The best online web design associate degrees offer flexible learning options, student support, and focused career services. Online Associate Degrees in Web Design have become an ideal way for students to prepare for careers in STEM fields. Remote learners can now join in the next wave of website innovations through the best online web design associate degrees.
Attending an online web design associate program in a virtual college ensures you’re equipped with the in-demand design skills needed for lucrative careers across tech fields. The well-paced immersive curriculum and student resources in colleges that offer online web design associate degrees make it easy for even busy students to maximize their time in schooling. Keep reading to learn about these programs and the best web design associate degree jobs.
Where Can I Get a Web Design Associate Degree Online?
You can get a web design associate degree online from an accredited school offering the course. Previously, only technical and community colleges offered associate degrees. Now you can pursue a web design associate degree in a four-year institution.
Research has shown that there has been a steady increase in demand for associate degrees in the US, based on the 2020 survey by Statista. Some of the best schools to get an online associate degree in web design include Bismarck State College, Lewis Clark State College, Northcentral Technical College, Champlain College, and Iowa Western Community College.
What Schools Offer the Best Web Design Associate Degrees?
- Bismarck State College
- Lewis Clark State College
- Northcentral Technical College
- Champlain College
- Iowa Western Community College
What Are the Admission Requirements for an Online Web Design Associate Degree?
The admissions requirements for an online web design associate degree program start with the candidate creating an admissions account with the school. This may include completing an online application form that details personal information and degree type or scheduling a call with the admissions office. Before submitting the application form, confirm if the process is free or if an application fee is required.
In some cases, online associate degree in web design requirements do not include a high school transcript. However, the school may request an official transcript after they have enrolled you in the program. Some schools request placement test scores such as the ACT or SAT from candidates, but this isn’t a major requirement. The school might also ask you to consent to a criminal background check.
Online Web Design Associate Degree Admission Requirements
- Application form
- High school transcript
- Placement test
- Resume or portfolio of projects
- References or recommendation letter
How to Get a Web Design Associate Degree Online
You get a web design associate degree online by fulfilling all the graduation requirements for the program. Each school has a different set of requirements. If you are wondering how to get an Associate Degree in Web Design online, a list of some of the common program requirements is detailed below.
Web Design Degree Requirements
- Credit Hours. An associate degree in web design usually requires the completion of 60 to 64 hours of credits before the school can award the student a degree. Usually, 45 credits are made up of the core courses and 18 to 22 credits are usually made up of the general courses.
- Web Design Software Requirement. Online learners may be required to gain access to web design software such as Adobe Creative Cloud, before the start of the program.
- Technical or Portfolio Skills Assessment. Students enrolled in web design associate degree programs may need to complete a skills assessment test that reviews their learning outcomes through a series of hands-on projects in web design and development.
- Upper-level and Lower-level Courses. Core courses include information technology, web programming languages, math and logic, user interface design, user experience design, and open-source and client-side web development. Your general courses may include English, digital marketing, writing, and psychology.
- Grade Requirements. Students in web design programs have to get a C average or a 2.0 GPA each semester before they can be awarded a degree.
- Capstone Project. A capstone project may be required to consolidate your academic experience. Students who do well in this project stand a better chance of transferring their credits to a four-year college if they wish to further their education.
Best Online Web Design Associate Degree Programs and Schools: Overview
| School | Program | Accreditation |
|---|---|---|
| Bismarck State College | Web Page Development and Design AAS | Higher Learning Commission |
| Cerro Coso Community College | Web Professional AS | Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior College |
| Champlain College | Web Design and Development Online Associate Degree Program | New England Commission for Higher Education |
| Iowa Western Community College | Computers: Web Design and Development AAS | Higher Learning Commission |
| Lewis Clark State College | Web Design and Development AAS | Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities |
| Mohave Community College | Computer Graphics and Web Design AAS | Higher Learning Commission |
| Northcentral Technical College | IT-Web Designer Associate Degree | Higher Learning Commission |
| Pueblo Community College | Web Design and Development AAS | Higher Learning Commission |
| Seattle Central College | Web Design Associate Degree | Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities |
| Sessions College | Associate Degree in Web Design | Distance Education Accrediting Commission |
Best Schools for Web Design: Top Online Web Design Associate Degree Programs
The best online schools for an Associate in Web Design will provide a range of hard and soft skills to help you get hired. If you’re ready to get started with your web design degree school search, check out our list of the top schools for an online web design associate degree.
What is an Online Web Design Associate Degree?
An online web design associate degree is an academic degree awarded to distance learners who have completed a virtual course program in an accredited university or college. It’s made for transferring to a bachelor’s degree program or commencement of a web design career.
A web design associate degree online program covers theoretical and practical training on how to use interactive multimedia to design and maintain responsive websites. This degree program teaches students about HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. It also teaches the use of graphics technologies such as Adobe Photoshop and database management systems.
Online vs In-Person Web Design Degrees
The major difference between online and in-person web design degrees is their unique learning formats. Online web degree programs provide self-paced and scheduled online classes and course materials to online learners. In-person web degree programs require students to register and attend classes on campus, and at scheduled dates and times.
Through an in-depth review, we discovered that both these program formats have benefits that appeal to different classes of students. Whether you gain your Associate in Web Design online vs on-campus, you will receive a high-standard of education. Below, you’ll find a list of factors that make each learning path ideal for web design students.
Top 5 Benefits of an Online Associate Degree in Web Design
- Flexible Scheduling. In most cases, you’ll have autonomy over your time and study hours. While you may be required to attend classes in real-time, they won’t exceed two or three times a week. This way you can devote time to other engagements like home-making and work.
- Better Learning Experience. An online associate degree in web design eliminates the need to learn in a structured environment. This allows you to personalize your study space to optimize your productivity and reduce the stress associated with studying and schooling.
- Lower Tuition Fees. If you’re attending college on campus, you may have to pay a higher tuition cost and other associative dues like equipment, books, and boarding. Tuition cost is lesser in an online web design associate program.
- More Student Services. Online students have steady access to a range of real-time student support. Admissions and course advisors are available to provide students with guidance on specific requirements, orientation, and course registration.
- Career Services. You’ll find free access to career planning courses, portfolio review, and interview guidelines for online students. These are often available at online community colleges offering web design associate degrees. You can also expect career fairs and workshops.
Top 5 Benefits of an In-Person Associate Degree in Web Design
- Faster Course Pace. With an in-person associate degree, your classes are pre-made into an existing format. This can be advantageous for students who enjoy structure and for those who hope to earn their degree within the stipulated period.
- Broad Learning Resources. Libraries are readily available for in-person students. You have physical textbooks as materials for your studies. You can also reach out to instructors for resource recommendations to boost your learning experience.
- Socializing and Networking Opportunities. Attending an on-campus college provides you with opportunities for networking and socializing. Through these events, you can immerse yourself with professionals in the web design field.
- Face-to-Face Student Support. Unlike an online program where you have to wait for feedback due to its asynchronous nature, in an in-person course, you can approach your instructors for guidance on various issues.
- Access to Student Centers. With an in-person program, you gain access to social groups, wellness centers, and food halls. This can make the experience more wholesome for prospective students.
What Types of Online Associate Degrees Can You Get in Web Design?
You can get the following types of associate degrees for web design:
- Associate of Arts
- Associate of Science
- Associate of Applied Science in Web Design.
The Associate of Arts and Associate of Science prepares you for transfer into four-year institutions, while the Associate of Applied Science degrees in Web Design prepares you to launch a web design career upon graduation. You can get any type of Associate degree in Web Design completely online.
Is it Better to Get an Associate of Science or Associate of Applied Science in Web Design?
It is better to get an online Associate of Science degree in web design because it will prepare you to further your education. However, both are strong options depending on your overall goals. You can earn both degree types within the same period, two or fewer years, and they each prepare students for a unique path. Both degree options will prepare you for the workforce better than online classes.
The Associate of Science (AS) is a minor degree that allows students to take advantage of transfer agreements and apply their credits to a higher degree, such as a bachelor’s degree in a related field. AS courses provide foundational knowledge in web design so students can explore further in a four-year program.
An Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in web design is a job preparation degree. It’s built to equip students with the hands-on design skills they need for immediate careers in web design and development. You’ll find a handful of general education courses in this type of degree program, but it may be more difficult to transfer your credits to a bachelor’s degree program.
How Much Does a Web Design Associate Degree Cost?
A web design associate degree costs around $3,621 for the standard two-year period during the 2019-20 school year, according to the data by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). If you choose to attend a public school, you should expect to pay about $3,377 for either an online or in-person web design program.
Private non-profit and profit institutions offering associate degrees typically charge more than public institutions. Candidates planning to enroll in associate web design programs in these schools should expect to pay an average tuition of $15,828. You can often lower your online Associate in Web Design cost of tuition by applying for grants or scholarships.
How Long Does it Take to Get a Web Design Associate Degree Online?
It takes about two years to earn a web design associate degree online. The length of your web design associate degree depends on the program you’re enrolled in. In a full-time program, you’ll need to devote two years of your time to earn your associate degree in web design. However, in a self-paced part-time program, it could take you four years or more.
There are accelerated associate degrees designed to provide opportunities to meet the requirements for associate-level degrees within a shorter time frame. These allow for an accelerated course of study for aspiring web designers.
Are Online Web Design Degrees Respected?
Yes, online web design associate degrees are respected within and outside the educational industry. Distance learning courses are quickly gaining ground in higher learning institutions, according to the 2019 enrollment data provided by the NCES. Getting an accredited online web development degree will ensure your degree is respected.
If you’re concerned about your employability, you should know that you can access a wide range of tech careers with an online web design associate degree. Your earning potential after graduation is also pretty impressive. A 2021 survey by Statista shows that tech professionals with associate degrees are amongst the highest-paid associate degree graduates.
Is Web Design Hard to Learn Online?
No, web design is not hard to learn online. As long as you’re passionate about the field and focused on learning, it wouldn’t be hard. You’ll be provided with an adequate set of learning resources, including course materials and instructors to boost your learning experience. You can also speed up your learning with a web design community. However, some students with no background using technology find that web design is hard to take online.
Web Design Bootcamp vs Online Web Design Associate Degree: Which Is Better?
An online web design associate degree is better because it will set you up to further your education in the future. However, in some cases, a web design bootcamp is better than an online web design associate degree because they’re fast-paced and have an emphasis on a job market-based curriculum. In the list below, you’ll find the benefits of these two educational courses.
Top 5 Benefits of an Online Web Design Associate Degree
- Flexible Scheduling. Most online web design associate degree programs offer self-paced online options to students. You can complete classwork on your own time and attend classes from any location.
- Financial Aid and Low Tuition Rates. Associate degrees cost less than most top bootcamps. They’re affordable options for people who don’t have the means to get a degree. You can also submit a FAFSA application for grants and scholarships. Most scholarships for STEM students are geared to students in accredited colleges.
- Better Industry Recognition. Associate degrees have more industry recognition than bootcamp certificates. The prestige given to degrees comes into play during job applications and recruitment decisions as some companies prefer applicants with degrees.
- Diverse Course Curriculum. Apart from your specialized coursework, you’ll have access to general courses such as English Writing and Composition, Statistics, and Physical Science.
- Transfer Credit Advantages. An online web design associate degree allows you to build credits that can be applied towards acquiring an advanced degree later on. Most students enrolled in associate programs benefit from this because the tuition cost is lesser and admission is attainable if you’re applying directly from an associate program.
Top 5 Benefits of a Web Design Bootcamp
- Market-Driven Curriculum. You learn more about job-specific skills in bootcamps. This prepares students to become job-ready individuals after they finish the program. Bootcamp instructors help students to jumpstart their tech careers.
- Balanced Course and Class Schedules. Web design bootcamps usually introduce each topic with an overview of the concept. It comes with an open discussion of topics before students do hands-on projects. Flexible and self-paced online options are also available for full-time professionals.
- Short Timeframes. Unlike associate degrees, where you spend two years earning a degree, you only need about three to six months in a web design bootcamp.
- Career Services. Career services are one of the major reasons for the growing popularity of coding bootcamps. Web design bootcamps offer services such as portfolio review, social media profile building, and networking events.
- Job Placement Assistance. You’ll also find that most bootcamps provide graduates with job opportunities for internships and full-time jobs in top tech companies. Some bootcamps even offer job guarantees to students.
Why You Should Get a Web Design Associate Degree Online
You should get a web design associate degree online because it’s a cost-efficient alternative to pursuing an undergraduate degree. Getting a web design associate degree online gives you control over your education as you get to schedule time as you see fit.
It’s also a more effective option than pursuing a degree on campus. You don’t have to worry about moving to a new state or covering fees that in-person students have to cover. With your degree, you can launch a career in web design. It allows you to credit your subjects to an advanced degree in web development or software engineering.
What Courses Do You Take in an Online Associate Degree Program in Web Design?
Associate in Web Design online courses cover programming, critical-thinking, and design skills. An online associate degree program in web design usually comprises several specialized and general courses spread out over two to four semesters. Below are some of the courses you’re likely to encounter in an online associate degree program in web design.
Programming
You’re going to tackle web programming languages such as Python and JavaScript. You’re also going to learn front end languages such as HTML and CSS. Knowledge of these languages is essential in designing responsive websites and web pages. Programming is also important for application development.
Client-Side and Server-Side Scripting
Client-side scripting involves running scripts on the client-side of a website, such as a browser. Server-side scripting involves executing scripts on the server-side of a website when a user request is sent. Knowledge of website scripting helps you optimize the user experience and ensure properly designed dynamic web pages.
Web Design
In a web design course, you’ll learn how to balance functionality and aesthetics when designing using editing and design software. You’ll also learn how to make websites display on different devices making sure that they’re responsive and easy to use.
Professional Writing
Professional writing is a popular elective course for online web design students. In this course, you’ll learn how to develop writing strategies that’ll allow you to generate traffic and convert visits into leads. You’ll also learn how to publish written content on the web.
Math and Logic
Math and logic is another popular course for students enrolled in web design associate degrees. This course aims to help students develop mathematical reasoning skills. Students explore major mathematical areas such as logic and probability.
Continuing Education Paths for Online Web Design Associate Degree Graduates
An online web design associate degree creates opportunities for academic and career advancement. You can boost your professional standing by furthering your academics through a bachelor’s degree program or by becoming a Certified Internet Web Professional. This professional certification has state and higher institution recognition.
Related Online Web Design Degrees
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What to Look For in the Best Web Design Associate Degree Programs
The things to look out for in the best web design associate degree programs are flexibility, course content, and extra services. If you are unsure what to look for in an online web design degree program, take a look at our list of criteria below.
Flexibility
When deciding between schools, one of the first things you should look into is the program format. Check whether they offer online or in-person programs or if you can enroll in a hybrid structure. You should also consider the course delivery. Confirm from the school’s website if classes are held in real-time or uploaded as videos.
Student Services
Adequate student services help optimize your learning experience and outcomes. If you’re planning to enroll, you should compare the type of student services offered. Types of student services include online learning feedback systems, career path advising, and wellness support.
Curricular Content
The more diverse your course curriculum, the more academic exposure you can get. Most associate degrees in web design include different courses in arts, business, and science. You should confirm if courses such as creative design, marketing, and biology are part of your course content.
Barriers to Admission
Some of the barriers to admission include high application fees, emphasis on a minimum GPA, and placement test scores. Most colleges run open admissions that allow you to apply any time within the enrollment period.
Specialization Options
If you’re planning on transferring your credit to a bachelor’s degree program, you should review the options for the schools you’re applying to. You can also check the specialized knowledge and skills in fields other than web design. Some of the specializations for web design include graphic design, web development, and digital marketing.
What Is the Most Affordable Online Web Design Associate Degree?
Northcentral Technical College offers the most affordable online web design associate degree tuition range. Both in-state and out-state students pay a tuition cost of $10,336 for 64-credit programs. Each credit unit is offered at $162 and it’s spread out over four terms. Students are required to cover 12 to 18 credit hours, which range between $1,938 and $2,907.
For many prospective students, the most affordable online web design associate degree available will be at an in-state institution. Many community colleges offer more affordable options to local students.
Can I Get a Web Design Associate Degree Online for Free?
No, you can’t get a web design associate degree online for free. All schools offer their associate degree and certificate programs at a fee. While you can’t get your Associate of Web Design online free, colleges provide students with financial aid options like scholarships to help them cover some or all of the costs. If you can’t afford college tuition, you can start your web design learning with free standalone courses.
Salary and Job Outlook for Online Web Design Associate Degree Graduates
As a graduate of a web design associate program, finding out your prospective job outcome is important. If you’ve nurtured your practical skills in web design, then it’s time to find out what web design jobs are available and the steps you can take to secure them.
How Hard Is It to Get a Job With a Web Design Associate Degree?
It’s not hard to get a job with a web design associate degree. Some online web design associate programs provide career guidance before students enter the marketplace. This increases their chances of securing good jobs. School events like career fairs, workshops, and internships prepare students to be ready to enter the labor force.
What’s the Average Online Web Design Associate Degree Salary?
The average salary for a professional with a web design associate degree is $62,000, based on the data from PayScale. This figure describes the annual salary for multimedia and web design graduates with an associate degree. Those who earn this base salary are web design professionals with quantifiable years of experience in the multimedia and web design field.
What Jobs Can You Get With an Online Web Design Associate Degree?
The jobs you can do with an online web design associate degree are entry-level jobs in graphic design, content writing, and web analysis. With an online education in web design, you can become a web designer or build your career through the jobs listed below. Tech skills are always in demand, so it should not be hard to get a job with an online web development associate degree.
Web Design Degree Jobs
- Graphic designer
- Digital interface designer
- Web content manager
- Web application developer
- User experience designer
Potential Careers With an Online Web Design Degree
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How Much Money Can You Make With an Online Web Design Associate Degree?
You can make between $38,000 and $76,000 per year with an online web design associate degree, according to the data from PayScale. Entry-level web designers with one year of experience can earn an average of $45,000 a year, including bonuses and overtime pay.
If you’re a seasoned web designer, with up to 10 years of experience, you can earn an average of $62,000. You will find making money with an online web design degree easier after gaining a few years of experience.
Your degree, when applied to other career paths that are related to your field, can earn you even higher than the range listed above. We took the time to detail some of the highest-paying jobs for web design associate program graduates.
Highest-Paying Online Web Design Associate Degree Jobs and Salaries: Overview
| Web Design Associate Degree Jobs | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Digital Interface Designer | $77,200 |
| UX Designer | $75,667 |
| Web Application Developer | $65,746 |
| Web Content Manager | $60,502 |
| Graphic Designer | $50,710 |
Best Jobs for Online Web Design Associate Degree Grads
The best online web design associate degree jobs have been reviewed below. The list provides detailed information about what these jobs entail, how much you can earn on a national scale, and the ten-year salary projection. Keep reading to learn more about jobs for online associate degree holders in web design.
Best Jobs According to Your Major
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Is an Online Web Design Associate Degree Worth It?
Yes, an online web design associate degree is worth it. With an Associate of Applied Science or Associate of Science degree in web design, you can achieve your academic and career goals. Web design is a flexible career that has several growth opportunities, making earning an online web design associate degree worth it.
However, if you’re uncertain about launching your web design career through an associate program, you could attend a web design bootcamp. They offer several career-focused services at affordable tuition rates.
Additional Reading About Web Design
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Online Web Design Associate Degree FAQ
The best degree for a web design career is a bachelor’s or associate degree in web design. You can pursue other related degrees like computer science, web development, and graphic design. These offer specialized courses in line with web design. If you want to advance in your career, you can also earn a master’s degree.
Yes, you can become a web designer without a degree. You don’t necessarily need a degree to become a web designer. While degrees give you leverage, they won’t help you land a job if you don’t have the needed web design skills. You can build the skills you need through coding bootcamps or online learning platforms like Udemy and Codecademy.
You can learn web design for free using online tutorials from platforms that offer free access to students. Some of these platforms include Codecademy, Coursera, and MIT OpenCourseWare. However, the training you get from these platforms may not be enough to master web design. If you want a comprehensive education, you may need to attend coding bootcamps.
No, coding is not necessary for web design. However, knowing how to code makes it easier for you to blend into other career paths in tech. As a web designer, you should be familiar with HTML and other web languages. You can use frameworks and libraries for JavaScript when designing a website if you don’t know how to code.
About us: Career Karma is a platform designed to help job seekers find, research, and connect with job training programs to advance their careers. Learn about the CK publication.
