Online Web Design Programs

The world is increasingly web-based, from commerce to communication, and in every industry, so it’s no surprise that online web design degrees are a popular choice at many colleges.

In this field, an individual with a creative brain and some technical know-how can often go far! Web design careers are often lucrative and in demand.

Here we’ll take a closer look at web design and answer some common questions about the level of education needed, the career options available, and more to help you decide whether it is a good fit for your future.

Online Bachelor’s in Web Design Degrees

Many schools today offer bachelor’s degree programs specifically in web design. These programs teach how to make functional websites that are aesthetically pleasing. Earning a degree in this field can help you pursue a career as a web developer, a user experience designer, or a web designer.

Many schools also offer degrees that may fit within this field and provide a similar education under different names. They may offer degrees in web development, web programming, graphic design, digital media, interactive media, software design and development, or information technology.

Because there are so many similar titles, it is important to review program descriptions to ensure that the web design program you choose will prepare you for the career you plan to pursue. The best degrees online for web design are the ones that can help you meet your career goals and are both accessible and affordable to you.

Web Design Careers & Salaries

A degree in website design can help you pursue numerous career opportunities depending on the area you would like to focus on.

Many graduates find careers as graphic designers, web designers, software developers, or art directors. There are also opportunities for niche areas of design, including user experience, product, interaction, user interface, and front-end design. Graduates can also find opportunities in development, including web, application, software, and front-end web development.

If you are interested in using your creativity in animation, you may also find opportunities as a special effects artist or animator.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, listed below are ten careers and salaries that can be pursued with a bachelors degree in web design.

Careers for graduates with a degree in website design are growing. For example, careers for software developers are projected to grow 26% over the next 10 years.

Pursuing any of the careers listed above may require further experience or credentials to obtain, and salaries are dependent upon a number of factors, including location, employer, education, and experience.

Bachelor of Web Design Online Curriculum & Courses

While the exact curriculum will vary between online web design schools, listed below are some courses you may be expected to take.

• Design Thinking: This course introduces the basic principles and elements of design, including the fundamentals of composition.
• Advanced Web Markup and Scripting: This class teaches industry-standard programming languages for adding user interactivity to sites and apps.
• Layout and Composition: This course explores how to apply design elements and composition concepts, including structures and grid systems, to create compelling designs.
• History of Design: In this course, the history of graphic design, visual arts, and animation, including different genres, artists, and animators, is studied.
• Information Design and Usability: This course teaches design solutions to increase site usability and enhance user experiences.
• Website and E-Commerce Strategies: This class is an introduction to managing e-commerce sites, including marketing analytics.
• Design Professionalism: This course can help you develop fundamental business skills for web design, including branding, marketing, collaboration, and communication.
• Web Content Design: This class examines design principles for website visual content, emphasizing user experience, coding, and content strategy.
• Advanced Typography: This course is an introduction to web-compliant typography and the use of motion and interactivity in typography.
• Production Methods: This class teaches how to apply production management concepts, including preparing electronic files for various mediums.

In addition to the web designer degree courses listed above, most programs will have general education requirements, including science, math, and English courses.

Choosing an Online Web Design Degree Program

As you look into options for online web design schools, there are some key factors you likely want to consider as you decide on a school.

Some of the factors to consider include:

• Accreditation: One of the most important considerations should be ensuring a school has been accredited by an accrediting body, ideally through regional accreditation.
• Length of time: The completion time for a degree can vary, so you’ll want to ensure the overall length of time works for your short- and long-term goals and schedule.
• Program format: Some programs allow more flexibility, options, and freedom in scheduling, so you can choose an option that works best for you.
• Program requirements: Some online programs may require in-person components, while others do not, so it’s important to understand all the requirements beforehand.
• Cost: In addition to the overall cost, you can also look into scholarships, loans, grants, and other financial aid that may help with the cost of your program.
• Support services: Some programs may offer more robust student support services than others, so this is another consideration as you compare schools.
• Location: A school’s location may affect the cost of your program depending on how online tuition is charged, and if there are on-campus requirements, this can be an important factor.

As you narrow down your choice of online web design colleges, it may be helpful to rank these factors by importance to you individually.

Admissions Requirements

While admissions requirements vary by school, listed below are some requirements you may need for admission as a web design major.

• Minimum GPA: Some programs may require you to have earned a minimum GPA in your high school courses.
• Official Transcripts: Most programs will require a copy of your official transcripts from high school or any college-level courses you’ve taken.
• SAT or ACT scores (if required): Some programs may require copies of your SAT or ACT scores and may look for minimum score requirements as well.

Most schools will also require you to complete an online application and possibly pay an application fee.

Online Web Design Degrees Accreditation

When deciding on a program for your degree in website design, one important factor to consider is a school’s accreditation status.

Accreditation verifies that a school meets agreed-upon educational standards, with regional accreditation being the most widely accepted type. Choosing an accredited school can potentially affect the acceptance of transfer credits, additional degrees you may pursue, and employment opportunities.

To learn more about school accreditation, you can visit the Council for Higher Education Accreditation website.

Web Design Licensure and Certifications

In addition to your bachelors degree in web design, you may earn some additional web design certifications to showcase your expertise.

• Adobe Certified Expert: This certification demonstrates knowledge and proficiency with the Adobe suite of programs and tools, including creating graphics and videos for websites.
• Azure Developer Associate: Earning this credential can help you verify your ability to design and build websites using the Microsoft Azure platform.
• User Experience Design Certification: This certification demonstrates your understanding of the basics of user experience design through a General Assembly certification program.

Earning additional certifications can strategically increase your skills and expand your career opportunities or advancement.

Financial Aid and Scholarships

As you explore options for a web designer degree, you may also explore various options to help with the overall cost of your program.

If you are currently employed, especially in a related field, it may be worth looking into assistance or educational benefits provided through your employer. You may also find scholarship opportunities available through public and private institutions and individual schools you’re considering.

Assistance may also be available through government loans and grants, such as the Pell Grant, designated specifically for undergraduate students. You can learn more about grants and other potential financial aid by visiting the Federal Student Aid website.

Web Design Professional Organizations

Joining a professional organization can potentially provide numerous benefits, including networking opportunities that may lead to new career opportunities or advancement.

• American Webmasters Association (AWA): This is a professional association that seeks to provide connection, support, and resources to website creators.
• International Web Association (IWA): This association is dedicated to networking and professional development opportunities for members in web careers.
• User Experience Professionals Association (UXPA): This is an international association for professionals in user experience disciplines.

Professional organizations may also provide resources for professional and self-development, which can help you increase your skills and knowledge throughout your career.

What Is a Web Designer?

A web designer is a professional who creates a website’s overall look, user experience, and specific visual elements. Considering the client’s goals and the user experience, web designers create functional, easy-to-use, and aesthetically pleasing websites.

Web designers typically have a unique combination of artistic design skills and a fundamental understanding of programming languages and graphic design software. Web designers frequently work closely with web developers to ensure that a functional and attractive website brings the client’s vision to life.

What Do Web Designers Do?

Web designers are responsible for a website’s visual and design elements to maximize the user experience based on client needs and goals. This may include creating websites from the beginning or updating existing websites to ensure the look is contemporary and fresh.

Web designers focus on website graphics, fonts, and interactive elements, like website menus, that allow users to easily navigate a site. They use design software to create visuals and work with web developers to create the end product. Throughout the process, web designers test and troubleshoot websites to avoid potential issues or bugs.

Is Web Design a Good Career?

Yes, web design is a good career for many professionals. Those who enjoy communicating with others, using various design skills, and mixing art and technology may be interested in this career.

With nearly every industry and most businesses and organizations needing websites to stay current, web design is in high demand. Careers in web design also often pay higher-than-average salaries, and there are a wide variety of career paths that graduates can pursue.

Based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, careers for special effects artists and animators are projected to grow 5% over the next 10 years.

Do You Need a Degree to Be a Web Designer?

In this field, the educational requirements vary widely. Earning a bachelor’s degree in web design can help you earn a competitive salary and advance in the field. While earning your degree, you will likely build an extensive and varied portfolio, which is something most employers expect to see.

But earning a bachelor’s degree is not the only way to land a job in this field. Some companies accept applicants with associate degrees or web design certificates, those who have only taken a few web designing courses online, and even those with no formal training. Without a degree, you will likely need relevant experience and an impressive portfolio to prove your expertise.

Earning a certificate in web design or taking some online courses may be a good option if you are not ready to commit to a longer degree program. Online web design programs can also help you determine if this is the right path for you and provide some fundamental experience needed for entry-level jobs.

What Can You Do with an Online Website Design Degree?

With a unique combination of design and technology skills, graduates of web design colleges often find numerous career opportunities.

Many graduates find opportunities working in various design aspects, including user interface, front-end web, user experience, and product design. Others may find opportunities in animation and special effects or as graphic designers, web designers, or art directors.

Graduates may also use their skills in designing products, apps, and print media and as brand designers who focus on consistent imaging across all brand elements and products.

How Much Do Web Designers Make?

The salary you can earn as a web designer will depend on a number of factors, including your level of education, your work experience, the industry you work in, and your geographic location.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, these are some common careers in the field and their annual median salaries:

In addition to typically competitive salaries, web designers can likely look forward to long-term job security as well. The BLS projects employment of web developers will grow by 30% over the next 10 years.

Is Web Design Hard?

Whether or not a web designer degree program will be considered hard will vary by each person and their individual skills. In addition to soft skills, like communication and collaboration, you’ll need to develop an eye for design, including composition, layout, and an overall cohesive look.

You’ll also need to understand the user experience of a website, using elements of design, psychology, and marketing to maximize a website’s impact and the user experience. While web designers don’t need to understand the coding needed to build a website, they do need a basic understanding of programming languages and design software.

Do Web Designers Code?

It is possible for a web designer to have a successful career without ever knowing HTML, CSS, or Javascript. That said, it may be extremely advantageous for you to have some coding skills, for two reasons:

1. Understanding these languages (even at a basic level) can help you appreciate the limitations and constraints of the developer and keep those in mind as you design. This can make working with a web developer easier.
2. If you ever plan to freelance, many clients will expect you to design and build their websites. They may not want to pay two separate individuals.

Even if you are really only passionate about web design, it may be beneficial to take at least an introductory course or two in coding.

How Long Does It Take to Get a Web Design Online Degree?

The amount of time it takes to complete a web design degree will depend on a number of factors. These include your program’s requirements, the degree level you pursue, how many courses you can take at a time, and whether you attend full-time or part-time.

An online bachelor’s in web design typically takes 4 years of full-time attendance to complete. If your school offers accelerated programs, you may be able to finish much faster. An associate degree or certificate program can typically be completed in much less time.

What Web Design Jobs Can I Get?

After earning an online web design degree, you can pursue a number of different careers. Web design graduates often pursue careers as:

• Advertising, promotions, and marketing professionals
• Applications developers
• Computer programmers
• Game developers
• Graphic designers
• Multimedia programmers
• SEO specialists
• Software developers
• Web content managers
• Web designers
• Web developers

Most industries utilize websites, so web designer jobs are numerous. You may work in a small marketing firm or for a large corporation. You might design websites for companies, businesses, or even healthcare systems.

What’s the Difference between an Online Web Design vs. Web Development Degree?

While there is often overlap, web designers and web developers have different duties. Web designers are typically responsible for the following:

• Making websites attractive and user-friendly
• Using visuals to create a hierarchy and draw emphasis to certain products
• Ensuring consistency and unity among a website’s various pages

A well-designed website invites users in, engages them, and encourages them to buy a product or service. Web developers, on the other hand, have the following responsibilities:

• Converting web designers’ creative layouts into operational sites
• Using HTML, CSS, Javascript, and other programming languages
• Creating working links, buttons, and other interactive elements

While both web designers and web developers are responsible for creating functional and aesthetically pleasing websites, the nuances of their jobs differ. Web designers are more concerned about the look of a website, while web developers are more concerned with a website’s functionality.

What’s the Difference between a Bachelors in Web Design vs. Graphic Design?

While web design and graphic design require similar skills, fundamentally, they are two distinct degrees requiring unique knowledge and training.

Both graphic and web designers use communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills to get the best possible results for their clients.

Is a Web Design Bachelor Degree Worth it?

Yes, a web design bachelor degree is worth it for many students. Now more than ever, businesses and organizations rely on their websites to make a first impression.

As more consumers shop, research, and do business online, an organization’s website is more critical now than ever. Jobs in this field tend to pay higher-than-average salaries and continue to grow.

Based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, careers for web developers and digital designers are projected to grow 23 percent over the next 10 years, which is much faster than average.

Universities Offering Online Bachelors in Web Design Degree Programs

Methodology: The following school list is in alphabetical order. To be included, a college or university must be regionally accredited and offer degree programs online or in a hybrid format.

A BS in Graphic Information Technology is available through Arizona State University’s fully online program. The program requires 120 credits. Courses are 7.5 weeks long with several start dates each year. The degree is part of an accelerated master’s program.

ASU is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Arkansas State University offers an online BS in Digital Technology and Design with a concentration in Web Design. Up to 90 of the 120 required credits can be transferred into the program. Courses are 7 weeks long, and there are 6 start dates each year.

Arkansas State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Students at Berkeley College can earn a BS in Information Technology Management. Courses focus on the basics of database management, network security, and web design. The program is available online and requires 120 credits. Courses follow a semester schedule, with start dates in the fall, spring, and summer.

Berkeley College is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

A BA in Graphic Design and Digital Media is available through California Baptist University. The program is fully online. The program requires 48 major credits. On average, the degree can be completed in 16 months. Potential courses include History of Graphic Design and Fundamental Typography.

California Baptist University is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission.

Champlain College offers a BS in Web Design and Development through a fully online program with the option to earn certificates in Web Design or Web Programming. Up to 90 of the required 120 credits may be transferred. Courses are in an asynchronous learning format with 6 accelerated terms offered each year.

Champlain College is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.

Concordia University – St. Paul offers the opportunity to earn a BS in Computer Science. Many courses focus on building web design and development skills. The fully online program requires 55 major credits. There are 6 start dates each year, and courses are in an accelerated format.

Concordia University – St. Paul is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

A BS in Computer and Information Science with a major in Software Development with an optional Web Design and Development track. The program can be completed online or in person. On average, the degree can be completed in 2.5 years, depending on transfer credits.

ECPI University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University offers a BS in Information Technology with a concentration in Web Design. The program requires a second concentration in a cross-disciplinary field. The curriculum consists of 120 credits and courses follow a regular semester schedule.

Florida A&M University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

A BS in Interactive Media Design is available through Franklin University. The program is entirely online. Up to 75% of the required 120 credits may be transferred into the program. Credit may be available for work experience. Courses are 6 to 12 weeks long with multiple start dates each year.

Franklin University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Grand Canyon University offers a BA in Digital Design with an emphasis in Web Design. The program is available online, on campus, or during evening sessions. The program requires 120 credits. Students will create a professional portfolio during their senior year. Online courses are 7 weeks long.

GCU is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Grand Valley State University offers a BAS in Web Design and Development. The program can be completed online or on campus. The program requires 120 credits with the option to earn 24 credits for prior experience. Courses vary in length, with some available in an accelerated format.

Grand Valley is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

A BS in Information Technology Web and Mobile Programming is available through Liberty University. The program is entirely online. Up to 75% of the required 120 credits may be transferred. Courses are 8 weeks long. The degree can typically be completed in 3.5 years.

Liberty University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Lindenwood University offers a BFA in Art and Design with an emphasis in Web and User Experience. The curriculum focuses on teaching front-end and back-end elements of design. The program requires 78 credits within the major. Courses are in an accelerated asynchronous format.

Lindenwood is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

An online BA in Web Technologies with an emphasis in Design and Media is available at Loyola University – Chicago. The emphasis requires 2 certificates. Courses are in an 8 week accelerated format with 2 terms offered each semester. Some courses may have synchronous components.

Loyola University Chicago is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Maryville University offers a BA in Communication with a concentration in Emerging Media Strategies. The curriculum explores web design and other communication skills. Maryville’s Early Access program offers the opportunity to begin work on a master’s degree. Maryville also offers opportunities to earn certifications through companies like Amazon.

Maryville University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

A BFA in Graphic and Web Design through Miami International University of Art & Design. The program is fully online. The program requires 180 quarter credits and a portfolio completion project. The curriculum aims to teach creative design and technology skills.

Miami International University of Art & Design is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

New England Institute of Technology offers a BS in Graphics, Multimedia, and Web Design. Courses are available online, on campus, and during evening hours. Many courses are in an accelerated format. Depending on transfer credits, the degree can typically be completed in 18 months.

New England Institute of Technology is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.

Savannah College of Art and Design offers a BA in Digital Media with a Concentration in Interactive Design. The program is offered fully online. Courses are asynchronous in format with the opportunity to view live lectures. The program requires 180 credits, and there are 4 yearly start dates.

SCAD is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

A BS in Information Technology with a concentration in Web Design is available through South College. The program is entirely online. The program requires 45 of the required credits to be completed through South College. Courses are 5 to 11 weeks long with multiple start dates each semester.

South College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Southern New Hampshire University offers a BA in Graphic Design with concentrations in Web Design or User Experience Design. The program is fully online. Up to 90 of the required 120 credits may be transferred. Courses are in an asynchronous format. SNHU offers 6 accelerated terms each year.

SNHU is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education, Inc.

A BS in Information Technology with a concentration in Web Design and Application Development is available through Sullivan University. The program can be completed entirely online, on campus, or at various learning centers. The program requires 180 credits. Courses are in an asynchronous format and are offered in quarter terms.

Sullivan University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

U.S. News & World Report named the University of Arizona among the top colleges in the country for online bachelor’s degrees. A BA in Design Arts and Practices is offered through a fully online program. The program requires 120 credits, including a capstone project. Potential courses include Design for Web and Devices, Basics of Animation, or Art History of the Cinema.

The University of Arizona is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission.

The University of Maryland Global Campus offers the opportunity to earn a BS in Web and Digital Design. All courses are offered online with some being available in a hybrid format. Up to 90 of the required 120 credits may be transferred. Courses are offered in 3 accelerated sessions each semester.

UMGC is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Walsh University offers a BS in Web Design. The program is entirely online and is designed with adult learners in mind. Courses are in an accelerated format with multiple start dates each year. Students may be able to earn credit for work and life experience. Applicants must be at least 21 years old.

Walsh University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

A BS in Web Design is available through Wilmington University. All courses are available entirely online. The program requires 120 credits. Courses start every 8 weeks and are in an accelerated format. Potential courses include Principles of Color Theory and Creative Writing.

Wilmington University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Getting Your Bachelor in Web Design Degree Online

Earning a bachelors degree in web design can help you develop valuable skills and knowledge in a growing and innovative field.

With this degree, you can pursue employment in numerous industries, using a unique combination of design and technology skills to create websites that are easy to navigate and visually pleasing. As more organizations need websites created or current websites refreshed, there will be a need for individuals who can meet this demand.

If you are interested in gaining skills in the exciting field of web design, you may look into online web design degrees from accredited institutions.