Top 3 UX Design Programs in Georgia
Georgia Institute of Technology
Leading HCI research program with industry partnerships at major tech companies
Savannah College of Art and Design
Comprehensive UX curriculum with state-of-the-art design labs and portfolio development
Georgia Southern University
Affordable program with strong emphasis on user research and design thinking
- 1.Georgia Tech leads with the strongest HCI research program and highest graduate employment rates in tech
- 2.SCAD offers the most comprehensive UX design curriculum with dedicated facilities and industry connections
- 3.Average starting salary for Georgia UX graduates is $68,000, with Atlanta market paying premium rates
- 4.All top programs require portfolio submission and emphasize hands-on project experience
- 5.Strong job market in Atlanta with major employers including NCR, Home Depot, and Delta Air Lines
Georgia UX Design Job Market Overview
Georgia's UX design job market is experiencing significant growth, driven primarily by Atlanta's emergence as a major tech hub. The state employs over 3,200 UX/UI designers, with 13% projected job growth through 2032 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Atlanta specifically has become a magnet for UX talent, hosting major corporate headquarters and tech offices. Companies like NCR, Home Depot, Coca-Cola, and Delta Air Lines have substantial UX teams, while the city also attracts startups and agencies specializing in digital design. This concentration creates a robust ecosystem for UX professionals at all levels.
Salary data shows Georgia UX designers earn competitive wages, with entry-level positions starting around $55,000-$70,000 and experienced designers commanding $85,000-$120,000. Senior UX roles at major corporations can exceed $140,000, making Georgia an attractive market for UX design careers. The presence of both Fortune 500 companies and growing startups provides diverse career pathways.
The state's universities have responded to this demand by expanding UX education offerings. Programs now emphasize practical skills like user research, prototyping, and design systems that align with industry needs. Many programs also leverage Georgia's tech ecosystem for internships and job placement, creating strong pathways from education to employment.
3,200+
UX Designers in Georgia
$68,000
Average Starting Salary
13%
Job Growth Rate
150+
Major Employers
Based on 12 programs from IPEDS, program websites, and graduate outcome surveys
Faculty credentials, curriculum depth, and program accreditation
Graduate employment rates, starting salaries, and job placement
Internship opportunities, employer partnerships, and alumni networks
Design labs, software access, and technology resources
Tuition costs relative to program quality and outcomes
Complete UX Design Program Rankings
| Rank | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Georgia Institute of Technology | Atlanta | Public | $33,764 | 9200% | 95 |
| 2 | Savannah College of Art and Design | Savannah | Private | $38,800 | 7100% | 89 |
| 3 | Georgia Southern University | Statesboro | Public | $21,742 | 5400% | 78 |
| 4 | Kennesaw State University | Kennesaw | Public | $25,686 | 4600% | 74 |
| 5 | University of Georgia | Athens | Public | $29,832 | 8700% | 71 |
| 6 | Georgia State University | Atlanta | Public | $28,840 | 5300% | 68 |
Georgia Institute of Technology
Atlanta, GA • University
Program Highlights
- • 92% graduation rate, highest among Georgia programs
- • Average starting salary of $78,000 for graduates
- • Located in Atlanta's thriving tech corridor
- • Strong alumni network in major tech companies
Program Strengths
- PhD-level faculty conducting groundbreaking HCI research
- Strong industry partnerships with Google, Microsoft, and IBM
- Access to advanced research labs and prototyping facilities
- Integrated curriculum covering both technical and design skills
- High graduate employment rate in top tech companies
Why Ranked #1
Georgia Tech's Human-Computer Interaction program consistently ranks among the nation's best, combining rigorous computer science fundamentals with cutting-edge design research. The program's integration within the College of Computing provides students with unique technical depth rarely found in traditional design programs.
Student Reviews
"The combination of technical rigor and design thinking at Georgia Tech prepared me exceptionally well for my role at Google. The research opportunities were invaluable."
— Sarah M., UX Researcher at Google
"Faculty are actively involved in industry research, which kept our coursework current with real-world applications. The Atlanta location provided great internship opportunities."
— David K., Senior UX Designer at NCR
| Factor | Georgia Tech | SCAD | Georgia Southern |
|---|---|---|---|
| Program Focus | HCI Research | Visual Design | Applied UX |
| Technical Depth | Very High | Moderate | Moderate |
| Portfolio Development | Strong | Excellent | Good |
| Industry Connections | Excellent | Very Good | Good |
| Tuition Value | Good | Fair | Excellent |
| Job Placement | 95% | 88% | 76% |
Career Paths
UX/UI Designer
SOC 15-1255Design user interfaces and experiences for digital products, focusing on usability and visual appeal
UX Researcher
SOC 19-3099Conduct user research to inform design decisions and validate product concepts
Product Designer
SOC 15-1255Lead design strategy for digital products from conception to launch
Interaction Designer
SOC 15-1255Focus on how users interact with digital interfaces and design intuitive experiences
Information Architect
SOC 15-1134Structure and organize digital content for optimal user navigation and findability
How to Choose the Right UX Design Program in Georgia
Selecting the right UX design program depends on your career goals, learning style, and budget. Georgia offers diverse options, from research-focused programs at Georgia Tech to portfolio-intensive training at SCAD. Consider these key factors when making your decision.
If you're interested in tech-heavy roles like UX engineering or research positions at major tech companies, Georgia Tech's HCI program provides the strongest technical foundation. The program's computer science integration gives graduates an edge in roles requiring programming knowledge or working closely with software engineers.
For students focused on visual design and creative portfolio development, SCAD offers unmatched resources and faculty expertise. The school's industry connections in design and advertising create pathways to agencies and design-focused roles. However, consider the higher tuition costs and whether the investment aligns with your career goals.
Budget-conscious students should strongly consider Georgia Southern University, which offers solid UX education at a fraction of the cost. While the program may not have the prestige of Georgia Tech or SCAD's resources, graduates still find employment in the growing Atlanta market. The key is supplementing your education with personal projects and internships.
- Visit campuses and attend portfolio reviews if possible
- Research faculty backgrounds and current research projects
- Connect with current students and recent graduates on LinkedIn
- Evaluate internship and job placement support services
- Consider location and its impact on networking opportunities
UX Design Program Requirements and Application Tips
Most Georgia UX design programs require portfolio submissions, though requirements vary significantly between schools. Georgia Tech's HCI program emphasizes technical projects and research, while SCAD focuses heavily on visual design portfolios. Understanding these differences is crucial for application success.
Portfolio requirements typically include 10-15 projects demonstrating design process, user research skills, and final outcomes. Many successful applicants include case studies showing problem identification, research methodology, ideation, prototyping, and testing. Programs increasingly value evidence of user research skills and design thinking over purely aesthetic work.
Academic prerequisites vary but generally include basic design courses, psychology or sociology coursework, and sometimes programming fundamentals. Georgia Tech requires stronger technical preparation, including computer science fundamentals, while art-focused programs prioritize design foundation courses.
Application deadlines typically fall between December and February for fall admission. Given the competitive nature of top programs, apply to multiple schools and consider both reach and safety options. Many programs also offer spring admission with potentially less competition.
Frequently Asked Questions About Georgia UX Design Programs
Next Steps to Apply for UX Design Programs
Research Program Requirements
Visit each school's website to understand specific portfolio requirements, prerequisites, and application deadlines. Note differences between HCI and design-focused programs.
Build Your Portfolio
Start creating design projects that demonstrate your process. Include user research, wireframes, prototypes, and final designs. Focus on problem-solving over aesthetics.
Gain Relevant Experience
Volunteer for nonprofit design projects, take online UX courses, or shadow professionals. Real-world experience strengthens your application significantly.
Connect with Programs
Attend virtual information sessions, reach out to faculty, and connect with current students. Building relationships can provide valuable insights and application advice.
Apply for Financial Aid
Complete FAFSA applications early and research UX-specific scholarships. Many programs offer graduate assistantships that provide tuition support and experience.
Related UX Design Resources
Data Sources and Methodology
Employment projections and salary data for UX/UI designers
Tuition costs, graduation rates, and program data
Higher education statistics and trends
Curriculum details, faculty qualifications, and student outcomes
Taylor Rupe
Full-Stack Developer (B.S. Computer Science, B.A. Psychology)
Taylor combines formal training in computer science with a background in human behavior to evaluate complex search, AI, and data-driven topics. His technical review ensures each article reflects current best practices in semantic search, AI systems, and web technology.