Oct 03, 2024  
2023-2024 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2023-2024 Undergraduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

User Experience Design, BA


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Center Creatio Center for Technology and Design
Academic Awards Bachelor of Arts
Credits Required 122 semester credits
Faculty Lead Craig Chapman
CIP Code 30.3101

User Experience Designers define the structure and behavior of virtually any kind of interface between a human user and a device controlled by computer software. A “device” in this context may be defined as anything with a data input capability (such as a keyboard, keypad, or microphone) and output capability (such as a computer screen, LCD display, speaker, etc.). Common examples of such devices include computers, mobile phones, “smart” speakers, in-car information systems, home automation consoles or even light switches – basically any type of “dedicated” device controlled by software. The goal of this program will be to prepare students for careers where they will design, implement, evaluate, and test device interfaces which are (by design) effective, intuitive and visually compelling.

Graduates with a degree in UX Design will be able to:

  1. Apply the iterative approach of “design thinking” methods to develop solutions to complex problems. 
  2. Develop prototypes of user interfaces using industry standard tools and techniques. 
  3. Analyze user requirements for device and software interfaces, including applications for persons with special needs.  
  4. Design products that meet user requirements and are easy to use. 
  5. Produce a compelling portfolio of user experience projects demonstrating proficiency in the design process.  
  6. Apply concepts and methods learned in this major to designing solutions in the context of team-based projects. 
  7. Articulate how their faith informs their work in the field of UX Design.

Specific employment opportunities for graduates with this degree include:

  • User Experience/Interface Designer – designs user interfaces and experiences
  • Usability Engineer – performs usability testing, determining if interfaces are intuitive and functionally correct
  • Application Developer – develops the software for application programs
  • Application Testing Engineer – tests and validates computer or mobile device applications
  • Web Developer – designs and develops web pages
  • UX Localization Engineer – modifies existing user interfaces to other languages or cultures
  • UX or Application Program Manager – manages the development and release of computer or mobile applications

Core Curriculum Requirements: 57


Humanities: 9


6 credits in this area must be from Writing Practice courses* (see Course Descriptions    for applicability)

  • ENGL xxx3 Any Literature course 3 credits
  • HIST   xxx3 Any Course in History 3 credits
  • 3 additional credits selected from the following 3 credits
    • Art (ARTE), Bible (BIBL), Drama (DRAM), English (ENGL), History (HIST), Language (LANG), Music (MUSI), or Theology (THEO)

Social Sciences: 9


6 credits in this area must be from Writing Practice courses* (see Course Descriptions  for applicability)

  • Select a minimum of two disciplines from the following: 9 credits
    • Business Administration (BUSM), Communication (except COMM 1213), Economics, Education (EDUC), Exercise Science (EXSC), Geography (GEOG), Information Technology (INTC), Management (BMGT), Marketing (BMKT), Philosophy (PHIL), Political Science (PSCI), Psychology (PSYC), Sociology/Anthropology (SOCI), or User Experience Design (UXDE)

Science and Mathematics: 7


  • MATH xxxx - College-level Mathematics 3 credits
  • SCIE xxxx - Science course with Lab 4 credits

Formation and Calling: 3


Professional Readiness: 2


Two Core Curriculum elective credits are required to be Career Readiness credits. These credits can be earned by taking a combination of Career Readiness Courses and introductory internship and/or job shadowing experiences. 

  • This two-credit requirement is waived for students who transfer 57 or more credits to NU
  • Students with 44-56 transfer credits are required to take one Career Readiness credit

Core Electives: 6


Select any college-level courses

Pre-Major Requirements: 8


Pre-Major requirements may be applied to the Core Curriculum requirements or General Electives

Major Requirements: 48


General Electives: 9-17


Total: 122 Semester Credits


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