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As Jacob Kirn prepares to graduate from Michigan State University’s User Experience Master of Science (UXMS) program, he reflects on a journey that was as challenging as it was transformative. As a full-time UX designer at Dematic in Grand Rapids, Kirn juggled his job while completing the online program over five semesters—a balancing act he describes as “a really nice fit” for working professionals.
“I started in the fall of 2023, took two classes a semester, and now I'm graduating this spring,” he said. “It’s been a great way to keep growing while working full-time.”
Learning beyond theory
What drew Kirn to the MSU program initially was both the convenience and the curriculum’s applied focus.
“The flexibility to have an online program while I work full time was the ultimate decision-making factor for me,” Kirn said. “But it wasn’t just the schedule that worked—it was the content.”
Kirn praised the program’s emphasis on real-world application. “I had a lot of really good professors that helped push students to think about the real-world application of stuff, and not just the theory. It was very hands-on.”
Through project-based learning and client collaboration, he deepened his understanding of UX in a low-stakes, exploratory environment.
“It is nice to go and get practice in the real world in a less critical way—more training, more harmless practice,” said Kirn.
From content to craft
With a background in technical and UX writing from Grand Valley State University, Kirn entered the program already grounded in the discipline. However, the MSU curriculum expanded his perspective.
“I viewed the master's program as an ability to say that I have a firm grasp of the basics and to practice stuff that I might take for granted in my design process,” Kirn said. “Getting a formal education in the basics did make me a stronger designer in the end.”
He also found unexpected value in visual design.
Something that really resonated with me was the importance of aesthetics,” Kirn shared. “There’s a phenomenon where when something is designed better, we think it works better—even if that’s not true. It’s something I think about a lot now.”
Adapting to an accelerating industry
While working in the field, Kirn witnessed firsthand the rapid evolution of tools and workflows—especially with the rise of artificial intelligence.
“Things are changing with AI and the tools that designers use,” said Kirn. “We’re starting to think about how to use AI for code generation, for design—tools that can take you from concept to code almost instantly.”
That acceleration, he said, creates both opportunity and urgency.
“The field is evolving at a rate that I think makes a lot of people uncomfortable,” said Kirn. “But I don’t think it’s about being replaced. It’s about learning how to work alongside these tools.”
Advice to the next wave of UX designers
For prospective students, Kirn offers practical advice—don’t just rely on the curriculum.
“Find a niche that excites you and explore it on your own,” said Kirn. “The industry moves quicker than academia. But bringing those outside tools into the classroom only enriches your experience.”
As for where he sees himself in the next few years, Kirn plans to remain adaptive.
“It's not about fearing change—it's about keeping up with it. The next few years in UX are going to look really different, and that’s exciting.”
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