User Experience and User Interface Design Major

Embark on a journey to design intuitive digital experiences with this STEM-certified, 126-credit Bachelor of Fine Arts in User Experience and User Interface Design in the Tyler School of Art and Architecture. This innovative undergraduate program blends aesthetic design principles with an in-depth understanding of user behavior and technology. Students will master the art of creating seamless, user-centric interactions across various platforms, developing expertise in interface design, information architecture and user research while utilizing industry-standard tools and methodologies.

poster for the Park Plaza Victoria of Amsterdam.

Work by design students at Tyler

What is user experience and user interface?

User experience (also referred to as UX) and user interface (also referred to as UI) are related concepts in design; however, they refer to different aspects of how users interact with a product or system.

UX involves the overall experience a user has when interacting with a product or service. It focuses on efficiency and usability, and it often involves research and prototyping.

UI involves the visual elements and interactive components of a product. These may include buttons, menus, icons, typography or color schemes. The goal of user interface is to help make the user’s interaction intuitive and aesthetically pleasing.

Why study User Experience and User Interface Design at Tyler?

Comprehensive curriculum: Tyler’s program provides a balanced education that integrates aesthetic design principles with a deep understanding of user behavior, technology and functionality. Students gain skills in interface design, information architecture, user research and prototype testing, ensuring they are well-rounded designers.
Personalized mentorship: Small class sizes allow for individualized attention from expert faculty, giving students the opportunity to receive tailored feedback and guidance from leaders in the UX/UI field.
Hands-on experience in a creative and collaborative environment: Students work with industry-standard tools and technologies, participating in real-world projects and collaborative assignments that prepare them for the demands of the professional world. Tyler fosters a collaborative, creativity-driven learning atmosphere where students can experiment with diverse mediums and push the boundaries of design thinking.
Career preparation: The program emphasizes practical application, strategic thinking and portfolio development, preparing graduates to enter a growing job market with the skills needed to excel in UX/UI design roles.
State-of-the-art facilities: Students have access to the cutting-edge facilities and resources of Temple University, a leading public research institution. The program emphasizes hands-on learning, with dedicated studio time for mastering UX/UI design tools and techniques. Students will have access to the latest industry-standard software and technologies, supported by coursework that explores user research, interaction design and the principles of human-centered design.
Location: As part of Temple University, Tyler is in the culturally rich and dynamic urban setting of Philadelphia, providing access to a vibrant design community, internships and professional networking opportunities.

Work by design students at Tyler

User Experience and User Interface Design Minor

The User Experience and User Interface Design Minor equips nonmajors at Temple and Tyler with foundational skills in creating user-centered digital experiences. Through courses covering interface design, information architecture and user research, students gain practical insights into the UX/UI process. The curriculum emphasizes creative problem-solving, prototyping and real-world application, preparing students to collaborate effectively in professional settings. This minor is available only to students outside of the Design and Illustration Department and complements a variety of majors by enhancing their understanding of user experience and digital interaction design. For more information about the minor, please contact Kelly Holohan, professor and program head of graphic and interactive design, at kholohan@temple.edu.

Student Outcomes

Upon completing the BFA in User Experience and User Interface Design, students will have mastered the principles of UX/UI design, with a focus on crafting user-centered digital experiences that prioritize both aesthetics and functionality. They will gain expertise in areas such as information architecture, user research methodologies and prototype testing. Students will be able to design intuitive and accessible interactions across various platforms. With hands-on experience using industry-standard tools and technologies, students will develop the technical skills needed to solve real-world design challenges effectively.

Graduates will also refine their creative problem-solving abilities and strategic thinking, enabling them to approach complex design issues with innovative solutions. By the end of the program, they will have built a well-rounded portfolio that highlights their design problem-solving abilities, interdisciplinary collaboration and creative process, preparing them to stand out in the competitive job market. With the skills and experience gained, Tyler graduates will be ready to enter the rapidly evolving UX/UI field and take on roles that shape the future of digital products and enhance user experiences. Learn more about career services and opportunities for students.

example of a website with a cohesive UX/UI experience.

Work by design students at Tyler

Foundations

All undergraduate first-year students at Tyler begin with a yearlong immersion in our foundations program. Foundations is a multidisciplinary curriculum through which students gain knowledge in essential concepts and theories, established principles and practices, and time-honored skills and techniques in the study of art, design and the built environment. Students develop a global understanding of artistic traditions and the role of art and design in society before choosing a major in their second year at Tyler.

In the art programs, including graphic and interactive design, students begin with focused study of drawing, 2D design and 3D design. They explore diverse materials, processes and perspectives—from the traditional and low-tech to the innovative and experimental. This bachelor’s degree program is highly structured and intensive, and imparts fundamental studio practices for all visual art. Through the foundations coursework, students gain an academic grounding in the forms, techniques, styles, subjects and symbolism represented in art, architecture and design. Faculty members from across the art and design areas teach the foundations courses, assuring a broad range of experience and diverse viewpoints.

Learn more about the foundations program at Tyler.

Student Life

As a student at the Tyler School of Art and Architecture, you’ll be part of a community that advances creativity and prioritizes you and how you engage in the world, in and out of the studio. Learn how Tyler empowers you to realize your vision, grow and make your mark.

Explore More About the Student Experience at Tyler

Classes & Curriculum

The BFA in User Experience and User Interface Design curriculum begins with foundational courses in design principles, drawing and visual communication. Students will develop a strong artistic base before diving into more specialized topics. In their sophomore and junior years, students begin to focus on courses in the major, including the following.

Accessible Design
Advanced Digital Tools
Design Research Methods
Design Systems
Designing for the User
Service Design

See the courses you will take as a student in the User Experience and User Interface Design Major.

Concentrations

You can focus on User Experience and User Interface Design or you can take one of the following concentrations.

Art Education

Prepare to qualify for the Pennsylvania Teaching Certification in art, kindergarten through 12th grade. Students complete the BFA requirements along with 32 credit hours in art education, education and specified liberal arts courses. Education-related studies begin in students’ second year. Students generally take five years to fulfill all requirements or the 155-credit degree.
View Concentration Details

Related Minors

Graphic and Interactive Design Minor
Illustration and Emerging Media Minor

Related Undergraduate Degrees

Related Graduate Degrees

Graphic and Interactive Design MFA

Related Certificates

Creative Entrepreneurship

Tuition & Fees

In keeping with Temple’s commitment to access and affordability, the Bachelor of Fine Arts offers a competitive level of tuition with multiple opportunities for financial support.

Tuition rates are set annually by the university and are affected by multiple factors, including program degree level (undergraduate or graduate), course load (full- or part-time), in-state or out-of-state residency, and more. You can view the full Cost of Attendance breakdown on the Student Financial Services website.

These tuition costs apply to the 2024–2025 academic year.

Pennsylvania resident: $25,848.00 per year
Out-of-state: $43,032.00 per year

Our Academic Advisors

Tyler’s academic advising team offers every Tyler student one-on-one, personal and academic guidance, beginning at Orientation right through to graduation. The academic advisors help you chart your course through your degree program and major, and ensure you are on a clear educational path.

Advisors are available to discuss registration, study abroad and staying on track to graduate, as well as policy and procedures and navigating other available resources across the university.

Appointments with the advising team can be made by visiting the Student Tools tab in TUportal. General questions can be submitted to the team’s virtual front desk during regular business hours, 8 a.m.–5 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Academic Advising Office
Tyler 212
2001 N. 13th St.
Philadelphia, PA 19122

Student Clubs and Organizations

Joining a student organization can enrich your coursework, help you build meaningful networks with peers and gain leadership experience. Below are examples of student clubs and organizations that can help you grow academically, creatively and professionally.

American Institute of Architecture Students (AIAS) is an independent, nonprofit, student-run organization. AIAS provides unmatched programs, information and resources on issues critical to architectural education.
National Organization of Minority Architecture Students at Temple University serves minority architecture students, enhancing their educational experience by providing them with ample opportunities to explore facets of design and community-building outside of the classroom.
American Society of Landscape Architects, Student Chapter at Temple’s Ambler Campus works to advance landscape architecture through advocacy, education and fellowship.

See a full list of student organizations.

Study Away

Exposure to diverse cultures, environments and mindsets is essential for art, architecture and design students. At Tyler, you are encouraged to broaden your perspective and explore unique environments through study away programs.

Programs to study in Rome, Tokyo and Venice are offered throughout the year.

For a half-century, Temple Rome has been a center for hands-on, interdisciplinary learning, where the “Eternal City” is the classroom, the studio and the campus. It offers extensive experiences for art and architecture students, with courses in architecture, art history, drawing, liberal arts, painting, photography, printmaking and sculpture.

Temple University Japan offers a Bachelor of Arts in Art with a Digital Media concentration. Students may also take individual digital photography, art history and architecture courses on the Japan campus.

The Education Abroad and Overseas Campuses office is available to answer questions.
Email: study.abroad@temple.edu
Phone: 215-204-0720

Accreditation

Tyler School of Art and Architecture’s degree programs are accredited by the following accrediting bodies.

Tyler School of Art and Architecture’s architecture and environmental design programs are accredited by the following accrediting bodies.

National Architectural Accrediting Board (Master of Architecture)
Landscape Architecture Accreditation Board (Bachelor of Science in Landscape Architecture and Master of Landscape Architecture)
Planning Accreditation Board (Master of Science in City and Regional Planning)
International Facilities Management Association (Bachelor of Science in Facilities Management)

TA-UXUI-BFA

Additional Program Information

Available as a minor.

School/College Site