Best Web Development Schools: The Top Colleges and Universities for Web Development Programs

Carnegie Mellon is a private research university well known for its top-of-the-line computer science major. In addition to high-quality instruction, the school also boasts a 10:1 student-faculty ratio. This ensures that the 9,000 undergraduate and graduate students that attend CMU can get the one-on-one attention they may need. 

Carnegie Mellon University Overview

• School Type: Private
• Acceptance Rate: 17%
• Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
• Degrees Offered: Bachelor’s, Master’s, Doctorate
• US News Ranking: #25
• Times Higher Education Ranking: #28

Best Carnegie Mellon University Web Development Programs

• Bachelor of Computer Science and Arts. This interdisciplinary undergraduate program combines an arts concentration with a concentration in computer science. This program is geared toward students interested in creative applications of web design, from computer animation to game design. 
• Information Networking (MSIN). The MSIN program at CMU is largely interdisciplinary. This program’s curriculum covers computer science, engineering, business studies, and policy management. This 3 or 4 semester program produces students that innovate and make decisions from a uniquely balanced, big-picture perspective.  
• Information Technology (MSIT). This master’s program offers paths in IT management, data analytics, and information security. This fully online program is ideal for anyone looking to improve their web design skills while in the workforce. Students in the MSIT program also have access to inter-industry networking opportunities.
• Software Management (MSSM). This graduate program is offered only at CMU’s Silicon Valley campus in California. It offers a unique mix of managerial training and development of technical skills to produce well-rounded web developers who can fulfill the needs of people and organizations. It offers both full-time and part-time admission. 

Carnegie Mellon University Web Development Key Takeaway

Carnegie Mellon University offers a world-renowned computer science curriculum with an interdisciplinary focus, which makes it perfect for aspiring web developers.

The Georgia Institute of Technology is a renowned federal institution founded in 1885. It is well known for having a host of tech-focused majors and research opportunities, and it is highly ranked as a computer science and research school. It currently has a student population of 16,561, with an 18:1 ratio between students and faculty.  

Georgia Institute of Technology Overview

• School Type: Public 
• Acceptance Rate: 21%
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
• Degrees Offered: Bachelor’s, Master’s, Doctorate
• US News Ranking: #38
• Times Higher Education Ranking: #45

Best Georgia Institute of Technology Web Development Programs

• Bachelor of Science in Computer Science: The BS in Computer Science is a standard four-year, 120-credit program covering computer science fundamentals. At Georgia Tech, students can customize their experience using the Threads system, which allows for a concentration in computer science.  
• Bachelor of Science in Computational Media: This program serves as an alternative to a BS in Computer Science. It focuses on the relationship between computing and communication, as well as the core principles and technical skills of computer science and visual design. 
• B.S./M.S. in Computer Science: This program is available to undergraduates with 60 credits or more and a CGPA of at least 3.4. This joint degree program allows students to get a head start on higher-level graduate work  as well as their careers.
• Master of Science in Computer Science: This 30-credit-hour program is aimed at students with a BS in Computer Science. There’s a thesis option with 18 units of coursework and 12 for the thesis, a project option that entails 21 units of coursework and a nine-unit project, and a course option with 30 straight hours of coursework. 
• Doctor of Philosophy in Computer Science: This research-oriented graduate program is a joint effort between several computing schools within the Georgia Institute of Technology. Students take five classes across the school’s curriculum in addition to completing a dissertation research project in a specialized area of research.

Georgia Institute of Technology Web Development Key Takeaway

Georgia Tech offers many great opportunities for web development students and their tech-centric campus culture offers an immersive student experience.

The Massachusetts Institute of Technology is one of the most prominent STEM institutions in the world. Established in 1861, it is well-regarded for the content of its programs and its passionate student body. It is one of the most exclusive schools in the country, with only 4,638 undergraduate students, 7,296 graduate students, and a 4:1 student-to-faculty ratio.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology Overview

• School Type: Private
• Acceptance Rate: 7%
• Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education
• Degrees Offered: Bachelor’s, Master’s, Doctorate
• US News Ranking: #2
• Times Higher Education Ranking: #5

Best Massachusetts Institute of Technology Web Development Programs

• Computer Science and Engineering Major: This program focuses on more abstract concepts in computing as opposed to hardware. This is the go-to major for any MIT undergraduate that wants to learn the fundamentals of web development. 
• Computer Science Minor: This undergraduate program covers the basic concepts of computer science and gives students a working knowledge of the field. This certification from MIT grants web developers extra consideration in the industry, even though it’s only a minor. 
• Computational Science and Engineering, SM: This program is designed to prepare students for a variety of industry work. The program’s elective component allows students to focus on what they’re interested in, while the core curriculum teaches computational methods and technical skills. 
• Computational Science and Engineering PhD: This interdisciplinary program is offered jointly through eight separate departments. It specifically prepares students for research into new methods of computation. In addition to coursework, PhD students must complete a doctoral thesis in a computational science field of their choice. 

Massachusetts Institute of Technology Web Development Key Takeaway

MIT is one of the most prestigious names in STEM and offers students access to top-level technological resources and research facilities.

Stanford University is a highly-ranked private institution located in California. It has an undergraduate student population of 7,645, a graduate population of 9,292, and a 5:1 student-to-faculty ratio. With over 25 interdisciplinary programs on offer, Stanford attracts students from all corners of the US. It is also well known for its athletic programs and campus culture.

Stanford University Overview

• School Type: Private
• Acceptance Rate: 5.19%
• Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission
• Degrees Offered: Bachelor’s, Master’s, Doctorate
• US News Ranking: #6
• Times Higher Education Ranking: #4

Best Stanford University Web Development Programs

• Bachelor of Science in Mathematical and Computational Science. This interdisciplinary computer science program covers subjects such as computation and statistical inference. It equips students with everything they need to function in any tech-centric career field, including web development. 
• Master of Science in Computer Science. The doctorate programs at Stanford do not require a master’s degree to apply, so this program is tailored for those that prefer to do so anyway. This program takes three to five years to complete. It can be completed mostly online depending on your area of focus.
• Foundations in Computer Science Graduate Program. This program is designed specifically for those already in the workforce. It aims to sharpen professionals’ computer science skills, from programming to building object-oriented software, over nine months. The program is flexible and allows up to three years for completion. 

Stanford University Web Development Key Takeaway

A degree from Stanford offers a level of prestige that is almost guaranteed to open doors for alumni of the computer science program.

Founded in 1868, the University of California-Berkeley has a current student population of 45,057 and a student-to-faculty ratio of 18:1. It is widely regarded for its political and applied science programs. It also offers programs in many other disciplines at all levels of tertiary education.  

University of California-Berkeley Overview

• School Type: Public
• Acceptance Rate: 17%
• Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission
• Degrees Offered: Bachelor’s, Master’s, Doctorate
• US News Ranking: #22
• Times Higher Education Ranking: #8

Best University of California-Berkeley Web Development Programs

• CS Bachelor of Arts. Berkeley’s CS undergraduate program reflects its uniquely broad view of computer science. The Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science aims to give students a wide range of tools that allow them to excel in the industry and choose any path they desire. 
• EECS Bachelor of Science. This program is ranked as one of the top three computer engineering programs in the world. It combines electrical engineering and computer science into one major for students looking to design information-driven communication systems and devices.
• Joint Bachelors/Masters (5th Year M.S.). This special program is offered to exceptional graduates of either of the two bachelor’s programs. It allows students to earn an MS in Computer Science or EECS one year after earning a bachelor’s. Much like a PhD program, this program requires a research project and a final thesis.
• Master of Engineering (M.Eng.). This graduate program equips students with the necessary tools for the engineering industry. Admission requires a bachelor’s degree in computer science or equivalent technical skills. The program features a strong emphasis on leadership and teamwork and culminates in a capstone project.
• Graduate Research Degree Program (Ph.D.). Berkeley offers research-based graduate degree programs for those interested in academics. The PhD program does not necessarily require a master’s degree. Students pick a focus from many different research areas, and this determines whether they get an EECS or CS qualification. 

University of California-Berkeley Web Development Key Takeaway

UC Berkeley combines some of the best technical training in the world with a strong focus on industry leadership to ensure excellence.

The University of California-San Diego was founded in 1960 and is known for its world-class faculty and a wide variety of programs. The school has a student population of about 32,000 and a student-to-faculty ratio of 19:1. 

University of California San Diego Overview

• School Type: Public
• Acceptance Rate: 37%
• Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission
• Degrees Offered: Bachelor’s, Master’s, Doctorate
• US News Ranking: #34
• Times Higher Education Ranking: #34

Best University of California San Diego Web Development Programs

• Bachelor of Science in Computer Science. The BS in Computer Science program teaches students the fundamentals of computing, programming, software engineering, and systems and networking. The program offers many electives to help refine any focus, including web design.
• Master of Science in Computer Science. This graduate program covers a minimum of three academic quarters. Students choose a subject of focus for their capstone. There’s a thesis option, with a capstone thesis required. Alternatively, students can choose to take the comprehensive plan, which has standard or interdisciplinary options.  
• CSE Five-Year Bachelor's/Master's Program. UC San Diego offers undergraduates the chance to take on additional coursework at the graduate level. By doing this, students can obtain both a bachelor’s and master’s in computer science within five years. This program is open to undergraduates who maintain a distinguished record through their junior year.
• Doctor of Philosophy in Computer Science. This 37-unit program is the capstone of academic studies in computer science. PhD students must focus on a chosen research area. UC San Diego also offers PhD students the chance to qualify for a Master’s in Computer Science simultaneously if they do not already have one.

University of California San Diego Web Development Key Takeaway

UC San Diego has an excellent track record of offering students both depth and breadth at all levels of study, which gives web development students a well-rounded, interdisciplinary education.

The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign was founded in 1867. It currently hosts 33,500 undergraduate and 17,800 graduate students and has a student-to-faculty ratio of 17:1. The school offers many undergrad and graduate programs, with its engineering and business programs being particularly noteworthy. 

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Overview

• School Type: Public
• Acceptance Rate: 63%
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
• Degrees Offered: Bachelor’s, Master’s, Doctorate
• US News Ranking: #47
• Times Higher Education Ranking: #48

Best University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Web Development Programs

• Bachelor of Science in Information Sciences. This four-year undergraduate program is ideal for future information professionals. It does this through a focus on the human perspective and social implications of information science. This program also covers more traditional data science skills like interpretation and information systems design.   
• Bachelor of Science in Information and Data Sciences. This program is an interdisciplinary form of the BS in Information Sciences. It teaches data science skills in addition to the technical skills covered in the standard program. This further enhances the student’s understanding of how data works in a corporate setting. 
• Master of Science in Information Management. This highly customizable graduate program helps students gain skills in information management and analysis to further their computational prowess. The flexible curriculum includes electives and course groupings targeted at specific career paths. 
• Master of Science in Library and Information Science. This world-class graduate program is ranked as the best program of its kind by US News and World Report. In addition to allowing students to customize their course work based on their area of focus, the program offers internships and other useful networking opportunities.
• Doctor of Philosophy in Information Sciences. This five-year program offers research-oriented, interdisciplinary instruction. The university also offers guaranteed financial support to doctorate students. PhD students can concentrate their research focus on data organization, infometrics, and other web development-related topics.

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Web Development Key Takeaway

The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign is a great destination for graduate students looking for exceptional instruction, guaranteed financial support, and a wide variety of information science programs.

Founded in 1863, the University of Massachusetts-Amherst is the flagship campus of the UMass system. It has an undergraduate population of 22,745 and a student-to-faculty ratio of 18:1. It offers a wide range of computer science programs across all levels of post-secondary education. 

University of Massachusetts Amherst Overview

• School Type: Public
• Acceptance Rate: 65%
• Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education
• Degrees Offered: Bachelor’s, Master’s, Doctorate
• US News Ranking: #68
• Times Higher Education Ranking: #141

Best University of Massachusetts Amherst Web Development Programs

• Bachelor of Science in Computer Science. This is a four-year program with a sharp focus on versatility within the field of computer science. It has very flexible requirements, allowing students to take the computer science courses that best align with their interests. 
• Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science. This program is an interdisciplinary alternative to the BS in Computer Science. BA students learn foundational computer science skills while taking classes from other colleges. This helps students develop a more well-rounded skill set for a particular career path, such as web development. 
• Master of Science in Computer Science. This graduate program can be completed on campus or online. Students choose to concentrate on data science, security, or field experience. This program usually takes two years over four semesters to complete.
• Doctor of Philosophy in Computer Science. The doctoral program at UMass Amherst requires a master’s degree as well as 18 regular credits and 18 dissertation credits. UMass offers assistantship programs that allow students to experience the top-of-the-line doctorate program without financial hindrance. 

University of Massachusetts Amherst Web Development Key Takeaway

UMass Amherst is a large institution that still manages to cater to a wide variety of students, including computer science students.

The University of Michigan-Ann Arbor is one of the largest and most prestigious public universities in the nation. Founded in 1817, it offers top-shelf education at an affordable rate. It currently has an undergraduate enrollment of 32,282, a graduate enrollment of 17,996, and a 15:1 student-to-faculty ratio. 

University of Michigan-Ann Arbor Overview

• School Type: Public
• Acceptance Rate: 26.1%
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
• Degrees Offered: Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD
• US News Ranking: #23
• Times Higher Education Ranking: #24

Best University of Michigan-Ann Arbor Web Development Programs

• Bachelor of Science in Information. This interdisciplinary undergraduate program combines the technical skills of computer science with management skills. Web development students in the BS in Information program understand how to harness data and technology to meet people’s needs.
• Master of Science in Information. This graduate program prepares students for careers in the information industry. This is done through hands-on experiential learning, an interdisciplinary approach, and access to over 90 highly ranked educational programs. The MSI program takes two years to complete. 
• Master of Applied Data Science - Online. This online graduate program focuses on the professional application of data science skills like statistics, data analysis, and dissemination. This is an ideal option for professionals that can’t afford to commit to full-time, on-campus classes. 
• Doctor of Philosophy in Information. This program focuses on research methods for students. PhD students get individualized faculty guidance as they conduct their own research inquiries. Students shape their experience towards their own areas of interest, which makes the PhD program ideal for web development students.

The University of Michigan-Ann Arbor Web Development Key Takeaway

The University of Michigan-Ann Arbor is perfect for web development students who want to experience Ivy League-level education without the attached financial toll.

The University of Washington-Seattle is a large school with a student population of 49,025 and a student-to-faculty ratio of 20:1. Founded in 1861, the school is quite popular in its home state of Washington, often drawing applicants from all corners of the state and beyond. The school is also known for facilitating research as early as the undergraduate level.  

University of Washington-Seattle Overview

• School Type: Public
• Acceptance Rate: 56%
• Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
• Degrees Offered: Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD
• US News Ranking: #59
• Times Higher Education Ranking: #29

Best University of Washington-Seattle Web Development Programs

• Bachelor of Science in Computer Science. This is an undergraduate program with very flexible upper-division requirements. Students can tailor their coursework to a specific area of interest, such as web development. The BS program also offers opportunities like internships and undergraduate research. 
• Professional Master’s Degree in Computer Science. This program is designed for professionals looking to advance in the industry, but it covers a wide range of applied computing topics. The program requires 40 credit hours over what is usually a four-year period.
• Doctor of Philosophy in Computer Science. The PhD program at the University of Washington consists of coursework, research, and thesis preparation. This program requires 90 units to complete. Graduate students in this program also earn an integrated master’s degree as part of the process. 

University of Washington-Seattle Web Development Key Takeaway

The University of Washington is a great place for any STEM education and research and is more accessible than many other schools of its caliber.

A community college certificate covers one area of interest within a larger field. This could range from user interface to user experience. The goal of the program is to thoroughly train a student in one area, usually over a few months. Community college web development graduates have an increased level of specialization in their particular area of interest.

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An associate degree is an undergraduate qualification that covers about half as much material as a bachelor’s program in that same field. It can also be used as a qualification to start a bachelor’s degree in the third year and usually takes two years to complete.

An associate’s degree can be sufficient for some employment in industry or to gain the basic skills needed for self-study. As such, an associate degree in computer science could give aspiring web developers the basic technical skills required to launch their professional career. This could then be supplemented by attending a web development bootcamp.

Web development doesn’t constitute a major in most institutions, but it is a prevalent focus in many computer science programs and related majors. Gaining a bachelor’s degree in any of these subjects gives aspiring web developers the necessary technical skills to get started.

Furthermore, this qualification is particularly useful for entry-level positions at large organizations. A bachelor’s degree usually takes around four years of full-time education to earn. However, if you’re not willing to devote that amount of time, you could consider an accelerated bachelor’s degree.   

A master’s degree is awarded to postgraduate students who complete an elevated level of study in a particular field. Many schools offer master’s degrees specifically suited to advancement in the industry, as opposed to academic work. A master’s program usually takes between one and three years to complete. 

Getting a master’s degree in a relevant field can be beneficial to a career in web development, as graduate programs tend to teach more than just technical skills and basic knowledge. They also help students gain a higher understanding of the web development industry and open the door to more lucrative employment opportunities.

A web development graduate certificate is similar to an associate’s degree in scope. It focuses intently on one aspect of web development and usually takes a few months to a year to complete. The difference is that a graduate certificate is aimed at graduate-level students instead of undergraduate students. 

Graduate certificate programs cover more complex topics than bachelor’s or associate degree programs, but require less coursework than a master’s program. Some graduate degree courses count as credits toward a master’s degree from the same institution. Graduate degrees are also great for professionals looking to access new opportunities.

A doctorate almost always serves the purpose of furthering a career in research. A doctorate program prepares web developers to innovate new techniques and optimize existing techniques. Most web developers do not get a doctorate degree, as it takes between 3 to 5 years and often is not needed for industry or independent work.

These kinds of jobs ordinarily don't need an elevated level of web development expertise. They center on specific skills acquired during the associate degree program. These skills include UI/UX, software development, and database management.

Top Web Development Careers With an Associate Degree

• UX Designer: $76,205
• Web Developer: $60,832
• Web Graphics Designer: $48,886

Most web development bachelor's degree jobs are entry-level jobs and frequently overlap with associate degree jobs. As such, you will frequently require an extra web development certification to acquire an edge over your counterparts in the job market. 

Top Web Development Careers With a Bachelor’s Degree

• UI Developer: $77,605
• Java Software Developer: $75,876
• Web Programmer: $57,311

These jobs are the most esteemed corporate web development jobs because of the academic qualifications required. The majority of them are specialized jobs that require hands-on experience and mastery of cutting-edge skills like cybersecurity. The Bureau of Labor Statistics assesses that these jobs will increase by 22 percent over the next eight years.

Top Web Development Careers With a Master’s Degree

• Computer Programmer: $66,257
• Web Developer: $60,832
• Information Technology Specialist: $58,326

Most web development doctorate jobs are research positions, either in academia or within research associations. They consist of inspecting and investigating web development technologies to distinguish areas of progress. They research the impact of web development on different areas of the economy and determine how to use this research to make professional decisions. 

Top Web Development Careers With a PhD

• Senior Software Engineer: $121,115
• Cyber Security Engineer: $98,391
• Computer Technician: $44,173

Some academic programs permit students to acquire internship positions in organizations with a stake in the web development industry. Though the essential goal of internships is to acquire work insight that aligns with their career goals, students will usually get a monthly allowance for their services.

Top Web Development Internships 

• Intel Software Engineer Intern: $92,808
• Applied Dynamic Solutions Web Developer Intern: $59,000-125,000
• SkitterTV Front End Engineer Intern: $17-20/hr