Program Overview
From 2012 to 2017, the number of tech jobs in Middle Tennessee grew by 30% outpacing overall job growth in the area by 15% and national tech job growth by 10%. And jobs in User Experience are expected to grow more than 25% in Tennessee over the next decade.
The User Experience graduate program curriculum allows industry professionals with an undergraduate degree to develop skills in user experience design (UX), user interfaces (UI) and design thinking, creating opportunities to move into management roles and compete for more lucrative job opportunities. Focusing on human-centered design, learn to create interfaces, software and applications designed to provide end users with an intuitive, seamless experience that leads to greater usability and product satisfaction. This cross-disciplinary field considers multiple aspects of branding and has applications beyond screen-based platforms, including products, packaging and retail environments.
Admissions Requirements
Applicants to the graduate program must submit the following:
- Application with $50 nonrefundable fee ($75 for international students)
- Official transcript(s)
- Two letters of recommendation
Courses
Graduate Certificate in User Experience
AR 5XX0 Software Studio (3)
This course is an introduction to software specific to both the graphic design industry and the user experience design and user interface design industries.
AR 5XX0 User Experience Design (3)
UX is a research area based in psychology and cognitive studies. When considering the design of UI (user interfaces), UX pulls from the fields of human-computer interaction studies (HCI) and information architecture (IA). UX designers focus on an established process to design better experiences for users of many systems.
AR 5XX3 Design Research Methods (3)
A study of the use of research methodology in design and art, including library scholarship, qualitative methods, studio, historical and legal research.
AR 5XX3 Design Thinking (3)
This course is an introduction to Design Thinking and Semiotics. The learner will also examine the relationship between the two areas. Design thinking uses methods derived from the discipline of design to match people’s needs with what is feasible. It also examines how a viable organizational strategy can convert into customer/stakeholder value in a financially sustainable way. Semiotics is the study of signs and symbols, and their interpretation.
AR 5XX3 Final Project (3)
Students will create and lead a project, under faculty direction, based on applying concepts learned throughout the certificate program. Students will clearly propose and define the project to their faculty advisor before beginning the course. Students must have finished a minimum of 12 hours in the UX certificate program before registering.
Tuition & Aid
- $1,048 per credit hour
*Note: Graduate tuition rates may increase annually, effective at the start of the summer term.