UX design classes & certificate programs for veterans

User experience (UX) design is a fast‑growing field that presents opportunities to work in various industries, spanning areas like tech and digital media. This discipline requires a blend of creative and technical skills that work together to improve how people interact with different digital platforms. Veterans moving from active duty to civilian careers will find that UX design is a path that allows professionals to apply their leadership and problem‑solving skills in an environment that values innovation. There are many UX design‑focused training programs—such as bootcamps and certificate courses—approved for VA benefits, meaning veterans can gain the skills needed to join this creative field without having to commit to a four‑year degree.

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Why UX design is a strong career path for veterans

One challenge many veterans face when moving back to the civilian workforce is finding a career that is both meaningful and sustainable. What sets UX design apart from other fields is the fact that it checks both of those important boxes. Working in a UX‑focused role means you’ll be solving problems related to how users interact with digital platforms and improving those platforms to enhance accessibility. Many of the skills gained during military service—such as strategic thinking and the ability to work on a team—translate well to the world of UX. Additionally, veterans often have experience working with complex systems and can remain calm under pressure, both of which are important characteristics to have in this field to meet deadlines and make quick edits.

Job outlook and earning potential in UX design

Choosing a career with long-term growth potential is one of the most practical ways veterans can use their education benefits. When you look at UX design and the related career paths, both the job outlook and median pay are promising across the US. In fact, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) cites that the demand for Web Developers and Digital Designers will increase by an impressive 8% from 2023 to 2033, notably faster than the national average. Combine these anticipated 16,800 job openings each year, with the median wage of roughly $93,000 per year in the US, and the earning potential goes beyond your paycheck. It can open doors to securing a long-term career and gaining stability that can branch out from the professional side and support your personal goals, too. Becoming a UX Designer or pursuing a related path in interface design provides a chance for veterans to find a career that aligns with their values and lifestyles.

How veterans can use VA benefits for UX training

VA education benefits can significantly reduce the cost of education for service members and their families, with different types of benefits for different programs. Each benefit variant is designed for an approved training format ranging from full-time UX design certificate programs to hybrid classes that combine live online and in-person learning. However, before registering for any type of educational course, it’s important that veterans reach out to their VA counselors to make sure the chosen program is approved for their specific benefits. Counselors have knowledge of specific eligibility requirements and can connect veterans with schools that have experience with military students and benefits.

Once you find a UX design course, it’s recommended to apply for benefits directly through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). This may involve gathering paperwork to confirm eligibility and completing a Certificate of Eligibility (COE). From there, the school or your counselor can typically certify your enrollment so that your benefits are applied directly to tuition and other education expenses. You’ll need to be mindful of your available benefits and whether they are approved for learning remotely from home, as several options, like Chapter 33, require some form of in-person participation at the school.

Understanding the types of VA education benefits

There are a lot of different VA education benefits, but each one has its own set of rules to obtain funding to study UX design. Here’s a quick overview of some of the most common types of VA benefits and what they can cover for students who want to learn UX design.

• Post-9/11 GI Bill® (Chapter 33): Available to those who served after 9/11, this benefit can cover tuition for approved programs, including in-person training.
• Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E Chapter 31): If you have a service-connected disability, this benefit can support career retraining through education and monthly stipends.
• Extended Eligibility for Chapter 31: In some cases, a counselor may approve more than 48 months of benefits based on individual needs.
• Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance (Chapter 35): This program can provide assistance to spouses and children of veterans for training.
• Yellow Ribbon Program (Chapter 33): If your tuition exceeds the GI Bill, you may qualify for more funding through a participating school.
• Tuition Assistance Top-Up (All chapters): If you’re using federal Tuition Assistance through the Department of Defense, this program can help cover any remaining costs.
• $600 Montgomery GI Bill Buy-Up Program (Chapter 30): By contributing $600 upfront, eligible veterans may increase their monthly benefit allotment.

Resources for veterans interested in learning UX design

Starting a career in UX design can feel like a big shift, but thankfully, there are numerous resources available to veterans to support the change. In addition to the VA’s official programs, it’s not uncommon for the schools themselves to provide resources to veterans looking to enter the design industry. For example, choosing a VA-approved school with a proven track record of helping veterans gain new skills can make a big difference in not only the simplicity of the process but the overall outcome. Noble Desktop, a design and coding school in NYC, has several programs approved for veteran training. The school’s UX & UI Design Certificate is just one of the courses available with the Post-9/11 GI Bill (Chapter 33), the Veteran Readiness and Employment Program (Chapter 31), and the Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance (Chapter 35).

There are also helpful guides covering the top UX design classes in NYC and across the U.S. for remote learners veterans can use as a starting point when it comes to researching options. These guides are designed to list a wide variety of classes for different experience levels so you can find the one that best aligns with your goals and contact the provider directly.

It can also be helpful to take advantage of the resources on platforms like LinkedIn Learning or even YouTube as a way to supplement a training course or become familiar with the basics of design as a whole. Spending some time looking into UX and what the field entails before signing up for a full certificate is a practical way to explore whether or not it’s the right path before committing. Additionally, veterans pursuing UX training looking to transition into a tech role can find a strong community of like-minded professionals in TechVets, an organization that strives to help vets move into tech roles.