CTE leaders often struggle to prepare students for rapidly expanding career fields due to packed schedules and limited resources. UX (User Experience) Design is one of those high-demand tech fields that most districts simply don’t have the infrastructure to offer.
That’s why SchoolDay Academy provides a flexible UX Design career pathway that works for both classroom and independent learning. Students can complete the pathway:
- In class, as part of a structured CTE program, or
- Outside school hours, during evenings, weekends, or summers.
Upon completion, students earn a Google Professional Certificate—a credential that demonstrates true career readiness in the growing world of digital design.
Career Snapshot
- Median Salary: Around $95,000 per year (U.S. average for digital designers).
- Job Outlook: 16% projected growth through 2032—much faster than average (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics).
- Time to Complete: About 6 months, 10 hours per week.
- Credential: Google UX Design Professional Certificate (7 courses) — offered by SchoolDay Academy, powered by Coursera.
- Delivery Options: Classroom-based or virtual, providing flexible access for all learners.
Why UX Design Is Crucial for CTE Programs
Employers across nearly every industry—from healthcare to education—depend on UX designers to create accessible, human-centered digital experiences. Offering this pathway through SchoolDay Academy enables districts to:
- Provide prestige and recognition with a Google Professional Certificate that boosts college and job applications.
- Offer flexible learning options for students with full schedules.
- Expand equity and access without the need for expensive tech labs.
- Meet Perkins V priorities with employability-focused, industry-aligned training.
This isn’t just professional development—it’s a career-ready pathway that prepares students for tomorrow’s workforce.
Skills You’ll Develop
Students in the UX Design Pathway gain practical, portfolio-ready experience, including:
- Human-Centered Design: Accessibility, usability, and design thinking.
- UX Research & Testing: Collecting and analyzing feedback to guide design improvements.
- Wireframing & Prototyping: Creating early designs and layouts using tools like Figma.
- High-Fidelity Design: Mastering typography, color theory, and responsive design.
- Career Preparation with AI: Using artificial intelligence for resumes, interviews, and job applications.
Pathway Details & Certifications
Through SchoolDay Academy, students complete the Google UX Design Professional Certificate (7 courses) plus a final AI-supported career readiness module:
- Foundations of UX Design – Accessibility, usability, and human-centered design.
- Start the UX Process: Empathize, Define, and Ideate – Build user personas and develop design solutions.
- Build Wireframes and Low-Fidelity Prototypes – Learn to create sketches and wireframes in Figma.
- Conduct UX Research and Test Concepts – Explore usability testing, data analysis, and design iteration.
- Create High-Fidelity Designs in Figma – Dive into advanced color, layout, and typography.
- Build Dynamic Interfaces for Websites – Learn responsive web design and interface development.
- Design for Social Good & Job Preparation – Complete a professional portfolio.
- Accelerate Your Job Search with AI – Use AI tools for resume writing and interview prep
Each certificate is offered by SchoolDay Academy, powered by Coursera.
Real-World Impact of a UX Design Pathway
By offering this pathway through SchoolDay Academy, students graduate with both creative and technical skills that employers actively seek. They’ll leave high school with a professional portfolio that includes wireframes, prototypes, and usability research—proof of their readiness for internships, college programs, or entry-level UX roles.
The pathway’s flexible design makes it possible for students to:
- Participate during regular class hours or after school.
- Build a portfolio of authentic projects.
- Earn a recognized Google Professional Certificate that validates their skills.
Why SchoolDay Academy Recommends This Pathway
At SchoolDay Academy, we design programs that bridge the gap between high school and high-demand careers. The Google UX Design Professional Certificate, offered through SchoolDay Academy powered by Coursera, is recommended because it:
- Offers a recognized, industry-trusted credential from Google.
- Works for both traditional and virtual delivery models.
- Aligns with Perkins V goals while expanding student opportunity.
For CTE Directors, it’s a turnkey pathway that balances student choice, district efficiency, and measurable career outcomes.
Final Thoughts
The Google UX Design Professional Certificate, delivered through SchoolDay Academy powered by Coursera, is more than a course—it’s a flexible, future-ready career pathway that gives students the skills and credentials needed to thrive in digital design.
Explore and enroll in the Virtual UX Design Career Pathway on SchoolDay Academy (powered by Coursera) to prepare your students for one of today’s most in-demand careers.
