Program Overview
The master’s in interaction design and User Experience at the University of Kansas prepares students to lead the future of human-centered digital experiences through research-driven, ethically grounded, and technically informed design practice. This innovative graduate program focuses on the design, development, and evaluation of interactive systems, blending user-centered research, visual communication, emerging technologies, and strategic design thinking to address complex real-world challenges.
The interaction design master’s program equips students with critical skills in:
- interaction design research
- interface design
- usability evaluation
- interactive prototyping
Students explore how people engage with digital systems across platforms while learning to design meaningful, accessible, and inclusive experiences. Whether you are advancing from a creative background or transitioning from a technology-based role, this design master’s program provides a rigorous foundation for careers focused on experience design, digital products, and interactive systems.
The master’s in interaction design curriculum emphasizes the theory and practice of UX/UI design, grounding students in human-computer interaction principles while encouraging experimentation with contemporary tools and methods. Students engage deeply with interaction design processes—from problem framing and user research to prototyping, testing, and refinement—developing solutions that respond to real human needs. Coursework supports skill development in interaction flows, interface systems, responsive environments, and experience strategy, ensuring graduates can design across evolving technological contexts.
Learn more about KU
Graduate
For more information about the program, visit the program page below.
Interaction Design & User Experience, MAKU School of Architecture and Design
The Master’s in Interaction Design and User Experience is part of the School of Architecture and Design, where students are driven to meet challenges through relentless creativity and solutions-based design.Master’s in Interaction Design and User Experience Learning Outcomes
Graduates of the master’s in interaction design and User Experience program will be able to:
- Conduct user research and apply human-centered design principles to interactive digital solutions
- Design intuitive interfaces across platforms including web, mobile, and emerging interactive technologies
- Utilize industry-standard tools for wireframing, prototyping, and usability testing
- Apply interaction design theory to the creation of responsive and engaging experiences
- Evaluate ethical, social, and cultural impacts of interactive systems
What careers are possible with a Master’s in Design with a concentration in Interaction Design
Graduates of KU’s interaction design master’s programs are prepared for roles across technology, design, education, healthcare, and corporate sectors. According to Lightcast, professionals with advanced training in interaction design and user experience are in strong demand.
- Median Salary: $85,000–$110,000 for roles in UX/UI and digital product design
- Career Paths: UX designer, UI developer, Product designer, Interaction designer, Experience strategist, Usability analyst
- Top Employers: Technology companies, design consultancies, startups, healthcare systems, higher education institutions
- Job Outlook: Rapid growth in demand for professionals skilled in UX/UI design, user research, and product strategy
Tuition and Financial Aid
Graduate students may be eligible for financial support through fellowships, teaching assistantships, and scholarships. For full tuition and aid details, visit the KU Financial Aid & Scholarships Office.Admission Requirements
To apply to KU’s master’s in interaction design program, applicants must:
- Hold a bachelor’s degree in design, computer science, human-computer interaction, or a related field
- GRE test results are not required, but preferred
- Provide official academic transcripts
- Submit a personal statement outlining career goals and interest in interaction design
- A portfolio of your design work, or if your previous degree was not in a design related discipline, samples of written work or other creative artifacts you have produced
- Provide three letters of recommendation
- Include a current résumé or CV
- TOEFL or IELTS scores for international applicants
- For international students, a financial statement showing minimum financial support for the first year of study
For more information on the admissions process, please visit the School of Architecture and Design.
Student Life and Learning Experience
Students in KU’s interaction design master’s program benefit from a strong emphasis on experiential learning. Through studio-based coursework and applied projects, students design interaction solutions for web, mobile, spatial, and emerging interactive environments. This hands-on approach allows students to build fluency in UI/UX development tools and workflows while critically examining the social, cultural, and ethical implications of interactive technology.Master’s in Interaction and User Experience Design Sample Courses
Sample courses in KU’s interaction design graduate programs include:
- Advanced Human Factors in Interaction Design
- Service and User Experience Design
- Design Scenarios and Simulations
- Strategic Design Innovation
See the full course listing in the KU Catalog.
Master’s in Design with a concentration in Interaction Design Frequently Asked Questions
When should I apply?
The application deadline for fall is April 1 and October 1 for spring.
How long will it take to complete the degree?
Students typically complete this degree in two years.