United States

Columbia College Chicago

Interaction Design (MA)

University degrees: Postgraduate

Course length: three semesters (31 credits)

Create meaningful interactive experiences in the Interaction Design master’s degree program at Columbia College Chicago. This one-year program will challenge you creatively and technically, and combines both the “soft” and “hard” skills demanded by the industry. From leadership and project management to development and programming, you’ll learn how to both design and implement products.

You need more than a good portfolio to succeed—companies want the technical experts but are always in need of employees who can be flexible problem solvers. In recognition of that multi-faceted skill set, our Interaction Design MA focuses on three areas: leadership, interaction design theory, and development. Move out of production roles and into managerial positions with a degree that will help you to lead collaborative projects and connect user experience (UX) and development teams.

Inside the Classroom

Craft your interaction design path by choosing one of three concentrations in Immersive Experiences, Interfaces and Applications, or User Experience. Each of these concentrations includes:

  • Leadership courses that emphasize collaborative teamwork strategies used by the industry.
  • Interaction design theory courses that examine user experience design, information architecture, and user research methods.
  • Development courses to build your technical competencies in programming languages and application design. Even if your career path isn’t in development, you’ll be able to converse with or lead development teams to finish projects. Previous programming experience is not necessary.
  • An open-ended thesis project that includes a practicum experience and a writing component in the final semester.

Careers in Interaction Design

We designed our curriculum to prepare Interaction Design MA graduates to take on managerial roles within their current workplaces or enter a new career within the wide-ranging field of interaction design. Common titles might include product manager, web or app developer, product designer, UX interaction designer, programmer, user experience architect, and more.

Creative Spaces and Facilities

The Interactive Arts and Media Department offers lab space and prototyping equipment to fit your needs. Our facilities include:

  • Computer labs equipped with industry-standard prototyping and design software.
  • On-site equipment checkout center with HD video cameras, DSLR cameras, microphones, audio recorders, and more.
  • Fabrication Lab with a large-format printer and 3D printer.

Faculty

Our faculty members are working professionals and experts in user experience design, programming, audio art, game design, and more. Most importantly, they’re dedicated teachers, bringing their knowledge of groundbreaking theories and techniques into the classroom.

Programs, Courses, Workshops