About the User Experience (UX) Design Program
In an era marked by the rapid growth of mobile devices and sophisticated web technologies, the demand for qualified User Experience (UX) Designers has reached unprecedented levels. Companies are increasingly recognizing that effective user experience is vital not only for functionality but also for creating engaging interactions that drive customer satisfaction.
Comprehensive 7-Course Certificate Program
The 7-Course UX Certificate Program is expertly designed to prepare you for this dynamic field, offering a comprehensive understanding of UX principles, software, and analytical techniques that will set you apart in a competitive job market.
User Experience Design is more than just making a product visually appealing; it is a science rooted in rigorous research and the psychology of human-computer interaction. Throughout the program, you will delve into critical concepts such as human factors, user analysis, and usability testing, equipping you with the tools necessary to create effective and user-centered designs. Each course builds upon the last, starting with the foundational Principles of User Experience, where you will learn about user journeys, content requirements, and wireframes, ultimately leading to hands-on projects that reinforce your learning.
Industry Professionals Guide You Every Step of the Way
One of the standout features of this program is the personalized feedback and critiques provided by industry professionals who bring real-world insights into the classroom. This guidance, combined with practical assignments, ensures that you not only learn theoretical concepts but also how to apply them effectively. You will have the opportunity to create a robust portfolio that showcases your skills through case studies and interactive prototypes, making you ready to step into roles as Junior UX Designers or to enhance your current design career.
Engage in Hands-On Projects That Prepare You for Real Challenges
Upon completion of the UX Certificate Program, you will have a comprehensive understanding of user experience principles and practices, a polished portfolio, and the confidence to pursue various career paths in this evolving field. With a focus on practical application, industry expertise, and career preparation, this program positions you for success in the fast-growing UX design sector.
Program Outcomes
- Mastery of human factors and user interface design principles.
- Proficiency in applied theories of human-computer interaction.
- Ability to conduct user analysis and research, including field methods and usability testing
- Skills to create responsive web designs using HTML, CSS, and Bootstrap.
- Development of a comprehensive UX portfolio that highlights your projects and skills.
- Expertise in crafting a personal branding statement, resume, and business card design.
- Experience conducting informational interviews with UX professionals for career insights.
- Capability to document progress through detailed case studies, including personas and user journeys.
- Knowledge of responsive design best practices and how to redesign non-responsive websites.
This Program is Designed for Aspiring:
- UX/UI Designers
- UX Researchers
- Interaction Designers
- UX Strategists
- Product Designers
- Research Assistants
- Content Designers
- And, Designers who want to expand their skills with UX training
Program Benefits
- Start in any term throughout the year.
- Participate in a flexible, online format, allowing you to complete all coursework asynchronously while providing opportunities for live interactions.
- Learn from industry leaders with years of UX design experience, who will continually provide guidance and feedback.
- Gain cutting-edge skills with courses that focus on UX fundamentals, emergent technologies, and AI, designed to keep you ahead of the curve.
- Focus on practical applications and industry-relevant skills.
- Access to dedicated Career Resources Hub with career information, job postings, events and tutorials.
- UCSD is proud to work with lenders to provide certificate students with an alternative for education funding. Extended Studies courses are not eligible for FAFSA; instead, you can apply online directly with lenders to secure the funds you need to pay for tuition and book fees. Learn More
- Connect with our Digital Arts Linkedin Group.
- Gain a certificate from one of the world’s top-rated universities.
Application Requirements
- Courses may be taken on an individual basis or you can apply for the UX Design Certification Program.
- In order to establish candidacy in the Certification program, you must complete the application and pay the course-lock fee.
- A Certificate is awarded upon the successful completion of 4 required, Core Courses, 2 UX Design Elective Options, and a final Portfolio Course.
- All courses must be completed within 5 years of enrollment.
Students interested in the Certificate Program should meet the following requirements:
- Basic knowledge of Human-Computer Interaction (HCI)
- Suggestion: You can complete the UC San Diego Coursera course Human-Centered Design: an Introduction. Students may audit this course and view all videos and lectures for free on Coursera.
- Basic knowledge of HTML and CSS
- Suggestion: Complete the UC San Diego Division of Extended Studies course CSE-41207 Introduction to HTML and CSS. This course counts toward an elective for the UX Certificate Program.
User Experience (UX) Design
Information Session
Required Courses
All 16 units are required.
Final Required Course
All required courses and 2 elective courses must be completed before taking this course.
Electives
Minimum of 6 units required. Subject to change. Enrolled certificate students MUST follow matrix as listed in their MyExtension account.
Certificate Guidelines
This program can be completed in 9-21 months (taking 1-2 courses per quarter). Tuition is $595-795 per course. All required courses are offered online, but some electives may not be available online. Please refer to the UX Design Program Course Listing Matrix for more information.
About Online Courses
- Online courses in this certificate are led by live instructors, but students may view lectures according to their own schedules. There are no set lecture dates or times; however, students will be required to meet weekly assignment deadlines, participate in critiques, and contribute to discussion topics.
- Students should expect to spend four to six hours per week per course.
- Software is not provided but instructors provide sources for free or discounted software where possible.
- To preview our e-learning system, visit our Canvas platform.
Required Software, Hardware, and other Program Materials
- Mac or Windows OS laptop or desktop - Students may work on either operating system.
- Adobe Creative Cloud subscription - Students must setup their Adobe CC account once they are enrolled in the program. With proof of enrollment, students are eligible for a discounted subscription rate.
- Prototyping software (Figma, OmniGraffle, Axure, Adobe XD)
- HTML Editor software (BBEdit, Sublime Text)
- Web Hosting provider subscription
- LinkedIn Learning subscription (for select courses).
Please note: Materials and software requirements vary by course. Before taking an online course, refer to the course description for exact software requirements. Student discounts may apply to certain subscriptions/software. Please visit their respective website for more details.
Visit The Virtual Career Hub Today To Unlock Your Benefits!
FAQs
- UC San Diego Division of Extended Studies offers continuing education loans through UC Approved Lenders. Each institution offers low competitive interest rates and flexible payment options. You are also encouraged to contact your personal financial institution about possible lending solutions. Direct links to UC Approved Lenders can be found on our website’s Financial Resources page.
- The Employment Development Department (EDD) provides a comprehensive range of employment and training services in partnership with state and local agencies/organizations. More information is available on their website at edd.ca.gov.
- Career Centers Located throughout San Diego County offer their communities comprehensive employment and training services benefiting both business and job seekers. More information is available on their website at workforce.org.
- Please click here for information about Veteran’s Benefits.
- Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) funds are limited to degree programs only, and cannot be used for courses or certificate fees at UC San Diego Division of Extended Studies.
The transferability of credit is determined solely by the receiving institution. Students should discuss how your individual courses will transfer with the Office of the Registrar at the receiving institution prior to enrolling.
Quarter to Semester Unit Conversion
If the receiving institution operates on a semester system, credits will be converted to semester hours during their evaluation. As a general rule, quarter credits are converted to semester credits by dividing the number of quarter credits by 1.5. For example, if the student completed a course worth 4 quarter credits at UC San Diego Division of Extended Studies, the course would be worth 4 ÷ 1.5 = 2.66 semester credits.
If you are interested in taking courses at UC San Diego Division of Extended Studies, you will need to obtain written approval from your school principal or counselor. The approval must be signed and printed on school letterhead, and must be included with your registration. If you are homeschooled, your approval needs to be signed by your contact in your local school district.
The letter should verify that you, the student, have the maturity and academic readiness to attend a post-baccalaureate level or college-level course.
Approvals can be emailed to unex-reg@ucsd.edu.
We are unable to accept letters signed by your parent, even if your parent is your teacher and/or school administrator. If you have taken community college courses, an official transcript from that college verifying coursework will be accepted in lieu of a letter from your high school or district. College transcripts must reflect a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher.
**Please note that some courses may address adult themes or use nude models.
Advisory Board
Ben Katz, B.A.
Scott Klemmer
Anindya Basu
Delisa Lopez
Monica Moon
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