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 M.S. Technical and Professional Communication and M.F.A. Design degrees.
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.
Courses
User Centered Research (ENGL 730)
Learn the Essentials of User Design & Research
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)
Learn the Art of Professional UXR Project Design
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.
Certificate Requirements
The certificate is an alternative credential for individuals seeking to obtain new knowledge and skills.*
- ENGL-730 User-Centered Research (Online)
- ENGL-725 Advanced User-Centered Research (Online)
*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.
Related Certificates
Tuition & Fees
Customized Instruction at UW Stout can be described as programs that are designed with the adult learner in mind. If you're comparing UW-Stout's customized instruction tuition to our competitors, keep in mind:
- Customized instruction tuition rate includes the textbook rental fee.
- There are no additional university-based semester or technology fees.
- Students in customized instruction programs pay the same rate of tuition regardless if Wisconsin residents, out-of-state or international participants.
Value for Your Money
There’s more to value than just tuition. UW Stout also provides:
- Program Director – faculty with discipline expertise.
- Student Services adviser – one point of contact, providing support to students for each program.
- Course sequences and matrices – know what courses are offered when so you can plan ahead.
- Courses and programs may be stackable for use in another program.
- Courses are flexible and convenient for working professionals.
Other universities will present costs and value differently - make sure you're comparing apples to apples.