User Experience Design Programs in Charlotte, North Carolina
Getting a User Experience Design Degree in Charlotte, North Carolina
User Experience (UX) Design is a rapidly growing field that combines creativity, technology, and problem-solving to enhance how users interact with digital products and services. A career in UX Design offers opportunities to work in industries ranging from technology and healthcare to education and entertainment. If you’re considering earning a UX Design degree in Charlotte, North Carolina, this guide will provide you with the essential information to begin your journey.
About Charlotte, North Carolina
Charlotte, also known as the Queen City, is the largest city in North Carolina and a major financial hub in the southeastern United States. Home to a thriving tech and creative community, Charlotte offers an excellent environment for budding UX designers. The city features diverse neighborhoods such as Uptown, South End, and NoDa (North Davidson), which are hubs of innovation and culture. For more information about Charlotte, visit the official city website.
UX Design Programs in Charlotte, North Carolina
Charlotte is home to several educational institutions offering programs and courses related to UX Design. Below is a list of local and nearby schools that can help you achieve your career goals.
University of North Carolina at Charlotte (UNC Charlotte)
- Program: Bachelor of Arts in Art with a Concentration in Digital Media
- Location: University City neighborhood
- Overview: This program includes courses in design principles, digital media, and human-computer interaction, providing foundational skills for aspiring UX designers.
- Website: UNC Charlotte Art Department
Johnson & Wales University – Charlotte Campus
- Program: Bachelor’s in Graphic Design & Digital Media
- Location: Uptown Charlotte
- Overview: While focused on graphic design, this program includes UX design principles, user research, and prototyping in its curriculum.
- Website: JWU Charlotte
Queens University of Charlotte
- Program: Digital Media Design Certificate
- Location: Myers Park neighborhood
- Overview: This certificate program offers specialized coursework in digital design, usability testing, and user interface development, ideal for professionals seeking to enhance their UX design skills.
- Website: Queens University
If you’re willing to explore options outside Charlotte, consider these nearby schools:
North Carolina State University (NCSU)
- Program: Bachelor’s in Design Studies or Master’s in Graphic Design (with a focus on UX)
- Distance from Charlotte: 2.5 hours (Raleigh, NC)
- Overview: Known for its strong design programs, NCSU emphasizes human-centered design and interdisciplinary learning.
- Website: NCSU College of Design
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC Chapel Hill)
- Program: Master of Science in Information Science (MSIS)
- Distance from Charlotte: 2 hours (Chapel Hill, NC)
- Overview: The MSIS program offers courses in user research, interaction design, and information architecture.
- Website: UNC Chapel Hill School of Information and Library Science
UX Design Employment Opportunities in Charlotte
Charlotte’s growing tech scene provides ample opportunities for UX designers to thrive. Below are some key employers in the region:
Red Ventures
- Industry: Technology and Marketing
- Location: Indian Land, SC (South Charlotte area)
- Overview: Red Ventures specializes in digital marketing and employs UX designers to create user-focused interfaces for their platforms.
- Careers Page: Red Ventures Careers
Bank of America
- Industry: Financial Services
- Location: Uptown Charlotte
- Overview: As one of the largest financial institutions in the country, Bank of America hires UX designers to improve customer experiences across its digital platforms.
- Careers Page: Bank of America Careers
Lowe’s Companies Inc.
- Industry: Retail and E-commerce
- Location: Mooresville, NC (30 minutes from Charlotte)
- Overview: Lowe’s employs UX professionals to enhance its e-commerce platforms and mobile applications.
- Careers Page: Lowe’s Careers
Wells Fargo
- Industry: Financial Services
- Location: Uptown Charlotte
- Overview: This multinational bank hires UX designers to develop user-friendly interfaces for its online banking tools.
- Careers Page: Wells Fargo Careers
Prerequisites for UX Design Programs
Before enrolling in a UX Design program, it’s important to understand the typical prerequisites. These may include:
- Educational Background: A high school diploma or equivalent for undergraduate programs; a bachelor’s degree for graduate programs.
- Portfolio: Some institutions require a portfolio showcasing design work or creative projects.
- Standardized Tests: SAT/ACT scores for undergraduate programs, GRE scores for graduate programs (varies by institution).
- Letters of Recommendation: May be required for competitive programs.
UX Design Certification Options
If you’re looking to advance your skills or complement your degree, consider earning a UX Design certification:
Nielsen Norman Group (NNG) UX Certification
- Description: A globally recognized certification covering UX research, design thinking, and usability testing.
- Website: Nielsen Norman Group
Interaction Design Foundation (IDF) Certifications
- Description: Offers a range of certifications, including Human-Computer Interaction and User Research.
- Website: Interaction Design Foundation
Google UX Design Certificate
- Description: An affordable, beginner-friendly program available on Coursera.
- Website: Google UX Design Certificate
Get Started Today
A career in User Experience Design offers the chance to shape how people interact with technology in meaningful ways. Whether you choose to enroll in a local program in Charlotte or pursue an online option, the skills you gain will prepare you for a dynamic and rewarding profession. Contact a school today to take the first step toward your UX Design degree and start building your future in this exciting field.