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What Can I Do With a Web Design Degree ? Career & Salary

Specifically, one may ask, how does one become a web designer? What skills do web designers need? How does one go about maximizing their web design degree salary in this field? Where to study Web Design Degree Online? You can get answers to all these questions in this article.

Web design is one of the sectors that will continue to grow even though other sectors of the economy are temporarily slowing down. If you have a talent for design and a good deal of technical knowledge, you should consider getting a web design degree.

While you do not have to go to school to become a web designer. It is important to know that a degree gives you an advantage in the growing number of designers competing for jobs in the freelance market. And also allows you to apply for positions of salaried staff personnel. A degree in web design is similar to a degree in graphic design and they both have almost the same salary.

Both degrees are available in colleges and design schools for two years. Your training will teach you the basics of design, such as color mixing, composition, art direction, and layout design. It will explore topics specifically related to web design, such as UX design, script programming, and information architecture.

As a web designer, you focus on designing the creation of websites. While dedicated web programmers focus on the development of database-driven interfaces and developing applications and dynamics.

Table of contents

Web Design Degree

If you are considering the different types of web design degrees available, you have probably found a degree in web design in your search. The question, of course, should be what degree do you need to be a web developer?

Especially, the associate degree in web design is offered by most community colleges, universities, and online schools. It prepares you to create/build basic web pages, web applications, and basic mobile applications.

This is one of the most popular titles in two years, and it is expected that the demand for web programmers will continue to increase for at least the next ten years. The degree does not require advanced computer science training or being a web developer.

In addition, being a Web designer is not the same as being a software engineer or a computer scientist. Web developers with associate’s degrees usually work in the programming of simple applications. And also in the design of websites, such as HTML and CSS theming and MySQL programming.

Types of Web Design Degree

Specifically, several colleges and universities offer web design programs that can be adapted to the needs of any student. Hence, by considering your own life experience and the time you wish to devote to improving your skills, you can identify an ideal web design program.

Certificates in Web Design

Many active professionals, especially employees of small and medium businesses, can benefit from learning specific web design skills. As a result, some colleges and universities offer specific web design certificate programs.

In many cases, certificate programs immerse participants in the nuances of popular design and publication platforms. For weeks or months, certificate program participants can become familiar with specialized tools such as Photoshop, Dreamweaver, Frontpage, and other software packages.

Because many companies and design companies standardize software from a single vendor. Even experienced web design professionals can benefit from software-specific certification programs. By cultivating universal skills and developing the ability to quickly learn new tools. Hence, web designers can take on more challenging and lucrative positions in companies around the world.

Some web design certificate programs help non-technical line managers and other business officers understand the unique challenges. Or integrating web design into an existing operation. While other Web design certificate programs train professionals in other fields to integrate web publishing into their daily activities.

By training long-time employees in the new publishing tools, many companies can effectively meet the needs of their customers without having to invest heavily in new personnel.

Associate Degrees in Web Design

For students who have just finished high school or adults who want to change careers in particular. Be aware that a two-year associate degree in web design can be an excellent path to study.

Specifically, Associate degree programs in Web design offer students the opportunity to acquire essential skills that will enable them to qualify for entry-level positions in a business or technology environment.

Most associate degree programs begin with an overview of the field of web design, offering students the opportunity to understand the context of their new profession.

In addition, as the degree program progresses, participants, gain practical experience with web design and web publishing tools.

Being a part of a quality associate degree program in web design majors learn the basics of art and design. So that they can apply the aesthetic balance to more utilitarian projects.

Since associate degree programs in Web design aim to free graduates from the labor market as quickly as possible.

Hence, many universities offer comprehensive professional counseling and job placement services.

Due to the nature of the sector, alumni are often in a position to make hiring decisions after a few years in a company. As a result, you can quickly start your web design career by enrolling in an associate degree program that has close links with recent graduates.

Bachelor’s Degree in Web Design

A bachelor’s degree in web design combines the professional skills of a degree associated with the broader knowledge of a traditional undergraduate program.

Indeed, many web designers with associate degrees often enroll in undergraduate programs that allow them to transfer credits from other schools or past programs.

For example, in a degree program, web design careers enroll in arts and humanities courses that help them locate their work in the broader context of history and society.

In addition, Web design specialists attend art history courses to understand the evolution of design and expression. Participants also absorb business skills in Economics and Accounting courses.

At the end of a bachelor’s degree program, students acquire all the necessary skills to start extremely successful careers in web design. Also, they learn to gather all their talents to combine business objectives and creative principles.

The Skills You Will Learn

Before looking into the web designer skills list, let’s clarify what a web designer does in a company, and what kind of skills are required. As well what skills do you need to be a web designer? Below is a web designer job description template:

We are looking for a talented Web Designer to create amazing user experiences. The ideal candidate should have an eye for clean and artful web design. They should also have superior user interface design skills.

The successful candidate will be able to translate high-level requirements into interaction flows and artifacts. They will be able to transform them into beautiful, intuitive, and functional designs.

Responsibilities

  • Execute all visual design stages from concept to final hand-off to engineering
  • Conceptualize original website design ideas that bring simplicity and user-friendliness to complex roadblocks
  • Create wireframes, storyboards, user flows, process flows and site maps to communicate interaction and design ideas
  • Present and defend designs and key deliverables to peers and executive-level stakeholders
  • Establish and promote design guidelines, best practices, and standards

Web Designer’s Professional Skills

Then from the aspect of professional skills, the necessary proficiencies of web designers are as follows:

1. Design Tool

Craftsmen always have a set of tools. Like the job descriptions listed above, a web designer must use several essential design software applications. Although it is now possible to design websites in a web browser, tools such as Photoshop, and Sketch is very useful tools for image processing, icon design, and prototypes. Using the right tools at the right time will make your work more efficient.

PS (Photoshop): powerful image processing for graphic and web design.

Adobe Illustrator: “AI” is a very good tool for the processing of vector graphics, it is mainly used for font design, graphic design, product packaging design, book/magazine presentation, and illustration design.

Adobe After Effects: “AE” is a video processing software introduced by Adobe. In summary, this is a dynamic version of PS, very powerful for a complicated operation.

2. Design Sense

Having a good sense of design is very important for web designers. Web design is more than just creating an attractive website. You must understand design elements, such as composition, and images, as well as basic design principles, such as design principles, shape design principles, etc.

3. UX Design

UX means the user experience or what people feel when they use the site. To provide a good UX, you should search for users who will help you create your character (18 free templates are excellent users for inspiration) and useful site maps for design and content. This helps you understand the user’s route during actual visits to the site. Repeated tests improve the design of a website, improving the user experience and, therefore, the number of conversions among users.

4. Responsive Design

With the growth of smartphones, tablets, and other mobile devices, more and more people are using small screens to see and read the information on web pages. As a web designer, you must understand the principles of responsive web design so that your web pages remain legible on small screens. (Top 12 receptive web design tutorials to get started!)

5. Graphic Design

Web design is different from graphic design. If you are a web designer with graphic design skills, this will improve your commercial potential.

6. Adobe Animate

Animation can make a boring web page dynamic. Proper animation will make your site more attractive. Animation is especially important for clothing, automobile, movie, and TV websites of well-known brands. The visual impact will contribute to the identity and recognition of the brand.

Web Designer’s Technical Skills

With the rapid development of web development technology, the demands of web designers are increasing. In addition to mastering professional skills, understanding the necessary web development language will have a long-term benefit for you.

1. HTML

Some people may think that web designers should not be proficient in HTML. However, whether you are a developer or not, you need to know basic HTML / CSS. This will help you read, edit and solve problems more easily.

However, depending on your work as a designer/developer, the level and scope you need to know can be even broader. In any case, you need to know how the codes and styles are controlled and adjusted. These skills are extremely useful in the long term.

2. CSS

CSS and HTML are partners in website development and are the basic elements of the structure and style of web pages. HTML determines the structure of the site and CSS manages the visual appearance. For example, CSS allows you to adjust colors, change fonts or add impressive backgrounds.

3. JavaScript

With the ability to write design code in HTML and CSS, you can help to be more competitive by learning to program in JavaScript. As a web designer, you know about JavaScript, which can help you solve big problems in real work. In addition, according to a StackOverflow study, JS is the most popular programming language for full-stack developers.

4. Web Server Management

Most web designers think they can ignore the server, but web server problems and downtime are unavoidable. You do not have to be an expert in background services, but understanding how a web server works and its basic features will help you solve problems more quickly.

Enrolling in Web Design School

The school you choose makes a difference in the career you have after graduation. If you are ambitious, you should sign up at an art school and learn about the design of the artists who teach there. Because they have an interesting perspective that will help you become a better designer.

To become a better designer, you must trust your creativity. Also, if you want to be an artist good enough to design websites for important clients, you need to gain some confidence. Obviously, this is what art teachers can help you do.

However, these schools cost a little more than community college programs and are not necessary to start creating websites. Indeed, it’s a good idea to get at least a two-year community college degree to be competitive, otherwise, you can only earn money as a freelancer or sole proprietor.

In this situation, you will compete with millions of web designers around the world willing to work for much less than the cost of living in the United States. And you may not be able to establish yourself.

In addition, these skills and opportunities are tscopepes of what you earn at web design school. You should be very interested in the design itself, so you do not care about a degree in art or graphic design.

Also, the first year of graphic and web design programs are identical in many schools. You will benefit from learning PHP and Python programming, but you can not take any courses on these languages ​​in design schools.

Finally, Web design does not require a lot of computer science, apart from the basic concepts of how an image file stores the colors and how a monitor shows them.

Web Designer Salary and Job Opportunities

Specifically, Web designers and developers are responsible for creating websites. They provide a visual presentation and interactive functionality for web pages. Although the two jobs are closely related, there are differences between Web designer and Web developers Salary. But a more detailed analysis of the responsibilities and payment of a web designer compared to a web developer reveals the salary significant differences.

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Web developers with programming and design skills earned an average annual salary of $62,500 in 2012. While graphic designers without programming skills earned an average annual salary of $44,500.

The web developer market is expected to grow by around 20% in the next 10 years, and experienced mobile programming designers will have the most opportunities.

Web Designer Job Description

At the beginning of the World Wide Web, websites used to be designed by the same people who had programmed them. Soon, there was a greater demand for the kind of professional-looking designs seen in print publications.

Today, most commercial websites are the product of graphic designers who specify the visual appearance and interactive behavior using digital tools for editing and designing photographs. They can also design logos, icons, and other visual elements that contribute to the overall appearance of a website.

Web Designer Salary

A survey conducted by Indeed.com among 1,800 web designers and job ads revealed that the average website designer’s salary per hour was $22.40 between 2015 and 2018. This equates to an average annual salary of $46,592. The same survey found that the average web designer position lasted less than a year.

Another source of information on salaries, is the Occupational Outlook Handbook, compiled by the U.S. Department of Labor. Indicates that the average annual salary for graphic designers in 2018 was $48,700, or $23.41 per hour. This is the salary in which half of the workers in the occupation earned less per year and earned more. The Ministry of Labor also reports that almost 20% of graphic designers were self-employed.

Web Developer Job Description

Web developers are responsible for implementing the designs provided by web designers. Although in some cases a developer can also be the designer of a website. Developers use a programming language such as HTML or XML to provide the visual appearance, interaction, and technical characteristics of a website.

Some customers or employers may require developers to use other languages ​​and digital tools such as SQL, JavaScript, and Flash.

In addition, a website developer is responsible for the overall architecture of a website and making sure it operates at an acceptable speed. They can provide specialized features, such as advanced graphics for games or retail transactions for e-commerce.

Also, Website developers cso take on the role of webmaster and maintain the clients’ websites after they’re up and running.

Web Developer Salary

A survey of more than 6,000 developers and employment publications by Indeed.com found that the average web developer salary between 2015 and 2018 was $76,307. The highest annual salary earned by web developers compared to web designers reflects the increased demand for people with technical skills such as programming. Some of the main industries employing web developers include advertising, print publishing, computer services and consulting.

The Occupational Outlook Handbook of the Ministry of Labor reports an average annual salary of $67,990 for web developers in 2017. The lowest 10% earned less than $36,830, while the top 10% earned more than $122,320. Almost a fifth of the developers worked for companies that provide IT services, while a little less worked on their own.

Find a Job in Web Design

When you finish your studies, you can request most of the web programming jobs. If your programming skills are excellent, you should not have a hard time finding a job. The most important point is that your programming skills should be solid because there are already many developers with underdeveloped skills that apply for jobs.

Employers evaluate candidates during interviews to ensure that they can quickly and efficiently write the most common types of functions. As well as to choose the appropriate data structures and algorithms, and debug Java, PHP or Python applications.

If you are more interested in the design side of website creation, some schools offer a more web design-oriented degree that covers graphic arts and modeling. You will still need template programming and scripting skills to find work. But you can use your eye for design to win employers instead of your coding knowledge.

When it comes to fast and affordable web degrees, web development is one of the most timely and most in demand. If you have good concentration skills and a strong creative side, you should consider enrolling for a Web Development Degree.

Job Outlook for Web Designers and Developers

The field of graphic design is very competitive. Although the demand for web/graphic design for print publications is expected to decrease between 2016 and 2026.

Also, the Ministry of Labor predicts that the demand for designers working on computer systems designs will be increased by 20% during the same period. Web/Graphic designers who keep abreast of the latest technologies and trends will have better prospects for new jobs.

According to the Department of Labor, the number of jobs for web developers is expected to increase by at least 15% between 2016 and 2026. Many of the new developer jobs will be in the retail sector.

Growth is also expected in the area of ​​web development for mobile devices. Although some web developments are moving to countries with lower salaries, there is still a strong demand for web developers in the United States.

Web Design Career Path

What is the career path of a Web Designer?

Although the professional career path of a web designer is open, the way you start in this industry differs from person to person. One of the interesting results of web design learning is that it will be equipped to work in a wide range of industries. You are in the unique position of being able to combine a creative passion with sought-after skills closely related to the successful performance of a business.

As a web designer, you can start your career in a new company, a company or an advertising agency. You can also start with freelancing and move to a more permanent role, or vice versa.

In order to develop a lucrative career path as a Web Designer, it’s important to hone in on specific areas of expertise.  These are the key skills you’ll need to increase your earning potential.

  • Advanced HTML5 and CSS3 knowledge
  • Experience with responsive and mobile design
  • Expert abilities in the Adobe Creative Suite
  • The ability to juggle multiple projects on the go

List of Careers in Web Design

#1. Computer and Information Systems Managers

Computer and information systems managers often called information technology (IT) managers or IT project managers, plan, coordinate, and direct computer-related activities in an organization. They help determine the information technology goals of an organization and are responsible for implementing computer systems to meet those goals.

#2. Computer Programmers

Computer programmers write and test code that allows computer applications and software programs to function properly. They turn the program designs created by software developers and engineers into instructions that a computer can follow.

#3. Computer Support Specialists

Computer support specialists provide help and advice to computer users and organizations. These specialists either support computer networks or they provide technical assistance directly to computer users.

#4. Computer Systems Analysts

Computer systems analysts, sometimes called systems architects, study an organization’s current computer systems and procedures, and design solutions to help the organization operate more efficiently and effectively. They bring business and information technology (IT) together by understanding the needs and limitations of both.

#5. Database Administrators

Database administrators (DBAs) use specialized software to store and organize data, such as financial information and customer shipping records. They make sure that data are available to users and secure from unauthorized access.

#6. Graphic Designers

Graphic designers create visual concepts, using computer software or by hand, to communicate ideas that inspire, inform, and captivate consumers. They develop the overall layout and production design for various applications such as advertisements, brochures, magazines, and corporate reports.

#7. Information Security Analysts

Information security analysts plan and carry out security measures to protect an organization’s computer networks and systems. Their responsibilities are continually expanding as the number of cyber attacks increases.

#8. Multimedia Artists and Animators

Multimedia artists and animators create animation and visual effects for television, movies, video games, and other forms of media.

#9. Software Developers

Software developers are the creative minds behind computer programs. Some develop applications that allow people to do specific tasks on a computer or another device. (www.impactus.org) Others develop the underlying systems that run the devices or that control networks.

Web Design Degree Online

So you’ve decided that designing websites or developing mobile apps is right for you, and you want to know where you’re going. This list of the 10 most affordable online licensing programs (license) has been created for you. We are here to help you find the degree with the right objective at the right cost. Being able to maintain current work and assume responsibilities while pursuing the goal is an advantage of modernity.

You should know that online education requires a slightly different approach than traditional universities. Personal motivation and awareness of the task are the keys. The school of your choice will conduct a quick online assessment to determine where you are in possession of these features.

#10. ECPI University

Virginia Beach, Virginia
Bachelor of Science in Computer and Information Science with a Major in Software Development – Web Design and Development Track Online

At ECPI University, students can get an online web design and development degree through their computer science degree program. The school offers an online bachelor of science in computer and information science with a major in software development – web design and development track.

It is a 120 credit hour program that includes coursework in interface design and web application development. Also, ECPI University charges a web design degree online full-time undergraduate tuition rate of $7,788 per semester.

#9. Colorado Technical University

Colorado Springs, Colorado
Bachelor of Science in Information Technology – Web Development Online

Colorado Technical University operates on the quarter system. The school offers an online bachelor of science in information technology-web development with a 184 quarter credit hour program. Which includes coursework in networking and spreadsheets.

Also, Colorado Technical University charges a web design degree online undergraduate tuition rate of $325 per credit hour.

Website

#8. Bellevue University

Bellevue, Nebraska
Bachelor in Web Development Online

Bellevue University offers a 127 credit hour web development degree 100% online. Their online bachelor degree of web development includes coursework in web development and internet systems architecture.

Also, Bellevue University charges a web design degree online undergraduate tuition rate of $410 per credit hour.

Website

#7. Liberty University

Lynchburg, Virginia
Bachelor of Science in Information Technology-Web and Mobile Programming Cognate Online

Liberty University is the largest Christian university in the world. Their online bachelor of science in information technology-web and mobile programming cognate with a 120 credit hour program. Which includes coursework in object-oriented programming and database management systems.

Also, Liberty University offers a part-time web design degree online graduate rate of $455 per credit hour and a full-time rate of $390 per credit hour.

Website

#6. The University of Maryland University College

Adelphi, Maryland
Bachelor of Science in Digital Media and Web Technology Online

The University of Maryland’s University College offers competitive tuition rates for their online web development degree. The school offers an online bachelor of science in digital media and web technology that is a 120 credit hour program which includes coursework in Adobe InDesign and website construction.

Also, the University of Maryland-University College charges an out of state, web design degree online undergraduate tuition rate of $499 per credit hour.

Website

#5. Fort Hays State University

Hays, Kansas
Bachelor of Science or Arts in Information Networking and Telecommunications, Concentration: Web and Mobile Application Development Online

Fort Hays State University’s online web design and mobile applications development degree have an online tuition rate worth checking out. The school offers an online bachelor of science or arts in information networking and telecommunications, concentration: web design and mobile application development.

Also, the program has a 124 credit hour program which includes coursework in information networking and public policy, ethics, and law. Fort Hays State University offers an online undergraduate tuition rate of $213.33 per credit hour.

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#4. Art Institute of Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Bachelor of Science in Game Art and Design Online

The Art Institute of Pittsburgh offers an affordable web design online degree in game art and design. Their online bachelor of science in Game Art and Design is a 180 quarter credit hour program. Including coursework in principles of gaming and technology and production.

Also, the Art Institute of Pittsburgh offers an online, undergraduate tuition rate of $470 per credit hour.

Website

#3. BYU-Idaho

Rexburg, Idaho
Bachelor of Science in Web Design and Development Online

BYU-Idaho has a low tuition rate and no out of state fees, and also offers an affordable web design online degree. The school offers an online bachelor of science in web design and development with a 120 credit hour program.

Which includes coursework in social media design and systems security. Also, BYU-Idaho offers a web design degree online, full time, undergraduate tuition rate of $2,009 per semester for 12+ credit hours.

Website

#2. Wilmington University

New Castle, Delaware

Bachelor of Science in Software Design and Development Online

Wilmington University’s online bachelor of software design and development is a fully accredited program. The school offers an online bachelor of science in software design and development. And also is a 120-credit hour program including coursework in JavaScript and Microsoft .NET programming.

Also, Wilmington University offers an online undergraduate tuition rate of $363 per credit hour.

Website

#1. American Public University

Charles Town, West Virginia

Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity Online

American Public University’s bachelor of cybersecurity tops this list for its low tuition and focus on individual attention.

Their online bachelor of science in cybersecurity is a 122-credit-hour program that includes coursework in wireless networks and computer forensics. American Public University offers an online undergraduate tuition rate of $270 per credit hour, regardless of residency.

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Conclusion

I believe after going through this article, it will profer solutions to your queries, such as How does one become a web designer? What skills do web designers need? How does one go about maximizing their web design degree salary in this field? Where to study Web Design Degree Online?

EDITOR’S RECOMMENDATION

I’m Queen Ojukwu, a professional SEO content writer at Silicon Africa Technologies. I'm also an on-page SEO technical expert with over 4 years of experience. I'm a fan of technology, reading, and writing, and also interested in web development. You can hit me up for business by clicking any of my social media handles.

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