Best Online Degrees in: Web Design Programming
Explore a Bachelor’s Degree in Web Design Programming
Web design programming is ideal for students interested in combining conceptual and analytical thinking into one field. Students create strategies to bridge design and coding to meet the goals of clients or projects. Web design programming degrees range from associate to master’s degrees (in web design and/or new media). A bachelor’s degree will provide foundational course work in communication, design, and interactive media.
Web design programming students can expect to take introductory classes in design, photography, technology, drawing, programming, and typography at the bachelor’s degree level. Upper-level course work will focus on the design of user interface and web standard coding to implement design, and prepare students for professional work with portfolio pieces, identity systems, and an understanding of industry practices.
- Web Tools. This course covers basic web design and production skills through HTML, CSS, and standards compliant techniques. Standards compliant techniques include navigation standards, web-optimized images, formatting type, web applications, and communications models.
- Graphic Design. Students develop projects with clients and subjects in mind. Graphic design courses usually emphasize conceptual thinking and format and structure in relation to concept. Graphic design courses may also entail interactive design work, reviewing layout, typography, and information design in relation to usability.
Undergraduate students can expect most of their course work, especially upper-level course work, to require projects that develop websites or web applications for use in their professional portfolio. Master’s degree students are usually required to produce a thesis project demonstrating all skills learned throughout their educational career, including interactivity, design, and typography with an audience in mind. Programming homework will challenge students to solve standards challenges with language concepts learned in class, and apply them to websites and applications.
Building a Career
Most web design programming degree programs prepare students to work as web designers, web developers, web producers, interactive designers, design managers, and creative or art directors. Students may also work as user interface designers, production artists, and motion graphic designers. A good program will depend on the student’s portfolio and how well it demonstrates the student’s ability to satisfy a client’s requirements, communicate the idea, or reach a particular audience. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that graphic designers had a median wage of $43,500 per year in 2010, and that the industry is expected to grow 13% between 2010 and 2020. Keep in mind that wages and job prospects vary depending on factors like position, area, and employer.