M.A. in Acting
The M.A. in Acting program at the Academy of Art University is an intensive and highly ...
B.F.A. in Interaction & UI/UX Design
San Francisco, California
INTAKE: Feb, Jun & Sep
Program Overview
The Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.) in Interaction & UI/UX Design at the Academy of Art University is a comprehensive program designed to equip students with the skills necessary to create user-centered digital experiences. The program focuses on the principles of interaction design, user experience (UX), and user interface (UI) design, preparing graduates to develop engaging and intuitive digital interfaces across various platforms, including websites, mobile applications, and interactive systems.
STEM-Designated: The B.F.A. in Interaction & UI/UX Design is STEM-designated, reflecting its emphasis on technical skills and analytical problem-solving. This designation underscores the program’s focus on integrating design principles with technology, including coding, data analysis, and user research methods. The STEM designation also enhances eligibility for Optional Practical Training (OPT) extensions for international students, allowing them to gain valuable work experience in the U.S. after graduation.
Curriculum: The curriculum for the B.F.A. in Interaction & UI/UX Design includes a blend of design theory and practical application. Core courses cover topics such as Interaction Design Principles, User Research and Testing, Wireframing and Prototyping, and Visual Design. Students also engage in advanced coursework on UX Strategy, Responsive Design, and Human-Computer Interaction. The program emphasizes hands-on projects, allowing students to develop real-world portfolios that showcase their skills in designing effective and aesthetically pleasing digital interfaces.
Research Focus: Research within the B.F.A. program is centered on understanding user behaviors, interaction patterns, and emerging technologies. Students explore areas such as user experience research methodologies, the impact of design on user engagement, and the latest trends in UI/UX design. Research projects often involve analyzing user feedback, conducting usability testing, and exploring new tools and techniques for enhancing user experience. This focus ensures that students stay current with industry advancements and best practices.
Industry Engagement: Industry engagement is a critical aspect of the B.F.A. in Interaction & UI/UX Design program. The Academy of Art University connects students with professionals through internships, industry workshops, and networking events. Students have opportunities to work on live projects, collaborate with design agencies, and receive mentorship from experienced designers. This engagement helps students build a strong professional network and gain insights into the industry’s current needs and expectations.
Global Perspective: The program incorporates a global perspective by exploring design practices and trends from around the world. Students are encouraged to consider cultural differences in user behavior and design preferences when creating digital interfaces. The curriculum includes case studies of international design projects and opportunities for students to participate in global design competitions and collaborations. This international outlook prepares students to work in diverse and globalized design environments.
Location
San Francisco, California
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 30528
Undergraduate Entry Requirements
Application Fee: $50
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for undergraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 60% or above in their previous academic qualifications.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall band score of 6.5 with a minimum of 6.,0 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 80 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 85.
The Academy of Art University offers a range of scholarships to international students, helping to make art and design education more accessible. Scholarships are available for both undergraduate and graduate programs, and they can significantly ease the financial burden of tuition.
International Student Scholarship: This scholarship is specifically designed for international students who are applying for undergraduate programs. The award amount varies, and eligibility criteria may include a strong academic background, portfolio quality, and a passion for art and design.
The Spring Show Scholarship: The Spring Show is an annual event showcasing the best works from the Academy's students. This scholarship recognizes students who have participated in this event and demonstrated exceptional talent. It can be a substantial financial aid package.
Athletic Scholarship: International students with exceptional athletic skills may be eligible for athletic scholarships. The availability and amount of these scholarships depend on the student's performance and contribution to the university's sports teams.
Academic Scholarships: The Academy of Art University offers various academic scholarships based on a student's academic performance. Students who have achieved excellence in their previous studies may qualify for these scholarships.
Portfolio Scholarships: Many scholarships are awarded based on the quality of a student's portfolio. These scholarships often require students to submit a portfolio that demonstrates their artistic skills and creativity.
Alumni Scholarships: The Academy values its alumni and offers scholarships to relatives of alumni. This scholarship may be open to international students who have family members who attended the university.
It's important to note that scholarship availability and criteria may change over time.
Graduates of the B.F.A. in Interaction & UI/UX Design from the Academy of Art University have access to a wide range of career opportunities in the rapidly evolving field of digital design. This program equips students with the skills necessary to create intuitive, user-centered digital experiences, preparing them for various roles in the industry.
UX Designer: Focuses on improving the overall user experience of digital products by researching user needs, creating wireframes and prototypes, and conducting usability testing to refine interfaces.
UI Designer: Specializes in designing the visual elements of user interfaces, including layout, typography, and color schemes, ensuring that digital products are not only functional but also visually appealing.
Interaction Designer: Develops interactive elements of digital products, including how users interact with interfaces and how those interactions are structured to enhance user engagement.
User Researcher: Conducts research to understand user behaviors, needs, and motivations through methods such as surveys, interviews, and usability testing, providing valuable insights to inform design decisions.
Product Designer: Works on the end-to-end design of digital products, integrating both UI and UX principles to create cohesive and user-friendly solutions across various platforms.
UI/UX Strategist: Develops and implements strategies for improving user experience and interface design, aligning design goals with business objectives and user needs.
Design Consultant: Provides expert advice to organizations on improving their digital products and user interfaces, offering solutions to enhance usability and overall user satisfaction.
Front-End Developer: Combines design skills with coding knowledge to build and implement user interfaces for websites and applications, ensuring that designs are functional and responsive.
Interaction Director: Oversees the design and implementation of interactive elements in digital products, managing teams of designers and ensuring that the user experience is optimized.
Freelance Designer: Offers design services on a project-by-project basis, working with various clients to create custom UI/UX solutions and build a diverse portfolio of work.
