7 Best Online UX Design Certificates & Courses in 2025

Web design is a growing field with thousands of job openings available annually. For those interested in breaking into this field, finding an online web design course could be the right step.

A user experience (UX) design certificate program provides students with fundamental knowledge of design principles and can be beneficial when applying for jobs or seeking promotions. Below, we explore some of the best online UX design certificates.

Top Online Courses and Certificates in User Experience Design

While many free UX design courses exist online, the best education typically comes from paid courses offered by reputable colleges, universities, and educational platforms. Free online UX design certificates, while financially enticing, are not likely to provide advanced skill-building. Discover top UX design courses to strengthen your skills and prepare for professional roles with these certificate programs below.

1. Google UX Design Certificate

This self-paced online course, hosted on the learning platform Coursera, teaches aspiring UX designers the basics of user-centered design practices. Students may earn their certificate in as little as six months with only 10 hours of studying per week.

The curriculum consists of foundational design training, building wireframes, and prototyping. This beginner-friendly certificate course costs $49 (the cost of a Coursera subscription), and upon completion, course participants gain access to CareerCircle, which includes coaching and career support.

2. Certificate in UX & Visual Interface Design

The University of Washington offers a UX design certificate program for professionals with a bachelor's degree and some experience in graphic design or marketing. The online course lasts six months with around six to eight hours of studying weekly.

The program costs $4,831 and encompasses three courses:

• UX design thinking
• applied UX design
• integrating UX with interactive visual design

Students gain hands-on learning experiences and complete a capstone project to prepare them for UX design career opportunities.

3. UXD Certificate

Boise State University offers a fully online certificate program in UX design. The program teaches students about foundational UX design principles, preparing graduates to enter the field. To earn the certificate, students take four courses offered during the fall and spring semesters, from which they learn the fundamentals of user-centered design and prototyping.

4. Online UX Design Graduate Certificate

Those looking to begin a UX career can learn design skills at East Texas A&M University. The UX design certificate program is rigorous, turning students into UX professionals.

The program requires participation in hands-on projects, such as building portfolios and pitching ideas to industry leaders. Students learn human-centered design principles and how to utilize popular design tools like Figma and Tableau.

5. User Experience Design Capstone Certificate

During this one-year certificate program, students learn the UX design process. From product design to user research, students gain design skills necessary for a thriving career.

To enroll in the program, you must have at least a bachelor's degree. Program participants enjoy some learning flexibility with coursework, making it easier for professionals to fit into their busy schedules.

6. National University's Google UX Design Professional Certificate

National University offers a UX design professional certificate program. Online learners gain foundational UX design skills and frameworks to prepare them for roles in the field.

Students learn UX research, ideation, responsive web design, and other essential skills necessary for professionals. The coursework involves:

• user persona creation
• wireframe creation
• usability testing
• portfolio creation

7. User Experience Certificate

Maryville University offers a UX and UI design certificate that can be completed in six classes or 18 credit hours. The fully online courses cover the fundamentals of user experience and user interface design.

Students learn key design subjects, including iOS application development, website design, and story building. The coursework provides practical hands-on learning, allowing students to gain experiences and skills necessary for entry-level design work.

Our Selection Criteria

We chose the programs listed above based on several considerations, including:

• Narrow program focus: We chose programs specifically focused on UX design.
• Certificate awarded: We chose courses that offer a certificate upon completion.
• Expertise: All programs listed above are taught by industry experts and have a practical, experiential curriculum.

Why Should I Take an Online Course in UX Design?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the web design field is growing faster than average with about 16,500 job openings annually. For those interested in the relationship between user needs and design, UX design jobs may be a good fit.

An online course provides a foundation for the fundamentals of UX design. Students build practical skills, portfolios, and real-life experiences to prepare for entry into this growing field.

With the courses listed above, students earn a certificate which can be listed on a resume or LinkedIn for prospective employers to view. Certain certifications are well-recognized in the industry, which can add credibility to your profile and help you stand out to employers.

How To Choose a UX Design Course or Certificate Program

Many UX design courses are available, so how do you choose the right one? Let's review key steps to help you consider various UX design certifications you can get online.

To start with, an aspiring UX designer should consider their own education, skill level, and knowledge. A UX design course may be suitable for total beginners or it may require a bachelor's degree and prerequisites for enrollment.

Considering career goals is another important step. Some UX design courses may have particular subjects suited to your chosen field, such as app design.

Finally, those interested in pursuing UX design certifications should evaluate the reputation and expertise of the course provider. Look for professionals with a strong background in UX design and industry connections.

UX Design Certificates for Careers in User Experience Design

UX design courses prepare professionals for careers in user experience design by providing them with the necessary skills, knowledge, and practical experience. Several of the roles available to certificate holders include UX designer, user researcher, and web designer.

Companies across various industries need to fill web design roles. Some of the settings UX professionals find themselves in include:

• advertising and PR firms
• tech startups
• nonprofits
• video game studios

What Is the Difference Between a UX Designer and a UI Designer?

UX designer and UI designer are terms often used interchangeably, but they refer to distinct roles within the design process. UX designers concentrate on the overall experience a user has with a product or service. In contrast, UI designers focus on a product's visual and interactive elements.

Are UX Design Certifications Worth It?

Many students have expressed satisfaction with online UX design certifications. This educational foundation can help build a career in a growing field. During the course, students gain hands-on experience and learn key design concepts.

Find Online Certificate Courses and Enroll Today

If you are interested in pursuing UX design, start your career journey by exploring the programs here on Learn.org. Contact each course provider for more information on the curriculum, entrance requirements, and finances.