Online Web Design Degrees
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Web design is an exciting and ever-evolving field that requires creativity and technical skill. Web page designers create a product that communicates an idea, information, or product through color, illustration, animations, type, photography, and other techniques that display images on an electronic medium. Web designers plan, assess, and create visual representations that are either for their own use or requested by a client. An effective and visually appealing web page is rewarding for the designer and a necessity for the designer's client, who wishes to receive as much exposure as possible from that web page.
Many web designers are self-taught, which means that they have not received a formal education, but rather, have picked up skills either while working in a different profession or by reading or taking online tutorials at home. It is important to note, however, that a career in web design does indeed benefit from a formal education. Higher education provides individuals with an important foundation and assures clients that they are hiring a web designer with the requisite skills to produce a high-quality product.
Continuing education is also very important in field such as Web design, where technologies and software constantly evolve.
Answers to Your Questions
Featured Accredited Schools Offering Online Web Design Degrees
- All
- Associate
- Bachelor's
- Master's
- Certification
Learn more about American InterContinental University
Career Specializations
- Web Coder: Web coding is an entry-level position typically found in larger Web design companies. Web coders manually type out codes created by other designers for a Web page.
- Web Developer: This entry-level position plans how a Web page will look using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript technologies, then deliver the scripts and content to a client.
- Mobile Applications: Mobile applications are where a lot of focus is being centered currently and is one area in which Web designers are in great demand.
- Java Developer: Increased Web applications and website activity is conducted by Java developers where the JavaScript language programming is maintained as a user-friendly site.
- Web Manager: The overall operation of either a business tailored for designing Web pages or a corporation that includes a department specifically for Web design is directed by a Web manager.
Degree Levels Available for Web Design
- Associate Degree: Completed in 2 years
- Bachelor's Degree: Completed in 4 years
- Master's Degree: Completed in 1.5 to 3 years
- Doctoral Degree: Completed in 3 to 5 years
Education & Certification Requirements
A variety of degree levels are available for the field of web design. Individuals pursuing a degree do not need specific certifications or accreditation for web design, but the degree should involve theoretical coursework along with hands-on study—especially if the individual plans to operate their own web design company. This experience will provide theoretical and applied understanding of design, psychology, computer and information technologies, and business.
An associate degree in web design prepares individuals for an entry-level position. The person may work as an apprentice and assist web designers. A number of careers in web design are available for graduates with a bachelor's degree. Along with entry-level positions, specializations can allow students to refine their studies and precise career path in web design. A master's degree in web design allows an individual to begin managing and directing businesses or departments that focus on web design. Research, studies, and higher education are all areas where doctoral degrees offer career opportunities for individuals in web design. (BLS)
There are no certification requirements by any state for web designers. For web designers who are interested in both art and design, it is recommended that they attend a program that is accredited by National Association of Schools of Arts and Design. (BLS)
Salary Information
Web designers' salaries depend on the level of education an individual has obtained, the place where the individual is employed, and the amount of experience he or she has.
Graduates with an associate degree, and even a bachelor's degree, will receive lower salaries than an individuals with master's and doctoral degrees. The annual salary for the lowest 10 percent of web designers earns $26,110. The middle 50 percent receive in the range of $32,600 to $56,520 annually. The annual salary for the top 10 percent receive $74,660. The annual mean salary for web designers is $42,400. (BLS)
Job Outlook
The need for web designers is expected to increase 13 percent between 2008 to 2018. This forecast is approximately as fast as for other occupations. Web designers with animation skills are considered to be the most in-demand. Computer design firms and advertisers are the employers that are currently hiring web designers. (BLS)
Related Careers
The multidisciplinary components of web design provide skills for many other careers. Along with computer and information technology knowledge, design, psychology, and business skills are necessary in web design and its related careers. Some of these careers include computer programmers, interior designers, and drafters.
Computer programmers and web designers must both be knowledgeable in computer and information technology. mathematics, and engineering. A proficiency in computer science is important for computer programmers. Software applications are created, tested, and evaluated by computer programmers.
Interior designers incorporate design and artistic skills that web designers also possess. They should also have a solid understanding of architecture. The importance of space and how people react to objects and the space between those objects is also vital knowledge for Web designers and interior designers.
Drafters prepare plans and technical drawings to be produced into buildings and even computer parts. Computer technology, science, and mathematics are similar subjects that drafters and web designers share. Along with web designers, drafters envision a design, then create and design the product usually requested by a client.
