Postgraduate User Experience Design Courses in US

User Interface (UI) and User Experience (UX) design are crucial elements in creating digital products and services that resonate with users and deliver seamless and enjoyable user interaction. The synergy between UI and UX design is crucial for the success of digital products and services.

UI design focuses on the visual elements and aesthetics of a digital interface. This involves the layout, colour schemes, typography, and interactive elements to create a visually appealing user experience.

On the other hand, UX design is concerned with the overall user journey by understanding user behaviours, needs, and pain points. UX optimises the usability of a product or service and creates a satisfying experience for the user.

As technology becomes more integrated into our daily lives, companies are providing users with seamless and intuitive experiences. UI/UX designers are tasked with creating visually appealing and user-friendly interfaces while focusing on the overall user experience.

With many universities offering master’s in UI/UX design and a rapidly evolving tech industry, the United States stands as a global destination for education in UI/UX design.

Here's everything you should know about a master’s in UI/UX design in USA for international students.

Master’s in UI/UX design in USA: Key highlights

Data updated as of December 2023

UI/UX design: An overview

• UI design captures the user's attention and guides them through the interface, while UX design ensures that the user's journey is smooth, intuitive, and fulfilling.
• Companies use UI/UX design strategically to make their products stand out, build trust in their brand, and deliver a positive and enjoyable experience to users across various platforms and devices.
• As industries continue to digitise, the demand for UI/UX designers is increasing, providing ample opportunities for professionals with a keen understanding of design principles, user psychology, and recent technologies.

Why study UI/UX design courses?

Studying UI/UX design master’s courses can offer several benefits. Here are three compelling reasons:

• Pursuing a master’s in UI/UX design in USA is worth it since it provides specialised knowledge and skills in a field with growing demand. Graduates often find opportunities in various industries. Multiple universities in the USA offer UI/UX design courses to learners around the globe.
• With multiple universities offering master’s in UI/UX design and a rapidly evolving tech industry, the United States stands as a global destination for education in UI/UX design.
• UI/UX design is considered a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) program in the USA. This classification allows international students to qualify for an extended Optional Practical Training (OPT) period after graduation. It can be extended to 24 months for STEM graduates.

Top courses for master’s in UI/UX design in USA for international students

• MS User Experience
• MS User Experience Design
• MS User Experience and Interaction Design
• GradCert Customer Experience and User Experience Research
• MA Interaction Design
• Master of Arts (MA) Interaction & UI/UX Design

Best universities for master’s in UI/UX design in USA

Some of the best universities for master’s in UI/UX design in USA are:

• Arizona State University
• Kent State University
• Thomas Jefferson University
• Montclair State University
• University of North Texas
• Academy of Art University

Different study levels for UI/UX design

• Undergraduate UI/UX design courses
• Master’s UI/UX design courses

Eligibility criteria for master’s in UI/UX design in USA

When applying for a course, your profile should satisfy the eligibility criteria for the specific field of study. Here are the basic eligibility requirements for a master’s in UI/UX design in USA for international students.

Eligibility criteria for pursuing master’s in UI/UX design in USA

Data updated as of December 2023

Note: The minimum grades and educational requirements differ with every university. Make sure to check if your scores meet the institution’s standards.

Student requirements to study master’s in UI/UX design in USA

Once you satisfy the eligibility criteria, universities will request you to provide documents to proceed with your application. Check if you have the documents below to proceed with the application.

• Academic transcripts
• Letter of Recommendation (LOR)
• Statement of Purpose (SOP)
• Resume or Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Passport
• Admissions test results
• English language proficiency test scores
• Proof of funds
• Visa

Visa requirements for international students for studying master’s in UI/UX design in USA

You need a student visa to study master’s in UI/UX design in USA. 

Data updated as of December 2023

Documents required for international students to apply for a visa

• Your passport
• A letter of acceptance from your course provider
• Proof of financial support
• Letter of explanation (explain your purpose and requirement for visa)
• Necessary medical test results

Average fees to study master’s in UI/UX design in USA

Data updated as of December 2023

Cost of living for international students in USA

The average annual cost of living for an international student in USA is as follows:

Data updated as of December 2023

Scholarships to study master’s in UI/UX design in USA

A scholarship is a financial aid that grants students a certain amount of tuition fees and reduces their expenses while studying abroad. Edvoy has partnered with institutions worldwide to offer scholarships for international students pursuing higher education. The scholarships are:

Academic scholarships

Academic scholarships award international students with remarkable academic performance. Institutions choose student profiles with good scores and provide scholarships based on their grades.

Government-funded scholarships

Government-funded scholarships are awarded to international students who accept the institution’s offer and pay a certain amount of tuition fees. These scholarships reduce student expenses by waiving a certain amount of tuition fees.

Note: Edvoy acts as a platform for you during the application process. Only the university deems your profile eligible and determines the final amount.

Job opportunities for UI/UX design graduates in USA

There is a high demand for UI/UX design graduates in USA, increasing the job opportunities for international students.

How much does a UI/UX designer earn in USA?

The average annual salary for UI/UX designers in the USA ranges from $70,000 to $120,000.

(The above salary range is approximate and is taken from various sources.

Sources: Talent.com, Glassdoor, and LinkedIn)

Top career options for UI/UX design graduates in USA 

After completing a master’s in UI/UX design in USA, there are a lot of career opportunities that you can take up. Some of the job roles available are:

• UI/UX designer
• UI/UX manager
• UX researcher
• UI/UX developer
• Product designer

(Sources: Talent.com, Glassdoor, and LinkedIn)

Post-study work permit after completing master’s in UI/UX design in USA

Data updated as of December 2023

Related UI/UX design courses