To succeed in a competitive and lucrative field like web development, you need both technical skills and soft skills. Attending schools that offer the best online web development associate degrees makes it easier to do so. Unfortunately, finding colleges, especially online colleges, that offer the best online web development associate degrees isn’t always easy.
This article contains an in-depth review of the best online web development programs in the United States to help you with your school search. We’ve broken down the common admissions requirements of schools offering online web development associate degrees, the jobs you can get with your degree, and alternatives to online associate web development programs.
Where Can I Get a Web Development Associate Degree Online?
You can get a web development associate degree online from an accredited higher education institution offering online web development associate degree programs. Initially, you could only earn an associate degree in a technical or community college, but as the number of associate degree recipients has grown, so have the number of institutions awarding associate degrees.
Today, universities and online four-year colleges such as Kansas State University, Dakota State University, Amridge University, and University of Maryland Global Campus offer associate degrees on top of bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees.
What Schools Offer the Best Web Development Associate Degrees?
- Kansas State University
- Dakota State University
- Amridge University
- University of Maryland Global Campus
- SUNY Broome Community College
What Are the Admission Requirements for an Online Web Development Associate Degree?
The admissions requirements for an online web development associate degree program are dependent on the school’s specific conditions for enrollment. The admission requirements are typically not demanding for web development associate programs at technical or community colleges.The first step is usually creating an admissions profile and completing an online application form.
Most four-year and two-year institutions attach a fee to the completion of this process. Other requirements include submitting your official high school or GED transcripts to confirm your GPA average and your completed courses. You’ll also need to provide your standardized test scores. If you don’t have them, you’ll have to complete a placement test given by the school.
Online Web Development Associate Degree Admission Requirements
- Open an account on the school portal and fill out the online application form.
- Pay the application fee.
- Request your official transcript from your high school and submit it to the college or university.
- Submit your placement test scores or take the school’s placement test.
How to Get a Web Development Associate Degree Online
You get a web development associate degree online once you’ve completed the graduation requirements specific to your program. While these requirements differ from school to school, most associate degree education requirements for both colleges and universities are quite similar. Read below to find out what the average degree requirements look like.
Web Development Degree Requirements
- Completion of degree-specific credits. For most associate degrees, the required number of credits is 60 to 72 for graduation. About half of these credits will come from courses specific to your degree. In a web development associate degree program, these could be coding courses, web design courses, or cyber security courses.
- Completion of general education and elective credits. On top of your program-specific courses, you’ll also need to complete a certain number of courses in elective and general education courses. Generally, you need to complete six credits of elective courses, with the rest of your required credits coming from gen ed courses.
- Grade requirement. As a student enrolled in an associate degree program, you’ll need to maintain a certain grade point average throughout your studies to graduate. The average required GPA to graduate is 2.0 on a 4.0 scale or, in other words, at least a C grade mark on all your education courses.
- Degree completion fee. Students who’ve completed their credit requirements may be charged a fee when requesting their degree. You should ideally make your request for graduation at the start of your final semester. You will not be allowed to graduate without paying this fee.
- Proof of proficiency. Before being awarded a certificate, you’ll most likely need to prove your proficiency in your area of study. This is typically done through a skills assessment, a well-rounded web developer portfolio, or a capstone project that proves that you can build a responsive website from scratch or design a web software application.
Best Online Web Development Associate Degree Programs and Schools: Overview
| School | Program | Accreditation |
|---|---|---|
| Amridge University | Asociate of Arts in Web Development | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges |
| College of Southern Nevada | Computing and Information Technology: Software-Web Development AAS | Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities |
| Dakota State University | Associate of Science in Web Development | Middle States Commission on Higher Education |
| Gateway Technical College | Information Technology – Web Software Developer Associate Degree | Higher Learning Commission |
| Kansas State University | Web Development Technology Associate Degree | Higher Learning Commission |
| Madison Area Technical College | IT-Web Software Developer Associate Degree | Higher Learning Commission |
| Riverland Community College | Associate in Web Development | Higher Learning Commission |
| SUNY Broome Community College | Web Development and Management AAS | Middle States Commission on Higher Education |
| University of Maryland Global Campus | Associate of Arts Specialization in Computer Studies: Web Development | Middle States Commission on Higher Education |
| Wake Technical Community College | Web Developer Associate in Applied Science | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges |
Best Schools for Web Development: Top Online Web Development Associate Degree Programs
With web development becoming an increasingly popular field of study and work, it can be difficult to find the right online school for you. The following list of online associate degrees, with which we’ve included essential details like the application process, tuition rate, and entry requirements, will hopefully help you find the program that suits your needs and career goals.
What Is an Online Web Development Associate Degree?
An online web development associate degree is an academic degree awarded by an accredited two-year or four-year educational institution to students who’ve fulfilled the specific requirements for an online web development associate program set by the institution. An online web development associate degree can be offered as a career or transfer program.
Online web development associate degrees allow students to gain hands-on experience using programming languages such as HTML, CSS, PHP, Java, JavaScript, and Python as well as configuring operating systems and web tools to build a professional portfolio of projects. This portfolio allows graduates to easily enter the workforce or transfer to a bachelor’s degree.
Online vs In-Person Web Development Degrees
The major difference between online and in-person web development degrees is the mode of delivery. Online web development degree classes are given remotely through pre-recorded or real-time video classes using digital textbooks and a stable Internet connection. In-person web development programs require you to attend class on campus at a scheduled date and time.
Both program formats have their benefits that appeal to different kinds of students. Below is an in-depth look at the major benefits of attending an online or in-person web development program.
Top 5 Benefits of an Online Associate Degree in Web Development
- Flexible Schedule. The major advantage of an online associate degree in web development is the ability to decide where, when, and how you want to study. Busy adults don’t have to commute to class as they can attend from the comfort of their homes. They can also opt for part-time study to work as they study.
- Lower Cost. Online web development programs come with fewer college fees such as housing, boarding, facilities, and even physical textbooks. Most schools also offer a lower cost per credit to e-learning students.
- Personalized Learning Environment. Unlike an in-person program, where your learning environment is restricted to specific classrooms, you can organize your study space to suit your needs. Designing your study space lets you eliminate several psychological and physical hazards associated with a long-term study.
- Opportunity to Combine Learning Resources. If you don’t have a busy schedule, you can use free external resources to complement your college classes. You can use free platforms such as Coursera, Codecademy, or MOOCs to practice what you’ve learned through online tutorials and online exercises in your spare time.
- Additional Student Services. To compensate for the resources online students don’t have access to, most online community colleges offer remote learners additional virtual services and student support. This could be tutoring or career services such as resume reviews, interview prep, or portfolio evaluation.
Top 5 Benefits of an In-Person Associate Degree in Web Development
- Structured Environment. In-person web development program provides their students with a dedicated, structured learning environment. This can help students focus better and stay more motivated compared to remote workspaces.
- Face-to-Face Learning. Face-to-face learning allows students to study in a way that more directly engages their visual, auditory, and kinesthetic senses which can boost retention and productivity.
- Direct Access to Student Services. In an in-person program, you can talk to your instructor, course advisor, or career advisor directly rather than waiting on them to answer an email or message. It also allows you to build a more personal rapport with them which can help in the long run.
- Collaborative Exercises. In-person classes are more conducive to hands-on learning. There are more opportunities for students to be grouped for lab projects and collaboration with peers can help boost motivation and knowledge. Hands-on exercises and projects also prepare students better for the work they’ll perform as professionals.
- Opportunity to Socialize. College isn’t just about learning. College is a great place to meet new people and build a network of like-minded people. You can take part in extracurricular activities like educational, athletic, and political clubs to boost your resume or simply make friends.
What Types of Online Associate Degrees Can You Get in Web Development?
The types of online associate degrees you can get in web development include Associate of Arts, Associate of Science, and Associate of Applied Science degrees. Both the Associate of Science and Associate of Arts are intended for students wanting to transfer to a bachelor’s program, while Associate of Applied Science degrees prepare students for the workforce.
Is It Better to Get an Associate of Science or Associate in Applied Science In Web Development?
It’s better to get an Associate of Science if your goal is to minimize college costs and increase your chances of admission into a prestigious four-year institution to pursue a bachelor’s program. Associate of Science programs are typically partnered with specific universities and bachelor programs in the same state.
If you want more access to career development programs and job-focused courses, then you should opt for an Associate of Applied Science program. You’ll easily find management and entrepreneurial courses in your curriculum to boost your chances of immediately launching your career in web development or a related field.
How Much Does a Web Development Associate Degree Cost?
A web development associate degree costs an average of $3,621 for both online and in-person students enrolled in a two-year college, according to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). Students who enroll in public schools pay an average tuition of about $3,377, regardless of their learning format.
Private for-profit and private not-for-profit institutions often charge a higher cost of tuition and fees. You should expect to pay an average tuition of $15,828, for a program offered by a private higher-learning institution. This figure takes into consideration additional factors such as books and other study materials.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Web Development Associate Degree Online?
It takes two years to earn a web development associate degree online when taking a full course load. Accelerated associate programs allow students to finish earlier than in a full-time program. Online students enrolled in part-time programs or taking a reduced course load will spend a little over two years completing their web development associate degree requirements.
The requirements for associate degree programs in web development typically require the completion of 60 to 64 credit hours of core, elective, and general education courses. Since associate degrees are often planned over four semesters, students are encouraged to spread their credits evenly across them.
Are Online Web Development Degrees Respected?
Yes, online web development degrees are respected by both education institutions and employers. Based on the 2019 data survey by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), 62.8 percent of the students enrolled in private for-profit institutions are in distance learning programs, showing that more people are adopting the online learning trend.
Most employees don’t discriminate against candidates with online degrees. Based on the survey of hiring managers by Future Learn, 75 percent of employers agree they are more likely to hire candidates with online education post-pandemic. Most of them also believe online learning will increase in popularity and that more workers can benefit from it.
Is Web Development Hard to Learn Online?
No, web development is not hard to learn online. As long as you are passionate about starting a career in web development or a related field and are ready to commit to the program, you’ll find it easy to learn web development. The best online web development associate degree programs offered dedicated advisors, online feedback tools, and an adapted pace to ease the process.
Web Development Bootcamp vs Online Web Development Associate Degree: Which Is Better?
A web development associate degree is better if you’re a recent high school graduate looking for affordable options to pursue your college education. A web development associate degree offers you a broader curriculum which naturally equates to more career opportunities. Associate degrees have an easy admissions process and let you transfer credits after graduation.
Web development bootcamps provide an immersive and market-oriented curriculum, access to innovative web technologies, and a chance to learn directly from industry leaders, but are better for working professionals looking to upskill or reskill in the shortest amount of time possible. Here is a detailed breakdown of the benefits of both learning pathways:
Top 5 Benefits of an online Web Development Associate Degree
- Comprehensive Curriculum. Associate degrees are federally accredited programs that make it possible to compete nationally and globally. Apart from technical web development courses, English, math, writing, business, project management, science, art, and psychology courses make up the total credit requirements.
- College Advantage. Attending an online associate gives you an advantage, as many hiring managers prioritize candidates with degrees. This doesn’t mean hiring managers only consider educational qualifications. If you don’t have a good work history or the willingness to learn, a candidate with a lesser qualification may be picked over you.
- Transferable Credits. Most associate programs in web development have transfer partnerships with four-year institutions, saving you the stress of a competitive admissions process or paying a high cost of tuition as a fresh student. The courses you take can be even applied to another degree indirectly related to your field of study.
- Autonomy. Most associate degree programs offer more autonomy than bootcamps do. In a coding bootcamp, you have to follow a rigorous schedule, especially when attending an on-site full-time program. In an associate program, you can space out your courses as much as you want and can even extend your studies beyond two years.
- Financial Aid. Bootcamps don’t qualify for federally approved financial aid programs. As soon as you apply to an associate program, you’ll most likely be guided through the FAFSA application by your school. Aside from federal scholarships and grants, colleges and universities advertise several partial and full scholarships for STEM students.
Top 5 Benefits of a Web Development Bootcamp
- Accelerated Learning. Most web development bootcamp programs last three months to a year and prepare students to quickly land jobs in the industry. Stay-at-home parents or working professionals who don’t have time to attend a degree program or want an immediate career switch or advancement are the best candidates for bootcamps.
- Job-Focused Curriculum. Web development bootcamps limit the scope of their classes to web development courses. Bootcamp students spend more time building industry skills by not needing to take elective or general education courses.
- Mentorships. Students enrolled in web development bootcamps can learn directly from industry experts, increasing their hands-on experience with real-world applications. Some bootcamps even give students one-on-one coaching by instructors, which can provide them with an optimal learning experience.
- Career Support. The best bootcamps for web development provide excellent career services to students. This increases the job success rate by giving them access to job training, cover letter writing, resume reviews, career path analysis, portfolio reviews, mock interviews, internship opportunities, job guarantees, and networking events.
- Affordable and Flexible Payment Options. Web development bootcamps typically cost between $5,000 to $20,000. Luckily, bootcamps offer students a wide range of flexible payment options like income share agreements, scholarships, installment plans, and deferred tuition. Some even offer free prep courses and workshops.
Why You Should Get a Web Development Associate Degree Online
You should get a web development associate degree online for its convenience and the ability to learn independently. You can access your courses from anywhere in the world and avoid paying for additional things like transportation, student housing, and books. You can organize your study space to suit your comfort and productivity needs.
What Courses Do You Take in an Online Associate Degree Program in Web Development?
An online associate degree program in web development is made up of program-specific, general education, and elective courses. Program-specific courses comprise technical and theoretical courses directly related to your field of study. Below is a list of program-specific courses you’ll most likely take in an online web development associate program.
Website Design
A website design class involves learning to develop interactive digital interfaces such as mobile and web applications and structuring their layout, style, and content to ensure the website is both aesthetically pleasing and functional. Online degree programs in web development teach students how to create websites using hosting platforms such as WordPress and Wix.
Web Programming
A web programming class teaches students to write code for the development of websites and applications. Web development students learn how to code user interfaces using front end technologies such as HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Java, Angular JS, and jQuery. They also learn how to script APIs and servers for a website using Python, Java, C#, Golang, PHP, and Ruby.
Mobile Web Application Development
Knowledge of mobile web application development enables students to optimize web pages to imitate the user interface of native mobile applications. Students who take part in this course learn the fundamentals of mobile app development and website optimization. With this knowledge, they can easily start careers in software development and game development.
Computer System Security
Your computer’s system security is essential. This course helps students understand the basics of cyber security and how to protect operating systems and networks from external intrusion and unauthorized use. In a computer system security class, students learn how to use computer security software like firewalls, antiviruses, and anti-malware to protect their sites and systems.
Web-based Database Management
Database management involves designing, developing, and managing database systems using SQL. This class provides students with knowledge of database management to help them organize, file, and retrieve web application data from the backend of their websites over the Internet.
Continuing Education Paths for Online Web Development Associate Degree Graduates
Continuing education paths for online web development associate degree grads include transferring to a bachelor’s degree program in web development or any computer science-related discipline or applying for a web development professional certification to become a CIW Web Development Professional.
Related Online Web Development Degrees
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What to Look For in the Best Web Development Associate Degree Programs
The things to look out for in the best web development associate degree programs are factors such as the quality of the career services, continuing education and transfer opportunities, and curricular content the program provides, as well as the school’s graduation rate, retention rate, and barriers to admission. Keeping these in mind will help you find the perfect program for you.
Career Services
If your goal is to immediately launch a web development career launch, look for a program that offers services such as resume building, interview training, portfolio building and review, career path advising, and job posting and matching. A program that offers workshops or courses on how to launch and manage an online web development business would greatly benefit you.
Continuing Education and Transfer Opportunities
Most schools offering online web development associate degree programs help students transfer to four-year colleges. Some schools even offer internal continuing education opportunities for students looking to secure a bachelor’s degree. Make sure to check the school’s website for their internal and external transfer programs and partnerships.
Curricular Content
Your program’s course offerings are important. You need a program with technical, theoretical, and business courses. Ensure the program you’re applying to has an up-to-date curriculum. The field of web development is constantly evolving. You don’t want to graduate with an outdated skillset.
Graduation and Retention Rate
The cost of your web development program isn’t the only metric to consider when checking the school’s value. Looking at the school’s graduation and retention rate will give you insight into the quality of education you’ll be getting once you enroll.
Barriers to Admission
Some schools have a more competitive admissions process than others. Admission barriers include the completion of a placement test, high GPA and standardized test scores, course prerequisites for entry, and application fees. During your school search, consider which admission requirements may make your applying more difficult for you.
What Is the Most Affordable Online Web Development Associate Degree?
The most affordable online web development associate degree is offered by Madison Area Technical College. Its 60-credit online web development program costs a total of $8,460 for both residents and non-residents. You’ll only pay $141 per credit, meaning tuition of $2,115 per semester. Some schools allow students to borrow books, which can also reduce costs.
Can I Get a Web Development Associate Degree Online for Free?
No, you cannot get a web development degree online for free unless you’re on a full-ride scholarship or federal grant, in which case your tuition is being covered by a third party. You can also apply for private or federal loans, which you pay back after completing your degree.
Salary and Job Outlook for Online Web Development Associate Degree Graduates
An online web development associate degree can open you up to an immense variety of job opportunities. An online web development associate degree can provide you with the increasingly in-demand skill you need to work in the field and earn a high annual salary.
How Hard Is It to Get a Job With a Web Development Associate Degree?
It is not very hard to get a job with a web development associate degree. Online web development associate degree programs prepare students for entry-level jobs. You’ll also have access to academic and career advisors to prepare you for your job search. Some schools provide resume building, portfolio building and review, job boards, and career fairs for graduates.
What’s the Average Online Web Development Associate Degree Salary?
The average salary for someone with a web development associate degree is $62,000, according to a salary review by PayScale. Based on this review, web development associate degree graduates who earn this salary average have some years of industry experience. The average starting salary may be lower, but you’ll have plenty of opportunities to earn more.
What Jobs Can You Get With an Online Web Development Associate Degree?
The jobs you can do with an online web development associate degree are entry-level roles related to web development such as UX/UI Design, game development, web data analysis, computer programming, and full stack development. Getting a web development associate degree allows you to become a web developer or pursue similar career paths.
Web Development Degree Jobs
- Computer Programming
- Full Stack Development
- UX/UI Design
- Web Game Development
- Web Data Analysis
Potential Careers With an Online Web Development Degree
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How Much Money Can You Make With an Online Web Development Associate Degree?
You can make between $41,000 and $90,000 per year with an online web development associate degree, based on the salary survey by PayScale. This salary range depends on your job scope, location, experience level, soft and hard skills, and type of employer. Entry-level web developers should expect to earn between $41,000 to $51,000.
Web developers in managerial positions can earn over $80,000 including bonuses, tips, commissions, and overtime pay, although these often require a bachelor’s degree instead of an associate degree. Below are some of the web development-related career paths that pay the highest.
Highest-Paying Online Web Development Associate Degree Jobs and Salaries: Overview
| Web Development Associate Degree Jobs | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Computer Programmer | $89,190 |
| Game Developer | $83,875 |
| UX Designer | $75,667 |
| Full Stack Developer | $75,057 |
| Web Analyst | $69,136 |
Best Jobs for Online Web Development Associate Degree Grads
Best jobs for online web development associate degree graduates include working as a computer programmer, game developer, UX designer, full stack developer, and web analyst. These jobs all pay a salary above the national average and can easily let you move laterally between positions and companies.
Best Jobs According to Your Major
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Is an Online Web Development Associate Degree Worth It?
Yes, an online web development associate degree is worth it. There are many job opportunities with high growth potential for people with web development skills. According to Statista, 26,100 more web professionals will be needed by 2030. An associate degree program is an affordable path to becoming a web professional as a part of the lucrative Internet revolution.
You’ll be equipped with both technical and managerial skills, giving you autonomy over your career trajectory. Web professionals also earn high annual salaries, especially if they continue to a bachelor’s degree after graduating from an associate degree program. If an associate program is not right for you, a coding bootcamp may be the best choice.
Additional Reading About Web Development
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Online Web Development Associate Degree FAQ
Yes, you can become a web developer with an associate degree. Several colleges offer web development associate degree programs to prepare students for entry-level jobs in the web industry. For the possibility of accessing higher-up positions, continuing to a bachelor’s after an associate degree is a good idea.
Yes, you can get a job in web development without a degree, just know that your career growth potential may be severely limited. Alternative ways to learn web development include online courses, tutorials, and coding bootcamps.
Yes, you can learn web development online. Several educational institutions offer online programs in web development. You could attend an online web development degree program, a web development bootcamp, or even one-off online courses in web development.
The best degree for web development is a bachelor’s or associate degree in computer science with a concentration in web development. This degree gives you a broader scope of the tech field and exposes you to more academic and career opportunities in the field. These will also hold more weight than having just a certificate when applying for jobs.
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.
