Interaction & UI/UX Design MA

The M.A. in Web Design and New Media provides professional study for students pursuing a career in web design and new media. Progress is measured through a rigorous process to achieve a final project portfolio.

Master of Arts (MA) Degree
Major Courses

This program is available online and on campus

IXD 600

Digital Graphics Major/3

Develop proficiency in Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign by engaging in comprehensive design projects. You will delve into Adobe's design suite and AI-enhanced design tools.

IXD 601

Tech 1: Front-End Major/3

Learn the technology basics and vocabulary required for the industry. You'll also gain HTML, CSS, and JavaScript skills by creating stunning interactive web experiences.

IXD 605

Visual Design and Typography 1 Major/3

Communicate with type. You'll briefly explore the history of type and gain the composition, grid, and aesthetic skills needed to create high-resolution, legible, and beautiful screen-based media.

IXD 606

User Experience Design Major/3

Design intuitive product experiences by understanding a target audience and the devices they interact with. You'll explore the user experience design process while utilizing industry standard tools and artificial intelligence.

IXD 608

Tech 2: Back-End Major/3

Students will be introduced to Responsive Design and Database Driven Website Application Development. User Interface, Interaction Design, and Project Management will be put into practice with a combination of Front-end and Back-end code. Languages include HTML, CSS, PHP, MySQL, and Javascript.

IXD 613

Motion Graphics and Video Major/3

Become a better storyteller using motion graphics and digital video. You'll learn how to sync music, sound, and video to develop compelling digital video. Learn contemporary trends and practices in motion graphics. You'll research, concept, storyboard, and design motion graphics using industry-standard tools.

IXD 700

User Experience: Human Centered Design Major/3

Gain creative problem-solving skills within the frameworks of Design Thinking. You'll use a human-centered design approach to create innovative, effective, and sustainable interactive products and solutions.

IXD 755

Masters Portfolio Major/3

Create a portfolio that shine. You'll strengthen the weak points of your portfolio by developing your personal brand, including business cards, a design-focused resume, logo, and a new case-study. You'll also examine past portfolio projects, changing, removing, and adding to them as necessary.

Degree Requirements

Unit RequirementsUnits
Major Coursework33
Graduate Liberal Arts3
Total36

MA INTERACTION & UI/UX DESIGN DEGREE REQUIREMENTS

  • Successful completion of Final Portfolio Review.
  • Minimum grade of C in all required 36 units.
  • Minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA and the following Academic Study requirement:
    1 Art Historical Awareness & Aesthetic Sensitivity course

Additional Information

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduate students will meet the following student performance criteria:

Design Thinking

  • Gather, analyze and apply the information necessary to develop design solutions centered on real target users
  • Create interactive architecture to support the needs of the projects’ functionality

Visual Communication

  • Effectively utilize grid, hierarchy, typography, color, and composition
  • Apply the above design principles to effectively implement and show interactivity appropriate to the project

Technical Abilities

  • Demonstrate an understanding of the current interactive technologies by selecting the appropriate technical tools to complete substantive projects and a professional portfolio site

User Experience

  • Demonstrate a realistic consideration of potential users
  • Apply testing results to refine projects throughout the design process, documenting key iterations along the way

Professional Readiness

  • Present a clearly defined portfolio that comprehensively integrates all the skills learned in the MA program
  • Accurately cite or credit sources used to develop portfolio work