User Experience and Interaction Design BS
Degree Awarded: Bachelor of Science (BS)
Minimum Required Credits: 120
Co-op Option(s): Two Co-op, One Co-op, No Co-op
Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) code: 11.0801
Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) code: 15-1250
About the Program
The Bachelor of Science in User Experience and Interaction Design (UXID) is where human-centered design meets technological innovation. Our program goes beyond surface-level aesthetics, empowering you to become a creative and versatile professional who can navigate the complexities of a rapidly evolving digital world. You will learn to see through the eyes of the user, understanding how to research, design, and build digital experiences that are not only functional but also deeply meaningful.
Learning Outcomes
As a student in the UXID program, you will develop a powerful combination of skills and knowledge essential for success in the tech industry. You will master key concepts in user research, learning how to analyze user needs, synthesize insights, and guide evidence-based design decisions. You'll gain hands-on expertise in user experience (UX) and user interface (UI) design, creating effective digital products and compelling visual experiences. The curriculum also hones your technical competencies in full stack web development (HTML/CSS, JavaScript, PHP/SQL), enabling you to bring your designs to life. Beyond technical skills, you will cultivate a user-centered mindset and a collaborative approach, preparing you to tackle complex challenges with creativity and empathy.
Learning Experience
Our student-centered curriculum is built on a foundation of experiential learning. Throughout the program, you will engage in distinctive, hands-on projects that bridge theory and practice. The senior-year capstone is a signature experience, allowing you to undertake a year-long, industry-level project to design, build, and launch a full-scale digital product. This is complemented by team-based projects that simulate real-world workflows, from initial research and prototyping to final execution. This applied approach ensures you graduate with a robust and compelling portfolio of work that demonstrates your ability to solve complex problems and collaborate effectively.
Post-Graduate Pathways
Graduates of the UXID program are prepared for a wide array of career opportunities in the digital economy. You can pursue roles such as UX Designer, UI Designer, Interaction Designer, UX Researcher, Information Architect, Front-End Developer, Content Strategist, and Project Manager. The skills you will acquire are highly adaptable and in high demand across various industries, including technology, healthcare, education, and entertainment. Your training also provides a strong academic foundation, positioning you for further education in graduate programs related to Human-Computer Interaction, Design, Human Factors Engineering, Computer Science, or Information Science.
The Drexel Advantage
The Drexel University experience is defined by its commitment to hands-on learning, which sets our UXID program apart. Our unique four-year curriculum is designed to give you a solid foundation in both the creative and technical aspects of the field. This model contrasts with longer five-year programs and ensures you enter the workforce with the comprehensive skills and professional maturity gained from our experiential learning model. The program’s focus on a single, senior-year project allows for deep exploration and the creation of a polished, portfolio-ready product that showcases your professional-level capabilities.
Additional Information
For more information about this program, please contact the Antoinette Westphal College of Media Arts and Design.
Degree Requirements
| University Requirements | ||
| EXP 1001 | Introduction to Experiential Learning | 3.0 |
| WRIT 1100 | Composition and Rhetoric I | 3.0 |
| or WRIT 1110 | English Composition I | |
| WRIT 1200 | Composition and Rhetoric II | 3.0 |
| or WRIT 1210 | English Composition II | |
| Introductory Core Competencies 1 | ||
| Select one course from each of the three (3) categories | 6.0 | |
Introductory: Inquire and Analyze | ||
Introductory: Collaborate and Integrate | ||
Introductory: Apply and Engage-satified by Making and Storytelling-Creative Process in the College Requirements below | ||
| Free Electives | 15.0 | |
| College Requirements | ||
| Select one course from each of the three (3) categories of Westphal College Courses | ||
| Visual and Information Literacy | 3.0 | |
| Making and Storytelling-Creative Process | 3.0 | |
| Global and Cultural Histories | 3.0 | |
| Program Requirements | ||
| Degree Requirements outside of Program | ||
| Studio Art and Art History Requirements | ||
| ARST 1015 | Design Foundations for Media | 3.0 |
| ARST 1100 | Introductory Drawing | 3.0 |
| Select six (6) credits of ARTH (Art History) 1000-4999 level courses | 6.0 | |
| Other Requirements | ||
| ANIM 2510 | Introduction to Motion Media | 3.0 |
| DIGM 1010 | Introduction to Media Studies | 3.0 |
| EAM 1201 | Project Management in Entertainment and Arts | 3.0 |
| GRDS 1001 | Introduction to Graphic Design | 3.0 |
| IS 3509 | Human-Computer Interaction Fundamentals | 3.0 |
| PHIL 1005 | Critical Reasoning | 3.0 |
| PHYS 1001 | Conceptual Physics | 3.0 |
| PROD 3015 | Understanding Human Factors | 3.0 |
| PSY 3010 | Cognitive Psychology | 3.0 |
| Degree Requirements inside of Program | ||
| Core Studies | ||
| UXID 1110 | UX Research | 3.0 |
| UXID 2210 | UX Design | 3.0 |
| UXID 2120 | UX Storytelling | 3.0 |
| UXID 2310 | Web Authoring | 3.0 |
| UXID 2320 | Web Scripting | 3.0 |
| UXID 3420 | Web Applications | 3.0 |
| UXID 3910 | UX Project | 3.0 |
| UXID 4710 | UXID Professional Practices | 3.0 |
| UXID 4998 | UXID Capstone Project I | 3.0 |
| UXID 4999 | UXID Capstone Project II | 3.0 |
| Electives | ||
| Select four of the following: | 12.0 | |
| Critical Media Studies | ||
| Digital Cultural Heritage | ||
| Design Thinking for Designers | ||
| Advanced Web Authoring | ||
| User Research Methodologies | ||
| UI Design Styles and Trends | ||
| UI Patterns and Systems | ||
| Accessibility in UX | ||
| Special Topics in User Experience and Interaction Design | ||
| Independent Study in User Experience and Interaction Design | ||
| Validating Product Ideas | ||
| Gamification | ||
| Web Application Scripting | ||
| Native Application Scripting | ||
| Independent Study in User Experience and Interaction Design | ||
| Special Topics in User Experience and Interaction Design | ||
| User Interface Design for Immersive Media | ||
| Optional Co-op Experience | ||
| Co-op is an option for this degree for full-time on-campus students. Co-op cycles may vary. Students choosing this option will be required to complete COOP 1001 as preparation for their co-op experience. COOP 1001 registration is determined by the co-op cycle assigned. | 0.0 | |
| Total Credits | 120.0 | |
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A complete list of eligible introductory Core Competency courses can be found here.
Program Learning Outcomes
Upon graduation, stundents will be able to:
1. Conduct user research to identify user needs and inform design decisions.
2. Design user-centered interfaces that are usable, accessible, and visually effective across different devices.
3. Build interactive digital products using front-end and back-end web technologies.
4. Evaluate and refine design solutions through testing and user feedback.
5. Communicate design work through documentation, presentations, and visual materials.
6. Manage UX projects from planning through delivery in team environments.
7. Apply professional and ethical practices in UX design work.