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Simplilearn and Virginia Tech Collaborate for Innovative UX/UI Design Certificate Program

In an exciting new venture, Simplilearn, a global leader in digital skills training, has partnered with Virginia Tech Continuing and Professional Education to unveil a Professional Certificate Program in AI-Powered UX/UI Design. This new program is specifically designed to meet the growing demand for skilled designers who can integrate creativity with artificial intelligence, reflecting a pivotal shift in the design landscape.

The program presents an applied, hands-on learning approach that encompasses essential areas such as design thinking, UX research, prototyping, usability testing, and human-computer interaction. It aims to familiarize learners with contemporary technologies like AR, VR, and AI-driven design methodologies, equipping them for success in a rapidly evolving field.

A Booming Market

According to market projections, the global UX services sector is expected to surge from USD 6.40 billion in 2025 to an astounding USD 54.93 billion by 2032, marking a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 36 percent. This meteoric growth underscores the imperative for businesses to prioritize user experience in their digital offerings. As companies strive to differentiate themselves through superior user experiences, the demand for adept professionals in UX/UI design is escalating.

Employers are now on the lookout for individuals who not only comprehend modern design processes but can also effectively leverage AI-powered tools to enhance user experiences. The newly launched program stands to prepare learners with practical skills that are immediately applicable in the job market, providing six months of complimentary access to Figma Education Premium to facilitate the creation of interactive prototypes and collaboration on professional design systems.

Comprehensive Learning Experience

Participants of the program will be exposed to over 25 popular design tools, including Figma, Miro, Maze, Whimsical, and Uizard. Throughout the course, learners will tackle more than 10 substantial projects, enabling them to build a robust portfolio. Detailed modules ensure hands-on experience with more than 10 GenAI tools focused on research, conceptualization, and prototyping. The program features over 75 interactive activities, engaging discussions, live demos, and practical case studies that closely emulate real-world design team dynamics.

Simplilearn's COO, Mr. Kashyap Dalal, emphasized the complexity of modern design and stressed the necessity for professionals to gain proficiency in the latest tools reshaping the industry. He stated, “This collaboration with Virginia Tech not only equips learners with valuable skills but also opens avenues to choose from various project options. Additionally, the program emphasizes hands-on learning, ensuring graduates enter the workforce as job-ready candidates.”

Upon completion, learners earn a digital badge and a certificate from Virginia Tech, as well as a membership in Virginia Tech Continuing and Professional Education alumni network on LinkedIn. Furthermore, they will receive support from Simplilearn’s Job Assist Plus, which plays a crucial role in enhancing visibility among premier recruiting firms.

Flexibility is a cornerstone of the program; learners can access recorded sessions and 24/7 support via Simplilearn’s Learning Management System, allowing them to study at their convenience while balancing work or other commitments.

A Thorough Curriculum

The course is structured to provide a complete learning experience, addressing UX/UI fundamentals, research methodologies, visual design techniques, usability testing, and AI-infused design workflows through practical engagements, real-world case studies, and sessions led by industry experts.

The program culminates in a fully-integrated learning journey that results in a job-ready portfolio, developed through multiple project assignments, including an academic masterclass conducted by Virginia Tech instructors and a capstone project where learners are encouraged to create intelligent, user-centric digital products across mobile, web, and immersive platforms.

Shelly Jobst, Director at Virginia Tech Continuing and Professional Education, shared her insights: “Our collaborative efforts aim to meld academic rigor with real-world relevance through hands-on training. By integrating components like the Agentic AI workshop, we empower UX/UI designers with the skills and confidence to incorporate AI into their workflows while adhering to ethical design principles.”

Aimed at aspiring designers aged 18 and above, the program is open to individuals from every background, including current professionals seeking to enhance their skills. The application process is streamlined into three straightforward steps: submitting a brief online application, undergoing a review by the admissions panel, and securing a seat through program fee payment.

About the Institutions

Virginia Tech, known for its motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), champions a hands-on, transdisciplinary approach to education, fostering future leaders and innovators. With over 280 majors and a diverse enrollment of more than 38,000 students, Virginia Tech stands as a leading global research institution committed to advancing knowledge and creativity across various disciplines.

Simplilearn, established in 2010, is recognized worldwide for its premier digital workforce development programs. A Blackstone portfolio company, it facilitates access to best-in-class training through live online sessions led by industry leaders, reaching over 15 million learners globally. With an extensive catalog of over 1,500 live classes monthly across 150 countries, Simplilearn is dedicated to empowering individuals and organizations with the skills necessary to thrive in today’s competitive landscape.

For more information on the program and how to enroll, please visit Simplilearn's website.