MS in Human Centered Design Frequently Asked Questions

The MS in Human Centered Design at Boston University is an accelerated graduate program that prepares creative thinkers and emerging leaders to design user-centered, ethical, and inclusive digital experiences. Grounded in UX/UI design, user research, product strategy, and human-oriented AI, the program emphasizes empathy, interdisciplinary thinking, and critical inquiry.

Hosted in BU’s College of Communication, the MS in HCD uniquely integrates design thinking, storytelling, persuasion, and strategic communication, equipping students to lead human-centered design initiatives across industries such as technology, healthcare, education, media, and social impact. The program is open to students from all academic backgrounds and focuses on developing thoughtful designers, researchers, and strategists who put people first.

Students in the MS in HCD program develop both practical design skills and a human-centered mindset that is highly valued by employers. You’ll learn how to:

• Conduct qualitative and quantitative UX research
• Understand user needs, behaviors, and motivations
• Define product vision and strategy
• Generate and evaluate creative solutions
• Design and prototype usable, accessible digital interfaces
• Apply UX/UI design principles, information architecture, and UX writing
• Integrate ethics, inclusivity, and accessibility into design decisions
• Communicate insights clearly and collaborate across cross-functional teams

Together, these skills prepare graduates to translate research and empathy into impactful design and product decisions.

Graduates of BU’s MS in Human Centered Design are prepared for a wide range of UX, product, and design-focused careers, including:

• UX Designer
• UI Designer
• Product Designer
• UX Researcher
• Product Manager
• Content Strategist or UX writer
• Usability Analyst or Evaluator
• Project or Design Program Manager
• Human-Centered AI or Design Strategy Specialist

Alumni can work in tech companies, design agencies, startups, healthcare systems, education organizations, nonprofits, government, or media organizations, anywhere user experience and human-centered design are essential.

The MS in HCD is an accelerated, full-time program that can be completed in nine months. Students complete nine courses (32 credits), making it an ideal option for those looking to quickly transition into UX, UI, or product design careers.

The curriculum combines foundational design training with applied, real-world projects. Core courses include:

• Human-Centered Design I: A holistic introduction to the design process, from product vision and user research to ideation, prototyping, and testing
• Research Methods in User Experience Design: Qualitative and quantitative methods for user research and evidence-based design decisions
• Ideation & Design Thinking: Creative problem-solving frameworks and collaborative ideation techniques.
• User Interface Design & Prototyping: Designing intuitive, accessible interfaces and creating interactive prototypes.
• UX Writing & Information Architecture: Structuring content, navigation, and systems for clarity and usability.
• Human-Centered Design II (Capstone): A client- or research-driven project applying the full design process in a real-world context.

Students also complete a leadership-focused course — either Product Management & Leadership or Leadership Communication — to strengthen skills in guiding teams, managing products, and communicating with stakeholders.

Yes. Students select two electives (8 credits) to tailor the program to their interests and career goals. Elective courses may include:

• Data Visualization
• Design Strategy & Software
• Interactive Design & Experiences
• Media Theory
• Media Law & Policy
• Interactive Marketing Strategy
• Design & Art Direction
• Brand Experience Marketing

These electives allow students to deepen technical design expertise, explore strategy and branding, or engage with broader media and policy issues.

No prior design or technical background is required. The MS in Human Centered Design is intentionally designed for students from diverse academic and professional backgrounds, including humanities, social sciences, arts, business, communication, and technology. The core curriculum brings all students to a shared foundation in UX, research, and digital design.

Applicants need to submit:

• An online application
• Unofficial transcripts from all colleges/universities attended
• Two letters of recommendation
• A résumé or CV
• A written personal statement or essay
• Short written and video responses (via the Kira Talent platform)

GRE scores are not required. International applicants whose undergraduate education was not in English may need to submit proof of English proficiency, though waivers may be available.

This program is ideal for career-changers and early-career professionals who want to pivot into UX/UI design, product design, or human-centered digital strategy. It’s especially well suited for individuals with backgrounds in communication, media, psychology, sociology, marketing, design, business, or the liberal arts who want to build a strong, marketable foundation in human-centered design.

BU’s MS in HCD stands out for its integration of UX/UI design, research, storytelling, and strategic communication within a leading communications college. Students graduate with:

• Strong UX and UI design capabilities
• Advanced research and critical-thinking skills
• A focus on ethical, inclusive, and human-oriented design
• Experience with real-world projects and collaborative teamwork
• A professional design portfolio
• Leadership and product strategy expertise

This interdisciplinary approach reflects the realities of design work and prepares graduates to lead design initiatives across sectors.

The MS in Human Centered Design is a great fit for people who want to design meaningful digital products and experiences that prioritize usability, accessibility, and human values. If you’re curious, empathetic, interested in technology and media, and motivated to design responsibly and thoughtfully, this program offers a strong pathway into a human-centered design career.