About the programme
This is the UX Design concentration of the M.S. in Computer Graphics Technology (CGT) at Purdue's West Lafayette campus. It is offered by the School of Applied and Creative Computing in the Purdue Polytechnic Institute. CGT has four other residential concentrations: animation, AI for computer graphics, games, and virtual reality and visualisation.
The two-year, 36-credit degree has four required courses: a foundational readings seminar in UX design, two graduate UXD studios (fundamentals, then cross-channel design) and a qualitative research methods course. Students fill the rest with electives from across the university.
Most UX students finish with a 6-credit directed capstone project. Students who want a research thesis instead can apply in their first semester. Students can also join the Experience Studio, where mixed-level teams work on projects for industry sponsors.
- Format
- In person and full-time in West Lafayette, Indiana.
- Length
- 36 credit hours over two years, including a 6-credit capstone or thesis.
- Cost
- For 2026-27, the Polytechnic's flat graduate rate per semester (8 or more credits) is $5,282 for Indiana residents, $14,683 for non-residents and $14,883 for international students, including general fees. The card figures are four semesters of these rates. Housing and health insurance are extra.
- Admissions
- The UX concentration admits for fall (August) only, with applications due 1 February. You need GRE scores (no minimum), four work samples, a 3-5 page writing sample, a statement of purpose, a personal history statement, three letters (two from professors) and a 3.0 GPA. No prior UX experience is required.
- Capstone
- A 6-credit directed UXD capstone (CGT 597) by default. A research thesis is possible if approved in the first semester.
Who it suits
Suits applicants who want a two-year, studio-based UX degree at a large public research university, with the option of moving into research. Not a fit if you need a GRE-free, part-time or online programme.
Checked against Purdue University’s official programme pages in October 2026.
