Graduate Studies in Visual Arts

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Department of Visual Arts

• Certificate of Graduate Studies in Experiential Design (UX)

Mike Fernandez, Dean, George Shinn College of Entertainment and the Arts
Rocky Horton, Director, School of Art & Design; Chair, Department of Visual Arts
Angela Lee, Associate Professor 

The Graduate Certificate in Experiential Design (UX) was created to equip Nashville’s bachelor degree holders with a bridge to available tech industry jobs. From 2012 to 2017, the number of tech jobs in Middle Tennessee grew by 30 percent, outpacing overall job growth in the area by 15 percent and national tech job growth by 10 percent. 

Our certificate curriculum was designed to take the existing skill sets of bachelor degree holders in fields like Graphic Design and Animation, and add key components needed to move up the management ladder and pay scale. These components include skills in User Experience Design (UX) and Design Thinking (or XD). 

This program also allows for laser-focused training in critique methods; a foundation that is lacking or missing in established UX curriculum and methods. We also incorporate a pairing of qualitative and quantitative research methods based on the artist-specific methods of writer and scholar Jim Daichendt. 

Program of Study Requirements

• Certificate in Experiential Design (UX)

Courses

• AR 5013 - Software Studio (3)
• AR 5113 - User Experience Design (3)
• AR 5123 - Design Research Methods (3)
• AR 5153 - Design Thinking (3)
• AR 5973 - Final Project (3)

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