Merit America uses dynamic enrollment, which means new cohorts begin every two weeks — you don’t have to wait months for a single fixed start date. Once admitted, you’ll choose the cohort that fits your life, and if the timing isn’t right, you can defer to a later one.

Here’s how it works:

• Apply when you’re ready. No application deadlines.
• Once admitted, claim a spot in an upcoming cohort. Spots fill on a first-come, first-served basis — completing your onboarding steps early gives you the most flexibility.
• Or defer to a later cohort if the timing isn’t right.
• Complete onboarding steps like coach selection and device setup.
• Begin your program when your cohort opens.

This structure ensures every learner starts when they’re ready — supported from day one.

Merit America provides a blended online learning environment where you will participate in live virtual meetings and complete coursework independently online from industry-recognized partners, like Google.

We leverage learning tools such as the widely used digital workplace platforms and software, including: Zoom, Slack, Google Suite, and our customized Merit America Learner Portal.

To be eligible for any of Merit America’s programs, the following must be true:

• You have a high school diploma or GED.
• Associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degree holders are welcome.
• You are a resident of the U.S. and authorized to work in the U.S.
• DACA and Temporary Residents must have a status/visa that does not expire within six months of the Immersion start date.
• Residents of U.S. territories are eligible for our program.
• You are 18 years of age or older.
• You will be seeking full-time employment upon completion of the program.

Merit America’s UX Design program is designed to fit into your busy schedule with a commitment of approximately 18 hours per week — a mix of self-paced online coursework and live, topic-based workshops focused on career coaching and skills practice. Technical advisors are available to help talk through coursework questions as needed.

Live workshops typically take place outside of standard business hours, and while you can complete coursework on your own time, there are required assignments and deadlines that must be met to move forward in the program.

When you join Merit America, there’s a team dedicated to your success.

Your coach helps you build the professional and job search skills you need to succeed in today’s market — from refining your resume and preparing for interviews to networking effectively and navigating job offers. They’ll also work with you to chart a clear career path aligned with your goals, and the support continues after you complete the program.

You’ll also join live, topic-based workshops alongside other learners on the same journey. You can pick the sessions that fit your schedule and the skills you want to focus on, like interviewing, resumes, or LinkedIn.

Your technical advisor is available to direct you to appropriate resources if you’re struggling with your Google UX Design Certificate coursework.

And our Career Services team provides on-demand support, with optional structured programs like the Alumni Career Accelerator if you want a focused job-search sprint.

We can’t guarantee job placement or salaries, but we do provide you with a structured training curriculum, professional career development, and dedicated job-placement support. Because of this, the majority of job-seeking alumni are placed in new jobs within three months of completion.

But under the Merit America Guarantee, if you qualify by fulfilling the requirements, and don’t earn at least $40k a year within two years of the Immersion end date of your program, you may be eligible for a full refund.

Our UX Design program is a 21-week pathway built around the Google UX Design Certificate, delivered through Coursera and supplemented with hands-on training, projects, and live workshops.

The program focuses on user-centric problem-solving, empathy-building research methodologies, and an introduction to Figma and Adobe XD.

You’ll learn entry-level skills including:

• Understanding what makes existing products difficult to use
• Exploring what can make people’s experiences great
• Designing wireframes, mockups, and prototypes

In addition to technical training, you’ll hone your professional skills and chart your career roadmap with the help of a dedicated coach. Upon completing the program, you’ll be prepared for entry-level roles such as UX Designer, Product Designer, Interaction Designer, Visual Designer, UX Researcher, or UX/UI Designer.