Choosing the best major for web design can be daunting. Web design is a constantly evolving field, so it’s important to choose a design concentration that will provide you with hands-on experiences and offer essential types of skills to help you thrive in your formal education and beyond.
If you’re reading this article, you’re probably wondering how to choose a major for web design. Continue reading to learn all about the best majors for web design, the salary potential of different web design career paths, and tips to help you succeed in your educational journey.
Why Choose a Career in Web Design
There are many benefits to becoming a web designer and pursuing a career in this field. If you are interested in graphic design or enjoy coding and programming languages, web design is a creative and rewarding field that offers many opportunities for growth and career fulfillment.
Many web design companies work with partner programs that allow students to work and learn simultaneously. They focus on user experience design to develop and advance technical skills and enhance students’ journeys to achieve a school diploma. These programs provide students with valuable experience and training and often lead to securing jobs after graduation.
Web Design Job Outlook
As the world increases its use of technology and more businesses expand to online formats, the demand for web designers increases. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), jobs for web designers are predicted to grow 13 percent by 2030, which is much higher than the national average for job growth.
This growth is likely due to the increasing demand for websites and apps for computers and mobile devices. In a high-demand field like web design, it’s important to choose the best core courses in your design program and prepare yourself for a future job interview.
Web Design Job Satisfaction
Web designers have high job satisfaction, with an average rating of four out of five stars for both work/life balance and career opportunities, according to Glassdoor. Web designers and graphic designers enjoy working with computers and use their creativity and design skills to develop web pages. They also typically enjoy working independently, as it allows them to take initiative in their work.
Web Design Salary Potential
| Career | Minimum Level of Education | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Graphic Designer | Bachelor’s Degree | $53,380 |
| Web Designer | Bachelor’s Degree | $77,200 |
| Web Analyst | Bachelor’s Degree | $110,140 |
| Multimedia Specialist | Bachelor’s Degree | $77,700 |
| Computer Scientist | Master’s Degree | $126,830 |
How to Choose a Major for Web Design: Tips for Selecting the Right Web Design Degree
Tip 1: Research
Consider researching career paths and majors based on your personal skills and interests. For example, students interested in user interface design may consider a degree in graphic design or web development. Students interested in mobile application development may consider a degree in information technology. You could also research different online certificate and degree programs if they better suit your needs and chances of success.
Tip 2: Talk to a Mentor
Talking to mentors, such as school guidance counselors or fellow classmates, can be very helpful for students who are looking for guidance in making their career decision. Try to get insights into the job market to understand the skills needed for great career prospects, as well as advice on the education requirements for web design degree programs.
Tip 3: Talk to Field Professionals
Talking to professionals in web design will help you understand everything you need to know about the field, from the kinds of jobs available to the skills you’ll need to succeed. With these network connections, students have access to design principles that they may not have learned in school. Having a professional certification can also give you a solid foundation in the field, and professionals can help you decide which certificate to pursue.
Tip 4: Identify Your Goals
Knowing exactly what you’d like to get out of your major is important for a number of reasons. Firstly, it will help you narrow your educational path and select which areas to focus on. Secondly, it can help you set concrete goals to achieve the skills required for your degree. With so many related careers, such as web development, software design, and project management, it will be easier to narrow your choices by choosing your career goal.
Tip 5: Weigh the Pros and Cons
A list of strengths and weaknesses or pros and cons, can help you determine which majors you should consider and which ones you should rule out. Once you know the things you excel at and those that you don’t, you can begin researching different majors and classes that would be a good fit, based on your skills and interests.
What Degree for Web Design: Best Majors for a Web Design Career
Graphic Design
The graphic design major teaches you how to utilize color, typography, principles of design, and layout to produce successful visual messages. It also promotes soft skills, such as critical design thinking and problem-solving. Several schools provide bachelor’s degree and master’s degree programs in graphic design.
Graphic Design is a comprehensive degree with several future career opportunities. Graphic designers earn approximately $50,710 on average, making it a rewarding and profitable career path with plenty of room for growth.
- Associated Career Paths: Web Designer, Product Developer, User Interface Designer
- Levels of Education: Associate Degree, Bachelor’s Degree, Master’s Degree
Computer Science
Computer science is a versatile major that can lead to various career options. Professionals in this field are in high demand, making it a desirable major for those interested in working with computers. Technical skills, analytical skills, logical thinking, and attention to detail are essential to thrive in this applied science field. Computer scientists also earn approximately $126,800 annually, on average.
- Associated Career Paths: Computer Programmer, Computer System Analyst, Digital Designer
- Levels of Education: Bachelor’s Degree, Master’s Degree
Game and Interactive Media Design
Game and interactive media design as a major exceeds the average in terms of ranking and popularity. This major is best for those that excel in creative and technical tasks and work well in a team environment. This field is expected to experience a lot of growth in the coming years, and it proves to be a very creative and unique career path within web design.
- Associated Career Paths: Game Developer, Web Designer, Multimedia Specialist
- Levels of Education: Bachelor’s Degree, Master’s Degree
Visual Communications
A degree in visual communications can lead to many different future career paths. Skills that are helpful for those pursuing this degree include creativity, design skills, marketing skills, and good communication skills. If you are more interested in communication theory and art, rather than business management or computer science, you should consider a degree in visual communication.
- Associated Career Paths: Graphic Designer, Advertising, Marketing
- Levels of Education: Bachelor’s Degree
Commercial and Advertising Art
Commercial and advertising art is an excellent major for creative people interested in making practical, visually appealing advertisements. Similar to the majors mentioned above, commercial and advertising art degrees open up many career opportunities in a broad range of industries. Education courses in this degree path may include a mix of art, media, and advertising classes.
- Associated Career Paths: Graphic Designer, Digital Artist, Marketing, Advertising
- Levels of Education: Bachelor’s Degree
Other Web Design Related Majors
If you’re still unsure about which web design major is best for you, focus on your school search. Think about your budget, school rankings, acceptance rate, design programs, and tuition rates. Your school search should also consider the university campus environment, location, and available online degree options.
Once you’re enrolled in a graphic design school, you can research the different design degree programs and their rankings. Knowing your skills and interests, you’ll find a perfect web design degree match in no time. Below are a few additional web design-related majors to consider.
- Illustration
- Industrial Design
- Animation
- Design and Applied Arts
- Computer Graphics
- Arts and Media Management
- Fine Arts
- Web Development
- Commercial Photography
- Information Technology
Is a Career in Web Design Right for Me?
Yes, a career in web design is right for you if you are creative, organized, and interested in working with computers. Web designers think of ideas for new and interactive websites with good content management systems and then create a cohesive design. Strong technical skills are essential to creating website designs using necessary software applications.
Web designers are in high demand, earn a high annual salary, and can typically work in various industries. The best way to become a web designer is to earn your degree in graphic design or a related field, although some self-taught web designers have successfully secured jobs. You may also want to consider investing in web design bootcamps to further your training and skills.
Best Major for Web Design FAQ
Yes, web design is often a high-paying job. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average annual salary of web designers is $50,710. Typically, the salary range is based on degree level, level of experience, location, and company. The lower end consists of entry-level positions, while the higher end consists of senior-level positions.
Yes, web design is a good career due to its high demand and high pay. However, the career prospects for web designers vary depending on factors such as experience, education, and location. In general, web design is a rewarding and lucrative career with high demand.
A degree in graphic design, multimedia design, or a related field may be the best degree option for web design. Additionally, students may want to consider learning software development, various web design tools, and how to code.
Yes, web design has a future with significant job growth. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, digital designers are expected to increase by thirteen percent in the next decade, outpacing the average for all occupations.
"Career Karma entered my life when I needed it most and quickly helped me match with a bootcamp. Two months after graduating, I found my dream job that aligned with my values and goals in life!"
Venus, Software Engineer at Rockbot
About us: Career Karma is a platform designed to help job seekers find, research, and connect with job training programs to advance their careers. Learn about the CK publication.
