to work on real-world projects.
• The program offers a flexible online learning option.

Careers:

Career Opportunities:

• UX Researcher
• UX Designer
• Interaction Designer
• Human Factors Specialist
• Usability Tester
• User Experience Strategist
• Content Strategist
• Technical Writer

Career Outcomes:

• Graduates of the program are prepared for various UX-related careers.
• The program helps graduates develop the skills and knowledge needed to be successful in the field.

Other:

• The program is approved for STEM-OPT extension for international students on F-1 visas.
• The program is offered by the College of Integrative Sciences and Arts and the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering.
• The program is available on campus and online.
• The program is designed for students with a bachelor's degree in related fields.