In today’s market, web design is an important profession. Even the largest companies in the world are constantly updating their websites and enhancing their web presence in order to better meet their customers’ needs.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics states that employment of web developers is expected to grow 13 percent by 2028. This is much faster than the average growth rate of most other occupations.
With the need for web designers continuing to grow, it is a reliable career path to pursue and many people can find long-lasting employment by becoming a web developer.
However, learning to become a web developer can be a difficult task in and of itself. Universities teaching web design is a common occurrence, and there are many online courses as well, but what is the best method of learning?
Below is our guide on everything you need to know about web design school online and how you can start the path towards a successful career in web development.
What Is Web Design and Development?
As the name implies, web design refers to designing websites that can be accessed through the internet. In most cases, web design refers to front end development, which are elements that the user sees and interacts with. In fact, there are entire fields of study dedicated to user interface and experience.
With the current growth of tablets and mobile devices, web design has expanded towards creating webpages that can be displayed on any device, not just your desktop computer. As technology continues to grow and change, companies are discovering new ways to design websites on multiple platforms to improve on the user’s experience.
There are two types of design for web developers that are commonly used. Responsive and adaptive design.
Adaptive vs Responsive Design
Adaptive web design uses specific layouts that are made for various screen sizes. These layouts are applied to whatever screen the user uses to access a website. Through this design, the user experience changes based on the device. Two individuals could browse the same website and have very different experiences when it comes to the site’s design.
On the other hand, responsive web design means a website adapts to the size of the screen, no matter what size the device may be. This layout is considered more ‘fluid’ and utilizes CSS to change the styles of the website. Through responsive web design, the website adjusts its width and height to various screen sizes to make sure things are displayed properly.
Today, many look towards responsive web design when creating their webpages. These design elements can take more effort to implement early on, but the end result means that you spend less time on maintenance.
These are just a few of the elements related to web design, but the field is complex and there is a lot to learn about CSS, HTML, JavaScript, programming, and more in order to become a great web designer, which is why most people learn by going to school.
Why Should I Learn Web Design Online?
There are many local universities that offer to teach web design and you may even find methods to learn outside of school. These options may not always compare to the level of quality education you receive from an institution of higher learning.
Through learning web design online, you have several options available to you that don’t come with learning in person. For example, you are tied to a predetermined schedule when signing up for campus classes.
When you take courses online, you choose your own schedule. There are also courses that are self-paced. This means you can take as long or as little time towards your studies as you need until you fully understand the concept.
The flexibility of a schedule is one thing, but another perk is your ability to choose. When you’re tied to a local university or college, you have to make a big decision. Will you go to a local university or pack up and move to a completely different area as you study?
Many people do not have the opportunity to move to pursue a degree and learn a new skill, especially without several weeks or months of preparation. Taking courses online gives you the opportunity to choose from any number of well-received and critically-acclaimed programs so that you get the best education available.
The Best Web Design Online Degrees
There are several high-quality online degree programs for web design that allow you to earn a degree from the comfort of your own home. We have provided a list of some of the best web design schools online to help with your search for the right program.
Franklin University
Franklin University offers an affordable and flexible online web development program for its students. Through this university, students can earn their bachelor of science in web development entirely through online learning. The full curriculum is 124 credits.
Throughout the program, students will cover topics such as graphic editing, JavaScript, database management systems, and more. Students explore both client-side and server-side development, as well as how to administer the Linux operating system. Students have 25 elective credits to put towards a minor or to take more advanced classes.
Baker College
Baker College offers over 50 online degrees and certificates through its online platform. One of its degree programs is a bachelor of science in information systems that is entirely online. Students can choose a concentration in web development.
The curriculum consists of 120 credits and students take courses in database management, data analytics, enterprise architecture, and more. Throughout the program, students develop their computer programming skills in multiple languages such as C++ and Java. In order to graduate, students must complete a senior project that demonstrates what they’ve learned from the program.
Champlain College
Champlain College offers a distance learning program where students can earn their bachelor of science in web design and development. Upon graduating from the program, students can pursue careers in multiple fields such as front end web development, UX design, and computer programming.
Classes span seven-week terms and they allow students to earn their degree at a more accelerated rate. Course topics include creating digital images for the web, usability in software and web design, financial management systems, and skills in PHP, JavaScript, CSS, Python, and more.
Lewis-Clark State College
Lewis-Clark State College provides an online bachelor of applied science in web design and development program. Graduates of the program are taught to oversee web domains and content management systems. Students also learn ways to develop the communication skills needed to work with teams in both virtual and in-person environments.
In order to earn their online bachelor’s degree, students take classes in image editing, interactive web script, and web authoring systems. They also gain valuable hands-on experience by completing internships and capstone projects. Upon graduating from the program, students can pursue careers in web management, UX development, and content strategy.
Arizona State University
Arizona State University is a leader in distance education and it provides hundreds of remote degrees and certificate opportunities. For those with an interest in web design, Arizona State University offers a bachelor of applied science in internet and web development.
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The program is a 120-credit curriculum that prepares graduates for a wide array of careers in graphic design, full-stack development, and search engine optimization.
Students learn through accelerated 7.5-week sessions taught by faculty. These accelerated courses allow students to graduate in less than four years. Some of the core courses taught in this program include multimedia anchoring, scripting, image editing, and information design and usability.
Southeastern University
Southeastern University offers a fully online course for students seeking a bachelor of science in digital media and design. The program develops student’s strategic communication and web development skills. Graduates can find work in multiple fields such as web editing, digital marketing, and photojournalism.
The curriculum for the program includes courses in mass communication and writing for digital media. Students learn how to create design advertisements with a focus on layout and using imaging principles.
Southeastern University allows students to personalize their degree plans with 30 open and guided elective credits.
University of Maryland Global Campus
A public university, the University of Maryland Global Campus offers online undergraduate programs for fields that are in high demand. This includes their bachelor’s degree in web design. The curriculum prepares students for careers in web design and digital media.
In order to fully prepare students for a successful career, the university develops a curriculum along with employers and experts in the industry. Several important topics are covered throughout the program such as testing and implementing web applications, illustrating graphics, JavaScript, and XML web development, to name a few.
Students are tasked with completing projects such as creating a website, web application, animation, or motion graphics. To aid students in keeping the costs of tuition low, the University of Maryland Global Campus uses digital course materials.
University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point
The University of Wisconsin offers an online program where students earn their bachelor’s in applied computing. The degree will provide students with the skills and knowledge needed to work in web design.
The program is designed for working adults and utilizes a fully online curriculum created with input from leaders in the industry. Students learn using a computer science curriculum, taking courses in web design and development.
The curriculum involves a capstone course where students complete a field experience in which they apply what they’ve learned in a real-world setting.
Web Design Careers
Web designers have several career opportunities available to them. Some of which are web development and web design. Web development focuses on creating applications that run on the Internet. This career is for people who are familiar with rational databases and are well-versed in multiple programming languages such as C++ and Java.
Web designers, on the other hand, deal with more of the visual elements of the web page and may utilize some artistic skills when creating the website. These designers are responsible for both how the webpage looks and how it functions, which includes the speed at which the page loads and how users can key in information.
Depending on the degree you’ve earned, you may find work in the growing field of UX/UI design, which focuses entirely on the experience users have when visiting a webpage or using an app. UX/UI designers are tasked with making the user experience as seamless as possible and removing any issues that prevent the user from having an enjoyable experience.
Do You Need a Web Design Degree?
With many methods of learning web design, especially through online courses, it is possible to learn some skills without getting a degree.
However, with the growth in competition and more companies seeking out experienced and well-versed web designers, earning a bachelor’s degree in the field opens up many opportunities to you and it could just be the edge you need when seeking employment.
A degree demonstrates to a future employer that you’ve learned the range of skills needed to take on more complex projects. If you earn your degree from a well-known university, such as those listed above, you may have a much easier time finding employment as graduates from those programs have already found success in their fields.
Conclusion
If you’re interested in pursuing a career in web design, earning a degree is a worthwhile investment of your time and energy. You’ll learn a wide array of skills that you can utilize for multiple career opportunities.
One of the benefits of going to web design school online is that the courses can all be taken from the comfort of your own home.
For working adults, web design schools online are worth looking into. Earning a degree can increase your salary rate, open you up to new career opportunities, and allow you to find success in the tech industry.
This could be your time to transition to a new fulfilling career. If you have an interest in web design, take the first step towards becoming a professional today.
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.
