Online Master of Science in User Experience

Arizona State University’s Master of Science in user experience (UX) program is a collaboration between three programs: human systems engineering (human-centered research), graphic information technology (user-centered design) and technical writing and communication (audience-centered information delivery). This program’s holistic approach provides you with a unique, interdisciplinary education experience.

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Quick facts

Next start date:

Next start date: 05/16/2024


Total classes:

Total classes: 10

Weeks per class:

Weeks per class: 7.5

Total credit hours:

Total credit hours: 30

Degree questions, answered.

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What makes ASU Online’s master’s in UX stand out?

User experience (UX) focuses on the design, development and evaluation of products and services that are useful, usable and desirable. In this rapidly growing field, UX professionals need skills in research, analysis, design and communication to effectively lead teams and collaborate with clients and technical personnel.

This master’s in UX is project-based and beneficial for practitioners looking to develop practical skills in the industry. This degree is unique in that it’s a collaboration between three key programs: human systems engineering, graphic information technology and technical writing and communication. Many similar programs prepare you for one of the areas, but not all three. This holistic approach to user experience teachings sets you apart from counterparts lacking this education experience.

What will I learn in an online master’s in UX program?

 

The online master’s in UX addresses user experience research, design, content development, communication, tone of voice and evaluation of all interfaces, components and products with which end users interact. This includes hardware and software user interfaces, informational products and identifying user needs, tasks, procedures, capabilities and limitations when using technology and interacting with information.

Examples of interfaces you'll learn to optimize for user experience include:

  • Aviation and ground transportation.
  • Food packaging.
  • Infographics.
  • Medical technology.
  • Mobile and web applications.
  • Software.

Additionally, you’ll develop skills in writing, verbal presentation, research design, graphic design, literature review, data analysis and statistics.

Do you need a master’s degree to work in UX design?

 

User experience is a rapidly growing field and UX professionals need skills in research, analysis, design and communication to effectively lead teams and collaborate with clients and technical personnel.

While most employers don’t require a master’s degree to work in user experience, research shows that there are few user experience jobs that’re truly considered to be entry level. Most employers prefer a few years of experience. This online master’s in UX provides you with the hands-on experience that employers are looking for.

Will my diploma say 'online'?

No, Arizona State University’s diplomas don’t specify whether you earn your degree online or in person. All diplomas and transcripts simply say “Arizona State University.”

User experience master’s degree courses

The core curriculum for this online master’s in UX program focuses on systems engineering, technical communication, design, principles of user experience and more. You’ll also choose two elective courses that best fit your career aspirations and specialized interests. Upon graduation, you’ll know how to research user needs, identify criteria for successful products and refine services through usability testing and evaluation methods. Courses may include:


Core

Cross-Media Design Solutions


Core

Foundations of Human Systems Engineering


Core

Fundamentals of Technical Communication


Core

Methods and Tools in Human Systems Engineering


Core

Usability and User Experience


Core

User Experience


Elective

Content Management and Topic-Based Authoring


Elective

Global Issues in Technical Communication


What jobs can I get with a user experience master’s degree?

User experience skills are increasingly valued by employers. Due to the combination of user-centered research, design and communication, this online master’s in UX prepares you to lead and contribute to teams that are constantly improving products and the lives of their users. Upon graduation, you’ll be prepared for jobs in a variety of areas, including user experience, design research, human-computer interaction, interface design, interaction design, digital visualization design and usability testing. Potential career paths include, but aren’t limited to:

Content designer

Human factors engineer

Usability engineer

User experience designer

User experience developer

User experience researcher

Study with award winning faculty members

Of the 350+ faculty members in Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering, the majority have been honored with the highest awards in their fields. Faculty milestones include:

  • National Academy of Engineering members.
  • National Academy of Sciences member.
  • National Academy of Inventors members.
  • National Academy of Construction members.
  • More than 42 NSF CAREER Awards for early career faculty in the last five years.

Study with award winning faculty members

Of the 350+ faculty members in Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering, the majority have been honored with the highest awards in their fields. Faculty milestones include:

  • National Academy of Engineering members.
  • National Academy of Sciences member.
  • National Academy of Inventors members.
  • National Academy of Construction members.
  • More than 42 NSF CAREER Awards for early career faculty in the last five years.

How to apply

Applicants to the Master of Science in user experience online program must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering.

Application Requirements

Additional admission information

Top 25% of all accredited engineering programs in the nation

Each student is fully supported on their path to success in the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering. We have received peer-reviewed programmatic honors from U.S. News & World Report and provide students with a rich learning environment.

Top 5


best online master’s in electrical engineering programs.

Top 5


best online master’s in engineering management programs.

Top 35


best undergraduate engineering programs.

60+


engineering student organizations and student professional societies.

Tuition calculator

Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs. Learn more.

Tuition calculator

Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs. Learn more.

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