User Experience Design Programs in Orlando, Florida
Getting a User Experience Design Degree in Orlando, Florida
Are you considering a rewarding career in User Experience (UX) Design? Earning a UX Design degree in Orlando, Florida, can open doors to exciting opportunities in the tech and design industries. This guide will walk you through the options available in Orlando, including educational programs, certification opportunities, and local career prospects.
UX Design focuses on improving how users interact with digital products, making it an essential discipline in today’s technology-driven world. Whether you’re looking for a degree, certification, or specialized courses, the options in Orlando cater to a variety of career goals.
About Orlando, Florida
Orlando, known as “The City Beautiful,” is not only a global tourist destination but also a growing hub for technology and design industries. Home to iconic attractions like Walt Disney World and Universal Studios, Orlando also boasts a thriving economy supported by technology, healthcare, and higher education sectors. For more information about Orlando, visit City of Orlando’s official website.
UX Design Programs in Orlando, Florida
Several institutions in and near Orlando offer programs in UX Design and related fields. Below is an overview of local schools and their offerings:
1. Valencia College
- Program: Associate in Science (A.S.) in Graphic and Interactive Design with a UI/UX focus
- Location: Orlando, Florida
- Description: Valencia College offers a hands-on A.S. program that prepares students for careers in graphic and interactive design, including user interface (UI) and user experience (UX) design. The curriculum includes courses in design principles, interactive media, and portfolio development.
- Website: Valencia College Graphic and Interactive Design
2. American Graphics Institute
- Program: UX Design Certificate
- Location: Orlando, Florida
- Description: This certificate program provides 119 hours of live instruction, one-on-one mentoring, and portfolio development. It’s ideal for professionals looking to enhance their UX skills or transition into a UX-focused career.
- Website: American Graphics Institute UX Certificate
3. University of Central Florida (UCF)
- Program: Human-Computer Interaction Courses (part of the Computer Science program)
- Location: Orlando, Florida
- Description: UCF offers courses in Human-Computer Interaction within its Computer Science program. While not a dedicated UX Design degree, these courses provide foundational knowledge in design principles and usability testing.
- Website: UCF Computer Science Program
If you are unable to find a suitable program in Orlando, consider exploring nearby institutions. For example, Full Sail University in Winter Park (approximately 10 miles from Orlando) offers a Bachelor’s degree in Digital Arts and Design with UX-related coursework.
UX Design Employment Opportunities in Orlando
Orlando’s growing tech scene offers numerous opportunities for UX Design professionals. Below are some top companies and organizations hiring UX designers:
1. EA Tiburon (Electronic Arts)
- Location: Maitland (Greater Orlando Area)
- Description: EA Tiburon, a division of Electronic Arts, specializes in game development. They often seek UX Designers to enhance user experiences in their gaming interfaces.
- Website: EA Careers
2. Disney Parks, Experiences, and Products
- Location: Lake Buena Vista
- Description: Disney’s digital teams focus on creating seamless user experiences for their apps, websites, and interactive products. UX Designers play a key role in ensuring customer satisfaction.
- Website: Disney Careers
3. AdventHealth
- Location: Downtown Orlando
- Description: A leading healthcare provider, AdventHealth employs UX Designers to improve digital health tools and patient portals.
- Website: AdventHealth Careers
Prerequisites for UX Design Programs
Admission requirements for UX Design programs in Orlando vary by institution. Common prerequisites include:
- A high school diploma or equivalent
- SAT/ACT scores (for degree programs)
- A minimum GPA (varies by school)
- Portfolio submission (may be required for advanced programs)
For example, Valencia College requires placement tests for its A.S. program, while American Graphics Institute’s UX Certificate has no prerequisites.
UX Design Certification Options
In addition to degrees, certifications can enhance your credentials as a UX Designer. Consider the following options:
American Graphics Institute UX Design Certificate
- Details: Comprehensive training with 119 hours of live instruction and portfolio development.
- Website: AGI UX Certificate
Interaction Design Foundation (IDF): Certified UX Designer
- Details: Online certification covering UX fundamentals, user research, and interaction design.
- Website: IDF Certifications
Nielsen Norman Group UX Certification
- Details: Industry-recognized certification offering specialized UX training.
- Website: NNG UX Certification
Get Started Today
Orlando offers a variety of educational paths, from associate degrees to certifications, to help you begin or advance your career in UX Design. With a growing demand for UX professionals, now is the perfect time to take the next step. Contact a school today to explore your options and start shaping the future of digital experiences.