Our UX Design degree program is crafted to be career-shaping, giving you hands-on experience and real-world skills that lead to a stunning portfolio and open doors to exciting careers in tech.
You’ll work through five intensive design studios focused on the essentials—user research, interaction design, information architecture, prototyping, and advanced design. Alongside these, enriching electives and unique study abroad opportunities allow you to expand your expertise globally, gaining insights from diverse design perspectives. By the time you graduate, you’ll have the skills, portfolio, and network to launch a successful career in the fast-paced world of technology and design.
What is UX Design?
UX Design, or User Experience Design, is all about enhancing how users interact with products, ensuring that every experience feels seamless, satisfying, and intuitive. This process covers a range of areas, from user research and digital strategy to interaction design, information architecture, user interface design, and usability testing. The goal? To make every product not just usable but enjoyable and accessible, creating a smooth connection between user and product.
Do students need to know how to code?
While coding skills can be beneficial in UX design—enhancing prototyping and understanding technical constraints—they are not always necessary. Our program provides students with a foundation in essential coding skills while placing a strong emphasis on design principles, user research, interface design, and problem-solving.
What are the internship opportunities in the Twin Cities?
The Twin Cities area has a thriving UX Design scene with a wide range of internship opportunities. Students can gain hands-on experience at tech giants like Target, Best Buy, and 3M, or dive into the world of design agencies, startups, non-profits, and government projects. Plus, networking events and job fairs hosted by groups like User Experience Professional Association Minnesota and the MN High Tech Association provide fantastic chances to connect with local industry professionals and explore different paths.
What’s the difference between Graphic Design, Product Design, and UX Design?
Alumni from Product Design, Graphic Design, and User Experience often collaborate in the industry and sometimes even share the same job titles. As a result, these disciplines naturally overlap.
Product Design majors often work on physical products, such as toys and medical devices, but they also design services and connected devices which overlaps with UX design.
Graphic Design majors often work on visual communication, such as branding, publications, and packaging, but they also work on content and visual design for websites and digital applications which overlaps with UX design.
- UX Design pulls from both Graphic Design and Product Design as well as Computer Science and focuses on digital products, like apps, websites, and smart tech screens, but the skills learned are also applicable to designing experiences that are not entirely digital.
A UX Design degree opens up a wide array of career opportunities in tech, design, and beyond. Graduates can find roles in industries ranging from app and web development to AI, smart technology, healthcare, and e-commerce, designing meaningful, user-centered experiences across digital platforms.
- User Experience (UX) Designer
- User Experience (UX) Researcher
- User Interface (UI) Designer
- User Experience (UX) Writer
- User Interface (UI) Engineer
- Front End Software Engineer
- Quality Assurance (QA) Analyst
- Artificial Intelligence (AI) Designer
- VR/AR Interaction Designer
- Customer Experience Specialist
- Service Designer
- Creative Technologist
- Accessibility Specialist
- Associate Product Manager
- eCommerce Merchandiser
UX Design in the Twin Cities
The University of Minnesota's College of Design offers a dynamic UX Design Program situated in a thriving ecosystem for design innovation. Located in a state boasting more Fortune 500 companies per capita than any other, including industry giants like Target and Best Buy, students have unparalleled opportunities to engage with real-world challenges and industry leaders.
Minnesota's vibrant startup and agency sector provides fertile ground for students to explore diverse career pathways and gain hands-on experience. With classes offered at both the Minneapolis and St. Paul campuses, students benefit from a rich academic environment while being immersed in the bustling metropolitan hubs of the Twin Cities, fostering creativity and collaboration within the heart of the design community.
Through teaching and learning, the User Experience (UX) Design program empowers the next generation of UX professionals with cutting-edge knowledge and practical skills. We provide a transformative educational experience that equips our students to excel in the ever-evolving landscape of user experience design.
