Experience Design
Certificate
Attain cutting-edge design thinking skills with Northeastern's Graduate Certificate in Experience Design. Learn to shape human-centered experiences that drive innovation across industries.
Program overview
Create unforgettable experiences
Northeastern’s Graduate Certificate in Experience Design immerses you in research-driven design thinking, preparing you to be a key contributor and leader in experience design teams. This program goes beyond traditional design principles, focusing on enhancing the quality of human experiences in various settings.
Through four targeted courses, you’ll develop skills in integrating technology, creativity, and empathy to solve real-world challenges in industries like healthcare, travel, and entertainment. Open to professionals and recent graduates from diverse fields, this certificate equips you with the mindset and tools to innovate in a rapidly evolving design landscape.
Northeastern’s Graduate Certificate in Experience Design immerses you in research-driven design thinking, preparing you to be a key contributor and leader in experience design teams. This program goes beyond traditional design principles, focusing on enhancing the quality of human experiences in various settings.
Through four targeted courses, you’ll develop skills in integrating technology, creativity, and empathy to solve real-world challenges in industries like healthcare, travel, and entertainment. Open to professionals and recent graduates from diverse fields, this certificate equips you with the mindset and tools to innovate in a rapidly evolving design landscape.
- Complete the certificate in as little as two semesters.
- Gain skills applicable across multiple sectors, including healthcare, technology, and public services.
- Engage with a vibrant cohort of students and participate in events, exhibitions, and guest lectures.
- Specialize your learning with an elective tailored to your career goals.
Experience design is increasingly vital across many industries. Graduates with expertise in designing meaningful interactions can excel in roles within design agencies, tech companies, healthcare, and public institutions–enhancing user engagement and satisfaction.
Northeastern’s signature experiential learning model places you at the forefront of real-world design challenges. Participate in workshops, collaborate with faculty on projects, and join a network of creative professionals. This dynamic experience prepares you to make an immediate impact in the evolving field of experience design.
Admissions
Apply to the program
A graduate degree or certificate from Northeastern can accelerate your career through rigorous academic coursework and real-world professional experience in your area of interest. Apply to take your career to the next level.
A graduate degree or certificate from Northeastern can accelerate your career through rigorous academic coursework and real-world professional experience in your area of interest. Apply to take your career to the next level.
Application Deadlines
| Final deadline for international applicants: | May 1 |
| Final deadline for domestic applicants: | August 1 |
Personal statement
One letter of recommendation
Work samples or portfolio (recommended)
Learn more about our admissions process from the College of Arts, Media and Design
Application form
Application fee
Resumé
Transcripts for all institutions attended
The Foreign Credential Evaluation (FCE) is a required assessment of all transcripts and documents from non-U.S. accredited post-secondary education institutions. (Review the FCE requirements by country.)
TOEFL, IELTS or Duolingo exam scores for international applicants
Program objectives
Prepare for success
Learn to craft impactful human-centered experiences using research-driven design techniques.
Develop skills in analyzing human behavior to design experiences that enhance engagement and usability across physical and virtual spaces.
Utilize design thinking methodologies to understand human needs, collaborate across disciplines, and drive innovative solutions in real-world contexts.
Degree building
Stack your certificate
Earning a graduate certificate is a fast and affordable way to acquire specialized skills while building toward your master’s degree. Upon completion of this certificate program, you may be able to apply your credits to an eligible master’s program, saving time and money on your degree.
Some of the eligible master’s programs for this certificate include:
Contact an enrollment counselor to learn more about eligibility requirements.
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Cost of attendance
Tuition and financial aid
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$32,944Tuition in USD
Estimated Total Tuition
This is an estimate based on the tuition rates for Academic Year 2025-2026 and does not include any fees or other expenses. Some courses and labs have tuition rates that may increase or decrease total tuition. Tuition and fees are subject to revision by the president and Board of Trustees at any time. Select programs at select campuses offer additional scholarships of up to 25% off the listed price for domestic students studying on campus. For more detailed information, please visit Student Financial Services.
For students interested in pursuing financial assistance or educational loans, additional educational costs, known as Cost of Attendance (COA) components, can be included in the calculation of aid and loan eligibility. Components may include food, housing, books, course materials, supplies, equipment, transportation, personal expenses, and the cost of obtaining a first professional licensure. You can find comprehensive details on the Student Financial Services website. Please keep in mind that COA can vary significantly depending on academic program, enrollment intensity, and individual circumstances.
There are many ways to pay for your education, including scholarships, financial aid, and more. Connect with a financial counselor to learn about your options and make your dream a reality.
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