Pursuing a web development degree can be a fantastic way to launch a career in this exciting field. The curriculum typically covers a wide range of topics, including programming languages like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
Web development degrees often include hands-on training in web development frameworks and tools. Students learn to build dynamic websites and web applications using popular frameworks like React and Angular.
A typical web development degree program takes around two years to complete, depending on the institution and the student's pace. This duration allows students to gain a solid understanding of web development principles and practices.
Coursework may also include database management, user experience (UX) design, and web security. These essential skills are crucial for creating robust, user-friendly, and secure web applications.
Getting Started
You can capitalize on the growing demand for web designers and developers with an integrated degree online web development degree.
To begin, consider your educational options. Emerging web developers often prepare for their careers through education, such as bootcamps, certificate programs, and formal degrees.
Formal degree programs, like Champlain's bachelor's in web design and development degree, give you the tools you need to marry creative design with back-end programming.
How Do I?
So you want to get started on your journey to becoming a web developer? You can complete a degree program in as little as 2 terms per semester, with each term lasting 7 weeks.
You can choose from various educational paths, such as bootcamps, certificate programs, or formal degrees. Bootcamps and diploma or certificate programs can equip you with targeted skills in a compact timeline.
Formal degree programs, like a bachelor's in web design and development, will give you a broader understanding of the field and prepare you for entry-level employment. Completing a four-year bachelor's program is generally the minimum standard for access to job opportunities with growth and advancement potential.
Two-year associate degrees can also be a great option, allowing you to pursue employment or continue your education at the bachelor's level.
What Prompted Your Journey?
My journey as a web developer started with college courses that covered a broad spectrum of software development, including database architecture, security, web, and more.
These courses sparked my interest in working on visual products that users can interact with, which is a key aspect of web development.
I was particularly drawn to fine-tuning my skills in cleaner code, SEO best practices, page speed performance, and user experience.
Studying information technology with a major in software development provided a solid foundation for my career as a web developer.
Taking courses throughout my career to learn about new trending technologies has been essential to staying relevant in the ever-evolving tech world.
Having a portfolio of projects to showcase my skills, along with a college diploma, helped me get my first job in the industry.
Degree Overview
The Bachelor of Science in Information Technology, Software Development, and Coding prepares you to create engaging digital applications for web and mobile platforms. This degree track in User Experience and Web/Mobile Development is a great choice if you want to combine UX design with software development skills.
Students in this program will learn to understand user behavior and needs while using development techniques. They'll be equipped with the skills to pursue user-focused projects across various industries.
The program is offered by a school that's designated among the best with accelerated bachelor's degrees by Intelligent.com.
Academic Excellence
Our academic excellence is widely recognized, with Intelligent.com designating us among the best schools with accelerated bachelor's degrees.
We're proud to offer a Most Affordable Bachelor's in Web Development program, making it easier for students to pursue their dreams without breaking the bank.
Our value is unmatched, with a ranking among the Best Colleges For Value for Web Development Bachelor's Degrees that speaks for itself.
Consistently ranked among the Best Online Programs by US News & World Report, we're committed to delivering high-quality education that meets the needs of our students.
Types of Programs
There are several types of programs that can be pursued in a degree program. Some programs are designed to be completed in a traditional classroom setting, while others can be completed online.
A Bachelor's degree is typically a four-year program that includes both general education and major-specific courses. Some programs may also offer a combination of online and on-campus courses.
Associate's degrees, on the other hand, are usually two-year programs that focus on a specific area of study. They often provide a foundation for further education or career advancement.
Certificate programs are shorter programs that provide specialized training in a particular area. They can be completed in a few months to a year and are often designed for working professionals.
Many programs also offer specializations or concentrations, which allow students to focus on a specific area within their major. This can help students gain more in-depth knowledge and skills in their chosen field.
Associate of Applied Science (AAS)
The Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Web Development is a fantastic option for those who want to dive into the world of web design. You'll expand your creative skills and technical ability, covering a wide range of web design tactics.
You'll learn about user experience, design for mobile websites, and even get to work with HTML, CSS, and web scripting languages. This is a great program for those who want to build a solid foundation in web development.
Some of the specific courses you can expect to take include Search Engines, Optimization and Analytics, User Experience Design, and Character Modeling. These courses will give you a well-rounded education in web development and prepare you for a career in this field.
Bachelor of Science in Information Technology (BSIT)
The Bachelor of Science in Information Technology (BSIT) is a degree that can lead to a wide range of career opportunities. This degree is designed to provide students with a solid grounding in key areas of IT, like cloud computing.
You can expect to cover topics such as web user interface design, digital imaging, and introductory e-business principles. These courses will help you understand how to create visually appealing and functional websites.
Some common courses in a BSIT program include web user interface design, digital imaging, and intro to e-business. These courses will give you a solid foundation in the skills you need to succeed in the field.
Here are some specific courses you might take in a BSIT program:
- Web user interface design
- Digital imaging
- Intro to e-business
With a BSIT degree, you'll be equipped with the skills to pursue user-focused projects across various industries. You'll learn how to combine user experience (UX) design with software development skills, making you a valuable asset to any company.
Program Details
A web dev degree program typically takes two to four years to complete, depending on the institution and the student's pace.
Many programs require students to complete a minimum of 120-128 credits to graduate.
Some programs offer online or hybrid options, allowing students to balance coursework with work or other responsibilities.
Practicum
The Practicum is a 15-week course that simulates the process of working with a client to build a fully-featured website.
In this scenario-based course, students will apply their web design and development knowledge and skills to create a website from start to finish.
Students will utilize a range of skill sets, including written and oral communication, content creation, programming, and database management.
This hands-on approach allows students to showcase their new and previously acquired skills in a real-world setting.
Difficulty Level
Becoming a web developer isn't as daunting as it sounds. Aspiring web developers need time, patience, and perseverance as they acquire the skills required for their careers.
Web development is a highly dynamic field that's always expanding. This means web developers never stop learning.
Coursework
A web dev degree typically involves a significant amount of coursework, often with a focus on building a strong foundation in programming languages, data structures, and software engineering principles.
In a typical web development program, you can expect to take courses in programming languages such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, which are essential for building web applications and websites.
You'll also learn about data structures and algorithms, which are crucial for developing efficient and scalable web applications.
Html
In this course, students learn to create a basic four to five-page website using HTML5 and CSS.
Students walk through the steps to create a website from a storyboard to form creation.
Hands-on assignments reinforce skills development and best practices in design.
Navigation, column layout, image editing and usage, fonts, and tables are all covered in the course.
Database and SQL
In this course, you'll learn the basics and more in Relational Database Management Systems (RDBMS) and SQL (Structured Query Language).
Students proposing a final project in the first module will work week-by-week to design, create, and populate the database.
You'll learn to create queries and stored procedures, which are essential skills for managing and analyzing data.
Students will have the opportunity to work on a real-world project, designing and creating a database from scratch, and then querying it using SQL.
Php Scripting
PHP Scripting is a crucial aspect of building interactive web sites. Students who take this course will learn how to build database-driven sites using PHP and MySQL.
You'll get hands-on experience with building sites that incorporate authentication and security. This is achieved through weekly assignments that reinforce concepts learned in class.
PHP and MySQL are covered in depth, from the basics of PHP syntax to handling user input. You'll learn how to manipulate arrays in web forms to queries.
Hands-on assignments are used to reinforce concepts, allowing you to advance from basic syntax to more complex topics. This practical approach helps you retain what you learn and apply it to real-world projects.
Client Side Scripting
In this course, students dive straight into client-side scripting with JavaScript in week one. They create a Pen in CodePen as a hands-on learning experience.
Hands-on learning is a key part of this course, starting with a short program written in JavaScript. Students continue to apply their skills through the final project, producing a web application with specific elements.
Functions, objects, and events are all presented in this course, providing students with a solid understanding of JavaScript fundamentals. DOM manipulation is also covered, allowing students to work with the Document Object Model.
Students learn about AJAX and JSON as well, giving them the skills to work with Asynchronous JavaScript and XML and JavaScript Object Notation. These skills are essential for building dynamic and interactive web applications.
UX Curriculum
A UX curriculum should include a foundation in human-centered design, such as understanding user needs and behaviors. This is essential for creating effective user experiences.
A typical UX curriculum covers the basics of user research, including conducting user interviews and analyzing data. This helps designers develop a deep understanding of their users.
In a UX curriculum, you'll also learn about wireframing and prototyping, which are crucial for visualizing and testing design ideas. This process helps designers validate assumptions and make informed design decisions.
A well-rounded UX curriculum should also cover the principles of interaction design, including designing intuitive and consistent interfaces. This ensures that users can easily navigate and use the product.
By the end of a UX curriculum, you'll have a solid understanding of how to design and test products that meet user needs and expectations. This foundation will serve you well in your future design endeavors.
Career and Salary
A web development degree can open doors to a wide range of potential careers, including computer programmer, front end developer, graphic designer, web developer, web designer, and UX designer.
Web developers can expect a 13% growth in jobs between 2020 and 2030, much faster than the average for all occupations. The median annual salary for web developers is $77,200, with top-paying senior developer jobs earning 35% more than the average developer.
Experience plays a significant role in determining a web developer's salary, with web developers with 20 or more years of experience earning significantly more than their entry-level counterparts. In fact, according to Payscale, web developers with 20 or more years of experience earn 35% more than the average developer.
Here are some average salaries for web developers based on experience:
- Entry-level: $50,000 - $70,000 per year
- Mid-level: $70,000 - $100,000 per year
- Senior-level: $100,000 - $150,000 per year
Keep in mind that these figures are averages and can vary depending on location, industry, education, and specialization. However, with a web development degree, you'll be well on your way to a lucrative and in-demand career.
What Can You Do with a Degree?
With a degree in web development, you can pursue a wide range of careers, including web development, design, and programming.
You'll have the opportunity to specialize in areas like web design, web programming, or other in-demand skills.
According to Lightcast/EMSI data, web development careers are expected to grow 13% between 2020 and 2030, much faster than the average for all occupations.
The median annual salary for web developers is $77,200, with top jobs including computer programmer, front end developer, graphic designer, web developer, web designer, and UX designer.
Some potential job titles include computer programmer, software developer, and web developer, where you'll create, modify, and test code, and develop software solutions to meet user needs.
Here are some top jobs for Bachelor's in Web Design & Development graduates:
- Computer Programmer
- Front End Developer
- Graphic Designer
- Web Developer
- Web Designer
- UX Designer
These careers are available in various industries, including computer systems design, creative services, finance and insurance, education, and nonprofits.
Salary by Location
Web developers can earn varying salaries based on their location. This is because areas with higher population densities and costs of living tend to offer higher wages.
In the United States, the top-paying cities for web developers include New York, Los Angeles, and Seattle. According to data from 2022, these cities offer average annual wages of $78,030, $74,460, and $73,180, respectively.
The top-paying states for web developers are Washington, Delaware, Washington D.C., California, and Maryland. These states employ a significant number of web developers and offer average annual wages ranging from $104,370 to $135,490.
Here's a table breaking down the top-paying states for web developers in 2022:
The remote work trend has reduced locational barriers, allowing web developers to work from anywhere. However, cities with high demand for web developers' skills, such as tech hub cities, tend to offer higher salaries than cities with fewer opportunities in this industry.
Frequently Asked Questions
What degree do you need for web developer?
Typically, a bachelor's degree in computer science is the standard educational requirement for web development, but an associate degree can also suffice. However, educational requirements may vary depending on the employer and specific job role.
Is web dev still a good career?
Yes, web development remains a highly sought-after and rewarding career with strong job prospects and competitive salaries. With rapid digitization, the demand for skilled web developers continues to grow.
Sources
- https://online.champlain.edu/degrees-certificates/bachelors-web-design-development
- https://www.educationconnection.com/online-degrees/web-development-degree/
- https://www.computerscience.org/career/web-development/web-developer/how-to-become/
- https://gotoltc.edu/programs-and-courses/career-areas/information-technology-it/it-web-software-developer
- https://www.ecpi.edu/programs/web-design-development-bachelor-degree
Featured Images: pexels.com