Usability
Certificate
The Graduate Certificate in Usability offers a flexible, practical pathway to gain experience in the rapidly growing field of usability and user experience.
Program overview
Chart your path in usability
A wide variety of industries-from computer software and hardware to biomedical and government agencies-recognize the importance of usability. As a result, there has been an increase in the demand for people with this knowledge. The Graduate Certificate in Usability provides you with the opportunity to learn about the top in-demand skills in this field, including usability testing, prototyping, and information architecture. You can also choose from focused electives that emphasize practical assignments to help get you up to speed with this rapidly growing field.
A wide variety of industries-from computer software and hardware to biomedical and government agencies-recognize the importance of usability. As a result, there has been an increase in the demand for people with this knowledge. The Graduate Certificate in Usability provides you with the opportunity to learn about the top in-demand skills in this field, including usability testing, prototyping, and information architecture. You can also choose from focused electives that emphasize practical assignments to help get you up to speed with this rapidly growing field.
- Offered 100% online.
- Start in any quarter and complete the program in as little as two quarters.
- Flexible learning pathway: choose the electives that suit your learning objectives.
- Emphasis on gaining practical experience with the latest usability tools and techniques.
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.
Our admissions process operates on a rolling basis; however, we do recommend the application guidelines below to ensure you can begin during your desired start term:
Domestic Application Guidelines
International Application Guidelines*
*International deadlines are only applicable if the program is F1 compliant.
Online application
Professional resumé
Unofficial undergraduate transcripts; official transcripts required at the time of admission
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.)
English language proficiency proof. Students for whom English is not their primary language must submit one of the following:
Official associate or bachelor's degree transcript from an accredited college or university in the U.S., stating degree conferral and date
TOEFL, IELTS, PTE, Duolingo, or NU Global Exam scores
Other materials may be required
Program objectives
Prepare for success
Usability professionals are in increasingly high demand. Become a competitive job applicant in this field with an industry-focused certificate.
Develop your skills in usability testing, prototyping, and information architecture.
Get practical experience with the latest usability tools and techniques to address current business challenges.
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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$18,380Tuition 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.
Visit tuition & financial aidYour education, your way
Northeastern's online classes give you the same top-tier education you'd get in person, on a schedule that works for your lifestyle and career needs. They offer a range of videos, interactives, breakout sessions, and experience-focused learning opportunities to immerse you in the material and build community. You'll graduate with the same degree as your in-person peers.
#8
Northeastern's national ranking for Most Innovative Schools
(U.S. News & World Report, 2024)
53.5%
Percent of graduate students in the U.S. enrolled in online courses
(NCES, 2022)
97%
Percent of students in the U.S. who recommend online education
(BestColleges, 2024)
Upcoming events
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Want more information?
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