Online Webmaster Degrees
Ask a Question
Webmasters create websites for the public to use and enjoy. They use coding languages, words and graphic art to display information on a computer screen. Usability is a webmaster's main concern. Typically, webmasters want to make sure that websites are easy to use and understand so that each viewer will be able to use the website for multiple purposes. Working toward a career as a webmaster can start by studying design or another computer-related discipline. Most webmasters enjoy their careers because they like working with computers and problem solving. Also, there are many job opportunities and higher paying salaries for webmasters. Salaries in this field can start at an average of $73,000 per year.
Webmasters are primarily web administrators, so having a diverse background is important. Webmasters look for different ways to make websites work faster, better and easier for the public to use. It can be a very creative role that provides a growing number of opportunities in the technology world. Depending on the job desired, students can study for a number of different programs to become webmasters. Students can start their careers by pursuing an associate degree, certification, or bachelor's degree in a computer-related field. This may include anything from graphic design to computer science.
Webmasters will generally have good chances of securing work, as they are part of one of the fast-growing technology sector. Webmasters can also be considered as network systems and data communications analysts, which are in demand positions. Having excellent communication skills as well as being passionate about problem solving will be necessary to becoming a successful webmaster.
Answers to Your Questions
Career Specializations
A career as a webmaster is a specialization within the field of computer networks and systems.
Degree Levels
- Associate Degree: 2 years to complete
- Bachelor's Degree: 4 years to complete
- Master's Degree: 2 years to complete
- Doctoral Degree: 3-5 years to complete
Education & Certification Requirements
Employers of webmasters will want all of their employees to possess an associate degree at a minimum; for higher paying jobs, webmasters will need a bachelor's. In college, webmaster students will need to learn as much about computers and the Internet as possible, but focusing on other areas will be important as well. Learning how to write well to create polished copy for websites will be important, so having a background in English will be essential. Also, creating websites will require webmasters to be artistic and creative on a daily basis. Studying design and art will help them in their everyday work tasks, as well as working as part of a team with designers.
Webmasters must also learn to problem solve and have strong analytical skills. For this type of background, studying courses such as mathematics or statistics will be useful. Communications will be important, as well, as webmasters often have to work as part of a team and with individuals that have little or no computer knowledge or skills. These communication skills will also be helpful for creating websites that may convey complicated messages to the public.
Certification may be required by some employers. Webmasters may gain certification through product vendors, computer associations, and other training institutions. Some employers may even substitute education for experience and certification, depending on which position they are seeking to fill. Certification exams may be administered on a number of different levels. For example, for webmasters who are just starting out in the field, it's a good idea to take an apprentice exam, which will cover basic design and visual communications. Higher levels of examination may be labeled as "associate" or "professional" exams for certification, which will test on a combination of design and coding for the web. (BLS)
Salary Information
Salary for webmasters will vary depending on experience and education level, but the average salary can range up to $70,000 per year. Within the field of network systems and data communication analysis, webmasters can make some of the highest paying salaries. The lowest median wage for webmasters in 2008 was under $41,000, while the highest wage was over $110,000.
Job Outlook
Job opportunities for webmasters are projected to grow by 53 percent, which is much higher than average employment rates for the United States. Employment opportunities should be excellent for these types of careers. As the Internet continues to grow and expand, the need for workers within this field will continue to grow as well. In 2008, there were over 200,000 network systems and data communications analysts. Although only a portion of that number belongs to the specification of webmaster, the number is expected to grow and keep growing for those who choose this specialization.
More and more companies need webmasters to help them with their businesses. Today, nearly every business will want a website and want to do business through that website. Webmasters will be absolutely essential for businesses of the future, as they will need them to create user friendly and eye catching websites that set them apart from the competition. (BLS)
Related Careers
Webmasters are highly skilled workers that combine a number of different skill sets in order to meet the needs of the public. Being creative, having an aptitude for math, possessing problem-solving skills and having a keen eye for detail will all be required attributes when entering this workforce; however, there are several other careers that may fall under these qualifications. Other careers that require the same skill set include computer scientist, computer and information systems manager, and graphic designer.
Computer scientists design, create and invent new technology. Although this career field may require a PhD, the work of a computer scientist is a similarly creative, problem solving role which is high in demand.
Computer and information systems managers are expected to have a fast-growing employment rate for the future. These experts typically plan and coordinate computer systems within an organization. Similar to webmasters, computer and information systems managers administer technology by overseeing development.
Graphic designers, or graphic artists, often work with webmasters to create visually stimulating websites. Similarly, they work to solve problems and to convey messages through the web into the public eye. They use color, type, illustration, photography and animation techniques to make the most presentable layouts for the web. (BLS)
