Interaction & UI/UX Design MFA

The MFA program provides advanced study for students pursuing a career in web design and new media. Progress in the MFA degree is measured through a rigorous process, both at the midpoint and final reviews.

Studio courses develop creative and technical acumen, with attention to mastering user experience design, while advanced courses provide a focused learning environment for building final thesis projects. Students will graduate with a portfolio and comprehensive thesis project showcasing their talent.

Master of Fine Arts (MFA) Degree
Major Courses

This program is available online and on campus

School of Interaction & UI/UX Design

GR 750

Thesis Proposal Development Major/3

Declare a thesis topic for your graduate studies. To secure your place in the MFA program and the opportunity to further develop your ideas, you will identify, explore, and propose a suitable thesis topic as a midpoint proposal.

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.

Degree Requirements

Unit Requirements	Units
Major Coursework	30
Directed Study	18
Electives	6
Graduate Liberal Arts	9
Total	63

MFA INTERACTION & UI/UX DESIGN DEGREE REQUIREMENTS

Successful completion of Final Thesis Project.
Minimum grade of C in all required 63 units.
Minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA and the following Academic Study requirements:
1 Art Historical Awareness & Aesthetic Sensitivity course
1 Cross Cultural Understanding course
1 Professional Practices & Communication course

Additional Information

Graduate Liberal Arts

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduate students will meet the following student performance criteria:

MFA Thesis Project

Present a clearly defined design project worthy of the MFA degree
Provide proof of concept demonstrating the feasibility of the project
Produce a final thesis project demonstrating design thinking, visual communication and technical skills

Design Thinking

Gather, analyze and apply the information necessary to develop design solutions centered on real target users
Demonstrate thorough knowledge of thesis topic and identify resources for content development
Create interactive architecture to effectively support the needs of the project’s functionality

Visual Communication

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

Technical Abilities

Demonstrate an understanding of current interactive technologies by identifying appropriate technical tools to implement a core component of the thesis project
Establish and document the technical scope of the thesis project

User Experience

Demonstrate a realistic consideration of potential users
Develop final testing plan based on initial explorations
Apply testing results to refine projects throughout the design process, documenting key iterations along the way

Professional Readiness

Effectively articulate and defend ideas and process
Accurately cite or credit sources used to develop thesis proposal, project, and presentations
Demonstrate organizational skills in the thesis proposal and record of thesis project development process
Develop and demonstrate the skills required for the chosen professional path, as demonstrated in the thesis project, portfolio and personal website