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

Beyond the Classroom: Students Explore the World’s Oldest Design System During XA Day of Professionalization

Michigan State University’s Experience Architecture (XA) program took learning beyond the classroom during its 2025 XA Day of Professionalization, which brought students together with industry professionals for hands-on, experiential learning. “These days are not about telling students what a career looks like. They’re about giving students the space to explore how their values, curiosity, and creativity can shape the kind of professional they want to become,” said Casey McArdle, Assistant Professor in the Department of

January 20, 2026

Experience Architecture Major Works to Improve Accessibility and User Experience at Internship

Avery Kuehl, a sophomore Experience Architecture major from Commerce Township, Michigan, worked as a Digital Accessibility Intern for Michigan State University’s College of Human Medicine. She shared her experience with this internship in a Q&A originally published by the Excel Network.

January 7, 2026

Man, dressed all in black with short black curly hair and glasses, holding and speaking into a microphone on a stage with a dark background.

Experience Architecture Major Gains Experience as a User Experience Design Intern

Andrew Nguyen, a senior Experience Architecture major from Clawson, Michigan, worked as a User Experience (UX) Design Intern for United Wholesale Mortgage (UWM) this past summer. He shared his experience with this internship in a Q&A.

December 15, 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.