World-class education has long been a stronghold of the Waterloo Region especially when it comes to computer science, engineering and business degrees. More recently however, there has been a rising demand for design skills as startups realize the competitive advantages of offering a seamless user experience. Wilfrid Laurier's new Bachelor of User Experience Design (B.Des-UXD) program will give those employers just what they're looking for — a new source when recruiting top design talent.

This new program will launch in the fall of 2017*, with the first graduate cohort set to enter the job market in 2021. But wait there's more — not only will students an Honours Bachelor of Arts from Laurier, they will also acquire a Graduate Certificate in design from Conestoga College over their four years.

future-students-gateway_Laurier"The Laurier undergraduate degree in UX is innovative and unique in Canada", says Dr.Abby Goodrum, a professor of user experience design within the Faculty of Liberal Arts. "While other programs might offer a course or two in user experience design, our degree is focussed on all aspects of the theory and practice of UXD (user experience design)."

Other highlights include co-op and Launchpad opportunities as well as an interdisciplinary approach, with electives in Journalism, Public Relations, Cultural Heritage and more.

Students will understand how design in digital and physical environments can influence people's lives, and how they, in turn can both empower themselves and improve the lives of others through user experience solutions, user-driven development activity, user-driven social justice and user-driven policy development.

Interested in hearing more? Details for this degree program are still being finalized, so stay tuned to their official Twitter account (@Laurier) for all the latest news and information.

We are so excited to be able to share news like this post with you! Congratulations to Laurier, one of Fluxible's Platinum sponsors, for all their contributions to and help in shaping this region's design community.

*pending Ministry approval