Program Overview
Focusing on the intersection between art and technology, students in the M.P.S. in UX Design study fundamental principles of interface design, project management, prototyping, and usability as applied to industries from gaming to healthcare and education to defense. Industry partners bring real-world projects to the classroom and advise students on networking and the dynamic nature of the profession. Graduates leave with a portfolio of compelling UX design experience ready to support their professional aspirations.
The MPS is an online, cohort-based program where all coursework is directly related to the topic area. Completed in just 15 months, the program allows students to earn their degree while working full time. Students in the M.P.S. in UX Design program explore both the design and technical sides of user-experience, while mastering the analytical, problem-solving, and design thinking skills required in today’s tech-focused marketplace.
Industry Immersive Overview
As part of your online graduate program, you’ll participate in a 1-credit-hour Industry Immersive course designed to expose you to industry professionals and prepare you for real-world applications in your field. Offered over 8 weeks in an asynchronous format, this course can be completed at your pace within the timeframe the course is open and provides valuable insights and content created by subject matter experts in your specific field.
Through a series of archived workshops and activities, you’ll explore topics which may include:
- Applying psychology to create better products and services and mastering design prompt engineering.
- Professional Development: Career advancement strategies, networking techniques, and industry-specific best practices.
This industry immersive course offers a unique opportunity to enhance your expertise, expand your professional network, and gain practical skills directly from leaders in your industry.
What is a Master of Professional Studies (MPS) degree?
- Focuses on an applied field of study
- Develops practical skills
- Perfect for current and aspiring professionals
- Delivered online over just 15 months
- Residency fosters interdisciplinary collaboration
- Students maintain a work-life balance
Program Resources
The MICA Canvas environment is a flexible and adaptive platform so students can conveniently access content. Each faculty member holds a weekly live class delivered through Zoom web-conferencing software, whereby students can discuss topics with faculty and classmates. Lectures are recorded so students can revisit them at any time. Students also have access to MICA's web-based resources such as Adobe Creative Suite, MyMICA, Decker Library and Media Resources Center, and Business Source Premier, the industry's most used business research database.
Who Should Apply
The M.P.S. in UX Design invites recent graduates and experienced professionals seeking to advance their education to apply. Ideal candidates have an undergraduate degree in a visual art/design discipline coupled with a strong interest in designing for users and leveraging their technical skills and creative abilities to increase their competitive advantage in the field of user experience design. If interested candidates have yet to earn an undergraduate degree, exceptions can be made based on demonstrating a robust professional background with 5+ years of experience in increasing job responsibilities and a strong commitment to graduate-level coursework.