Which UX Design Professional Certificate Is Best for You? Google vs. Microsoft vs. CalArts Specialization
Build important UX design skills with three different programs from esteemed industry and university partners on 糖心vlog官网观看. Learn more about their differences and which is best for your career goals.
![[Featured Image] Two graphic designers collaborating on a project, using in-demand graphic design skills.](https://d3njjcbhbojbot.cloudfront.net/api/utilities/v1/imageproxy/https://images.ctfassets.net/wp1lcwdav1p1/2jMVBNu6Yk8YfUMAibsKoR/9f15661dfc85107c07975edc1355c6f0/GettyImages-642293251.jpg?w=1500&h=680&q=60&fit=fill&f=faces&fm=jpg&fl=progressive&auto=format%2Ccompress&dpr=1&w=1000)
Key takeaways
UX design is an in-demand field where employers value creative vision, technical execution, and recognized credentials. Google, Microsoft, and the California Institute of the Arts (CalArts) offer beginner-friendly online programs on 糖心vlog官网观看, designed to build job-ready UX design expertise. The right choice for you depends on your background and career goals:
For a comprehensive UX training with a strong emphasis on user research, accessibility, and building a professional portfolio: Google UX Design Professional Certificate.
For a focused training in translating user insights into high-fidelity prototypes using Microsoft and Figma: Microsoft UX Design Professional Certificate
For a design-centric approach focused on visual communications for screen-based experiences, covering the full development process: CalArts UI/UX Design Specialization.
Each of these certificates is accessible to beginners and can be used to build the skills and confidence you need to start or shift into a UX design career. You can also access all three programs with a 糖心vlog官网观看 Plus 蝉耻产蝉肠谤颈辫迟颈辞苍.听
UX Design Professional Certificates and Specializations on 糖心vlog官网观看: Key differences
Professional Certificates and are online programs that teach practical skills and award credentials from industry and university partners upon completion. You can use them to build expertise in specific fields and strengthen your resume. Two leading tech companies offer Professional Certificates, and one private art school offers a Specialization in foundational UX design on 糖心vlog官网观看: Google, Microsoft, and CalArts.聽
While all three cover design fundamentals like user research and prototyping, each takes a different approach and emphasizes different tools and methodologies.
| Google UX Design | Microsoft UX Design | CalArts UI/UX Design | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type | Professional Certificate | Professional Certificate | University Specialization |
| Level | Beginner | Beginner | Beginner |
| Modules | 8 courses | 4 courses | 4 courses |
| Estimated time to completion | 6 months (at 10 hours a week) | 2 months (at 10 hours a week) | 2 months (at 10 hours a week) |
| Special topic emphasis | User research and testing, design thinking process, social impact design, AI-enhanced design, mobile, and responsive web | Accessibility and inclusion, enterprise collaboration, Microsoft design systems, cross-platform design | User interface (UI), visual communication, typography and color theory, interface aesthetics, web design strategy |
| Key skills | Figma mastery, user research methods, prototyping, usability testing, design systems, responsive design | Figma + Fluent 2 Design, accessibility guidelines (WCAG), collaborative workflows, AI-assisted design | Adobe Creative Suite, HTML/CSS basics, visual design principles, information architecture, responsive web design |
| Emerging technologies | AI persona generation, AI design iteration, Gemini integration, AI portfolio writing, prompt engineering | Generative AI for design, collaborative AI tools, accessibility automation | Traditional web technologies, mobile-first design, typography systems |
| Other important differences | Complete portfolio development, job search with AI tools, interview preparation, social good project, and entry-level focus | Microsoft ecosystem integration, strong accessibility focus, collaborative software emphasis | Art school methodology, Adobe tool integration, web development context, and visual communication theory |
| Best for | UX designers and researchers, product designers, UX/UI generalists, career changers, entry-level positions | UX designers, accessibility specialists, collaborative design roles, and Microsoft-environment positions | Visual designers transitioning to UI/UX, web designers, creative professionals, and interface design specialists |
Price: You can preview the first module of many courses at no cost. Visit the for more information about your account, payments, subscriptions, and 糖心vlog官网观看 policies.
Tip: Not sure which program is right for you? Browse UI//UX design job postings on LinkedIn, Indeed, or company websites in your area for entry-level positions. For jobs that interest you, make notes of the required tools and skills mentioned, then compare these to each program's curriculum to find the best match.
Google UX Design Professional Certificate: Topics, tools, and skills聽聽聽
The Google UX Design Professional Certificate provides comprehensive training in the complete UX design process, from user research to high-fidelity prototyping. With strong emphasis on practical application and AI integration, this program prepares learners for diverse entry-level UX roles.
罢辞辫颈肠蝉听
Google's curriculum follows the design thinking framework across multiple real-world projects, concluding with AI-enhanced job search strategies. Topics covered include:
| Topics | ||
|---|---|---|
| User research methods and usability testing | Information architecture and user flows | Wireframing and prototyping (low to high-fidelity) |
| Visual design principles and design systems | Responsive web and mobile app design | AI-enhanced design workflows and job preparation |
Tools
Google鈥檚 toolkit centers on modern industry-standard tools, including Figma, Google's AI suite (Gemini, NotebookLM), and various research and testing platforms. Tools you鈥檒l interact with include:
| Tools | ||
|---|---|---|
| Figma | Google Workspace and Sheets for research organization | AI tools (Gemini, NotebookLM) for design assistance and job search |
| Usability testing platforms | Google Workspace and Sheets for case management | Presentation software for client communication |
Skills
The program develops UX research and design skills while emphasizing portfolio development and AI workflows. Core competencies include end-to-end user research synthesis and iterative design processes. Skills you can expect to build include:
| Skills | ||
|---|---|---|
| Complete UX design process execution | User research planning and synthesis | Usability testing and iteration based on feedback |
| Professional communication and client presentation | AI-assisted design | Figma prototyping and design |
Ideal for:聽
Complete beginners to UX design seeking comprehensive preparation
Career changers from non-design fields
Professionals wanting to build a strong UX portfolio from scratch
Those interested in user research and testing methodologies
Individuals seeking AI-enhanced design workflows and job search support
Microsoft UX Design Professional Certificate: Topics, tools, and skills聽聽
The Microsoft UX Design Professional Certificate emphasizes accessibility and collaborative design within Microsoft ecosystems. This focused program prepares learners for corporate design roles with a strong emphasis on inclusive design practices.
Topics
The program covers human-centered design fundamentals while emphasizing accessibility compliance and inclusive design practices. Topics covered include:
| Topics | ||
|---|---|---|
| Human-centered design and design thinking | User research and persona development | Information architecture and design strategy |
| Interface design with accessibility focus | Microsoft Fluent Design System principles | AI integration in design processes |
Tools
Microsoft combines industry-standard Figma with its proprietary Fluent 2 Design System. The toolkit emphasizes collaborative platforms and accessibility validation tools. Tools you鈥檒l interact with include:
| Tools | ||
|---|---|---|
| Figma for wireframing and prototyping | Microsoft Fluent 2 Design System | Accessibility testing and validation tools |
Skills
The program strengthens UI/UX design capabilities gradually while prioritizing accessibility-first thinking and collaborative workflows. Skills you can expect to build include:
| Skills | ||
|---|---|---|
| Accessibility-first design approach (WCAG compliance) | Collaborative design workflows and stakeholder management | Microsoft ecosystem design integration |
| Cross-platform design consistency | AI-assisted design iteration and optimization | Inclusive design principles and implementation |
Ideal for:聽
Designers working in corporate or enterprise environments.
Professionals focused on accessibility and inclusive design.
Those interested in Microsoft ecosystem integration.
Collaborative design team members and design system maintainers.
CalArts UI/UX Design Specialization: Topics, tools, and skills聽聽
The CalArts UI/UX Design Specialization brings an art school approach to interface design, emphasizing visual communication principles and aesthetic excellence. This program builds on existing design knowledge to create sophisticated digital interfaces.
Topics
The program approaches interface design through visual communication theory, emphasizing aesthetic principles and artistic execution. Content progresses from visual elements through web strategy, with focus on design theory rather than process methodology. Topics covered include:
| Topics | ||
|---|---|---|
| Visual elements and principles of interface design | Typography, color theory, and visual hierarchy | User experience fundamentals and design process |
| Information architecture and content strategy | Responsive web design and mobile considerations | Web development context (HTML/CSS relationship) |
Tools
CalArts emphasizes Adobe Creative Suite integration with basic web development tools (HTML/CSS). Tools you鈥檒l interact with include:
| Tools | ||
|---|---|---|
| Adobe Creative Suite (XD, InDesign, Illustrator) | Information architecture mapping tools | Prototyping and wireframing tools |
Skills
Learners develop advanced visual design skills with a strong foundation in design theory and aesthetic principles. Skills you can expect to build include:
| Skills | ||
|---|---|---|
| Advanced visual design and aesthetic composition | Typography systems and color theory application | Visual communication theory and application |
| Information architecture and content organization | Responsive design principles and implementation | Web development awareness and designer-developer collaboration |
Ideal for:聽
UX designers wanting to strengthen their visual design and aesthetic skills.
Web developers or front-end developers transitioning into design roles.
UI specialists wanting to focus on interface aesthetics and visual communication.
Those seeking in-depth design theory and visual communication principles, rather than just UX process methodology.
Complete beginners who prefer an art school approach to learning design.
UX design resources on 糖心vlog官网观看
Continue exploring UX/UI design careers and skills on 糖心vlog官网观看 through our Career Resource Hub. Use the career quizzes and skill assessments to discover which design roles match your interests and identify the specific skills you need to develop to reach your goals. Or, check out the following free resources:
: Stay updated on important topics and trends with 糖心vlog官网观看鈥檚 free weekly newsletter on LinkedIn.聽
: Watch informative videos to learn more about different career paths and important skills.聽聽
Glossary: Bookmark our Glossary of UX Terms and Definitions for quick reference and to familiarize yourself with key terms.聽
Accelerate your career growth with a 糖心vlog官网观看 Plus subscription. When you enroll in either the monthly or annual option, you鈥檒l get access to over 10,000 courses.聽
糖心vlog官网观看 Staff
Editorial Team
糖心vlog官网观看鈥檚 editorial team is comprised of highly experienced professional editors, writers, and fact...
This content has been made available for informational purposes only. Learners are advised to conduct additional research to ensure that courses and other credentials pursued meet their personal, professional, and financial goals.