User Experience Design Programs in Denver, Colorado

Getting a User Experience Design Degree in Denver, Colorado

Are you considering a career in User Experience (UX) Design and wondering where to start? Earning a degree in UX Design can open doors to a dynamic and rewarding profession. Denver, Colorado, with its thriving tech and design industry, offers excellent opportunities to pursue this path. This guide will help you navigate the educational options, career prospects, and resources available in Denver for aspiring UX designers.

What is UX Design?

User Experience Design is a multidisciplinary field focused on enhancing user interaction with digital and physical products. UX designers aim to create intuitive, user-friendly experiences by combining research, design, and technology. Career paths in this field often include roles like UX/UI Designer, Interaction Designer, and UX Researcher.

About Denver, Colorado

Denver, known as the “Mile High City,” is the capital of Colorado and a hub for innovation and technology. Nestled at the base of the Rocky Mountains, Denver offers a unique blend of urban vibrancy and natural beauty. The city’s tech ecosystem is growing rapidly, making it an ideal location for aspiring UX designers.

Explore more about Denver at the City and County of Denver official website.

UX Design Programs in Denver, Colorado

Finding the right educational program is essential for building a strong foundation in UX Design. Here are some schools in and near Denver offering UX Design-related programs:

1. University of Colorado Denver (CU Denver)

Program: Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Digital Design with a focus on UX/UI and Human-Computer Interaction (HCI).
Location: Downtown Denver.
Details: CU Denver’s Digital Design program emphasizes user-centered design, prototyping, and interactive systems. Students benefit from state-of-the-art facilities and internship opportunities.
Website: CU Denver Digital Design Program

2. Rocky Mountain College of Art + Design (RMCAD)

Program: Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Graphic Design with UX/UI coursework.
Location: Lakewood, Colorado (approximately 10 miles from downtown Denver).
Details: RMCAD’s program integrates UX principles into its graphic design curriculum, focusing on user research and interface design.
Website: RMCAD Graphic Design Program

3. Regis University

Program: Master of Science in Information and Technology Management with UX/UI electives.
Location: Northwest Denver.
Details: This graduate program allows students to specialize in UX/UI, equipping them with project management and design skills tailored to tech roles.
Website: Regis University IT Management

If you are willing to explore options slightly farther from Denver, consider Colorado State University in Fort Collins (approximately 65 miles away), which offers a Master’s program in Design Thinking.

UX Design Employment Opportunities in Denver

Denver’s thriving tech industry offers a wealth of employment opportunities for UX designers. Here are some notable companies that frequently hire UX professionals:

1. ServiceNow

Location: Downtown Denver.
Details: ServiceNow is a leading software company specializing in digital workflows. Their Denver office offers roles in product design and UX research.
Website: ServiceNow Careers

2. Sierra Space

Location: Broomfield, Colorado (approximately 15 miles from Denver).
Details: Sierra Space focuses on aerospace technology and innovation, with opportunities for UX designers to work on cutting-edge projects.
Website: Sierra Space Careers

3. TrainingPeaks

Location: Boulder, Colorado (approximately 30 miles from Denver).
Details: A leader in fitness technology, TrainingPeaks offers roles for UX/UI designers in app design and user research.
Website: TrainingPeaks Careers

Prerequisites for UX Design Programs

Before enrolling in a UX Design program, you may need to meet the following prerequisites:

Education Requirements: High school diploma or equivalent for undergraduate programs; bachelor’s degree for master’s programs.
Standardized Testing: Some programs require SAT, ACT, or GRE scores.
Portfolio Submission: Many design programs require a portfolio showcasing your creative work.
Minimum GPA: Varies by institution, typically between 2.5 and 3.0.

UX Design Certification Options

In addition to degree programs, certifications can enhance your skills and marketability. Here are some industry-recognized options:

Nielsen Norman Group (NNG): Offers certifications in UX research and design. NNG Certification
Interaction Design Foundation (IDF): Provides affordable online courses and certifications. IDF Certification
Certified UX Designer: A comprehensive program for UX professionals. Certified UX Designer

Additional Resources for Denver Students

Educational Regulatory Bodies

Colorado Department of Higher Education: Oversees educational quality in Colorado. Learn more
U.S. Department of Education: Provides national resources. Visit website

Professional Organizations

User Experience Professionals Association (UXPA): Offers networking and development opportunities. Visit UXPA

Get Started Today

A career in UX Design starts with the right education and resources. Denver, Colorado, offers excellent programs, a vibrant tech industry, and a supportive professional community. Reach out to a school today to begin your journey toward becoming a UX designer. The future of design starts with your first step.