Deciding between UX @ Atlanta vs Savannah

Picking a UX program feels a bit like choosing between two genres of music. Some of us are drawn to the fast beats and intricate layers of electronic music—methodical, driven by tech, and focused on precision. Others might lean toward something more experimental—imagine a jazz session where creativity flows, and the boundaries are a bit looser, more open to interpretation.

That’s kind of what it’s like when you compare the UX programs at Atlanta and Savannah. Both campuses teach you the same core principles of UX, but the approach, the vibe, and even the types of projects you’ll work on are influenced by the faculty’s backgrounds and the surrounding communities.

But how do these differences actually impact your education? Let’s dive into it.

The Faculty: Two Sides of the UX Coin

In Atlanta, many of the faculty members come from tech-heavy backgrounds. You’ll often find yourself being taught by someone who’s spent years optimizing interfaces for digital products or working with big-name companies. There’s an emphasis on getting things done—delivering results, refining usability, and making sure a design solves a specific business problem. The vibe here is all about industry-readiness, prepping you to step into the fast-paced world of corporate UX.

Meanwhile, over in Savannah, the faculty brings in a broader mix of experiences. Sure, some have worked in corporate UX, but others might come from areas like service design, research, or even fine arts. The conversations in class might steer more toward understanding human emotions, social impact, or the cultural nuances of design. It’s not just about making a product functional; it’s about making it meaningful. But don’t assume that means Savannah students aren’t prepared for industry work—they are. The difference is the lens through which the craft is taught.

Communities: Corporate Hustle vs. Creative Exploration

Just like music influences a space, the community in each city shapes the UX program. Atlanta is a fast-moving tech hub. Students here often focus on practical, industry-related projects—think optimizing an app’s user flow or designing a seamless e-commerce experience. The opportunities to connect with local companies and tech startups are plentiful, and the pace reflects that energy.

Savannah, on the other hand, has a more laid-back, creative atmosphere. Students might be found working on community-driven projects, perhaps collaborating with local artists or nonprofits. It’s not that Savannah lacks industry focus—many students do complete internships or projects for real companies—but there’s more room for creative exploration. The city itself feels like a creative incubator, and that seeps into the projects.

If Atlanta is a tech startup pushing product deadlines, Savannah is a design studio that takes the time to experiment, iterate, and reflect on why a design works.

Projects and Portfolios: Industry-Driven vs. Conceptual Innovation

Here’s a fun exercise: hop on LinkedIn and compare the portfolios of students from both campuses. You’ll see the differences in how they approach UX firsthand. Atlanta students often showcase case studies with a sharp focus on industry problems. Their projects might include streamlining an onboarding process for a SaaS platform or improving an app’s accessibility. They’re polished, measurable, and ready for a hiring manager’s eyes.

Savannah students, while just as professional, often present portfolios that show a more exploratory side of UX. You’ll find projects that integrate service design, community-based initiatives, or even immersive experiences that blend art with digital interfaces. It’s the kind of work that might challenge the boundaries of what UX can be, often drawing from interdisciplinary insights.

So, what resonates more with you? Do you want to be the UX designer optimizing flows for millions of users, or do you want to design systems that inspire, provoke thought, or drive social change?

Which Program Fits Your Style?

Now that we’ve looked at the differences, let’s bring it back to you. Think about what kind of UX designer you want to become. If you’re someone who thrives in a high-energy, tech-driven environment, where you can solve real-world business problems and network with industry leaders, Atlanta might feel like home. But if you’re drawn to a more exploratory, human-centered approach—one where creativity and cultural context matter just as much as usability—Savannah could be your place.

There’s no wrong choice here. Both programs will give you the tools you need to become a skilled UX designer. The real question is: what kind of journey do you want to take along the way? Will you choose the hustle of Atlanta, or the creative flow of Savannah? Either way, you’ll come out of it ready to design experiences that matter.