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Certificate

User Experience (UX) Design

Professional Certificate

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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
Online
9-21 Months
Varies by student and courses taken per quarter.
$5,400
Estimate does not include textbook or material fees. Cost varies based on elective selection.

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.
  • Some courses in the program require an Adobe Creative Cloud subscription. Students enrolled in the Professional Certificate program are eligible for the discounted student rate.

Students interested in the Certificate Program should meet the following requirements:

  • Basic knowledge of Human-Computer Interaction (HCI)
  • Basic knowledge of HTML and CSS 

How to Apply

Students may enroll in individual courses without applying to the certificate program. There is a $0.00 application fee. For students pursuing the certificate, there will be a one-time $125.00 certificate fee.

Get More Information

For detailed information, please contact our Arts, Humanities, Languages & Digital Arts department.

User Experience (UX) Design
Classroom type:
Live Online
In-Person
Online
Hybrid
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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.

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FAQs

Most courses combine theory with hands-on exercises. Our courses are taught by professionals who work in the field they teach, and will bring real-life projects and examples to your course.
Yes! This program is designed for you to take it online in the convenience of your own home or office. We are currently using Canvas as our online Learning Management System for all our online courses in this program. While students do not get access to their respective courses until the first day of the course, we encourage students who are new to Canvas to click on the following link to Canvas and Take the free tour of Canvas.
Yes. Our programs are designed to be working-student friendly and most of our students are working professionals. The courses vary between two and three units, which amount to approximately 18-20 hours of class time for a two unit course and 27-30 hours of class time for a three unit course.

Yes. UC San Diego is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). The Division of Extended Studies, like all other schools, colleges, and departments at UC San Diego, is accredited through the University.

All courses and certificate programs offered by UC San Diego Division of Extended Studies are developed and administered in accordance with University of California Extension policy and the regulations of the UC Academic Senate.

  • 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.
Yes, the program is open to non-California residents, including non-US residents. The tuition is the same for all students. If you have questions about how enrolling in courses may or may not affect your visa status, please contact our International Department at ipinfo@ucsd.edu or (858) 534-6784.
Each student has their own learning style so this can vary greatly. As a rule of thumb, expect to spend an average of two hours studying for every hour you spend in-class. For online courses, students should plan to spend approximately 8-10 hours per week viewing lectures and completing coursework.
Format: Online asynchronous. There are no set meeting times, however, students follow a weekly schedule and there will be deadlines to meet in terms of course requirements. This course cannot be completed at an accelerated rate. UC San Diego Extended Studies operates in Pacific Standard Time and therefore any deadline. is considered 11:59 p.m. Pacific Standard Time.
UC San Diego Division of Extended Studies is not a degree granting institution, however many UC San Diego Division of Extended Studies courses can be transferred to other colleges or universities.

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.

CEO
JSX and ISPolitical

Scott Klemmer

Assoc. Professor, Co-Director
UC San Diego Design Lab

Anindya Basu

Senior UX Researcher
Google Cloud

Delisa Lopez

Director of Product Design
Skillshare

Monica Moon

UX Manager
Thermo Fisher Scientific

Michelle Warner

Lead Interaction Designer/Founder
Kettle/TinyBird Creative Inc.