UX/UI Associate Certificate

The UX/UI Design Associate Certificate introduces the fast-growing and innovative fields of user-centred research and design.

With a focus on creative problem solving and technical skill-building, this program provides students with the framework to understand, discuss and create effective interactive experiences. The UX/UI Design Associate Certificate introduces students to prototyping, usability testing, user-centred design principles, coding and visual communication strategies, grounded in both industry-standard tools and design theory.

This certificate is ideal for students who are new to UX/UI design to learn the fundamentals of UX/UI Design, Web Design + Analytics, Information Design and Web Programming. Students exit the program with projects suitable for portfolio development, as well as an understanding of business and professional practices in the industry.

A renewed flexible Associate UX/UI certificate- effective FALL 2023.

As part of the ongoing development of our programs, the UX/UI Associate Certificate has been updated with a new set of course requirements. Our aim is to provide students with a flexible learning journey tailored to personal and career goals while providing a foundation in industry-standard practices.

We understand that some students may have already invested time and effort in the previous certificate, and we want to ensure a smooth transition for everyone. For those who have started the UX/UI Associate Certificate prior to Fall 2023, an equivalencies document is available to guide you.

Please contact us or book an advising appointment if you have any questions about the updated Associate UX/UI Certificate.

Required Courses in this Certificate

Core Courses

CSCD 100	Introductory Communication Design
CSUX 100	Introductory UX Design
CSUX 101	Introductory UI Design
CSSO 109	Adobe CC Essentials
CSWD 101	Introductory Web Design
CSWD 201	Intermediate Web Design
CSUX 200	Intermediate UX Design
CSUX 201	Intermediate UI Design

Professional Practices | Complete both of:

CSDS 101	Innovations in Design (formerly CESE 103: New Topics in Contemporary Design)
CSDS 102	Industry Intro: Design (formerly CEPD 201: Professional Practices for Designers)

...or choose 2 courses from any of our Professional Practices courses

How do I get started?

Courses can be taken individually or as part of a certificate, but do take note of the prior learning recommendations for each specific course! Students are to take the recommended prerequisite courses or self-assess their preexisting knowledge before registering in a course.

For those pursuing a certificate pathway, there is no need for an application. Register for each required course at your own pace. View our term schedule and register online today!

The flexible certificate pathway is open to all students over the age of 18 and/or have completed Grade 12 or equivalent education. There are no academic prerequisites required to begin the journey.

Once you have completed all the required courses successfully, you can request your certificate from the Continuing Studies department here.

What does self-paced learning mean?

Our certificate pathways are designed to be flexible! There are no requirements to complete certificates within a specific timeline.

You can complete each certificate at your own pace and the number of courses you take per term is entirely dependent on your own individual schedule and workload. Register by course based on the course offerings of each term. See our term schedule here.

Courses are scheduled during the evenings and weekends to allow for part-time study.

In what order should I register for courses?

To optimize the your certificate pathway experience and achieve successful learning outcomes, it is recommended that beginners follow the suggested course order listed above for a cohesive learning journey.

For those with prior knowledge, please take note of the recommended prerequisites for each specific course. Students are to self-assess their preexisting knowledge before registering in a course.

In the event of a conflict between the recommended course order and prerequisites, please prioritize meeting the recommended prerequisite skills for smooth progression.

What is the general course load and how will I be assessed?

Student assessment is based on each course's learning outcomes. Instructors will evaluate your learning using assignments, exercises, activities and participation. A general rule of thumb is to expect about one hour of homework for every hour spent in class.

All Continuing Studies individual courses are graded using a Pass (P) / Fail (F) system. To successfully complete the certificate pathway, you must receive a passing (P) grade in every required and elective course.

Further Education + Career Pathways

Success in the UX/UI design industry requires creative thinking, empirical understanding, and the drive for continuous iteration. It is important to establish a robust foundation in user-centric design principles and to constantly hone your skills to adapt to ever-evolving user needs and technological advancements. Shape your professional trajectory with intent, personalizing your portfolio and certificate to resonate with your professional goals.

UX/UI design is intrinsically interwoven in multiple fields, enabling designers to apply their expertise in diverse scenarios and their influence on user experiences. Related fields include:

Many UX/UI designers are proficient in problem-solving, user research, cross-functional collaboration, and visual storytelling. These multifaceted strengths allow UX/UI designers to contribute to a multitude of industries, positioning them at the forefront of shaping intuitive, memorable user journeys.

Students can use work from their UX/UI Design Associate Certificate in an admission portfolio to apply for the following programs:

• User Experience (UX) Design Certificate
• Bachelor of Design