UX design is one of the hottest fields right now, and the right education can set you up for a great career. If you're a beginner or a designer looking to level up, choosing the right school makes all the difference. The top programs usually offer hands-on projects, expert instructors, and real-world experience that prepare you for a fast-moving industry.
Here are five of the best schools for UX design in 2025:
- Carnegie Mellon University – Master's in Human-Computer Interaction
- UC San Diego – UX Design Certificate Program
- UC Berkeley Global – Certificate in UX Design
- University of Washington - Bachelor of Science in Human-Centered Design & Engineering
- Trevecca Nazarene University - Bachelor of Science in UX Design
This article breaks down what each school offers including cost, duration, study format, and acceptance rates, so you can make the best decision for your future.And if you need academic help with applications, enrollment, or any coursework for UX design schools, you can turn to EssayService. We've always got you covered with professional help!

University of Washington

Additional info:
- Cost: In-state $11,745 | Out-of-state $39,114
- Study format: On-campus
- Duration: 4 years
- Acceptance rate: 55.9%
The University of Washington is among the top UX design schools. It offers a Bachelor of Science in Human-Centered Design & Engineering (HCDE) that prepares students with a strong foundation in engineering principles and user experience design. The program focuses on the intersection of people and technology, equipping students with skills in user interface design, information visualization, user research, and web development.
Students in the HCDE program graduate with an engineering degree that emphasizes usability and accessibility in digital products. They develop expertise in designing web-based experiences and technical interfaces that enhance user interaction. The curriculum integrates interdisciplinary knowledge from engineering, psychology, and design to ensure graduates are well-prepared for careers in UX design, product development, and human-computer interaction.
High school students applying to the University of Washington have the opportunity to enter the program through Direct to College (DTC) admission, which allows them to explore multiple engineering disciplines before selecting a major. With a strong emphasis on research and practical application, graduates of this program are equipped to enter the workforce as UX designers, interface developers, and usability specialists.
Pratt Institute

Additional info:
- Cost: $7,000
- Study format: Blended (online & in-person)
- Duration: 16 weeks (part-time)
- Acceptance rate: 51%
Pratt Institute offers a comprehensive Certificate in UX/UI Design, designed to provide students with the foundational knowledge needed to enter the field of user experience design. The program introduces best practices in UX research, interaction design, and usability testing, ensuring that graduates can create intuitive and effective digital experiences.
This 16-week, part-time program is divided into three key modules: Digital Product Design, Human-Centered Design, and Career Preparation. Students learn to structure user interactions, develop interactive prototypes, and refine their portfolios with guidance from industry professionals. The program also includes real-time instruction, access to campus labs, and software tools essential for UX/UI design.
By the end of the program, students have developed a professional portfolio that showcases their design skills and research capabilities, making them competitive in the job market. With a flexible blended learning format, Pratt's UX/UI certificate program is ideal for professionals looking to transition into UX design or enhance their existing skill set.
Carnegie Mellon University

Additional info:
- Cost: $64,596 per year
- Study format: On-campus
- Duration: 4 years
- Acceptance rate: 11%
Carnegie Mellon University is one of the first colleges with UX design majors. Its Bachelor of Science in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) provides students with a highly technical and research-driven education. This program prepares graduates to design innovative digital solutions with a deep understanding of user behavior and technological capabilities.
The curriculum includes a strong computer science foundation, covering programming, algorithms, systems, and mathematical principles. In upper-level coursework, students specialize in HCI topics such as interaction design, usability testing, and interface development. The program culminates in a capstone project, where students collaborate with industry partners to develop real-world UX solutions.
Carnegie Mellon's program responds to the increasing demand for HCI professionals with technical expertise and human-centered design skills. Graduates are well-positioned for roles in UX design, front-end engineering, and product management, with opportunities to work in fields like virtual reality, artificial intelligence, and web technologies.
Trevecca Nazarene University

Additional info:
- Cost: $19,995/semester
- Study format: On-campus
- Duration: 4 years
- Acceptance rate: 71%
Trevecca Nazarene University offers a Bachelor of Science in UX Design as a concentration within its Information Systems or Graphic Design programs. This degree equips students with the knowledge to create user-centered digital experiences that improve usability and accessibility.
The program combines theoretical concepts with hands-on experience in UX research, interface design, and usability analysis. Students learn to apply design psychology and problem-solving techniques to develop interactive products that enhance user satisfaction. The curriculum also emphasizes portfolio development, ensuring graduates have tangible work to present to potential employers.
Located in Nashville, Trevecca provides students with access to a growing tech industry, offering valuable internship and job placement opportunities. The university's commitment to holistic education, small class sizes, and personalized instruction ensures that students receive a well-rounded education in UX design.
University of California San Diego

Additional info:
- Cost: $5,400 (excluding materials & textbooks)
- Study format: Online
- Duration: 9 to 21 months
- Acceptance rate: Open enrollment
UC San Diego's UX Design Certificate Program is a comprehensive 7-course program that equips students with the skills necessary to excel in the rapidly growing field of UX design. The curriculum covers key areas such as human-computer interaction, user research, usability testing, and responsive web design. With a strong focus on practical application, students engage in hands-on projects that help them build a competitive UX portfolio.
Courses are taught by industry professionals, who provide personalized feedback and mentorship. Students gain expertise in user analysis, human factors, and interface design, while also developing technical skills in HTML, CSS, and Bootstrap. The program also offers career development support, helping students craft a personal branding statement, resume, and case study portfolio.
Designed for aspiring UX/UI designers, researchers, and product designers, this certificate is ideal for those looking to transition into UX design or expand their existing design knowledge. The flexible online format allows students to study at their own pace while receiving industry-relevant training.
UC Berkeley Global

Additional info:
- Cost: $7,793
- Study format: Online, self-paced
- Duration: 2 to 6 semesters
- Acceptance rate: Open enrollment
Being one of the best colleges for UX design, UC Berkeley Global offers a Certificate in User Experience (UX) Design. This is a flexible program designed for individuals looking to break into the UX field or enhance their current design skills. The curriculum emphasizes user-centered design principles, covering essential topics like user research, wireframing, prototyping, usability testing, and UX strategy. The program is fully online, making it accessible to students worldwide.
With courses taught by experienced UX professionals, students gain real-world insights and build a professional UX portfolio through hands-on projects. Coursework involves critiques from instructors and peer feedback, allowing students to refine their designs. Guest speakers from the industry further enhance learning by providing insights into current UX trends and best practices.
The program consists of six required courses and one elective, totaling 14 semester units (minimum 222 hours of instruction). Students must complete all coursework within three years and earn a grade of C or better in each course to receive the Award of Completion.
Savannah College of Art and Design

Additional info:
- Cost: $40,095
- Study format: On-campus
- Duration: 4 years
- Acceptance rate: 81%
SCAD offers a well-rounded UX design program that blends technology with creativity. The undergraduate experience begins with the SCAD Core, which focuses on foundation studies and general education courses to develop critical thinking and communication skills. Foundation studies include courses such as Drawing I, Design I, Color Theory, and Drawing for Design, totaling 20 hours. General education courses make up 60 hours of the curriculum, while the major curriculum consists of 90 hours dedicated to specialized UX design courses.
SCAD students work with cutting-edge technology to develop user-friendly designs for various industries, from mobile applications to healthcare informatics. The program was developed in collaboration with Google and offers real-world opportunities through SCADpro, where students collaborate with major companies such as 3M, Instagram, Capital One, and Microsoft.
Academy of Art University

Additional info:
- Cost: $1,615 per credit
- Study format: Distance Learning / On-Campus
- Duration: 6 Semesters
- Acceptance rate: 100%
The MFA program at the Academy of Art University is one of the best schools for UX design, providing a rigorous and advanced education for students pursuing careers in web design, new media, and user experience. Designed to balance creative exploration with technical expertise, the curriculum includes a mix of studio courses and advanced classes that equip students with the skills needed to succeed in the fast-evolving field of UX design. Students begin by mastering the core principles of UX design in studio courses, which provide a hands-on learning environment to hone their craft.
As the program progresses, advanced courses focus on guiding students through the development of a final thesis project, allowing them to apply their knowledge and demonstrate their ability to solve complex design challenges. Upon graduation, students leave with a polished professional portfolio and a comprehensive UX thesis, showcasing their technical skills and creative problem-solving abilities. Graduates are prepared to produce high-quality UX designs, communicate ideas effectively, and thrive in the competitive design industry.
DePaul University
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Additional info:
- Cost: $41,202 per year
- Study format: On-campus
- Duration: 4 years
- Acceptance rate: 70.2%
DePaul University's BS in User Experience Design (UxD) is a hands-on, interdisciplinary program that merges creative and technical disciplines. Students develop expertise in artificial intelligence, data visualization, design research, graphic design, industrial design, and information technology, preparing them for careers in UX design, interaction design, and social computing. The curriculum emphasizes a user-centered software development process, allowing students to conceptualize, design, build, and research interactive systems such as web and mobile applications, game interfaces, and other digital experiences.
Being one of the best UX design schools, DePaul's faculty are actively engaged in research and industry collaborations. This provides students with unique opportunities to work on real-world projects. Undergraduate students can participate in independent studies, the Undergraduate Research Assistant Program (URAP), or paid research positions. The program's emphasis on collaboration, innovation, and technical proficiency ensures that graduates are well-equipped to enter the UX field with a strong portfolio and practical experience.
Columbia College Chicago

Additional info:
- Cost: $32,214 per year
- Study format: On-campus
- Duration: 4 years
- Acceptance rate: 95%
Columbia College Chicago's BA in User Experience and Interaction Design is a dynamic program that blends creativity, technology, and design thinking. Students gain hands-on experience in interactive media, game design, UI/UX, and immersive technologies, preparing them for careers in digital product design, gaming, and interactive storytelling. With a focus on real-world applications, Columbia College offers extensive opportunities for students to build a professional portfolio through internships, collaborative projects, and mentorship from industry professionals.
A key strength of the program is its emphasis on career readiness. Columbia provides direct pathways to industry connections, helping students secure internships, develop impressive portfolios, and build strong professional networks. The curriculum includes a senior capstone course, where students collaborate on projects that showcase their expertise in UX and interaction design. Columbia College graduates enter the workforce with a strong foundation in digital experience design and an impressive track record of practical work.
Choosing the Right UX Design School
Finding the best schools for UX design goes beyond rankings. It is about what fits your needs. Everyone has different goals, budgets, and learning styles, so it's important to consider these factors before making a choice.
- What are your career goals? Some programs focus heavily on research and theory, while others emphasize hands-on design and industry connections. If you're aiming for a UX research role, a program with a strong academic foundation might be better. If you want to jump straight into the job market, look for a school that prioritizes real-world projects and internships.
- Location and flexibility matter. Do you want an in-person experience with networking opportunities, or do you need an online program that fits your schedule? Some schools offer hybrid options, giving you the best of both worlds.
- Cost is a big deal. UX design programs vary widely in price. Some top-tier schools cost thousands per semester, while certificate programs might be more affordable and still offer solid career opportunities. Be sure to check for scholarships or employer-sponsored tuition assistance.
- Check out alumni portfolios. One of the best ways to judge a program is by looking at the work of its graduates. If their projects look impressive and they're landing jobs at big companies, that's a great sign.
- Prepare a strong application. Many UX programs require a portfolio, even for beginners. If you don't have UX work yet, create case studies from personal projects, redesign existing apps, or complete online challenges. Also, be ready for interviews. Schools want students who are serious about the field.
Final Remarks
If you want a top-tier education, here are the 3 top UX design schools that stand out:
- Savannah College of Art and Design
- UC San Diego
- Academy of Art University
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Top UX Programs - Best University UX Design School Programs in US. (2022). Top UX Programs - Top UX Design Programs. https://topuxprogram.com/
Top Degrees in Design Studies UX/UI Design in USA for 2025. (2025). Https://Www.educations.com. https://www.educations.com/user-experience-design/usa