Experience Architecture – Michigan State University

The Bachelor of Arts degree in Experience Architecture (XA) is a cutting-edge, interdisciplinary major in the College of Arts & Letters at Michigan State University. Students studying XA are forward-thinkers and are interested in gaining advanced skills in architecting or designing experiences for people in digital and physical environments. Our program gives students exposure to aspects of maneuvering and creating web sites or apps such as designing, coding, writing and digital rhetoric. Due to this well-rounded nature of the major, XA students are prepared for a number of careers or graduate programs.

Erin Campbell,
2019 XA Student of the Year

Ashton Keys,
2018 XA Student of the Year

featured News

An Asian woman with black short hair and an all-black sleeveless dress with a v-neck, holding a silver microphone and wearing a black watch. She is on a stage with a banner display behind her that says "Ignite Talks" in white letters on a red background.

Words that Ignite and Unite: Student Research Explores How Language Builds Community and Advocates for Change

Alex Guo, a third-year undergraduate student in the College of Arts & Letters at Michigan State University, is researching the power of language to build community and advocate for change. With dual majors in Humanities-Prelaw and Experience Architecture and minors in Business and Leadership in Integrated Learning, Guo represented the College of Arts & Letters at this semester’s Ignite Talks MSU where she presented her undergraduate research project, “Beyond Rhetoric: Building Trans-Affirming Communities.” Hosted by

November 6, 2025

Experience Architecture Major Interns for Safety Science Organization with a Global Reach

TreShai Hubbard, a senior Experience Architecture (XA) major at Michigan State University who is from Battle Creek, Michigan, gained experience the past two summers interning remotely for UL Research Institutes, OREE (Office of Research Experience and Education), based in Evanston, Illinois.

October 28, 2025

Inaugural Bill Hart-Davidson XA Leadership Award Presented Along With Other Top Experience Architecture Awards

A newly created award presented for the first time this year by the Experience Architecture (XA) program at Michigan State University honors the memory of Bill Hart-Davidson, former Professor in the Department of Writing, Rhetoric, and Cultures (WRAC) and Associate Dean of Research and Graduate Studies in the College of Arts & Letters, who passed away in April 2024. A renowned scholar, teacher, and administrator, Hart-Davidson was a member of the College of Arts &

May 14, 2025

iOS Design Lab Is One-of-a-Kind with Support from Apple

A one-of-a-kind collaboration with Apple Inc. is providing valuable experience to some Michigan State University students who are designing and developing apps as part of MSU’s iOS Design Lab.

Student Shines as Gymnast & Young Professional

Between interning and travelling abroad, classes, and being a Big Ten student athlete, senior Experience Architecture major Anna Gamelo has plenty to show for her time at MSU.
Gamelo, who has consistently been on the Dean’s List the last four years …

Design & the Parameters of Possibility

The latest episode of the Liberal Arts Endeavor Podcast, titled Design and the Parameters of Possibility, is out. Dean Christopher P. Long spoke with Zachary Kaiser, Assistant Professor of Graphic Design and Experience Architecture, about how design has the potential to shape the world that we live, work, teach, and even eat in.

Students Learn About Accessibility in Silicon Valley

A study away program took 14 Michigan State University students, 13 of whom were from the College of Arts & Letters, to Silicon Valley where they visited large tech companies, networked with alumni, and tested accessibility in both digital and physical spaces.