Edited By Christine Skopec
Review & Contribution By Dr. Olivia Martinez
Transform your passion for design into a career with an Online Web Design Degree. Gain practical skills and shape the digital landscape.
Web design is the process of creating user-friendly and visually appealing websites. Pursuing a web design degree online helps individuals gain expertise in developing practical and artistic designs for websites. Students studying web development are trained to manage projects, write computer programming, design creative web pages, maintain databases, and install secure computer networks. They also learn to provide excellent customer service when assisting clients with technical challenges. After completing their web design bachelor’s degree online, graduates can explore career opportunities in various domains such as web development, UX design, and web design.
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Featured Online Programs
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Southern New Hampshire University
PROGRAM: BA Graphic Design and Media Arts with concentration in Web Design
Southern New Hampshire University is a private, nonprofit, accredited institution with more than 3,000 on campus students, over 170,000 online students, making it one of the fastest growing universities in the nation. Founded in 1932, we’ve been relentlessly reinventing higher education ever since and have gained national recognition for our dedication to helping students transform their lives and the lives of those around them.
We’re proud to provide affordable, accessible education that students can pursue on our 300-acre campus in Manchester, NH, or via our innovative online platform.
SNHU has earned the GetEducated.com Best Buy and Best of Business – Best Online Degree awards and is consistently ranked as a top Military Friendly® School by G.I Jobs®.
Find the Best Online Web Design Degree Programs
Choosing the right bachelor’s program is crucial for students, unlocking numerous opportunities in web design. When considering programs, students should evaluate criteria like curriculum, faculty expertise, research opportunities, expenses, scholarships, and other relevant factors. FBD teams have rigorously assessed colleges and programs across the U.S. and used a proprietary methodology to compile a list of top institutions offering the best online web design degree programs:
| Univ | Address | Tuition | Grad Rate |
| Brigham Young University Idaho | 525 S Center, Rexburg, Idaho 83460 | $4,656 | 54% |
Universities and programs are ranked by various factors, such as affordability, curriculum and coursework, reputation and availability, program length, statistics, the potential of employment, and return on investment for the students. For a more in-depth analysis, please read about our rankings methodology page.
What to Expect from an Online Web Design Degree Program
An online degree in web design generally involves completing 120 credit hours, which can take up to four years. During this program, students learn essential skills such as CSS, HTML, and JavaScript for designers, basic web scripting, image manipulation, e-commerce, and more. The program is available in online, offline, and hybrid learning modes. The web designer degree program aims to help students understand the critical components of site design, including writing programming languages, developing technical and navigational improvements for websites, and more. Most schools require students to complete an internship to gain industry experience before graduating. After completing the undergraduate degree, students can expect to pursue careers such as digital designer, graphic designer, app developer, software tester, and more.
Curriculum and Coursework
The coursework for bachelor’s programs in web design teaches students about web-based languages and tools, enabling them to create interactive and functional websites. It also covers basics in web development and scripting courses to help students learn programming. By the end of their studies, students understand database structures and learn how to create websites that attract and retain customers and potential clients. Students learn about industry-standard software through a hands-on curriculum. Most colleges require electives to enhance their understanding of web design. Different schools design the coursework of web design degree online programs according to their institutional specifications. Some of the standard courses that can be found across curricula are:
Database Structures
This course teaches students about organizing and managing data efficiently. Students learn database design principles, data modeling, querying techniques, and database management systems. This knowledge enables them to create dynamic and scalable websites that effectively handle and retrieve information.
Visual Frameworks
This course introduces students to design systems and frameworks used to create visually appealing and cohesive web interfaces. Students learn about popular frameworks such as Bootstrap and Foundation, mastering design techniques, layout structuring, UI component customization, visual frameworks, etc., wherein they develop their strategy, codify and amplify their ideas, and expand their influence.
Human-Computer Interface Design
This course explores principles and practices for creating intuitive and user-friendly digital interfaces. Students learn about user research, interaction design, usability testing, and accessibility standards to design interfaces that effectively meet user needs and enhance user experience.
Graphic Design Tools
This course introduces students to various software and tools essential for creating visual elements in web design. Students learn to use industry-standard graphic design software such as Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and Sketch to design graphics, logos, icons, and other visual assets for websites and digital media.
Some of the other common courses in this program include:
- Web Technologies
- HTML
- Computer Graphics
- Adobe Dreamweaver
- Bootstrap
- Computer Science Basics
- CSS
- Animation Techniques
- JavaScript
Most web design degree online programs involve competing for capstone projects that reflect the knowledge and skills gained throughout their coursework and executing projects related to their domains. Some schools require students to do internships in web design to understand the practical aspects of working and building web designs.
Learning Outcomes and Skills Gained
Students understand good design, design functionality, planning, and problem-solving through an online web design degree. The program prepares individuals for employment in various design domains by teaching them about industry-standard software and offering a hands-on curriculum. This degree provides the necessary knowledge and skills, including JavaScript for designers, web typography, basic web scripting, e-commerce, image manipulation, HTML and CSS, etc. Students completing the web design program gain many skills, including the ability to:
- write with precision and clarity using appropriate English to engage the audience and ensure they revisit the page;
- demonstrate knowledge of database structures, graphic design tools, human-computer interface design, design patterns for web programming, advanced database structures, etc.;
- appraise the needs of different stakeholders, especially the target audience, and work on web designs accordingly;
- demonstrate deliverance of professional etiquette and use various communication techniques and tools;
- develop a professional body of appropriate artifacts and work to provide evidence of personal skills and vision;
- employ creative techniques of problem-solving from the inception or completion of the project;
- demonstrate critical thinking strategies like qualitative, quantitative, and scientific reasoning to examine outcomes and consequences and determine logical solutions;
- demonstrate responsive web applications that can display efficiently on different devices;
- employ valid and legitimate informational resources and research and construct content;
- apply ethical principles that are required of designers and computer professionals.
Types of Degrees Web Design Students Can Obtain
Obtaining a degree in web design degrees online can equip students with the necessary skills to comprehend the technical aspects of programming languages, site design, and the development of both technical and navigational website enhancements. In the United States, students can pursue two types of online web design degrees: a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in web design and a Bachelor of Science (BS) in web design.
Bachelor of Arts in Web Design
The Bachelor of Arts or BA in web design helps students gain many skills and abilities that benefit their personal and professional lives. This program focuses on learning, technology, and tools required to understand the language of web design concerning creating interactive websites and content. Students learn the core basics of devising and producing visual elements of a site with communication, computer business applications, and so on.
Bachelor of Science in Web Design
Most students prefer the Bachelor of Science or BS in web design. This degree teaches the principal components of programs like designing, coding, and publishing standards-based content in different languages, like HTML5, ActionScript, XML, JavaScript, and CSS. Through the curriculum, students can focus on functional areas like developing raster, vector animating, and graphics digital content.
Areas of Specialization for Web Design Students
Students pursuing web design can specialize in different areas. These specializations enable students to gain a more in-depth understanding of specific aspects of web design, thereby improving their employability and career prospects. By focusing on a particular area, students acquire specialized skills and knowledge, which makes them more competitive in the job market and better equipped to meet industry demands. Here are some specializations students pursuing an online degree web design can consider:
| Area of Specialization | Description | Career Options |
|---|---|---|
| Front-End Development | This specialization focuses on creating visually appealing and interactive user interfaces. Students learn HTML, CSS, and JavaScript to design and implement website layouts, animations, and functionality. This specialization equips graduates with skills crucial for building engaging and user-friendly websites. | • Front-End Developer • UI/UX Designer • Web Designer • JavaScript Developer |
| Back-End Development | This specialization focuses on developing the back end of websites. Students learn programming languages like Python, PHP, or Java to build dynamic and efficient web applications. Graduates of this specialization acquire essential skills for managing databases, user authentication, and server-side logic. | • Back-End Developer • Database Administrator • Server-side Engineer • Systems Architect |
| Full-Stack Development | This specialization covers both front-end and back-end aspects of web development. Students learn various languages and frameworks such as HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and databases like MySQL or MongoDB. This comprehensive training prepares graduates to create fully functional and dynamic web applications. | • Full-Stack Developer • Software Engineer • Web Application Developer • Solutions Architect. |
| Computer graphics | This specialization focuses on creating visual content using digital tools and techniques. Students learn graphic design principles, 2D and 3D modeling, rendering, animation, and visual effects. This specialization equips graduates with skills to design captivating visuals for websites, games, and multimedia projects. | • Multimedia Developer • Digital Animator • Technical Illustrator • Graphic Designer |
Full-Time and Part-Time Programs
Earning an undergraduate online degree in web design can take four to five years, depending on the schools and modes of learning. Those completing the program as full-timers can finish the curriculum in four years on average. Part-timers take longer to finish their coursework, which could take around four to six years. Some colleges offer the program in accelerated formats, which helps students complete a course quicker than a traditional degree, enabling them to finish the program’s requirements in three years on average. Online programs can be completed quicker, as students can finish the requirements at their schedule and time instead of depending on a college-given class routine.
Accelerated Web Design Programs
Accelerated degree programs provide an undergraduate degree in web design online and can take four to five years, depending on the school and the learning modes. Full-time students can finish the curriculum in four years on average, while part-time students take around four to six years to complete their coursework. However, some colleges offer accelerated programs, which allow students to complete the course requirements in three years on average. Online programs can be completed more quickly than traditional degrees since students can complete the requirements according to their own schedule instead of depending on a college-given class routine to complete their studies more quickly than traditional four-year programs. These programs shorten the length of course sessions, combine bachelor’s or master’s degrees, and increase the number of courses per semester, among other strategies. As a result, students can complete their degrees in approximately two to three years instead of the typical four years. Examples of universities offering accelerated web design online degrees are:
Requirements for Getting into an Online Web Design Degree Program
The application process for a web design degree can be competitive due to the high demand for web development and design roles. Applicants should review specific institution requirements and prepare documents, including SAT scores, cover letters, and high school transcripts. Some schools may require completion of entry-level computer science courses, as web design curriculum often incorporates computer science principles. Admission requirements vary among schools. However, there are some standard web design degree online admission requirements, including:
- completed undergraduate application and fee
- official transcripts showing what courses and grades received
- High school diploma or GED scores
- two to three letters of recommendation from former employers or teachers
- application essays highlighting the candidate’s study and career interests
- Some institutions may require ACT and SAT
How to Ensure an Online Web Design Degree Program Is Accredited
Accreditation is a process through which educational institutions and programs undergo rigorous evaluation to ensure they meet specific standards of quality and excellence. Accreditation helps students and employers gauge the credibility and rigor of a program, ensuring that graduates possess the necessary skills and knowledge. It also facilitates the transferability of credits between institutions and enhances the reputation and accountability of educational providers. The U.S. Department of Education3 and/or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA)4 have approved six regional accrediting agencies to accredit colleges:
- New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
- Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
- Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
- Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
- Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)
Where to Find Free Online Courses for Web Design Bachelor’s Students
Various educational resources offer free online courses for web design. These courses offer valuable insights into design principles, coding languages, and industry trends. They enhance students’ skills, expand their knowledge, and provide practical experience, supplementing their formal education and boosting their employability in the field. Here are a few examples of free web design courses prospective students can explore:
| Course | Provided by | Description |
|---|---|---|
| HTML, CSS, and Javascript for Web Developers 5 | Coursera | This course teaches participants the basics of HTML5 and helps them set up their development environment. The curriculum covers the usefulness of HTML5 Tags, the fundamentals of CSS3, and managing website projects. Additionally, it instructs on the Bootstrap framework and Javascript, including AJAX implementation. |
| Building a Successful Business Website 6 | Alison | This course assists individuals in building effective commercial websites, focusing on aesthetics, online presence, and user-friendly navigation. It emphasizes smooth customer transactions, making it valuable for small business owners and entrepreneurs aiming to harness the Internet’s potential. |
| Instructional Design: Digital Media, New Tools, and Technology7 | edX | In this training course, participants explore the design, integration, and development of digital media to enhance learning experiences. The curriculum explores the influence of mobile tools, online applications, and emerging media on technology-mediated learning environments. It equips students with skills to collaborate with stakeholders and design, implement, and assess learning programs and experiences. |
Ways to Pay for an Online Web Design Degree Program
The costs of online web design degree programs are rising, increasing student debt. Seeking financial support is crucial as tuition expenses soar. Fortunately, students can access various aid options, including scholarships, grants, and federal loans. Meeting donor or lender requirements is essential for eligibility. Exploring these avenues can ease the financial burden of pursuing a web design degree online. Prospective students can consider the following sources of financial aid:
Scholarships are financial awards given to students to support their education. They can be merit-based, need-based, or awarded for specific talents or characteristics. Scholarships alleviate the financial burden of tuition fees, enabling students to pursue academic endeavors and achieve their goals.
Grants provide crucial financial aid to students, often based on financial need. They cover tuition, books, and living expenses, alleviating the burden of student debt. By making education more accessible, grants empower students to pursue their academic aspirations and achieve success.
Graduate Assistantships
Graduate assistantships offer students opportunities to gain valuable experience while pursuing advanced degrees. They typically involve teaching, research, or administrative duties in exchange for stipends, tuition waivers, or both. These positions provide financial support and professional development, enriching students’ academic journeys.
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is a form students complete annually to determine eligibility for financial aid programs, including grants, scholarships, loans, and work-study opportunities. It’s a critical step in accessing funds to help pay for college or career school.
Scholarships for Online Web Design Degree Students
Online web design degree students can access scholarships tailored to their field. These scholarships recognize academic achievement, creativity, and commitment to the web design industry. They alleviate financial burdens and encourage students to excel in their studies, fostering a skilled workforce ready to meet the demands of the digital age. Students can explore the following web design degree online scholarships:
| Scholarship | Description | Award/Amount | Application Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unitil scholarship8 | The Unitil Scholarship Fund provides scholarships to six high school seniors from New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Maine, and other service territories who are pursuing STEM-related majors. The scholarships assist students with completing their undergraduate degrees. | $5,000 | March annually |
| ESA Foundation Scholarship9 | The Entertainment Software Association Foundation (ESA) scholarships aim to inspire future creators in the video game industry and promote diversity in STEAM fields. Through financial support, they assist women and minority students across the United States in pursuing their educational goals and contributing to technology and arts innovation. | Not Specified | April annually |
| Web Development Scholarship10 | The Chee organization provides web development scholarships to innovators in the technology space who are working hard to contribute to making the web a good place. It is provided to a student who is either pursuing an undergraduate degree or a web-related certificate in the space of web development. | $1,000 | Varies |
Career Opportunities and Salaries for Online Web Design Degree Students After Graduating
Web designers are needed to build and design various interfaces and navigate the aesthetics of websites for clients and businesses. Their duties involve designing, engaging, and being responsive to lang pages. They also optimize sites for maximizing scalability and speed and employ industry and design practices through website building. Some of the typical roles students graduating with a web design degree online can pursue include:
- Web Designer
- Software Designer
- Graphic Designer
- Web Developer
- Front-end Developer
- Back-end Developer
- Design and Layout Analyst
- Senior Web Analyst
- Web Marketing Analyst
Other occupations graduates can take up after a web design online degree are:
| Occupation | Skills Required | Median Annual Salary | Job Growth (up to 2031) | Job Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Web Developers11 | Communication, problem-solving, customer service, detail-oriented, and creativity skills. | $80,730 | 16% (much faster than average) | Web developers create and maintain websites, managing technical aspects like performance and capacity. They also develop content. Digital designers craft website layouts, functions, and navigation for usability, ensuring the website or interface looks and functions effectively. |
| Computer and Information Systems Managers12 | Analytical, business, communication, decision-making, leadership, and organizational skills. | $164,070 | 15% (much faster than the average) | Computer and information systems managers ensure the security of the organization’s electronic and network documents, learn about new technologies, and understand ways to upgrade computer systems. They determine the long and short-term personnel needs and negotiate with other stakeholders to get the highest level of service for the institution’s technology. |
| Graphic Designers13 | Analytical skills, artistic ability, communication skills, computer skills, creativity, and time-management skills. | $57,990 | 3% (as fast as average) | Graphic designers typically meet with art directors or clients to determine the scope of their projects and use digital illustration, layout software, and photo editing software to create different designs. They will also incorporate changes recommended by their clients into the final designs and review designs for errors before publishing or printing them. |
| Special Effects Artists and Animators14 | Artistic talent, communication, computer, creativity, and time-management skills. | $98,950 | 8% (faster than average) | Special effects artists and animators produce two- and three-dimensional models, images, and visual effects for various media. They utilize computer programs to create graphics and animation, collaborate with teams on projects, research upcoming work, and adjust animations based on feedback. They often specialize in animated movies, video games, or visual effects for films and TV shows. |
| Industrial Designers15 | Analytical, artistic ability, computer, creativity, interpersonal, mechanical, and problem-solving skills. | $75,910 | 2% (as fast as average) | Industrial designers conceive ideas for manufactured products like cars, home appliances, and toys, integrating art, business, and engineering. They prioritize function, aesthetics, production costs, and usability in product development. Industrial designers contribute to creating everyday products that enhance people’s lives. |
Certifications and Licensing for Online Web Design Degree Graduate
Certifications and licensing for online bachelor’s students in web design are generally not mandatory. However, obtaining certifications can significantly enhance career prospects by demonstrating expertise and proficiency. While not obligatory, certifications are valuable assets, potentially opening doors to better opportunities in the competitive web design industry. Those with an online degree in web design can obtain the following certifications:
Web and Mobile Design Certification16
This certification helps professionals learn about web development to work in mobile applications, graphic design, e-commerce, and website design and manage and develop their business online. It also provides knowledge about AI fundamentals, including methodology, algorithms, data selection, collection, programming, etc.
Agile training is a great way to upskill and deliver projects faster. Individuals can grasp the ability to deliver maximum value and prioritize projects effectively. The Agile principles and methods acquired can be applied to diverse projects, irrespective of scope, budget, or size. This enhances career prospects across different industries, enabling professionals to work smarter.
Through certification, students can learn the best principles applicable to various design situations, including mobile, web, complex and simple apps, and consumer products. They acquire skills in conducting diverse UX research methods to gather data and enhance user experiences through practical, hands-on practice.
Additional Resources for Online Web Design Degree Graduate
Joining professional associations in web design provides students with vital networking opportunities, exposure to industry trends, and access to mentorship. Active involvement in these associations allows students to connect with experienced professionals, gain insights into real-world practices, and potentially secure internships or job opportunities upon graduation. These memberships enrich students’ educational experience and pave the path to a successful career. Some of the resources students with a bachelor’s degree in web design online can consider include:
| Title/Resource | Description |
|---|---|
| International Web Association | International Web Association provides membership to a wide range of web professionals, including multimedia specialists, system administrators, graphic designers, website developers, etc. Members of these organizations gain professional development opportunities and enroll in certification programs. |
| Web Design Association | Members of this organization can access numerous benefits, including professional learning modules, unpublished research data, a knowledge base, a member directory, a personalized member profile page, and opportunities to receive web design job requests. |
| American Institute Graphic Art | The American Institute of Graphic Arts (AIGA) is among the oldest and largest professional membership organizations for design, boasting over 15,000 members. Its mission is to promote design as a strategic advantage, a significant cultural force, and a refined professional craft. |
| Nielsen Norman Group | The Nielsen Normal Group has been in business to improve UX Designs for over 25 years and has evaluated thousands of websites and applications. They provide many free articles, including research findings, UX methods, seminars, certifications, and guidelines, to members across the globe. |
| Interaction Design Foundation | They have many courses covering the entire breadth of UX design suitable for individuals at various levels, from beginner to advanced. Some benefits of joining such organizations include industry-recognized certificates, online master classes by experts, personal coaching, downloading premium literature, etc. |
FAQs About Online Web Design Degree Programs
Can you get a web design degree online?
Many universities and art schools offer web design degrees in online learning modes. Students can access the coursework through the college’s distance learning platform. Colleges may offer the program in both synchronous and asynchronous formats. It provides students with the same credentials as traditional coursework.
Is an online web design degree worth it?
Does the web design degree online provide practical training?
What can I do with a web design degree online?
How long does it take to complete a bachelor’s in web design?
What is the difference between a web design degree and a certificate?
Citations:
Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA)
Udemy-Build Responsive Websites with HTML5 and CSS3
Alison-Building a Successful Business Website
edX- Instructional Design: Digital Media, New Tools, and Technology
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Outlook for Web Developers
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Outlook for Computer and Information Systems Managers
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Outlook for Graphic Designers
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Outlook for Special Effects Artists and Animators
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Outlook for Industrial Designers
Disclaimer:
The average tuition (based on degree type for in-state students), average graduation rates, and rankings are based on data from various sources, including the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), and are variable over time. All rankings and statistics are subject to change. The rankings are solely the opinion of Find Best Degrees (FBD) and are based on our proprietary methodology. They do not represent the views of the institutions or organizations mentioned, nor do they represent any official government census or survey. Furthermore, any views or opinions expressed on this page are of FBD’s researchers and teams. Unless otherwise specified, they do not represent the thoughts and opinions of the individuals, institutions, or organizations mentioned. This page’s content is provided solely for informational purposes, with data drawn from various sources, including IPEDS. FBD and its employees make no guarantees regarding the accuracy or completeness of any information found on this page or by following any link. FBD will not be held liable for any errors or omissions in this material nor any losses, injuries, or damages resulting from the exposure or use of this information. Although the information on this page is/was correct at the time of publication, readers should exercise caution because some or all of the provided information may have changed over time, potentially resulting in inaccuracies. For more information, please read our Terms of Service. Trademarks and logos are the property of their registered owners.