Finding the best online master’s degrees in web development can be a challenge because the field of web development is young compared to other fields of study. Luckily, more and more universities now offer various web development programs as web developers are in high demand for building websites and web applications for companies.
This article aims to help you find the best online Master’s Degree in Web Development for you. We’ll cover different online web development master’s degree programs, admission requirements, and some of the highest-paying web development master’s degree jobs.
Where Can I Get a Web Development Master’s Degree Online?
You can get a web development master’s degree online at Arizona State University, Boston University, Fort Hays State University, Southern New Hampshire University, or University of Denver. While these are some of the best universities for this field, there are many other reputable programs offered by other universities, some of which we’ll cover in this article.
What Schools Offer the Best Web Development Master’s Degrees?
- Arizona State University
- Boston University
- Fort Hays State University
- Southern New Hampshire University
- University of Denver
What Are the Admission Requirements for an Online Web Development Master’s Degree?
The admission requirements for an online web development master’s degree include holding a bachelor’s degree in a related field, having an acceptable grade point average (GPA), and providing your official school transcripts. A professional CV, recommendation letters, and personal statement are the other documents you may need to submit for admission.
Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT), Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or Critical Reading and Writing Skills (CRWS) tests are required by some schools. If you’re an international student, you’ll need to provide proof of English language proficiency.
Online Web Development Master’s Degree Admission Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree
- A minimum GPA score
- GMAT or GRE
- Official school transcripts
- Professional CV
- Recommendation letters
- Essay or personal statement
- Proof of English proficiency (international students only)
How to Get a Web Development Master’s Degree Online
You get a web development master’s degree online by fulfilling all of the graduation requirements. Most of these programs require at least 30 credits over one or two years. Online web development master’s programs are usually divided into core, elective, and concentration courses. Students are also required to complete a capstone project or internship.
Web Development Degree Requirements
- 9 to 12 core credits
- 12 to 15 concentration credits
- 3 to 12 elective credits
- Acceptable GPA throughout the program
- A capstone project or internship
Best Online Web Development Master’s Degree Programs and Schools: Overview
| School | Program | Accreditation |
|---|---|---|
| Arizona State University | Master of Science in Graphic Information Technology | Higher Learning Commission |
| Boston University | Computer Information Systems, Web Application Development Concentration | New England Commission of Higher Education |
| Brandeis University | Master of Science in User-Centered Design | New England Commission of Higher Education |
| Drexel University | Master of Science in Information: Human-Computer Interaction & User Experience Overview | Middle States Commission on Higher Education |
| Fort Hays State University | Master of Professional Studies – Web and Mobile Applications Development | Higher Learning Commission |
| Harvard University | Master of Liberal Arts in Extension Studies, Digital Media Design | New England Commission of Higher Education |
| Maryville University | Master of Science in Software Development | Higher Learning Commission |
| Southern New Hampshire University | Master of Science in Information Technology with a Concentration in Web Design | New England Commission of Higher Education |
| University of Denver | Master’s Degree with Concentration in Web Design and Development | Higher Learning Commission |
| University of Maryland Global Campus | Online IT Master’s Degree Software Engineering | Middle States Commission on Higher Education |
Best Schools for Web Development: Top Online Web Development Master’s Degree Programs
What Is an Online Web Development Master’s Degree?
An online web development master’s degree teaches graduate students about all aspects of web development, from web programming to user interface design. Learners of this degree program can expect to acquire advanced skills that are crucial for developing both the backend and front end aspects of websites.
Online vs In-Person Web Development Degrees
In the past, attending your graduate classes in person was the only option. Now, students can complete their degrees online. Depending on your personal needs, one type of program might benefit you more than the other. Online and in-person web development degree programs share many similarities. Below we’ll take a closer look at the top benefits offered by each format.
Top 5 Benefits of an Online Master’s Degree in Web Development
- Independence. Studying online allows you to determine when you want to complete your work. This is a good learning setup for night-owls who are more productive in the evening, for example.
- Lower costs. Online master’s degree programs tend to have lower tuition fees than in-person programs. You also get to save money on housing, transportation, and campus-related fees.
- Flexibility. As an online student, you have enough flexibility to combine your studies with a full-time job, social endeavors, and other commitments.
- Access to more schools. There are schools across all states that offer online master’s degrees, so you get to choose where you want to enroll without having to move.
- Real-time communication. Online students can reach out directly to their professors whenever they need to. This means that students can seek immediate feedback, should they need some assistance.
Top 5 Benefits of an In-Person Master’s Degree in Web Development
- Social interaction. Attending graduate degree programs in-person allows for many social interactions with professors and fellow students, in and out of class.
- Networking opportunities. Meeting with people enables the creation of meaningful contacts. A personal interaction may even lead to a professional opportunity.
- Fresh starts. For some students, going off to college is a way to start fresh in a new place. It’s exciting to study in a new city, with new people and opportunities.
- Focused learning environment. On campus, you have dedicated spaces for studying without the typical distractions that occur at home.
- Access to resources. Some courses might require using specific resources. It’s a lot easier finding them in college than having to source them on your own.
What Types of Online Master’s Degrees Can You Get in Web Development?
Some of the types of online master’s degrees you can get in web development are a Master of Science (MS) and a Master of Arts (MA). An MS balances the arts and sciences in its courses, letting students have a comprehensive view of conceptual and practical aspects of web development. In comparison, an MA has heavier weight on the arts, which is useful for aspiring web developers who want to focus on visual design.
Is It Better to Get a Master of Science or a Master of Professional Studies in Web Development?
It’s better to get a master of professional studies if you want to get into the workforce quickly. This type of master’s degree puts a lot of focus on honing students’ practical skills instead of doing more theoretical work.
Master of professional studies degrees involve hands-on learning, where students have to apply what they learn to real-world situations. They are usually taught by industry experts and have to complete a final capstone project to demonstrate their knowledge.
A Master of Science in web development provides broader knowledge in more areas. It also includes a lot of research and lab work. This type of degree is useful for students who want to pursue a PhD in the future.
How Much Does a Web Development Master’s Degree Cost?
Getting a Master’s Degree in web development costs $12,171, on average, according to NCES. This value is only representative of the average graduate tuition in public institutions. The cost varies depending on whether the university you’re enrolled in is a public or private university. The entire program’s length also influences how much students have to pay.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Web Development Master’s Degree Online?
It takes a minimum of two years and a maximum of five years to get an online web development master’s degree. Most programs require completion of 30 credits in four semesters. This means that students have to complete a minimum of seven to eight credits per semester to graduate in two years. The total duration of an online master’s degree in web development varies depending on the number of credits your program requires for completion.
Are Online Web Development Degrees Respected?
Yes, online web development degrees are respected. More and more graduate students now take online degree programs across reputable universities. Also, companies are ultimately interested in their employees’ technical skills, regardless of whether they got their degree in-person or online. According to NCES, over seven million students were enrolled in at least one online course at a university in 2019. Of these students, over 3.4 million were solely online learners.
Is Web Development Hard to Learn Online?
No, web development is not hard to learn online. The skills needed to become a web developer are relatively easy to pick up. However, becoming an expert requires plenty of effort and practice. Nowadays, several resources online can help you learn a lot quicker, so you can actually explore different ways of learning to support your formal education.
Web Development Bootcamp vs Online Web Development Master’s Degree: Which Is Better?
An online web development master’s degree is better if you want some flexibility while getting a formal degree. In contrast, a web development bootcamp is the faster way to acquire technical skills, getting you job-ready in a shorter amount of time. Let’s take a closer look at the benefits of each type of learning program below.
Benefits of an Online Web Development Master’s Degree
- Higher average pay. Roles that require a master’s degree in web development pays lucrative annual salaries and benefits.
- Better career progression. You can try to get a senior position soon after you graduate. You can even be considered a frontrunner for senior tech roles once you apply for a promotion.
- Comprehensive knowledge. A web development master’s degree isn’t entirely focued on the technical aspects of the subject. You can also have electives that broaden your perspectives and insights on what to borrow from other fields like arts and humanities.
- Continuing education. You can continue your education path in the academia through a PhD program. You may also want to get certificates and certifications, some of which require a master’s degree education.
- Widely recognized. Since a master’s degree is highly regarded in different companies and industries, it could be easier for you to land a good job after program completion.
Benefits of a Web Development Bootcamp
- Short duration. You can finish a web development bootcamp within a matter of weeks to a maximum of six months. This makes you ready for the job market in a short amount of time.
- Less costly. A bootcamp is much cheaper than a master’s degree program, considering the program duration. Although it doesn’t compare to the educational level of a master’s degree, it can qualify you for entry-level web development positions.
- Recognized bootcamp schools. Flatiron School, Thinkful, and General Assembly are some of the schools that offer web development bootcamp and are known for providing quality education. These providers are recognized among employers in the field.
- Career placement support. Since bootcamps’ primary goal is to get you a job right away, they also help you prepare your resume, portfolio, and for interviews. You can also join their job fair and other networking events.
- Financial aid. Bootcamps offer several financing options including income share agreements, scholarships, upfront payment discounts, installments, and private loans.
Why You Should Get a Web Development Master’s Degree Online
Web development careers are in high demand right now. Companies need skillful professionals to keep up with the latest trends in programming, application releases, and interface design. They’re willing to pay well for the best experts. An online web development master’s degree will give you all the knowledge and skills you need to succeed in this field, regardless of your career path. With it, you can work as a web developer for any company, in any industry.
What Courses Do You Take in an Online Master’s Degree Program in Web Development?
The courses you need to take in an online master’s degree program in web development include front end web development, object oriented application development, web analytics and mining, data communication and networks, and database design.
Front End Web Development
This core course involves learning how to use HTML, CSS, and JavaScript to create the user interface part of a website or app. Students will also learn how to create simple and complex websites that are functional across different devices.
Backend Web Development
This course helps students create codes for databases and web applications to establish connection and communication between the two. Students apply problem-solving skills to make a website functional through data structures and algorithms. In this course, students practice using programming languages and frameworks for the web.
Web Analytics and Mining
This course covers data collection, preprocessing, quantitative and qualitative analysis. Students learn how to text mine through string matching, content clustering, and recommendation systems.
Human-Computer Interaction
This course encompasses design principles and techniques governing the interaction between humans and computers. You’ll learn here how to explore and present interactive data and do context-aware computing. It also tackles human-centered artificial intelligence.
Database Design
This course aims to teach students about relational mapping techniques for database elements and their corresponding database systems. Students learn how to manage objects and data and use them for database modeling. They’ll also become familiar with Microsoft SQL Server and Oracle, which are commonly used database systems.
Continuing Education Paths for Online Web Development Master’s Degree Graduates
After you get your online master’s degree in web development, you can choose to continue your education through a doctorate degree or a graduate certificate. A PhD will help you build a career in research and innovation for web development. A graduate certificate in web development-related disciplines will improve your technical and practical skills.
Related Online Web Development Degrees
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What to Look For in the Best Web Development Master’s Degree Programs
The things to consider in the best web development master’s degree programs are accreditation, dedication to online education, program costs, class size, and difficulty of admission. We’ll discuss these considerations below.
Accreditation
A master’s degree in web development that’s accredited by a reputable and recognized institution confirms that a school meets certain academic standards. It’s a stamp of approval on the quality of the education you’ll get. For schools offering the best online web development master’s degree, you may refer to our list of colleges, which are all approved by accreditation bodies.
Barriers to Admission
Check the admission requirements of your preferred schools and assess which ones align with your qualifications and needs. For instance, if taking a GMAT or GRE will stress you out or require too much of your time to complete, you might want to choose other schools that don’t require this.
Class Size
Smaller classes allow for better one-on-one interactions with your professors. The fewer students there are in your class, the more time and attention you can dedicate to interacting and learning with your professors and classmates.
Curricular Content
You may have been practicing web development for a while before taking your master’s degree. So, you might have some ideas about what subjects you want to deep dive into. In this case, reviewing the curricular content thoroughly will help you pick the right program and school for your learning goals.
Program Costs
Online web development programs might be cheaper than in-person options. However, some universities charge higher tuition than others. Consider how much you’re willing to spend to find the best graduate program for you.
What Is the Most Affordable Online Web Development Master’s Degree?
The most affordable online web development master’s degree is being offered by Fort Hays State University. Each credit costs $250 per credit for in-state students and $632 per credit for out-of-state students. Thus, the entire 30-credit degree program only costs around $7,500 for residents and $18,960 for non-residents.
Can I Get a Web Development Master’s Degree Online for Free?
No, you can’t get a web development master’s degree online for free. However, there are still some ways to reduce tuition fees and learn relevant skills for free. Schools offering online web development master’s degrees encourage you to apply for grants, scholarships, and federal funding. Some of these options can fully or partially cover your tuition and related fees.
There are also a few massive open online courses (MOOCs) that you can use to improve your skills and increase your knowledge, for free. You can take several courses in web development through these platforms. You won’t get a certification from them, but they’ll look good on your CV.
Salary and Job Outlook for Online Web Development Master’s Degree Graduates
After getting your online master’s degree in web development, you’ll be able to apply for senior job opportunities in nearly any company. In the next sections, we’ll be going over some of the best web development master’s degree jobs that you may consider. You’ll get to know their salaries, growth outlook, and brief job descriptions.
How Hard Is It to Get a Job With a Web Development Master’s Degree?
It’s not hard to get a job with a web development Master’s degree. These programs give you plenty of knowledge and practical skills in many areas that are valued by top companies in the field, across all industries.
What’s the Average Online Web Development Master’s Degree Salary?
The average salary for online web development master’s degree-holders is $71,000 per year, according to PayScale. This value is likely to change depending on the industry you work in, the company you work for, and your specialization. A user experience designer might earn an average salary of $75,778 per year, while a data engineer earns an average of $95,481 per year.
What Jobs Can You Get With an Online Web Development Master’s Degree?
The jobs you can get with an online web development master’s degree are in the fields of web development and digital design, information systems management, and software development. You can also be a computer programmer or a database administrator. Once you become a web developer, there are many career opportunities available to you.
Web Development Degree Jobs
- Computer programmer
- Database administrator
- Information systems manager
- Software developer
- Web developer and digital designer
Potential Careers With an Online Web Development Degree
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How Much Money Can You Make With an Online Web Development Master’s Degree?
You can make between $80,000 and $162,000 per year with an online web development master’s degree. These values will vary depending on the actual career path you choose, the company you’re working for, and the industry you’re in. Salaries will also depend on your level of experience.
Highest-Paying Online Web Development Master’s Degree Jobs and Salaries: Overview
| Web Development Master’s Degree Jobs | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Information Systems Manager | $159,010 |
| Software Developer | $110,140 |
| Database Administrator | $98,860 |
| Computer Programmer | $93,000 |
| Web Developer | $77,200 |
Best Jobs for Online Web Development Master’s Degree Grads
The best online web development master’s degree jobs are detailed below. We’ll go over them in detail, with information covering their main functions, job outlook, salaries, and the number of positions.
Best Jobs According to Your Major
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Is an Online Web Development Master’s Degree Worth It?
Yes, an online web development master’s degree is worth it. A website is a major platform for any company in any industry these days. A master’s degree program prepares students to create innovative websites and apps, making them a crucial asset to any company. So, if you’re passionate about web development and wish to get a senior position, consider getting an online master’s degree.
Additional Reading About Web Development
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Online Web Development Master’s Degree FAQ
Some of the best web development tools include Bootstrap, Visual Studio Code, Angular.js, and HoppScotch. Web developers use these applications and software to create and maintain websites.
To create a good web developer portfolio, make sure you showcase the work you’ve done for a broad variety of clients. However, avoid including too many samples, so the viewer doesn’t get overwhelmed. The important thing is to show that the code works.
The industries that hire the most web developers include consumer electronics, finance and banking, computer systems design, software publishing, and digital publishing. Web developers can actually enter any industry given the prevalence of websites, hence the need for experts to handle them.
The web development processes that a web developer needs to know include planning, design, development, launch, and post-launch. Web development processes help outline an entire project to ensure all the important pieces are in place and everything is on track.
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.
