Study UX/UI Design

User interface design (UI) focuses on the look and feel of a website or app. This is typically related to buttons, layouts, typography, and colors, but it extends to anything you can see and interact with. User experience design (UX) focuses on how users interact with a website or app. It explores why information is presented and what users experience moving from point A to point B.

To become a UI or UX designer, you need to build skills through real-world projects that demonstrate how you think and design. After learning the fundamentals, you’ll develop experience with tools and methods like Figma, user research, wireframing, prototyping, and usability testing. You'll also want to develop skills related to design, code, and psychology, all in order to create user-friendly experiences.

Employers place strong emphasis on your portfolio. It should showcase complete projects and your process, including research, user flows, sketches, iterations, and final prototypes. These experiences can come from classwork, personal projects, internships, or redesigning existing digital products.

While a specific degree isn’t required, pursuing a UX/UI program or a related field can help you build these skills more intentionally. Our UX/UI program emphasizes hands-on learning and portfolio development through real-world experiences. Students can pursue internships, collaborate with the Center for Design, and work with the Office of Career Design to connect their education to career paths and prepare for roles in the field.

Absolutely. UX design sits at the intersection of creativity, psychology, and problem-solving. Designers improve accessibility, usability, and everyday experiences, and the field offers opportunities across industries like tech, healthcare, education, finance, and government.

It is a competitive field, so building a strong portfolio is essential. At the same time, UX continues to grow, with roles both inside and outside of tech. You can explore job outlook data through the Bureau of Labor Statistics to get a better understanding of the career opportunities within UI, UX, and interaction design.

A UX degree can be highly valuable when it provides structure, mentorship, and intentional portfolio development. Students gain guided practice in UX methods, regular feedback from instructors and peers, and access to internships and industry connections that help bridge the gap between school and professional practice. While a degree is not required for every UX role, building a strong portfolio, gaining mentorship, and developing industry connections independently can be difficult.

At PNCA, students build a strong foundation in UX design through hands-on learning in prototyping, coding, user research, and design methods. Coursework is designed to move beyond theory, giving students opportunities to apply skills in real projects. Strengthen your portfolio through coding workshops, class projects, UI/UX research, and other on-campus opportunities.

Students also benefit from a network of practicing designers and alumni working across the industry, with connections to organizations such as Nike, Microsoft, Wieden+Kennedy, NBC News, UNICEF, and the Portland Trail Blazers. These relationships help students understand current professional practices while building pathways into internships and careers.

In addition, students can work through the Center for Design on client-based projects that mirror real-world design challenges. With support from the Center for Career Design and academic advisors, students are guided through portfolio development, career exploration, and the transition into the professional world.