Improving the User Experience Certificate

Enroll in UW-Stout's condensed Improving the User Experience certificate program and establish a strong foundation while gaining real-world experience to kick-start your career as a UX researcher. Take advantage of the convenience of online learning as you embark on two consecutive eight-week courses within a single semester. Benefit from the guidance of experienced instructors who possess extensive knowledge in online education, UX design, and research. Acquire essential skills in developing and executing UX research projects, analyzing data, and effectively communicating your findings to enhance digital interfaces.

• Complete two sequential 8-week courses in one semester (six credits total)
• Fully online
• Application Deadline: August 1
• Coursework transferable into four graduate degree programs.

Professional development certificates will be awarded to those students who are on Full Academic Standing per Graduate School Policies 2.2.3 (cumulative GPA of 3.0) and have met the certificate requirements. The Graduate School and the certificate program director will certify that all requirements have been met. Students who have successfully completed the professional development certificate will have the credit transcripted and will receive a printed certificate from the UW-Stout Registrar.

Certificate Courses

User Centered Research (ENGL 730)

Gain foundational knowledge in user design principles and user experience research methods. Explore the scope of the field, examine ethical research practices, and become comfortable evaluating the user experience of interfaces. Assess a suite of UXR methods and understand how and when to implement them effectively. Upon completion of this course, you will be prepared to design and carry out a robust UXR project, utilizing methods that are best suited to the situation.

Advanced User Centered Research (ENGL 725)

Design and conduct a professional UXR project, deploying appropriate research methodologies attuned to the interface being evaluated. Recruit and interview users, gather data, evaluate findings, and present those findings to your client. Upon completion of this course, you will be prepared to design UX studies that identify improvements to a variety of design contexts.

*Review the MS TPC Course Planner to see when courses are tentatively planned to be offered.

Admission Requirements and Application Materials

To apply for the certificate program, complete the online application and submit the following program-specific materials:

• Attach an unofficial transcript to the application
• Provide a 500-word statement that addresses your academic history, employment history, and professional goals. Include a discussion of your expectations for online learning and examples of your readiness to participate in an online learning environment.