Top UX Design Certificates & Certifications in Dallas

UX Design, or User Experience Design, analyzes and improves the interaction between a product or service and the user. A UX Designer may focus on tech–apps, computer software, devices–or more ordinary projects like a refrigerator or microwave.

UX Designers are part detective, feng shui master, designer, and researcher. The role requires deep adherence to the design process: empathize, define, ideate, prototype, and test. Sometimes, a UX Designer must create several prototypes before landing on a successful iteration. If the idea of making products more intuitive or user-friendly, this may be an excellent role for you. 

Some of the top industries for UX Designers, healthcare, aerospace, information technology, and financial services hold a heavy presence in the Dallas area. Plus, the area supports its UX Designers through events, workshops, and design conferences. With a thriving UX Design community and numerous training opportunities, you will stay current with the latest industry trends and be able to network with other professionals. Plus, the Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington metro area is the seventh highest in the nation for number of current Web and Digital Interface Designer jobs. UX Designers earn, on average, $147,000 in Dallas.

Noble Desktop: UX & UI Design Certificate

Key Information: This user experience and user interface design course covers the fundamentals needed for landing an entry-level UX or UI design position. This part-time certificate program lasts for 24 weeks and costs about $3,500. Participants can pay in full or participate in several different payment plans. No prerequisites are required. The course includes one-to-one mentoring and professional help for job applications. Plus, former students may repeat any portion of the course for free.

The course covers UI and UX fundamentals. One of the first topics it introduces is the standard UI patterns a designer may encounter such as menus, tabs, and breadcrumbs. Students learn how to use these common options to create easily navigable screens. The course also covers UX design, including how to use the design process to create plausible products.

Once students understand UX and UI Design, they work through examples and models, creating original items to add to a portfolio. Plus, students learn how to leverage relevant software like Figma. Students also receive six one-on-one mentoring sessions for resume building, interviewing tips, and reinforcing best practices. On top of the hours spent in class each week, students should expect to spend five to ten hours outside completing work. 

General Assembly: UX Design Immersive

Key Information: This beginner-friendly, full-time, three-month-long course costs $16,450. The company requires students to pay upfront, divide the tuition into four payments, or apply for a loan. If cost is a concern, the company may have some discounts available.

Even though the course has no prerequisites, the company mentions that many students are familiar with graphic and web design tools or have previous exposure to UX concepts. General Assembly’s course includes access to their Career Services program. Students receive help searching for a job, creating a resume, prepping for an interview, and negotiating a salary. 

Enrolled students learn the steps of design thinking and design skills. Then, they complete various solo and group projects to cement their knowledge and add to a professional portfolio. The final capstone project is a group three-week design sprint for an app, website, or product. 

New Horizons: User Experience Design (UX) for Non-UX People

Key Information: This full two-day workshop translates the technical jargon of UX into something understandable for people lacking web development or technical training or experience. The course costs about $1900 and doesn’t require any prerequisites. Students can take the class online or in-person, depending on local demand. 

Participants learn to analyze the needs of their future content users, including how they interact with technology. Students gain an understanding of the function of UX within a business. They will also acquire a process for improving design: selecting various ways to organize content, streamlining navigation and ease of use, and collecting user input and feedback to improve the design.

The school does not offer any career support services. Individuals with a technical background may wish to take Mastering User Experience (UX) Design for Experienced Web Developers instead. 

SMU Continuing & Professional Education: User Experience Design Certificate

Key Information: The certificate program can be finished in 6-18 months. Registering in advance takes $300 off the regular $3,945 tuition price. Students can apply for a training loan through Sallie Mae to finance the program or enroll in a payment plan. 

The certificate program consists of four required courses: Introduction to User Experience, User Research and User-Centered Analysis, User Experience Design and Process Strategy, and Usability Testing. Students will also select two electives of their choosing. Some electives assist in designing a UX portfolio or diving into design thinking principles. 

The course has no prerequisites. Expect to spend about 6 hours per week outside of class completing homework or projects. Students will pass or fail a course based on the quality of the projects. 

DevMountain: UX Design Course

Key Information: With part-time and full-time options, this course readies students to become UX Designers. DevMountain has locations in Dallas, Houston, and Utah but teaches the course live online. The full-time course lasts 13 weeks and costs $10,900, while the part-time option extends across 16 weeks and costs $9,900. There are no prerequisites for the course. 

The program teaches students the steps of design thinking, heavily emphasizing research and prototyping. It also covers information architecture and website or application design. Students complete several projects as they master UX design skills. 

DevMountain partners with educational lenders to aid future students in paying for the course. They also provide career support. The career support team helps students generate a job search plan, resume, social media brand, and portfolio. It can support interviewing and networking as well. 

FAQ for UX Design Certificates

What is the Difference Between a Certificate and a Certification?

Certificates and certifications are both ways of recognizing that a person has gained knowledge in UX design. However, the two convey slightly different skill levels.

A certificate is typically gained upon completion of a training program and indicates the holder has a specific level of competency in a subject. Training programs may be offered at a university but are more likely held at a training center or through an online platform. Certificate programs may last from a few weeks to a year, depending on the content. 

According to a professional organization, certifications tend to be more formal and support that an individual has achieved a specific level of expertise. Certification programs often require thorough assessments such as formal exams and evaluations of professional experience. Earning a certification demonstrates that the holder has a high level of proficiency.

Should I Pursue a Certificate or a Certification?

When enrolling in professional training, you’ll sometimes encounter certificate and certification courses. Select an option after considering your career goals, personal interests, and whether the additional time and expense make a difference.

Certificate programs are ideal for students who want to quickly develop skills in an area. These programs often require less time or financial investment than a certification. Career changers or people entering the workforce after a long absence may prefer certificate programs. 

Certifications tend to be more popular among those with a career and wish to advance. Earning a certification tends to be more rigorous, so it can earn respect within industries. It also may help the certification holder earn a higher salary. 

Do I Need to Become Certified to Find a Job?

Whether you need a certificate or a certification to find a job depends on the industry and the specific job. In some fields such as UX design, many options exist for finding a job. An individual may earn a degree, gain a certificate or certification, gather relevant experience, or pursue self-guided learning. 

Enrolling in a certificate program is one option that is affordable and effective for entering the UX design field. Many certificate programs include building a portfolio to showcase work to future employers. Sharing work directly with a potential employer demonstrates your design and problem-solving skills, allowing them to assess your suitability for the role. Completing self-guided learning is possible, but creating a portfolio is more difficult. 

What Certificate Program is Right for Me?

Which is Better: In-Person or Online Classes

Selecting an in-person or an online class depends on personal preferences and scheduling constraints. Both types of learning have their advantages and drawbacks. 

In-person classes tend to mirror traditional school environments. Being physically present in a class encourages more interactions with peers and the instructor. Attending an in-person class can lead to more immediate feedback and engagement since students can quickly ask questions and receive answers. These classes are suitable for individuals who need more structure to stay accountable. However, in-person classes may provide more flexibility than busy adults require.

Online classes earn high regard for their flexibility and accessibility. As long as an enrolled student can access the internet on a device, the student can attend class. Live online options make balancing work or personal commitments with training much more accessible. Online classes are not run traditionally; they may bounce from video lectures to simulations or online discussions. Yet, these classes may be more difficult for students who need structure and fewer distractions to tune in. 

Carefully consider yourself as a learner and your needs before enrolling in an online or in-person UX design course. 

Which is Better: Live Online or Asynchronous Classes?

You will see live online and asynchronous options when selecting an online UX design course. Either option can be an effective way to learn, depending on a person’s learning style, preferences, and commitments. 

Classes held in real-time and run by an instructor are labeled live online classes. Students can interact with one another or the instructor over a personal computing device. Classes follow a structured pattern and occur at specific dates and times. One massive benefit of a live online class is that it allows students to receive immediate feedback, so they receive answers to any questions quickly. Students can also actively participate in live discussions. This format is preferable for students who want to interact with peers and the instructor or for students who require accountability to stay on track. 

 Asynchronous classes require more motivation and self-direction. These classes don’t have set meeting times. Instead, instructors pre-record lectures, post course materials, and upload assignments for students to access. Busy but motivated individuals may stay on track by creating a strict schedule and sticking to it. However, asynchronous UX design classes may be tricky if you don’t have extensive self-discipline and motivation.

UX design can be learned in live online or asynchronous class formats. Ultimately, consider learning preferences, motivation, and lifestyle before deciding.