We recently spoke with Yun Kuo, a 2024 Master of Science in User Experience (UXMS) program alumna, to learn about her experience and how the program helped her transition into the tech world. Here’s what she had to say.
Q: Can you tell us what you do for a living, where you live?
A: I currently live in China and I’m still a student studying computing. I work as a full-stack engineer and UX designer. I completed the UXMS Online program over a year ago, and it was an important part of my transition from a hospitality background into the tech industry.
Q: How did you first hear about the UXMS Online program, and why were you interested in joining?
A: I first learned about the program through Michigan State University, where I did my undergraduate studies. At the time, I was really interested in creating my own app design. I had a background in hospitality, but I wanted to move into tech, so the program seemed like a great fit. When I found out about the online UXMS program, I knew it was the right step for me.
Q: How long did it take you to complete the program?
A: I completed the program in one year, which was fast but manageable for me. I was motivated and focused, so I was able to push through and finish within that time frame.
Q: What was your time during the program like?
A: My time in the program was really rewarding. I was fortunate to work with some great classmates, and the professors were very supportive. There were definitely some challenges along the way — especially with mental health struggles — but having professors like Jeff Siarto really helped me stay on track. His support made a huge difference, not just in his own classes, but across other subjects too.
Q: Did you have a favorite class, or one you found particularly helpful?
A: Yes, my favorite class was the UX and Society class. It involved a lot of reading and writing papers, and we explored how different designs cater to different countries and cultures. It was fascinating to see how design impacts society and user behavior. As for professors, Jeff was my favorite. He was always available to help, and his insights went beyond just the material we were studying. He helped me in other areas as well, like coding.
Q: Was the program beneficial to you and your career?
A: Absolutely. The program gave me a solid foundation in coding and UX design, which has been invaluable as I transitioned from a business degree to studying computing. I now understand basic coding concepts, which I didn’t have before, and that’s made a huge difference in my career as a full-stack engineer and UX designer.
Q: What advice would you give to prospective students who are thinking about joining the program?
A: First and foremost, check your email every day! The program has a lot of important updates and info that you don't want to miss. And don’t be afraid to ask questions, even if you think they might be silly. It’s more important to get an answer and keep moving forward than to feel awkward about asking. The professors are there to help, and they appreciate it when students reach out.
The Master of Science in User Experience (UXMS) program at Michigan State University is an asynchronous, 100% online professional degree designed to help graduates become leaders in UX. Taught by world-class faculty, the program and its courses emphasize a “user-first” perspective, integrating knowledge of human-computer interaction with industry-relevant methods and social responsibility. Learn More / Apply