What You’ll Learn as a UX/UI Design Major: Courses & Skills

The way we interact with technology is constantly evolving, with UX/UI designers at the forefront of shaping impactful digital experiences. 

At the Tulane School of Professional Advancement (SoPA), our BA in Digital Design (Interactive UX/UI Track) is built for creative minds who want to design intuitive, engaging, and user-friendly digital products.

This program blends theory with hands-on learning, covering key areas such as prototyping, branding, and motion design. Taught by industry professionals, the curriculum helps students build both technical proficiency and creative problem-solving skills.

If you’re considering our UX/UI Design major, here’s an overview of what you can expect to learn.

Why Major in UX/UI Design?

As businesses continue to expand their digital presence, the need for UX/UI professionals has never been greater. Companies across industries rely on skilled designers to create seamless user experiences, making UX/UI design a valuable and in-demand career path.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, digital design jobs, which include UX and UI roles, are projected to grow by 8% — a rate faster than the average for other occupations.

This growing field offers opportunities beyond tech companies. Expertise in user experience and interface design is highly sought after in marketing, branding, and product development, paving the way for careers as UX designers, UI designers, and interaction designers.

While boot camps can offer a quick introduction to UX/UI, they often lack the depth and practical application needed for long-term success. A structured degree program provides a more comprehensive foundation, integrating core design principles with real-world experience.

Skills You’ll Gain During Your Studies

Through Tulane SoPA’s BA courses spanning 120 credit hours, you’ll gain core skills in UX and UI design, including: 

• - Information architecture and wireframing
• - Prototyping and usability testing
• - Interaction and visual design, including typography
• - Advanced motion techniques
• - Branding and storytelling
• - HTML basics
• - Collaboration and project management

These skills will equip you to design user-friendly digital products, work effectively within teams, and compile a professional portfolio that demonstrates your expertise to potential employers.

UX/UI Courses at a Glance

Block 1

Digital Design Foundations

This course explores key concepts in graphic and interactive design. You’ll learn color theory for print and digital media, design terminology, file formats, project workflow, typography, and Adobe software basics. 

Digital Imaging

This course focuses on raster image creation in a digital environment, linking technology with creative problem-solving. You’ll explore Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom, photo manipulation, digital painting, darkroom techniques, and image preparation for various media. 

Digital Illustration

This course covers digital illustration, blending technology with creative problem-solving. You’ll work with Adobe Illustrator, learning tools, techniques, color theory, photorealism, and historical perspectives in digital art.

Block 2

Typography Studio I

This course explores typography as both communication and visual expression. You’ll study type history, anatomy, classifications, terminology, print vs. screen typesetting, typography rules, hierarchy, and formalism.

History of Graphic Design

This course traces graphic design history from early visual communication to modern composition, following Meggs’ History of Graphic Design. You’ll explore key movements, create period-inspired designs, and examine connections to fine art.

Foundations of Interactive Design

This course covers interactive design from both front-end and back-end perspectives. You’ll learn UX/UI principles, HTML basics, CSS structure, visual hierarchy, animation, and image preparation for the web, along with historical influences in interactive design.

Block 3

Branding & Semiotics

This course explores semiotics and identity design, focusing on logos and branding. You’ll study signs, symbols, and what makes logos iconic. Through analysis and the design process, you’ll go hands-on in creating logos, symbols, and app icons.

Intro to UX Design

This course focuses on UX design, empathy-based creations, user engagement, and best practices. You’ll analyze case studies, develop concept-driven strategies for mock clients, and create wireframes and prototypes.

Block 4

Interactive Design Studio I

This course covers design for mobile, display, and interactive solutions, focusing on UX/UI and aesthetics. You’ll explore the latest authoring and animation tools, applying your skills to create dynamic, responsive experiences for various digital platforms.

Motion Design Studio I

This course introduces the history and theory of motion graphics and animation. You’ll use Adobe After Effects to create industry-standard assets for video, web, and social media. Through storyboarding, style frames, and animatics, you’ll develop a professional workflow from concept to final delivery, including rendering, compressing, and exporting files for stakeholders.

Block 5

Digital Narrative Studio I

This course explores storytelling across various digital platforms. You’ll learn video editing, visual storytelling, and digital production tools to create short narratives that inform, entertain, or market ideas. Through lectures and projects, you’ll examine formats like film, TV, and social media, analyzing how each medium shapes messaging and audience engagement.

Motion Design Studio II

This course expands on motion design fundamentals, focusing on advanced animation techniques. Using Adobe After Effects, you’ll integrate motion graphics with video and UI elements to create concept-driven narratives. Topics include motion tracking, 3D layers, cameras, micro animations, and design patterns. 

Block 6

Interactive Design Studio II

This course advances UX/UI and interactive design techniques, emphasizing concept-driven communication. You’ll explore advanced design strategies and apply them to class projects, creating content-rich solutions within an interactive context. Using a mobile-first approach, you’ll develop working prototypes that enhance user engagement.

Capstone: Media & Design

This course simulates an agency setting where Media + Design students collaborate to develop and execute a campaign for a real-world client. You’ll conduct research, create strategic plans, implement design and media tactics, and measure success. Through this hands-on experience, you’ll apply your skills in branding, marketing, and interactive design while producing professional portfolio pieces.

UX/UI Design Degree FAQs

Is the UX/UI Design degree suitable for beginners?

Yes! The UX/UI Design degree is perfect for beginners. You’ll start with the fundamentals, learning key design principles, industry tools, and research methods step by step. No prior experience is required — just a curiosity for intuitive design and creative problem-solving.

Do I have to complete course blocks in order?

Yes, course blocks must be completed in order. You’ll need to finish all courses in one block before moving on to the next. However, you can take multiple courses within a block at the same time.

Can I transfer credits to the UX/UI Design major?

Yes, you can transfer credits from prior coursework or another institution. You may apply up to 60 transfer credits toward the 120-credit degree requirement, helping you save time and stay on track toward graduation. Learn more about transferring undergraduate credits.

Study UX/UI Design at Tulane SoPA

In today’s digital-centric landscape, UX/UI expertise is more crucial than ever — making our BA in Digital Design a smart investment in your long-term career growth. 

Every project you complete becomes a portfolio piece, ensuring you graduate with tangible, real-world samples of your abilities. Whether you’re looking to break into the design field or build on existing skills, our program gives you the technical knowledge, creative thinking, and strategic problem-solving needed to excel. 

Ready to learn more? Request information today to see how Tulane SoPA can help you thrive as a UX/UI design professional.