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User Experience Design Online Degree Concentration Within the BA in Graphic Design and Media Arts program
You're viewing a Program Concentration
Total courses 4 (of 40)
Term length 8 weeks
Concentration Overview Why focus on user experience design?
As part of your BA in Graphic Design and Media Arts program, a concentration adds focus to your degree in a particular area of study. To stay competitive in today’s digital world, brands need to create web and mobile experiences that are not just functional, but engaging and easy to use. User experience (UX) designers play a key role in shaping how users interact with apps, websites and other technologies by making them intuitive, engaging and effective.
Getting a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Graphic Design and Media Arts with a concentration in User Experience Design from Southern New Hampshire University can help you master usability-focused design as you collaborate with internal teams and external partners, while building key competencies valued across the UX field.
Skills you'll learn:
- Prototyping
- Visual design
- User research
- Information architecture
- Industry-standard tools like Figma
- Effective user testing
Courses & Curriculum Career-focused UX design courses
In your Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Graphic Design and Media Arts with a concentration in User Experience Design program, you’ll get hands-on experience with the tools and techniques UX professionals use every day. You’ll put user-centered design principles into practice while working on real-world projects, creating and refining wireframes and prototypes, and running usability tests to make your designs even better. Through these projects, you’ll build practical skills that can help you create clear, user-focused digital experiences.
Your 4-course UX design concentration explained
Your entire BA in Graphic Design and Media Arts degree consists of 40 courses (120 credits) which includes general education courses (42 credits), major courses (36 credits), major elective courses (12 credits) and free electives (30 credits). If you choose this concentration, your 4 major elective courses (12 credits) will focus specifically on user experience design. You'll learn the fundamentals of UX design, from user research and information architecture to prototyping and usability testing.
Courses may include:
User Centric Design
Course ID:
GRA 362
In this course, students will explore the importance of user-first thinking in digital design. Students will examine the user experience (UX) process and current best practices then apply that thinking to a website design project. As a part of their application of the UX process, they will also create various user personas and scenarios in order to better understand a user's needs, experiences, behaviors, and goals. In addition, students will also apply their understanding of user-centric design principles to the optimization of wireframes and designs.
Information Architecture
Course ID:
GRA 364
In this course, students will be exposed to the history, theory and principles of information architecture and how it relates to web design. Students will conduct analyses of existing designs to determine their strengths and areas of opportunity and to inform the development of visual maps to address design needs. Students will also create and optimize wireframes to design an original experience.
Collaboration in User Experience Design
Course ID:
GRA 366
In this course, students examine the role, nature and processes of collaboration in user experience design. Students will explore various types of team structures used to create robust user-centered experiences and how business, development and design methodologies interact as part of the larger design process. In addition, students will develop the skills necessary to defend design decisions by leveraging research data and engaging with various audiences and stakeholders to get optimal user-centered designs over the finish line.
Prototyping and Optimization in User Experience Design
Course ID:
GRA 368
In this course, students will leverage industry standard user experience (UX) tools to iteratively build out prototypes for a variety of different client types. Students will utilize user-centered design research and conduct effective user testing to create low-cost working simulations to facilitate usability testing and other experience design research. Students will also continue to critique work and receive feedback, while also leveraging research, to continuously improve and iterate upon design prototypes.
Visit the course catalog to view the full BA in Graphic Design and Media Arts with a concentration in User Experience Design curriculum.
The Commons: SNHU’s gen ed program
All undergraduate students are required to take general education courses, which are part of SNHU's newly redesigned program, The Commons. The goal of The Commons' curriculum is to empower you with some of the most in-demand skills, so you can succeed not only in your academic career, but in your personal and professional life too.
Courses may include:
Cultural Awareness and Online Learning
Course ID:
IDS 105
This course introduces students to the skills relevant to university learning, and the foundational knowledge and values of intercultural fluency needed to understand and effectively navigate the complexities of contemporary society. Students will examine the various factors that influence an individual's perception of justice and the impacts that cultural and social diversity have on collaboration and communication processes. Through the application of interpersonal communication strategies, students will also learn to navigate various interpersonal conflict situations.
Self, Society, and the Humanities
Course ID:
HUM 102
In this course, students explore the interaction between individuals and society as a framework for understanding cultural inquiry. Through the examination of the scientific, creative, cultural, and historical humanities, students develop a practice of reflexivity to describe conceptions of self, others, and systems and their interconnectedness.
Foundations of Written Communication
Course ID:
ENG 130
This course focuses on written communication and writing practice. Students will gain the critical reading and information literacy related skills vital to academic and workplace success. Students will explore methods to analyze, summarize, and evaluate written works to isolate key ideas and information. Students will examine how to adapt the writing process to a variety of writing situations and present their own perspectives in written form.
Mathematical Reasoning for Modern Problem-Solving
Course ID:
MAT 126
In this course, students learn about the use of mathematical reasoning and the practical application of quantitative techniques to inform their decision-making process. Students will develop the skills to critically examine elements of a problem they might face in their day-to-day personal and professional lives, solve for various outcomes using quantitative techniques, and make informed decisions.
Ethics in Global Society
Course ID:
PHL 218
In this course, students explore various ethical frameworks from a cultural and global perspective. Students examine the ways that ethics influence actions, decisions, and perceptions. Furthermore, students develop associated skills related to critical thinking, such as awareness of bias, to analyze issues from an ethical standpoint.
STEM Principles and Problem-Solving
Course ID:
SCI 260
In this course, students learn to apply science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) methodologies to a wide variety of contemporary issues and complex challenges within society to obtain knowledge and use that knowledge to develop recommendations and propose solutions. Students will leverage a scientific mindset to gather information, analyze data, and communicate information in varying ways based on their intended audience.
Social Issues and Decision-Making
Course ID:
SCS 260
In this course, students use social science methodologies to analyze various sociocultural issues and their impacts on society. In their exploration of the concept of society and how it manifests in different cultures, students learn to contextualize themselves within society, examine the relationship between the individual and society, and analyze the ethical implications of decision-making related to contemporary social issues.
Required Software
Adobe Creative Cloud is required by all students in the graphic design and media arts program. Creative Cloud licenses are available at an educational discount directly through Adobe.
Adobe’s terms and conditions require a full-year contract for Creative Cloud.
System Requirements
Please refer to the requirements for Adobe Photoshop, which demands the most technical requirements of the Adobe Creative Cloud and is used throughout the graphic design program. Given that current system requirements can change without notice from Adobe, it is best to consult the most up-to-date requirements on the Adobe website.
Video Communication Platform:
- Mac or PC desktop or laptop (not a mobile device or tablet)
- Webcam
- Microphone
- Required: At least 1Mbps upload/download speed
- Learn more about our detailed technical requirements
Minimum Specifications:
- CPU: Intel Core i7 12th Gen or AMD Ryzen 7 5000 series
- GPU: NVIDIA RTX 3070 (Laptop GPU) or AMD Radeon RX 6750M+
- RAM: 16GB DDR4 (32GB recommended for multitasking and creative work)
- Storage: 512GB NVMe SSD (1TB recommended for longevity)
- Display: 15.6” FHD (1920x1080), 60Hz+ (QHD optional for creative/visual work)
- OS: Windows 11 Home or Pro
- Internet/bandwidth: 5Mbps download, 1Mbps upload and less than 100ms latency
Additional Information:
- Laptop or desktop? Whichever you choose depends on your personal preference and work style, though laptops tend to offer more flexibility.
- Where to purchase: You may purchase any computer brand you wish from any location/reseller, relying on the minimum specs provided to ensure the acquisition of an appropriate machine. We recommend asking your preferred vendor if they offer a student discount, since many do.
- Mac users: You must verify your machine offers comparable specs.
- Devices that don’t meet minimum requirements: Chromebooks (Chrome OS) and iPads (iOS) do not meet the minimum requirements for coursework at SNHU. These offer limited functionality and do not work with some course technologies. They are not acceptable as the only device you use for coursework. While these devices are convenient and may be used for some course functions, they cannot be your primary device.
- Microsoft Office software: Office 365 is available to all students for free. Terms subject to change at Microsoft's discretion.
- Antivirus software: This is strongly recommended for online students. Check with your ISP as they may offer antivirus software free of charge to subscribers.
Apply for free in minutes
Our no-commitment application can help you decide if SNHU is the right college for you and your career goals. Apply up until 2 days before the term starts!
Upcoming term starts: June 29, 2026 | August 31, 2026
Next term starts:
May 4, 2026
Online Student Experience What’s it like going to SNHU?
Attending college online at SNHU can be a life-changing experience. In fact, 93.4% of online students would recommend SNHU according to a 2025 survey with 8,718 respondents.
What to expect:
8-week terms
Learn around your schedule
24/7 online support
Learn from instructors with industry experience
Our faculty members carry with them decades of experience in design. By bringing real-world insights to the classroom, they can help position graduates for success in this ever-evolving field.
Featured Faculty
Sloan Kelly
Sloan Kelly has worked as a graphic designer and educator for over 30 years. She began her career at SNHU as associate dean of graphic design and communication. Kelly’s research focuses on developing a curriculum that best prepares graphic design students with the skills to enter a rapidly evolving industry. She continues her design industry research in collaboration with AIGA, most recently in the group’s point-of-view research initiative examining the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and changing technology on the design industry.
Position
Associate Dean, Fine and Applied Arts
Joined SNHU
2014
Education
- MFA in Graphic Design from Boston University
- BA in Art and English from Rollins College
What does an online course look like?
You’ll take your courses within SNHU’s Brightspace platform. This is where you’ll find your:
- Schedule of weekly assignments
- Discussion boards
- Grades
- Instructor announcements
What support services are available?
- Chat with your advisors
Get hands-on help from dedicated academic and career advisors. - Drop in for tutoring
Work with a tutor, any time of the day or night – no appointment necessary. - Learn from industry professionals
Instructors lead discussions and offer guidance – and they’re just an email away. - Use the online library
Access 600,000+ resources or chat with a librarian 24/7. - Reach out for accessibility help
Receive accommodations as an eligible student with disabilities. - Focus on your well-being
Connect with professionals to improve your health and wellness.
Why SNHU?
At Southern New Hampshire University, you'll have access to a powerful network of more than 400,000 students, alumni and staff that can help support you long after graduation. Our instructors offer relevant, real-world expertise to help you understand and navigate the field. Plus, with our growing, nationwide alumni network, you'll have the potential to tap into a number of internship and career opportunities.
Recently, SNHU has been nationally recognized for leading the way toward more innovative, affordable and achievable education:
- U.S. News & World Report
Named SNHU the 2024 Most Innovative University in the North - The United States Distance Learning Association (USDLA)
Awarded SNHU the 21st Century Distance Learning Award for Excellence in Online Technology - Google.org
Gave SNHU a $1 million grant to explore soft skills assessments for high-need youth
Founded in 1932, Southern New Hampshire University is a private, nonprofit institution with over 250,000 graduates across the country. SNHU is accredited by the regional accreditor New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), which advocates for institutional improvement and public assurance of quality.
Admission Applying to SNHU is fast and free
No application fee. No test scores. And no college essay. Just a simple form with basic information. It’s another way SNHU helps you reach your goals sooner.
All it takes is 3 simple steps
Step 1: Complete the online application – it only takes minutes.
It's easy, fast and free.
Step 2: Submit additional forms.
Whether you're applying for an undergraduate or graduate degree, you’ll fill out a form to verify your previous education experience. As part of our admissions process, we'll help you request transcripts from your previous school(s) to see if you can transfer any credits into your SNHU program! (Also for free!)
Step 3: Make your decision.
After reviewing your official evaluation, you can decide if SNHU is right for you! If you choose to enroll, just pick your start date and get ready for classes to begin.
Talk to an admission counselor: 888.327.SNHU | enroll@snhu.edu
Accreditations
SNHU is accredited by the regional accreditor the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE). The university also carries specialized accreditations for some programs.
Tuition Cost & Savings College can be more affordable than you think
As a nonprofit university, SNHU offers some of the lowest online tuition rates in the country. And when you work with our Financial Services team, we'll explore ways to help you save even more on your education – and customize a payment plan that works for you.
Online undergraduate tuition
Student
Cost per credit
Cost per course
Cost for 120-credit degree*
Full- and part-time students
$342
$1,026
$41,040
Active-duty military and spouses | Full- and part-time students**
$250
$750
$30,000
*before previously earned credits are applied
Tuition rates are subject to change and are reviewed annually.
**Note: Students receiving this rate are not eligible for additional discounts.
Additional costs: Course materials vary by course.
Transfer credits and lower your cost by:
$10,260 $15,390 $20,520 $25,650 $30,780If 30 of your prior learning credits ($342/credit) are accepted toward your bachelor’s degree.
Your remaining tuition cost: $30,780
If 45 of your prior learning credits ($342/credit) are accepted toward your bachelor’s degree.
Your remaining tuition cost: $25,650
If 60 of your prior learning credits ($342/credit) are accepted toward your bachelor’s degree.
Your remaining tuition cost: $20,520
If 75 of your prior learning credits ($342/credit) are accepted toward your bachelor’s degree.
Your remaining tuition cost: $15,390
If 90 of your prior learning credits ($342/credit) are accepted toward your bachelor’s degree.
Your remaining tuition cost: $10,260
How we estimate your tuition cost:
We look at the cost per credit multiplied by the number of credits you need to earn for a bachelor's degree. Most bachelor's degrees require 120 credits. SNHU allows you to transfer in up to 90 credits, requiring a minimum of 30 credits to be taken at SNHU. This is only a tuition estimator, and doesn't account for other fees that may be associated with your program of choice.
Ways to save on online tuition
Transfer your credits
Transfer up to 90 credits toward your bachelor's degree program at SNHU. If you’ve taken one course or many, we’ll evaluate them for you.
Apply for financial aid
Fill out the FAFSA to see if you’re eligible for grants or work-study. (You could also be offered loans, though you’ll have to pay those back later.)
Military discounts and credit
Earn credits in leadership, technology and more – while taking advantage of tuition discounts for active-duty service members and spouses.
Explore scholarships
Getting free money for college – from SNHU or an outside organization – could help you save hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
Earn credit for exams and certificates
Bring in credits from popular options like CLEP, Sophia Learning, Google and other common credit for prior learning (CPL) experiences.
Tuition Reimbursement
Learn how you can save money with tuition reimbursement from your employer.
Benefit from your employer
Take advantage of an online tuition discount through your organization’s partnership with SNHU. Check with your employer to see if your organization partners with us and if you’re eligible for additional tuition savings and partner education benefits.
Career Outlook What can I do with my concentration in UX design?
The Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Graphic Design and Media Arts with a concentration in User Experience Design can open the door to a wide range of exciting, in-demand careers across industries like technology, finance, healthcare and entertainment. While product design and UX research are two of the most popular career paths, the field is highly diverse, offering opportunities that suit a wide variety of skills, interests and ambitions.
Occupations
Your concentration in user experience design can help prepare you for a number of entry-level UX careers, including:
UX designer
Design intuitive digital experiences with a focus on the structure, flow and usability of apps and websites.
UI designer
Create visually appealing and interactive interfaces, choosing colors, fonts, buttons and animations that enhance user engagement.
Product designer
Combine UX and UI design with business goals to ensure products are both user-friendly and aligned with company objectives.
UX researcher
Gather and analyze user data through interviews, surveys and testing to inform design decisions based on real behavior.
Interaction designer
Design how users interact with a product’s interface, including menus, transitions and animations that create smooth experiences.
Information architect (IA)
Organize and structure digital content to make it easy for users to find information and navigate websites or apps.
7%
Projected job growth nationally for web and digital interface designers through 2032, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).1
$98,090
Median annual pay nationally for web and digital interface designers as of May 2024, according to the BLS.1 Statistic not based on wage data for SNHU graduates.
Understanding the numbers
When reviewing job growth and salary information, it’s important to remember that actual numbers can vary due to many different factors—like years of experience in the role, industry of employment, geographic location, worker skill and economic conditions. Cited projections are based on Bureau of Labor Statistics data, not on SNHU graduate outcomes, and do not guarantee actual salary or job growth.
What SNHU students are saying
Southern New Hampshire University helped give me a why — to further my career, to help me achieve goals that I never thought were possible...
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get into UX design?
Getting into UX design starts with learning the fundamentals of user-centered design, wireframing and usability testing. At Southern New Hampshire University, our Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Graphic Design and Media Arts with a concentration in User Experience Design provides a clear path to build these skills. You’ll apply what you learn through hands-on projects and real-world scenarios, gaining the practical experience employers value. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to expand your skills, this program is a strong first step toward a career in UX design.
Is an online UX concentration worth it?
If you want to build real design skills and open doors in a growing field, a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Graphic Design and Media Arts with a concentration in User Experience Design can be a smart choice. UX is in high demand across industries because companies need people who know how to make digital products both intuitive and accessible. Southern New Hampshire University's online concentration gives you hands-on experience with the tools and methods employers look for — all in a flexible format that works with your schedule.
What types of jobs can I get with a concentration in user experience design?
A Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Graphic Design and Media Arts with a concentration in User Experience Design can open the door to a wide range of careers across industries like technology, healthcare, finance, entertainment and more. You could work as a UX designer, creating intuitive digital experiences, or as a UI designer, focusing on visually engaging interfaces. Other common roles include product designer, UX researcher, interaction designer and information architect. While the focus of each role varies, all of them involve improving how people interact with digital products, combining creativity, problem-solving and user-centered design to make technology more effective and enjoyable. While SNHU doesn’t offer a full UX degree, our UX design concentration can help you build the skills needed to move confidently in that direction.
Is UX design high paying?
UX design can be a lucrative career. According to the BLS, web and digital interface designers earned a median annual wage of $98,090 in May 2024.1 During the same time period, the BLS reports the median annual wages for web and digital interface designers in the top industries in which they worked were as follows:1
- Finance and insurance: $121,710
- Computer systems design and related services: $98,610
- Advertising, public relations and related services: $74,510
- Retail trade: $69,280
Are UX designers still in demand?
Yes, UX designers are very much in demand — and that's not slowing down any time soon. According to the BLS, overall employment of web and digital interface designers is projected to grow 7% from 2024 to 2034, much faster than the average for all occupations.1 Companies across industries are realizing how important it is to make websites, apps and digital products easy and enjoyable to use, so skilled UX designers are highly valued.
Does UX design require coding?
Coding isn’t a requirement for UX design. Most UX roles focus on understanding user needs and creating intuitive experiences, which means working with research, wireframes and prototypes rather than writing code. As a result, getting comfortable with tools like Figma, Adobe XD and Azure is usually more important than learning programming languages. However, a basic understanding of HTML, CSS or even JavaScript can be helpful when it comes to collaborating with developers. Plus, if you’re interested in a deeper technical perspective, learning the basics of HTML and CSS can be a nice bonus. Still, UX designers typically aren’t expected to write code in their day-to-day work.
What is a concentration?
At colleges and universities, a concentration is a focused area of study within a larger degree program. A concentration generally replaces elective coursework in the major or discipline, allowing students to focus their studies on an area of interest.
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Sources & Citations
1Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, on the internet at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/web-developers.htm (viewed Jan. 29, 2026). Cited projections may not reflect local or short-term economic or job conditions and do not guarantee actual job growth.