[ US ] Choosing among programs

Application strategy
#1

Hi Kaiting and everyone,

I am recently admitted to Parsons Design and Technology, NYU ITP and Pratt IXD (all are STEM programs). From some research, I kind of know that Parsons DT and NYU ITP are more similar to technology and creation while Pratt is more information focused.

My personal career plan is to become a UX designer – I love to plan for the visual and interaction solution and to offer empathetic digital experiences.

Question: which program should I go for? Which program is the most reputable in the UX field in the U.S.?

Thank you for your time and kind help in advance!

#2

Hi Annie,

Congrats for the admissions & welcome to the UX community! :slight_smile:

If your goal is to be a UX designer in the digital space, Pratt’s curriculum looks more hands-on, design-focused (versus art-focused) and it touches on the programming basics too which I think is a plus. Parsons & NYU ITP seem to emphasize more on the traditional design theory/critique, self expression and experimental work. In terms of the “reputation”, school-wise, I think it doesn’t make much difference since all three schools are well-known and well-established design/art schools in New York.

With that said, I’ve never studied at these schools, so I could only tell by looking at their curriculums. I recommend talking to the school alumni or attend their visitor day (if any) to get more information.

1 Like
#3

Hi Annie,

Happy to see you are interested in applying UX program in New York. I currently study information experience design at Pratt. As you said our course is more information focused, but we also have many UX design related coures such like information architecture and design, mobile design, advance digital product, and usability test… after you complete your fiest three major courses ( Foundation of informant, information technology, and information architecture and design). Also, there are many coding classes are required you to complete too before graduation. I think It’s quite well rounded courses for UX designer. In term of interactive and visual design, I think our course have less focus on the visual design, but you are welcome to enroll elective course in communication design major. Hope I answer your question. Let me know if you have other questions.

2 Likes
#4

Hi Felicia,

Thank you for your kind introduction, which is very very helpful! I have connected you on Linkedin (I accidentally found your name while I was researching the program) :slight_smile:

Two things about Pratt that makes me feel unsure is that:

  1. I saw people sharing that it is very library-focused to the degree that students get to learn UI by designing a library website?

  2. Pratt only requires 36 credits while other programs usually state 60 credits for graduation. I am a bit concerned about the difference…it somehow gives the impression that courses at Pratt are fewer than others? Or is it because of the loading that makes the course fewer?

Thank you very much for your reply again! Please kindly advise me on any of my assumptions! :slight_smile:

#5

Hi Kaiting,

Thanks for the clear analysis! In the past few days, I got offers from SVA Interaction Design and California College of Arts Interaction Design too!

I am wondering that if UX design is my goal, should I go for the Interaction Design (IXD) program, say, SVA, which is supposedly very UX-oriented? And does the difference between IXD and a degree from Information Experience Deisng (Pratt) lie in the focus of the program?

Sorry for keeping asking questions. A real voice from a current U.S designer is a tremendous comfort when making the decision! Thank you :slight_smile:

#6

Hi Annie,

Congrats for more offers! The curriculums of SVA IxD & Pratt IXD look very similar. I don’t think the program’s name makes much difference. I recommend to reach out to the alumni of these schools to find out the other differences (e.g. course quality, projects, career outcome, etc). As I mentioned in Q&A, in the long term, these are probably all good options that will help your UX career. :slight_smile:

#7

Hi Annie,

Sorry for the late reply… I got a busy week till now. The text below might answer your questions.

  1. I saw people sharing that it is very library-focused to the degree that students get to learn UI by designing a library website?

Although we have library major under the school of information. It’s not very library focused in our program. We do have many UX related course. Yes, we did have a course to redesign a library website, but it really depends on different semesters and teachers to have different UX redesign projects for students. ( ex. I have classmates who designed for art organization last semester)

  1. Pratt only requires 36 credits while other programs usually state 60 credits for graduation. I am a bit concerned about the difference…it somehow gives the impression that courses at Pratt are fewer than others? Or is it because of the loading that makes the course fewer?

I don’t know about the credits with other programs. We usually have 3 major courses each semester (total 9 credits). In my opinion, I think 3 major courses already have lots of loading. My suggestion for you is to compare with the courses or ask students from other programs, which might give you a basic understanding of the programs.

#8

Hi Felicia! I saw you mentioned you are currently enrolling in Pratt IxD program. I just graduated from undergraduate, and I’m really interested in this program because of its various electives and school reputation. I’m planning to apply for this program for the spring semester. I heard this program is really competitive, so is there advices for applying this school? Thank you!

#9

Hi yw534,

Thanks for interested in our program. My advices are to focus on statement of purpose and portfolio. The SOP needs to be very story-telling and you can mention your previous experiences about why you want to become a UX profession and how this program can help you achieve your goal. Hope this helps.