The M.S. in Computer Graphics Technology (UX Design Concentration) equips students to address socio-technical challenges through a human-centered design approach. Over two years, the program develops capabilities in user research, problem framing, iterative prototyping, product and experience evaluation, teamwork, and professional communication. Graduates have pursued careers as UX designers, UX researchers, product managers, UI designers, and UX developers across diverse industries and locations.
Admissions are offered for a fall (August) start only, with applications due by February 1 for that same year.
Core UX design activities include:
- User Research — gaining insights on needs through observations and interviews
- Problem Framing — defining the right issues and exploring them in innovative ways
- Prototyping — creating low- and high-fidelity sketches and digital or physical prototypes
- Evaluation — conducting usability tests and other methods to assess and improve user experience
Career-ready outcomes: Graduates emerge prepared for roles such as UX designer, UX researcher, product designer, interaction designer, product manager, information designer, UI designer, UX developer, and user researcher.
Market demand for UX expertise remains strong, with starting salaries around $69,000 (per Nielsen Norman Group) and average salaries near $97,000 (per Glassdoor).
Student experience includes two project-based UX Design studios, a foundational readings seminar in UX and human-computer interaction, and a qualitative research methods course. Additionally, students can participate in an "Experience Studio" working in interdisciplinary teams on real-world sponsored projects.
No previous UX experience is necessary—students from backgrounds like computer science, engineering, architecture, economics, and more have thrived in the program.
For more information, follow Purdue UX on Instagram or reach out to the concentration lead, Dr. Paul Parsons and check the FAQ document for common questions.
The UX program is considered a STEM program, with the following CIP code (11.0803). Refer to https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/cipcode/cipdetail.aspx?y=55&cipid=87256 for more details.