Experience and Information Design, M.S.

Innovative User Experiences Through Research-Driven Design

Part and Full-Time Available

30-Credit Degree

Faculty Backgrounds

Our faculty bring expertise from diverse fields, including communication, design, computer science, engineering, and business.

User Research and Solutions

Learn to conduct user research, analyze data, and design user-centered experiences.

Labs and Studios

Design and develop innovative user experiences using our state-of-the-art labs and studios

Shape Your Future

The Experience and Information Design, M.S. program offers a contemporary curriculum that immerses students in emerging technologies from day one. You’ll design user experiences for modern digital products and services, equipping yourself with the skills needed for the evolving job market.

Explore some of the innovative courses:

The course provides a comprehensive overview of user experience research methods and how to incorporate them into the product development lifecycle. Students will learn about user-centered design and conduct a wide range of research methods, including ethnography, questionnaires, online studies, and usability testing. There will be considerable focus on practicing research skills and reporting findings from these activities.

This course teaches data analysis through the development of interactive web applications. The course focuses on communicating through computer programming. Students will learn to build and use databases as a primary source and explore data as content. For this course students will be required to build custom software solutions through web programming languages that utilize third party APIs to interpret, analyze and manipulate data.

This course focuses on the job-ready skills and production workflow techniques in highest demand for front end web developers. Students will learn, practice and demonstrate the skills and principles needed to make effective use of these technologies.

This course is a seminar designed to introduce interactive data visualization concepts in a web environment. Students will be introduced to code libraries which assist in this task, best practices for interactivity and data visualization. The course will also briefly cover working with data (i.e., how to find sources, cleaning and preparing data for visualizations, etc.).

A hands-on course dedicated to design and produce VR/360° immersive video. Through a wide selection of materials, including videos, 360° films, articles, and presentations, students will develop a strong foundation on storytelling techniques, technologies (cameras, microphones, VR headsets, software), and best practices used across immersive media.

Top Game School

Recognized by the Princeton Review as a Top Graduate School for Video Game Design in 2024.

Award-Winning

Winner of BEA’s Emerging Media & Technology award, AWE’s XR Prize Challenge, and more.

Alumni Success

Department graduates work at Google, Amazon, GE, New York Times, Visa, and Apex Legends.

Learn more about the Department of Interactive Media

Admission FAQs

Learn more about the M.S. process here. There are 4 steps in the application process:

  1. Sign up for an online account here
  2. Send official transcripts
  3. Upload letters of recommendation
  4. Upload your portfolio

The XiD (Experience and Information Design) Master’s program welcomes applicants with diverse backgrounds and experiences. While specific prerequisites may vary, ideal candidates typically possess a foundation in areas related to design, technology, communication, or related fields. This may include individuals with backgrounds in graphic design, visual arts, music engineering, advertising, UI/UX design, IT, software development, communication studies, cinematic arts, marketing, journalism, or other relevant disciplines. Additionally, candidates with experience in multidisciplinary fields, psychology, sociology, anthropology, or cognitive science, are encouraged to apply. The program values a range of perspectives and seeks individuals with a demonstrated interest in crafting user-centric digital experiences. Ultimately, applicants should showcase a passion for experience and information design, along with a readiness to engage in advanced coursework and hands-on projects in this dynamic field.

Learn more about the application process for International Students here.

As an applicant to the University of Miami M.S. in Experience and Information Design, you are encouraged to submit a digital portfolio to your Graduate Application Account. We look for individuals who are highly motivated and who demonstrate the ability to succeed in a highly competitive program. Students may choose to submit their GRE score if they don’t have a digital portfolio. Submitting a GRE instead of a digital portfolio will not affect their chances of acceptance. Students may also submit both their GRE and digital portfolio. Our institution code for the GRE is #5815, and the department code is #4599.

The digital portfolio you present will vary based on your own experiences, interests, education, and training. You may submit a broad-based portfolio containing examples of work from various media or a more focused portfolio. Applicants should submit 5-15 examples of your work. For work that you developed as a team, please indicate the role you played in the project. The portfolio should include work samples that showcase your creativity, as well as the skills and media you have learned. It should also highlight your ability to communicate ideas.

Click here to learn more about Funding Opportunities.

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Graduate Program Contacts

For questions about admissions, application statuses, or financial aid please contact socgrad@miami.edu

For questions related to the Experience and Information Design, M.S. program please contact the Graduate Program Director, Dr. Barbara Millet at bmillet@miami.edu

Dates & Deadlines

Fall 2025 applications open: September 1, 2024

Priority Fall 2025 deadline: February 1, 2025

Final Fall 2025 deadline: July 15, 2025

Get In Touch

For questions about admissions, application statuses, or financial aid please contact socgrad@miami.edu

For questions related to the Interactive Media, M.F.A. program please contact the Graduate Program Director, Dr. Barbara Millet at bmillet@miami.edu