Online web design programs may provide individuals with training in computer technology, design, graphics, and development. These programs are designed for students who are analytical, creative, focused, detail-oriented, and who have strong leadership, problem-solving and organization skills. Web design degree programs are offered at the associate, baccalaureate, and master’s level, and many schools also offer career diploma or certificate options.

Graduates of diploma, certificate, or degree programs in web design may seek employment in graphic design, website development, computer graphics or programming. Proper training and education in web design may arm students with the skills for a career as a graphic designer, web designer, web developer or web-based project manager.

Available Web Design Degree Levels

• Career Diploma: Varies
• Certificate: One to two years to complete
• Associate Degree: Two years to complete
• Bachelor’s Degree: Four years to complete
• Master’s Degree: One to two years to complete

Online web design career diplomas are introductory programs that teach students the basic concepts of web design, including graphics, animation, and website development. These programs may provide students with the technological skillset to either seek entry-level employment or gain advanced training through a certificate or degree program in the field. Coursework may cover the fundamentals of design, color theory, typography, and digital imaging for multimedia and web.

An online certificate in web design is geared towards students who would like to gain entry-level employment in the field or would like to supplement an undergraduate degree. Web design certificates may provide students a strong foundation in the field, or provide additional training in relevant topics such as multimedia, graphic design, and illustration. These programs typically take one to two years to complete and often focus on the basic techniques, software and overall skills needed to succeed in web design.

An associate-level degree in web design is designed to help individuals build a strong working knowledge of software applications, fundamental design principles, web content, theory, and key techniques essential to the field. These programs may integrate coursework that help students understand the necessary concepts and skills for a career in web design. Associate-level programs often integrate general education coursework with web-design specific classes, providing students with a well-balanced education.

An online bachelor’s degree in web design may provide students with a more in-depth, expansive understanding of web design. These are typically comprehensive programs that cover all aspects of web design, from the basics of programming, design, and communication to more complicated concepts and technologies. Baccalaureate-level programs may also offer an area of specialization within the field, allowing students to gain more advanced, concentrated training in an area of their choice such as website development, multimedia, interactive media, graphic design, and computer information system development.

Graduate programs in web design are typically heavy in instruction, allowing students to become versed in web-based applications, the development and construction of websites, and additional software tools. Master’s-level programs may also provide students with training in optimizing the effects of online applications and the latest computer programs.

Career Options

Web design programs are designed to prepare individuals to work in a variety of industries; constructing websites, integrating graphics, visual effects, and working with the newest technologies and software applications available. Web designers may have gained the skills to write web-based programs through different computer languages, create accessible and user-friendly websites and manage website content.

Possible career fields include:

• Graphic Designer
• Multimedia/Web Designer
• Web Developer
• Web-Based Project Manager
• Programmer