Considering an Associate Degree in Web Design? Great idea! Websites play a significant role in keeping businesses afloat, educating people, and providing entertainment. There are currently more than 1.7 billion live websites on the World Wide Web with 576,000 being launched every day. All of these websites are created by website designers.
One of the best and fastest ways to learn website development is to enroll in a web design associate degree program. The best Associate Degrees in Web Design teach you everything you need to kick start a successful career. This guide covers some of the best web design associate degrees and potential career opportunities in this field.
What Is Web Design?
Web design is the process of creating the layout and structure of websites. While the term is typically used to describe the client-side of websites, it can also involve a wide variety of activities that go into development from the ground up or server-side.
Different processes are used to make web design successful. These include user experience (UX) and user interface (UI) design. UX focuses on making websites as functional and user-friendly as possible while UI design is more about aesthetics.
Where Can I Get an Associate Degree in Web Design?
The best colleges where you can get an Associate Degree in Web Design include Brigham Young University, Harrisburg Area Community College, and SUNY Broome Community College. These are amongst the many fantastic colleges where you can get a web design associate degree, which we will dive deeper into soon.
What Schools Offer the Best Web Design Associate Degrees?
- Brigham Young University
- Harrisburg Area Community College
- Riverland Community College
- SUNY Broome Community College
- Wiregrass Georgia Technical College
What Are the Admission Requirements for an Associate Degree in Web Design?
The admissions requirements for an Associate Degree in Web Design include a high school diploma or GED. You should also have some computer and information technologies background. Likewise, some colleges may demand a GPA of at least 2.0 out of 4. Program requirements vary across colleges but are generally fairly easy to meet.
Some programs will advise you to learn the basics of a few programming languages prior to enrolling. These are typically strong suggestions rather than requirements. Commonly suggested or required languages for an associate degree in web design are Python, JavaScript, and PHP.
Web Design Associate Degree Admission Requirements
- High school diploma or GED certificate
- Transcripts and letters of recommendation
- 2.0+ GPA
- Basic grasp of programming languages such as Python, JavaScript, and PHP
- Basic understanding of computer and information technologies
How to Get an Associate Degree in Web Design
You can get a web design associate degree by applying and enrolling in a program, maintaining a GPA of around 2.5 or higher, and completing all the required courses for the program. To do this, you will need to be organized, focused, and dedicated to your education.
The best way to get an Associate in Web Design is to study before your program begins. Prior to enrolling in an Associate in Web Design, be sure to learn a bit about coding and computer technology. Brush up on any tech-related skills you can.
How Many Credits Do You Need for an Associate Degree in Web Design?
You need 60 to 65 credits for an Associate in Web Design. These are split between general education requirement courses and core courses. Most courses for your program will be predetermined, but you will be able to build your own schedule and determine how many credits you complete each term.
Web Design Degree Requirements
- Maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.5+
- 18 to 24 general education credits and 36 to 42 cored education credits
- Intro to Web Design course
- Graphics and Multimedia, Design, and Development Fundamentals courses
- Capstone project or work experience credit
Best Web Design Associate Degree Programs and Schools: Overview
| School | Program | Accreditation |
|---|---|---|
| Brigham Young University | Associate of Applied Science in Web Design and Development | Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities |
| Eastern Gateway Community College | Associate of Applied Business in Internet and Interactive Digital Media Design | Higher Learning Commission |
| Harrisburg Area Community College | Associate of Applied Science in Web Development and Design | Middle States Commission on Higher Education |
| Hudson Valley Community College | Associate of Applied Science in Computer Information Systems: Web Design and Programming Track | Middle States Commission on Higher Education |
| Riverland Community College | Associate of Applied Science in Web Development | Higher Learning Commission |
| Nicolet Area Technical College | Associate of Applied Science in IT Web Software Development | Higher Learning Commission |
| Stark State College | Associate of Applied Business in Web Design and Development | Higher Learning Commission |
| SUNY Broome Community College | Associate of Applied Science in Web Development and Management | Middle States Commission on Higher Education |
| Seminole State College of Florida | Associate of Science in Computer Programming and Analysis- Web Development | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges |
| Wiregrass Georgia Technical College | Associate Degree in Website Design | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges |
Best Schools for Web Design: Top Web Design Associate Degree Programs
The best schools with web design associate degrees are located all over the country. These are the best schools for an Associate in Web Design because they contain all of the best factors that go into determining a program to enroll in.
The following list contains the top web design associate programs based on the strength of the curriculum and the reputation of the program. Below, you will find a brief description of each school and what to expect from the programs offered.
What Is a Web Design Associate Degree?
An Associate Degree in Web Design is a college degree for aspiring web designers. It usually takes about two years or less to complete a web design associate degree, and it prepares students for entry-level web design roles in the technology industry.
Students who want to learn the basics of web design as part of a broader curriculum can opt for an Associate Degree in Computer Science or Software Development. They can also major in information technology with a concentration in web design.
When you are looking for an Associate Degree in Web Design, make sure to pick one that covers web development, web accessibility, Cascading Style Sheets (CSS), and HyperText Markup Language (HTML). You will need about 60 to 65 credits to complete the program.
How Important Is an Associate Degree in Web Design?
It is very important to have an Associate Degree in Web Design if you plan to pursue any goals related to web design. An Associate in Web Design will prepare you for any of those goals, and provide you with credentials early on in your life. It will also help you earn important certifications for your field.
The main reasons why an Associate Degree in Web Design is important are:
- It provides necessary credentials to begin entry-level work
- It provides foundational education for higher-level degrees
- Having a degree will likely increase your future salary potential
- It provides the necessary credentials to earn important certifications
What Types of Associate Degrees Can You Get in Web Design?
You can get the following types of Associate Degrees in Web Design:
- Associate Degree
- Associate of Applied Science Degree (AAS)
- Associate of Applied Business Degree (AAB)
You should get an associate degree if your primary goal is to pursue further education. An AAS is the best option if you plan to jump into the web design workforce right away, and an AAB is best if you want to start your own web design business or work in a more business-oriented position.
Is It Better to Get an Associate Degree or Associate of Applied Science in Web Design?
It is better to get an Associate Degree in Web Design if you want to pursue a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree. On the other hand, it is better to get an associate of applied science if you want to start your career immediately after graduating.
The difference between an Associate in Web Design and an AAS in Web Design is that an associate prepares you for more education with more theoretical studies than hands-on work. An AAS degree focuses more on hands-on studying and preparing students with skills for the workforce.
An Associate of Applied Science in Web Design is better for getting you a job because employers will be looking for employees who learn skills taught in these programs, like how to code in multiple programming languages.
What Is the Difference Between a Web Design Associate Degree and a Web Design Certificate?
The main difference between a web design associate degree and a certificate in web design is that the degree program goes more in-depth in subjects that are typically skimmed over in a certificate program. You will learn many of the same things, but a certificate program will not do as much explaining, focus more instead on hands-on skills.
You should get a web design associate degree instead of a certificate because it will better prepare you for both a job and future education. You will likely need a degree even if you do get a certificate because employers tend to prefer college degree holders. While a certificate is definitely a good start and teaches many valuable skills, an Associate in Web Design is typically the better of the two.
How Much Does It Cost to Get an Associate Degree in Web Design?
A web design associate degree costs $4,230 a year on average, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. However, the tuition for an associate in web design varies across different types of institutions. While private colleges cost between $15,736 and $18,631, attending a public school in your state of residence is far more affordable, with an average tuition cost of $3,812 yearly.
If you cannot afford to pay for your web design degree upfront, you can apply for federal Pell grants, student loans, or private loans. There are also scholarships available awarded based on academic or athletic merit. Finally, some community colleges may be free for residents.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Web Design Associate Degree?
It takes two years to get an Associate Degree in Web Design. This is typically split up into four semesters, each of which will consist of 15 to 16 credit hours. Most college courses are three to four credit hours each, so you can expect to take three to five courses per semester.
Some web design associate programs take a bit longer to complete. You may have to complete five semesters full-time. It will also take longer if you choose to attend as a part-time student. Some programs, typically online programs, are faster, and you may find yourself done in 18 months.
How Hard Is It to Get an Associate Degree in Web Design?
An Associate Degree in Web Design is hard to get because most programs require you to learn basic coding. This can be very difficult if you have no experience, and it is very time-consuming to learn. It is also difficult because web design programs are very tech-course heavy, which means you will have to study a lot of difficult concepts each semester.
Why Should You Get a Web Design Associate Degree?
The benefits of getting an Associate Degree in Web Design include:
- Preparation for higher education
- Learning useful skills for your career
- Employability increases significantly
- Higher base pay than those without degrees
Some people even pursue a second Associate in Web Design. The reasons for getting a second Associate Degree in Web Design are usually related to career goals. For example, if you have earned an Associate in Web Design, earning an associate of applied science as a second degree can increase your employability as well as your salary.
What Courses Do You Need to Take in an Associate Degree Program in Web Design?
The required courses for a web design associate degree are made up of general education and core education courses. This associate in web design course list will give you an idea of some of the most common core education courses in an Associate in Web Design program.
Introduction to Programming
This is a common Associate in Web Design course. This course will give students the fundamental knowledge needed to learn to program. You may also learn the basics of programming languages like Java, JavaScript, PHP, and HTML/CSS.
Introduction to Web Design and Development
Another common course in an Associate in Web Design program is Introduction to Web Design and Development. This course prepares students for the process of designing and developing a website. It focuses on the basics of front end and backend development via coding in beginner-friendly languages.
Essential Computer Skills
Essential Computer Skills is almost always one of the courses required for a web design associate degree. This course is found in many tech-related degrees. It focuses on teaching students the basics of using computers for adult learners. It may sound boring, but you will learn some cool tricks.
Network Concepts
Another one of the classes required for a web design major for an associate degree is Network Concepts. In this course, you will learn about networking, TCP/IP protocols, and wireless networking. You may also study networking hardware and remote connectivity.
Website Creation
Finally, Website Creation is a web design associate degree course in many programs. This course will combine many of the skills learned in prior programming and development courses to allow you to practice building your own website from start to finish.
Continuing Education Paths for Web Design Associate Degree Graduates
The best path to take with a web design associate degree is to an entry-level job or internship, which can then be followed by higher education. Gaining both experience and more education is the best path after an Associate in Web Design because it prepares you for fulfilling your personal education and career goals.
Related Web Design Degrees
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What to Look For in the Best Web Design Degree Programs
The best web design associate degree programs have affordable tuition and experienced faculty. You can expect to learn useful career skills from trained instructors in a web design associate program. These are five things to consider when choosing a web design associate program.
Cost
The cost of your education is important because you want to avoid as much student debt as possible when earning a degree. Finding a program that both fits your budget and has good financing options is ideal.
Format
Finding the right format for yourself and your education is crucial to ensuring you get the most out of your college experience. In-person learning is perfect for most people. However, especially with web design, online learning can work really well too. If your program offers the flexibility to choose one or the other, or even a hybrid option, you know you are set up for success.
Student:Faculty Ratio
Since this can be a very tough degree to learn, having a good student:faculty ratio is important. Many colleges will cram more than 200 students into one class. However, having smaller class sizes of 15 to 30 students allows for more question-asking and one-on-one learning time.
Faculty Credentials
Learning from an instructor with experience in the web design field is another important aspect of your success. Anyone can teach a subject, but those with experience know what it is like to have a career in that subject. This is the best way to ensure you are learning the most useful skills and concepts.
Curricular Content
You don’t want a curriculum that is primarily general education courses with just a sprinkle of web design. You also don’t want web design courses that are all only introductory courses. Finding the right program means you will have an evenly balanced course curriculum, with useful knowledge and skills to be gained and expanded on in each course.
What Is the Most Affordable Web Design Associate Degree?
The most affordable Associate Degrees in Web Design are:
- Wiregrass Georgia Technical College’s Associate Degree in Website Design
- Eastern Gateway Community College’s AAB in Internet and Interactive Digital Media Design
- Stark State College’s Associate Degree in Web Development
- Nicolet Area Technical College’s AAS in Web Software Development
- Hudson Valley Community College’s AAS in Computer Information Systems: Web Design and Programming Track
These are the most affordable web design associate programs on our list. Each one costs less than $3,000 per semester in tuition for in-state students. There are many other affordable programs out there as well, but these are some of the best.
Salary and Job Outlook for Web Design Associate Degree Graduates
There are many web design associate degree jobs available for when you graduate. In this section, we will discuss the top ten web design jobs for associate degree grads. We also go into the average web design associate degree salary, letting you know just how much you can earn.
How Hard Is It to Get a Job With a Web Design Associate Degree?
It is difficult to get a job with a web design associate degree because:
- Employers tend to prefer higher-level degrees
- Web design is a competitive market
- Many jobs require experience that can not be acquired in college
While it is hard to get a job after getting an Associate Degree in Web Design, you should be able to find plenty of open positions. This is a growing field, and though it is competitive, having an associate degree will give you a leg up on the many other candidates who are self-taught.
What’s the Average Web Design Associate Degree Salary?
The average salary for someone with an Associate Degree in Web Design is $67,000 annually, according to Payscale. However, average salaries can change considerably according to factors like specific job title, duties, company, and location. The median annual salary for a web developer, on the other hand, is $60,725 per year, according to PayScale’s report on web developers.
What Types of Jobs Can You Get With a Web Design Associate Degree?
The jobs you can get with a web design associate degree are typically only entry-level. Some of the highest-paying jobs you can get with an Associate in Web Design include web development, multimedia programming, and entry-level UX research.
Web Design Degree Jobs
- Web Designer
- SEO Specialist
- Entry-Level Webmaster
- Entry-Level Game Designer
- Web Developer
Potential Careers With a Web Design Degree
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How Much Money Can You Make With an Associate Degree in Web Design?
You can make between $40,000 and $77,000 per year with an associate in web design. Compared to many other associate grads, this is a substantial amount of money. In fact, according to PayScale, the average annual salary for all associate degree holders is $57,000, meaning you can earn up to $20,000 more than the average.
You will also earn more money with an Associate in Web Design than you would without the degree. It is common for people to get into web design without any college education, but employers tend to pay more to those who have a college degree.
Highest-Paying Web Design Associate Degree Jobs and Salaries: Overview
| Web Design Associate Degree Jobs | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Web Developer | $77,200 |
| Multimedia Programmer | $75,000 |
| Entry-Level UX Researcher | $70,150 |
| Entry-Level UX Designer | $65,268 |
| Application Developer | $59,524 |
| Entry-Level Game Designer | $58,498 |
| Entry-Level Webmaster | $49,910 |
| Digital Designer | $48,889 |
| Web Designer | $44,862 |
| SEO Specialist | $40,888 |
Best Jobs for Web Design Associate Degree Grads
The best jobs for web design associate degree grads are high-paying, versatile, and offer high job satisfaction. While most jobs you can get at this level of education are entry-level, they still pay well and provide a way to get your foot in the door of the web design field. Below are descriptions of the best jobs for an Associate Degree in Web Design.
* Figure taken from the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ page for software developers, quality assurance analysts, and testers
** Figure taken from the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ page for web developers and digital designers
Best Jobs According to Your Major
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Is an Associate Degree in Web Design Worth It?
Yes, an Associate Degree in Web Design if you want to go to college without enrolling in a four-year college program and get your web design career started. The knowledge you get during the program is enough to get an entry-level job.
Web designers, like other web professionals, are currently in high demand. The demand for this creative career path is going to keep increasing in the next ten years. You can earn your associate degree in the next two years and start building a stable career full of opportunities.
Additional Reading About Web Design
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Web Design Associate Degree FAQ
Yes, you can get a web design job with an associate degree. An associate degree is enough for most entry-level roles in the industry. In addition, most companies are more interested in proven skills than in the type of degree you have.
The best degree for web design is a Bachelor’s Degree in Web Design, Computer Science, or related fields, as these are preferred among employers. However, you can also secure an entry-level position with an associate degree.
Yes, the basics of web design are easy to pick up for anyone who is technologically inclined. However, learning advanced tools and technologies can be challenging.
Yes, you can become a professional web designer without a degree. You can either take online classes from home or enroll in a bootcamp for web design. The best web design bootcamps will teach you everything you need to know to land an entry-level job. After you get the training you need, you should start building up your portfolio and applying for entry-level positions.
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.
