Job Possibilities with a Web Design Degree
All websites consist of two things: design and content. Content handles the text/media of the site, but web designers create the layout and appearance of it. As a result, web designers are frequently high in demand by companies, and people with a degree in web design find lots of work really quickly. Best of all, the work gets rather lucrative pretty quickly.
Website Designer
The basic bread and butter job for someone with a degree in web design is that of the website designer. Your main weapons are HTML and CSS, both languages designed to be interpreted by Internet browsers to deliver the look and feel of a web page. You’ll use programs such as Adobe Dreamweaver and Microsoft Expression Web to create sites from scratch. If you’re not big on being with one company, you can also freelance as a web designer, working with lots of clients to combine function with aesthetics to create awesome websites.
Web Developer
If you also have knowledge of programming languages such as Javascript, PHP or Ruby, you can do web development as a career. Development ranges from designing pages with PHP in mind to creating plugins for online applications that do things like share content, download information, or analyze your website for you. You can even create entire new applications yourself for the community to use. Often, companies hire one person to do web design and development, so it pays to have both skills if you want a better chance of finding a job when you graduate with this type of degree.
Theme Creator
If you don’t want to design websites from scratch, you can instead create and sell themes for several web-based applications. Unlike plugins which modify the way an application works, a theme changes the theme’s layout. Themes for applications such as WordPress, Drupal, Joomla, and Tumblr sell very well on the market, with some going for upwards of $199 for licensing a theme (See Genesis or Thesis for an example.) Of course, with this kind of job, you’ll typically need experience with the application you’re using, since the best themes are made to make design on these applications easy for people with no development knowledge and you have to know what people want most in a theme.
Web design is an exciting career choice because it stands at the crossroads of technology and art. Students will learn design theory, color theory, composition, and contrast as well as more technical skills like usuability and programming. Below are several schools offering associate and bachelor programs in web design and links for contacting them.
BFA in Graphic Design
AS in Web Design
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International Academy of Design & Technology –
The International Academy of Design & Technology offers an AS in web design and a BFA in graphic design. These programs show how web technologies integrate with design theories and elements including color and composition. Students will also cover digital imaging, multimedia design, programming, and optimizing for the Internet.
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Associates in Web Design
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University of Phoenix –
Phoenix is a leader in online education, and their Associates in Web Design degree program is particularly strong focus on exploring fundamental concepts of design as well as the technologies needed to execute web-oriented tasks. This accredited online associates in web design program gives students a well rounded education and prepares them for a wide variety of careers in web design.
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AA of Web Graphic Design
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DeVry University –
DeVry's Associates in Web Graphic Design degree prepares individuals in all of the core web design classes, and additionally includes the ability to take classes which include other aspects of graphic design, so that students have a more well rounded understanding of the field. This program is available online in addition to at almost every DeVry campus throughout the nation.
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BS in Web Design
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Kaplan University –
Kaplan University's BS in web design program prepares students to enter into successful careers as web designers, programmers, and information technology specialists. Students will focus on artistic aspects such as design composition, color, and contrast as well as more technical skills like using software to create their designs or program a site.
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Associates in Web Design
Bachelors in Web Design
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Art Institute of Pittsburgh –
The Art Institute of Pittsburgh has long been a leader in web and software design, and have in recent years expanded their online degree offerings. Their accredited Associates and Bachelors in Web Design degrees are both available through online programs that you can complete on your own schedule and in an environment of your choosing.
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Associates in Web Design
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Rasmussen College –
In addition to traditional web design courses, Rasmussen College provides an online Associates in Web Design degree that offers students the option of taking a broad array of related courses to supplement their degree including Networking and Internet Technologies, Server Side Scripting, and Dynamic Content Management. This course includes hands-on exercises and curriculum that reflects the current technologies and developments in the industry.
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Associates in Web Design
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Baker College –
This online Associates in Web Design degree at Baker College is designed specifically to teach practical real-world skills for those that want to become a web designer. Some courses include Visual BASIC, Introduction to Programming, Introduction to Graphic Imaging, World Wide Web Design, Interactive Web Design, and Internet Commerce. Students will be able to apply these skills to real-world situations upon graduating.
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Web Design and Dev Cert
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University of Massachusetts –
University of Massachusetts provides a Website Design and Development certificate program that focuses on estalishing a foundation in interactive design and building dynamic websites. Students will learn to use the latest software to build advance websites that follow today's standards and new advances. Students will also learn design, color, and composition theory to create aesthetically pleasing sites.
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Bachelors in Web Design & Dev
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Full Sail University –
A recognized leader in design and development degrees, Full Sail offers an accredited online Bachelors in Web Design and Development degree. A degree that balances aesthetic design and coding and development this is an ideal degree for those who want to have a well rounded skill-set for a variety of careers or starting their own company.
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BFA in Web Design
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American Intercontinental University –
AI's online Bachelors in Web Design degree is an accredited degree with a focus learning real world skills and preparing the student for careers such as Web Designer, Digital Artist, Flash Designer, Web Producer, and Internet Marketing Designer. Students gain skills, knowledge, and resources they can apply to their careers immediately upon graduating.
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BS/IS in Web Development
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Strayer university –
Strayer University's BS degree in information science with a concentration in Web development is a relatively new program that teaches cutting edge web development techniques and technologies. The industry-driven curriculum combines simulations and other hands-on technology with peer interaction and feedback. With flexible hours and the convenience of working from any computer, this is a great choice for working students.
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Bachelors in Web Design
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Westwood College –
One of the most highly regarded online colleges for computer and technology degrees, Westwood College offers an online Bachelors in Web Design degree which includes learning practical skills such as coding in HTML, JavaScript, CSS, PHP, HTTP and Actionscript, in addition to theory and design. This degree can be completed from the convenience of your home.
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BS/IT: Web Management
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South university –
South University's BS in IT with a specialization in web management prepares students with theoretical, technical, and applied knowledge that allows them to become effective and informed web administrators. Students study system analysis, design, programming, networks, and case studies in courses that promote communication skills along with problem-solving. Graduates are prepared to enter into a variety of information technology fields and positions.
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Associates in Web Design
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Sessions College for Professional Design –
Sessions College for Professional Design takes a practical approach to education in design. Their degree programs are designed around hands-on exercises that have students working with the software they will use in their professional careers. They also work with industry professional to develop curriculum that stays up to date with the latest technology and developments. Sessions has an accredited, online program for an Associates in Web Design.
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