Frequently Asked Questions
New and Prospective Students
How do I apply?
We have open enrollment and there is no application process. Choose a course and you will be prompted to complete a registration form and submit payment.
Please note registrations will be shut off 72 hours prior to any course start date. The last registration accepted will be Monday at 4:30p (EST) the week of any class.
How long is a course?
Each course is a 2-day intensive on Thursday and Friday from 9am-5pm EST.
What is the tuition cost?
The cost of each course in the certificate program is $1,500.
Is there financial aid available?
No, financial aid does not apply to the certificate program.
How many courses will it take to complete the Certificate Program?
There are a total of eight courses: five required courses (Experience Design Career Visioning & Strategy, Human Factors and Experience Design, The Business of Experience Design, The Experience Design Process, and Inclusive, Ethical, and World-Ready Experiences) and three elective courses. They can be taken at any time and in any order, but we recommend taking Experience Design Career Visioning & Strategy (UX974) as one of your first courses. Elective courses are grouped into two tracks: Research and Design. You can choose to take all three electives within a single track or mix and match courses from both tracks.
How long does the certificate program take to complete?
The program consists of eight courses and can be completed in as little as one year but must be completed within five years. The certificate is self-paced to meet the needs of working professionals. It requires five core courses and three electives that can be taken in any order.
When is the next Information Session?
Sept 25, Oct 23, Nov 20; remote only. Register here.
Do you have a listing of courses currently being offered?
Yes, click here to view the current course schedule.
Do you offer courses in the summer?
No, courses are offered in fall and spring only. Spring semester courses run through the month of June.
When will the fall courses be posted?
We typically have the courses posted by the end of July, and registration will open shortly thereafter.
What are the prerequisites of the UX Certificate Program?
You are required to have a bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience. Exceptions will be made on a case-by-case basis.
What is the location of the program?
Bentley University, 175 Forest Street, Waltham, MA.
Are courses available online?
Yes, in a synchronized format. Remote students participate in real time and have access to the class materials beforehand.
Is there out-of-class work?
Yes, you will be given a portfolio assignment at the end of the course and will have 2 weeks to complete it. The work will be independent and not a group effort. The assignment usually takes 5-7 hours to complete. All students must receive a "C" or above for all course assignments.
Do I receive a certificate?
Yes, upon completion of the program requirements. The process takes 6-8 weeks to receive the certificate after the final grade is submitted.
Do UX Certificate Program courses count towards the Human Factors in Information Design graduate program?
Graduates of the User Experience certificate program may transfer the equivalent of six graduate credits to the Master of Science in Human Factors in Information Design (MSHFID) program and waive two of the MSHFID elective courses. To be admitted to Bentley's McCallum Graduate School of Business (a separate process than the UX Certificate Program), please apply directly to the Graduate Admission Office. You must successfully meet all admission requirements. For additional information on the UX Certificate Program, please contact Janelle Estes at jestes@bentley.edu.
Current Students
Will I receive a Bentley ID and Bentley email?
Yes, after filling out a New Student Registration Form, you will receive an email within the 1-3 business days with your Bentley ID and instructions on how to setup your Bentley email.
How do I register for classes?
Click here to access the link to our class registration.
Please note registrations will be shut off 72 hours prior to any course start date. The last registration accepted will be Monday at 4:30p (EST) the week of any class.
Do I need to purchase book(s) or other class material?
All class materials will be provided to you on the first day of class. Remote students will receive materials by email.
How do I receive my UX Certificate?
Email Gail Wessell (gwessell@bentley.edu) when you have completed your 9 courses. She will complete a degree audit for you then issue you your certificate.
Where can I see my grade(s) and how can I provide this information to my employer for reimbursement/support purposes?
For and unofficial transcript:
Log into MyBentley with your credentials
Select the Academics Tab at the top,
Select the Academic Student Self-Service (left navigation)
Select Main Menu
Select Information Design Certificate Program Student Main Menu
Select Academic Records Menu
Select Transcript Information
For an official transcript:
Select Transcript Requests
Log in and follow the directions on screen