If you want to pursue a career in web design, you’ll benefit a lot from getting the best online web design bachelor’s degree. Tech is undoubtedly today’s leading industry. Thus, the right online bachelor’s degree in web design will give you the required qualifications to succeed in the field.
In this article, we’ll be diving into online web design bachelor’s degrees and discussing which are the best programs. You’ll also learn about the kind of courses you can expect throughout your studies and some of the best web design bachelor’s degree jobs. Keep reading to get all the information you need from this comprehensive guide.
Where Can I Get a Web Design Bachelor’s Degree Online?
The best colleges where you can get an online bachelor’s degree in web design include Arizona State University, Full Sail University, Husson University, Southern New Hampshire University, and the University of Maryland Global Campus.
You can study web design online at the best colleges and universities. These top schools ensure online classes follow the same curriculum as in-person classes and use virtual classes and synchronous study that offer the same level of education as on-campus study. School reviews are an excellent resource if you want more info on where to get a bachelor’s degree online in web design.
What Schools Offer the Best Web Design Bachelor’s Degrees?
- Arizona State University
- Full Sail University
- Husson University
- Southern New Hampshire University
- University of Maryland Global Campus
What Are the Admission Requirements for an Online Web Design Bachelor’s Degree?
The admission requirements for an online bachelor’s degree in web design are an application request, application fee, and official high school or college transcript. Other online bachelor’s degree web design requirements are a minimum 2.0 GPA, SAT or ACT scores, and letters of recommendation.
Certain colleges might allow a low GPA if the SAT or ACT scores are high enough. Some programs also prefer online students with a background in STEM studies. So, make sure to describe all of your previous accomplishments in those areas in your application.
Online Web Design Bachelor’s Degree Admission Requirements
- Application request
- Application fee payment
- Official high school transcript or any proof of high school completion
- Minimum 2.0 GPA
- SAT or ACT scores
- Cover letter
- Letters of recommendation
How to Get a Web Design Bachelor’s Degree Online
You can get an online bachelor’s degree in web design by fulfilling all the graduation requirements. These usually include completing a minimum of 120 to 122 credits, depending on your chosen program’s education requirements for completion. The coursework comprises of general education, elective, and major courses. Some require either an internship or capstone project at the end of the program.
The best way to get a web design bachelor’s degree is to maintain high grades and choose electives that suit your knowledge and skillset. You must also have good computer, logic, and critical thinking skills. The easiest way to get an online bachelor’s degree in web design is to fulfill the minimum requirements by selecting general education subjects that you excelled in during community college or high school.
Web Design Degree Requirements
- A minimum of 120 credits
- 30 credits for academic majors (web design, development, or programming-related)
- 41 credits for general education courses (arts and humanities, math, or sciences)
- 49 credits for minor or elective courses
- Internship or capstone project at the end of the program
Best Online Web Design Bachelor’s Degree Programs and Schools: Overview
| School | Program | Accreditation |
|---|---|---|
| Arizona State University | Online Bachelor of Applied Science in Internet & Web Development | Higher Learning Commission |
| Baker College | Bachelor of Science in Information Systems, Concentration in Web Development | Higher Learning Commission |
| Champlain College | Bachelor of Science in Web Design & Development | New England Commission of Higher Education |
| Franklin University | Bachelor of Science in Interactive Media Design | Higher Learning Commission |
| Full Sail University | Bachelor of Science in Web Development | Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges |
| Husson University | Bachelor of Science in Integrated Technology, Web Design and Development Concentration | New England Commission of Higher Education |
| Liberty University | Bachelor of Science in Information Technology, Web and Mobile Programming | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges |
| Southern New Hampshire University | Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design and Media Arts with concentration in Web Design | New England Commission of Higher Education |
| University of Maryland Global Campus | Bachelor of Science in Digital Media and Web Technology | Middle States Commission on Higher Education |
| University of Phoenix | Bachelor of Science in Computer Science | Higher Learning Commission |
Best Schools for Web Design: Top Online Web Design Bachelor’s Degree Programs
The best online schools for web design bachelor’s degrees offer remote learning opportunities for people who don’t have time or funds for an on-campus education. Online learning is the best choice for people who have children, full-time jobs, or even those who are on active duty.
The top school for an online web design bachelor’s degree is Liberty University, which has a 4.9 out of five-star rating on Career Karma. The best online web design bachelor’s degree programs offer the same practical skills, types of courses, and advanced web design skills as online degrees in the same way as in-person programs. Below are brief descriptions of some of the best online web design bachelor’s degree programs you can consider.
What Is an Online Web Design Bachelor’s Degree?
An online web design bachelor’s degree is an integrated course that allows you to learn valuable skills for website design and creation, web development, and user experience. This program typically takes up to four years to complete. However, some accelerated programs allow you to complete your degree twice as fast.
Learning a web design bachelor’s degree online makes returning to school a much more viable option for working adult learners. They’re not required to relocate. Plus, they can keep their full-time jobs and still care for their families.
Online vs In-Person Web Design Degrees
Both online and on-campus web design bachelor’s degrees take the same number of credits for completion. However, some students perform better in an on-site learning environment, while others prefer the online option for convenience. Time flexibility, affordability, and personal interaction are only some factors that students keep in mind when choosing the right program.
The associate degree earned with an online program carries the same weight as an in-person program. Furthermore, online students may still be able to access on-campus resources such as labs. Let’s have a closer look at the benefits of an online and in-person web design bachelor’s degree as we breakdown an online vs in-person bachelor degree in web design.
Top 5 Benefits of an Online Bachelor’s Degree in Web Design
- Time Flexibility. Getting an online bachelor’s degree in web design will allow you to create your own schedule. This way, you can study whenever you feel most productive or even take the program while having a job or other responsibilities.
- No Relocation Needed. You don’t need to leave your life behind, nor settle for local colleges that don’t offer the degrees you want. With online learning, you can pick from a wide variety of colleges and study from home.
- One-On-One Instruction. Students are encouraged to reach out directly to professors with their questions. Even if done through an online call only, this one-on-one feedback can be very helpful throughout your program.
- Broader Global Perspective. Virtual classes introduce you to your fellow students from various places. Some of them might even be from the other side of the globe. Meeting people from different cultural backgrounds can broaden your worldview.
- Lower Costs. You can save a lot of money on relocating or paying for housing, transportation, and other expenses you’d have while studying in person.
Top 5 Benefits of an In-Person Bachelor’s Degree in Web Design
- Distraction-Free Environment. Classrooms and laboratories provide distraction-free learning environments with all the tools you need. You can focus on your lessons and not worry about anything else.
- Hands-On Learning. Some courses require hands-on practical execution, which is a great way to learn. It’s easier to have access to all the tools you need in person.
- Personal Interaction. For most, the college experience involves making friends, meeting new people, and networking.
- Planned Schedules. A lot of students work best if they follow a scheduled routine. Having weekly plans will make it easier to dedicate specific times to studying and organizing your materials.
- In-Person Events. A college experience has many in-person social events like concerts, get-togethers, sports events, and clubs. These events strengthen your connection to other students and your school faculty.
What Types of Online Bachelor’s Degrees Can You Get in Web Design?
You can get the following types of online bachelor’s degree for web design:
- Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) in Web Design
- Bachelor of Science (BS) in Web Design
- Bachelor of Arts (BA) Degree in Web Design.
All of these programs grant you a web design bachelor’s degree, but there are a few differences between them. The BAS degree focuses less on the general education portion of the course and focuses more on career-oriented major courses. In contrast, a BS degree usually has a bigger theoretical component.
Additionally, the difference between a BA and BS degree is that a Bachelor of Arts Degree requires a higher number of courses in the humanities like writing, art, or history. However, a BS degree usually focuses more on science and math-based courses.
Is It Better to Get a Bachelor of Science or a Bachelor of Applied Science in Web Design?
It’s better to get an online Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) in Web Design if you’re hoping to become employed shortly after you graduate. A BAS program will give you more practical technical training in web design. This comes in handy for sharpening your professional skills faster.
When it comes to online web design Bachelor of Science (BS) degrees vs Bachelor of Applied Science degrees, having hands-on experience in this ever-evolving tech field is something of great value for employers, so a BAS might help you get hired a lot quicker. Your employees will trust that you don’t need much training and are capable of working independently.
If you’re considering continuing your studies and want to pursue a Master’s Degree in Web Design, you will benefit from a BS in Web Design. The knowledge you gather with a BS is more theoretical, but you’ll eventually dive into practical training later on.
How Much Does a Web Design Bachelor’s Degree Cost?
A web design bachelor’s degree costs $35,331, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. This value consists of the average annual cost of a four-year undergraduate student in any institution while living on campus.
Online bachelor’s degree programs in web design cost varies depending on your living arrangement and whether you’re going to a public university or a private college. If you choose a private college, tuition cost will also change depending on whether you’re going to a for-profit or nonprofit school.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Web Design Bachelor’s Degree Online?
It usually takes four years to get an online bachelor’s degree in web design. These programs require a minimum of 120 credits for completion, meaning you have to complete 15 credits per semester on average. You can earn your degree in less time by enrolling in an accelerated program. With this route, you can stay enrolled as a full-time student all year round without breaks, to finish your degree in about two years.
How long it takes to get an online web design online will also depend on if you study full-time or part-time. You can enroll in some web design bachelor’s degrees part-time, allowing you to study at your own pace. However, this means it’ll take you more than four years to complete your program.
Are Online Web Design Degrees Respected?
Yes, online web design degrees are respected. The number of students taking accredited online web design degrees from top institutions is increasing. According to the National Center of Education Statistics, in 2019, over seven million students (37.2 percent of all college students) were enrolled in at least one online course at university. Of these students, over 3.4 million were exclusively online learners.
Is Web Design Hard to Learn Online?
No, web design is not hard to learn online. Web designers perform all of their duties on their computers, so learning online will probably help you transition from theory to practice a lot faster. Also, many reputable schools now offer online degrees in web design, making them more accessible for any student including adult learners.
The best way to learn web design online is to be disciplined, motivated, and focused. You will also need a stable internet connection and a working computer. Most courses will run synchronously and will require you to be logged in for live virtual classes, which makes learning web design online easier.
Web Design Bootcamp vs Online Web Design Bachelor’s Degree: Which Is Better?
An online web design bachelor’s degree is better than a web design bootcamp. Although a bootcamp is another option to start a career in web design, an online bachelor’s degree can provide a stronger foundation for both conceptual and practical aspects of web design.
Furthermore, an online degree is favorable when it comes to a web design bootcamp vs an online web design degree because it also has the flexibility and hands-on learning that a bootcamp provides. Below, we discuss the benefits of both a web design bachelor’s degree and web design bootcamp.
Top 5 Benefits of an Online Web Design Bachelor’s Degree
- In-Depth Learning. Since this online program tackles both the theoretical and practical applications of web design, you’ll have a more holistic perspective in your design decisions.
- Broad Curriculum. Its curriculum covers a wide range of fields in its general education and elective courses, apart from just web design. This gives you a well-rounded education, including having good communication skills and other soft skills.
- Increased Employability. Employers place a higher value on bachelor’s degree programs, which gives you an advantage in the labor market.
- Networking Opportunities. An online web design degree will provide you with networking opportunities, as you meet people from different parts of the country or the globe. These interactions can broaden your career opportunities.
- Career Growth. There is an opportunity for career growth with a bachelor’s degree, as it gives you a chance to pursue a PhD degree more easily down the line.
Top 5 Benefits of a Web Design Bootcamp
- Affordability. Web design bootcamps are more affordable than other learning programs.
- Short Term. A web design bootcamp can last anywhere between three to nine months, making it much shorter than a traditional degree program.
- Course Flexibility. Bootcamps offer flexible learning formats that are accessible for working adults to learn.
- Specialized Curriculum. A web design bootcamp intensively focuses its curriculum on relevant specialized skills. These in-demand practical skills help you land a job soon in the labor market.
- Career Services. Bootcamps offer career services like resume writing and interview preparations to help make their students job-ready.
Why You Should Get a Web Design Bachelor’s Degree Online
You should get a web design bachelor’s degree online, as it provides you with a flexible, well-rounded education, broad global perspective, and networking opportunities. A further benefit of a web design online bachelor’s degree is that you don’t have to relocate and spend a lot of money by attending on-campus courses.
When you get a web design bachelor’s degree online, your career opportunities are also promising. With tech constantly growing, people who design websites, develop online apps, and execute a friction-free UX are always the first choice for employment.
What Courses Do You Take in an Online Bachelor’s Degree Program in Web Design?
The best online bachelor’s degree web design classes take a deep dive into web design, programming, and user experience. Below are some examples of a bachelor’s degree web design online classes.
Basics of Web Design
This course is all about learning the basics of designing a website. Here you’ll learn about all the different tools you can use for web page layouts, digital publishing, and on-page advertising. You’ll have a view of what it takes to build a website from scratch.
Web Programming
In this course, you’ll learn about HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, which are critical in creating a base structure of web design. You’ll learn how to write different web scripting languages. You’ll also study other web-related topics, such as the evolution of web programming development and programming or coding techniques.
Digital Media
Here, you’ll understand the concepts and applications for different types of digital media. You’ll learn how to use media like images and videos to improve your web page design and experience. You’ll also learn how to edit images and videos to make them easier and more attractive to publish on a website.
User Experience Design
The focus of this course is creating a friction-free experience for website users. You’ll understand how the user journey works from search and discovery up to call to action and conversion. With this course, you’ll learn how to design an experience that can efficiently meet the users’ needs efficiently in every stage of the journey.
Graphic Design
Apart from understanding design fundamentals and visual concepts, this course will also teach you how to use design to create an effective user interface and user experience. You’ll learn how to piece together building blocks and elements to create a visually cohesive website aesthetic. You’ll also be exposed to creative inspirations that can inform your unique style as a graphic designer.
Continuing Education Paths for Online Web Design Bachelor’s Degree Graduates
The best path to take with an online web design bachelor’s degree is to apply to different entry-level job openings in your field of specialty. Alternatively, you can try pursuing a master’s degree to continue your education.
There are colleges and universities that offer online web design and web development master’s degrees. For example, Boston University offers an online Master of Science in Computer Information Systems with Concentration in Web Application Development. Completing this program will deepen your knowledge of the fundamentals of web applications and advance your proficiency with several development languages.
Related Online Web Design Degrees
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What to Look For in the Best Web Design Bachelor’s Degree Programs
The things to look for in the best web design bachelor’s degree programs are the program cost, schedule flexibility, and transfer policies. You’ll also want to know if your school is accredited and if there are any accelerated degree options for completing the program. Let’s discuss these factors further in this section.
Program Cost
Since you’re enrolling in an online course, you’ll only need to worry about tuition costs. So, it would be smart to compare a few programs to see how their tuition rates differ from what they can offer. Pick the one with the most affordable tuition rate that can give you more value for your money through high-quality education.
Schedule Flexibility
One major consideration of getting an online bachelor’s degree in web design is being able to take your studies alongside work or personal obligations. Thus, the programs you’re interested in must be flexible enough to fit your schedule or work-study conditions.
Transfer Policies
It’s a good idea to know more about your program’s transfer policies just in case you realize you’re not in the right field. This will also come in handy if you want to switch schools or programs.
Accreditation
Make sure the college and program you choose are accredited by a reputable organization. Accreditation means a school passes the standard academic quality and positive student outcomes, such as retention, graduation, and employment.
Accelerated Degree Options
If studying for four years to get an online bachelor’s degree in web design seems too long for you, be sure to check for any accelerated program options. Some schools offer this type of enrollment, allowing students to get their degree twice as fast.
What Is the Most Affordable Online Web Design Bachelor’s Degree?
The most affordable online web design bachelor’s degree is the Bachelor of Science in Digital Media and Web Technology from University of Maryland. To complete this program, you need 120 credits. The tuition is $312 per credit, for in-state students, which totals to $37,440 for the full cost of the program.
Can I Get a Web Design Bachelor’s Degree Online for Free?
No, you cannot get a web design bachelor’s degree online for free. Reputable web design degrees from accredited schools will always come with a cost. However, there are still ways to reduce your fees, so you can learn new skills almost for free.
While free online bachelor’s degrees in web design don’t exist, most bachelor’s degree programs let you apply for grants, scholarships, and even federal funding like the FAFSA. You’ll still have to pay for your bachelor’s degree, but at least, you won’t have to support the full tuition on your own.
You can also try to improve your set of skills in web design by enrolling in massive open online courses (MOOCs). There are several free online courses in web design where you can learn the basics and hone your skills. These courses won’t give you a certification, but they’ll be a valuable asset to your education curriculum.
Salary and Job Outlook for Online Web Design Bachelor’s Degree Graduates
The salary and job outlook are positive for bachelor’s degree graduates of a web design program. A career in web design can include many different roles across work environments and industries. It’s important to know what role you want to play in your career, what kind of work suits you best, and which skills you actually have to offer. Knowing all these considerations will help you find the right web design job.
How Hard Is It to Get a Job With a Web Design Bachelor’s Degree?
It is not hard to get a job with an online web design bachelor’s degree. Due to the continuous development of technology, digital careers are always in high demand. Web design is no exception, especially considering that companies need to solidify their online presence.
With an online bachelor’s degree in web design under your belt, you’ll likely get a job fast. The asynchronous nature of online degree programs let online students learn extensive practical applications at their own effective learning pace. This is of great value for employers that want to hire a job-ready professional immediately with a minimal learning curve at work.
Even if you don’t get hired right away, you can still get freelancing jobs. There’s a big market for freelance web designers, developers, and programmers. Clients are more likely to trust you and pay you better once they see you have an online degree.
What’s the Average Online Web Design Bachelor’s Degree Salary?
The average salary for someone with an online web design bachelor’s degree is $67,000 per year, according to PayScale. This value varies depending on the career you choose after you get your bachelor’s degree. For example, a web developer earns an average annual salary of $59,643, an application developer can earn a yearly salary of $66,325, and a software engineer can earn up to $89,241 per year.
Your online bachelor’s degree in web design salary will increase as you gain experience in your field. Furthermore, you may acquire additional qualifications, such as a PhD, a second bachelor’s degree, or even a certificate to boost your salary.
What Jobs Can You Get With an Online Web Design Bachelor’s Degree?
The jobs you can get with an online web design bachelor’s degree are web designer, web developer, UX designer, to name a few. Furthermore, graduates of an online web design bachelor’s degree will have the skills to land a job straight out of college. In this section, we detail your career options when you become a web designer.
Web Design Degree Jobs
- Front end developer
- Software developer
- UX designer
- Web designer
- Web developer
Potential Careers With an Online Web Design Degree
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How Much Money Can You Make With an Online Web Design Bachelor’s Degree?
You can make between $70,000 and $120,000 per year with an online web design bachelor’s degree. The salary varies depending on the career path you choose, where you live, and which company you’re working for. Making money with an online web design bachelor’s degree won’t take long, as the starting salary is high. Here’s a closer look at some of the highest-paying jobs for people with an online bachelor’s degree in web design.
Highest-Paying Online Web Design Bachelor’s Degree Jobs and Salaries: Overview
| Web Design Bachelor’s Degree Jobs | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Software Developer | $120,990 |
| Web Designer | $95,460 |
| Web Developer | $81,320 |
| Front End Developer | $77,200 |
| UX Designer | $73,480 |
Best Jobs for Online Web Design Bachelor’s Degree Grads
The best online web design bachelor’s degree jobs on our list are software developer, web designer, web developer, front end developer, and UX designer. Recent graduates in an online web design program can pursue any of these top career paths.
Best Jobs According to Your Major
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Is an Online Web Design Bachelor’s Degree Worth It?
Yes, an online web design bachelor’s degree is worth it. Not only will it provide you with valuable skills for a tech career, but it will also open doors for several high-paying jobs in web design. The average salary can vary between $70,000 and $120,000, which is well above the national average salary of $58,260. Employment in top careers available for web design graduate students is expected to grow over the next 10 years.
Additional Reading About Web Design
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Online Web Design Bachelor’s Degree FAQ
Some of the best web design tools include Adobe Illustrator, Bootstrap, Canva, CSS3, and HTML5. These tools are essential in creating visually appealing and functional websites, as well as creating positive user experiences.
Your web designer portfolio should contain a career summary with your most relevant experience, projects, or work samples, and any recommendations you’ve collected over time. It should also include basic personal information and your service fees.
The schools that offer the best web design bootcamps include Flatiron School, Kenzie Academy, and General Assembly. Bootcamps are a great way to begin a new career without having to commit to a multi-year college program.
The web design processes that a web designer needs to know are the brief, planning, design, development, and launch. These steps occur from the moment you interview a client to the time when your product is ready for publishing.
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.
