As the world rapidly embraces digitization, the demand for jobs in web development and digital design is increasing. Whether you want to design business software or create mobile applications, a qualification from one of the best schools for web development is the best approach.
Web development is a dynamic, constantly developing industry. The best web development universities will give you the educational foundation and technical and career skills you need to succeed in this industry. Read on, as we detail the best web development schools.
Best Web Development College and University Rankings: Top 10 Web Development Schools at a Glance
| School | State | Formats Available | U.S. News Ranking |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carnegie Mellon University | PA | In-person | #25 |
| Georgia Institute of Technology | GA | Hybrid | #38 |
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology | MA | In-person, online | #2 |
| Stanford University | CA | Hybrid | #6 |
| University of California-Berkeley | CA | In-person | #22 |
| University of California San Diego | CA | Hybrid | #34 |
| University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign | IL | Hybrid, online | #47 |
| University of Massachusetts Amherst | MA | Hybrid, online | #68 |
| University of Michigan-Ann Arbor | MI | Hybrid, online | #23 |
| University of Washington-Seattle | WA | In-person, online | #59 |
Web Development School Rankings: Best Web Development Colleges and Universities
Web development is an emergent field, and as such is not usually offered as a unique program of study in many colleges. However, many schools compensate for this by including the technical skills needed for web development in other less specialized programs or certifications. The following list spotlights the best web development schools and which programs they offer.
Carnegie Mellon is a private research university well known for its top-of-the-line computer science major. In addition to high-quality instruction, the school also boasts a 10:1 student-faculty ratio. This ensures that the 9,000 undergraduate and graduate students that attend CMU can get the one-on-one attention they may need.
Carnegie Mellon University Overview
- School Type: Private
- Acceptance Rate: 17%
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
- Degrees Offered: Bachelor’s, Master’s, Doctorate
- US News Ranking: #25
- Times Higher Education Ranking: #28
Best Carnegie Mellon University Web Development Programs
- Bachelor of Computer Science and Arts. This interdisciplinary undergraduate program combines an arts concentration with a concentration in computer science. This program is geared toward students interested in creative applications of web design, from computer animation to game design.
- Information Networking (MSIN). The MSIN program at CMU is largely interdisciplinary. This program’s curriculum covers computer science, engineering, business studies, and policy management. This 3 or 4 semester program produces students that innovate and make decisions from a uniquely balanced, big-picture perspective.
- Information Technology (MSIT). This master’s program offers paths in IT management, data analytics, and information security. This fully online program is ideal for anyone looking to improve their web design skills while in the workforce. Students in the MSIT program also have access to inter-industry networking opportunities.
- Software Management (MSSM). This graduate program is offered only at CMU’s Silicon Valley campus in California. It offers a unique mix of managerial training and development of technical skills to produce well-rounded web developers who can fulfill the needs of people and organizations. It offers both full-time and part-time admission.
Carnegie Mellon University Web Development Key Takeaway
Carnegie Mellon University offers a world-renowned computer science curriculum with an interdisciplinary focus, which makes it perfect for aspiring web developers.
The Georgia Institute of Technology is a renowned federal institution founded in 1885. It is well known for having a host of tech-focused majors and research opportunities, and it is highly ranked as a computer science and research school. It currently has a student population of 16,561, with an 18:1 ratio between students and faculty.
Georgia Institute of Technology Overview
- School Type: Public
- Acceptance Rate: 21%
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
- Degrees Offered: Bachelor’s, Master’s, Doctorate
- US News Ranking: #38
- Times Higher Education Ranking: #45
Best Georgia Institute of Technology Web Development Programs
- Bachelor of Science in Computer Science: The BS in Computer Science is a standard four-year, 120-credit program covering computer science fundamentals. At Georgia Tech, students can customize their experience using the Threads system, which allows for a concentration in computer science.
- Bachelor of Science in Computational Media: This program serves as an alternative to a BS in Computer Science. It focuses on the relationship between computing and communication, as well as the core principles and technical skills of computer science and visual design.
- B.S./M.S. in Computer Science: This program is available to undergraduates with 60 credits or more and a CGPA of at least 3.4. This joint degree program allows students to get a head start on higher-level graduate work as well as their careers.
- Master of Science in Computer Science: This 30-credit-hour program is aimed at students with a BS in Computer Science. There’s a thesis option with 18 units of coursework and 12 for the thesis, a project option that entails 21 units of coursework and a nine-unit project, and a course option with 30 straight hours of coursework.
- Doctor of Philosophy in Computer Science: This research-oriented graduate program is a joint effort between several computing schools within the Georgia Institute of Technology. Students take five classes across the school’s curriculum in addition to completing a dissertation research project in a specialized area of research.
Georgia Institute of Technology Web Development Key Takeaway
Georgia Tech offers many great opportunities for web development students and their tech-centric campus culture offers an immersive student experience.
The Massachusetts Institute of Technology is one of the most prominent STEM institutions in the world. Established in 1861, it is well-regarded for the content of its programs and its passionate student body. It is one of the most exclusive schools in the country, with only 4,638 undergraduate students, 7,296 graduate students, and a 4:1 student-to-faculty ratio.
Massachusetts Institute of Technology Overview
- School Type: Private
- Acceptance Rate: 7%
- Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education
- Degrees Offered: Bachelor’s, Master’s, Doctorate
- US News Ranking: #2
- Times Higher Education Ranking: #5
Best Massachusetts Institute of Technology Web Development Programs
- Computer Science and Engineering Major: This program focuses on more abstract concepts in computing as opposed to hardware. This is the go-to major for any MIT undergraduate that wants to learn the fundamentals of web development.
- Computer Science Minor: This undergraduate program covers the basic concepts of computer science and gives students a working knowledge of the field. This certification from MIT grants web developers extra consideration in the industry, even though it’s only a minor.
- Computational Science and Engineering, SM: This program is designed to prepare students for a variety of industry work. The program’s elective component allows students to focus on what they’re interested in, while the core curriculum teaches computational methods and technical skills.
- Computational Science and Engineering PhD: This interdisciplinary program is offered jointly through eight separate departments. It specifically prepares students for research into new methods of computation. In addition to coursework, PhD students must complete a doctoral thesis in a computational science field of their choice.
Massachusetts Institute of Technology Web Development Key Takeaway
MIT is one of the most prestigious names in STEM and offers students access to top-level technological resources and research facilities.
Stanford University is a highly-ranked private institution located in California. It has an undergraduate student population of 7,645, a graduate population of 9,292, and a 5:1 student-to-faculty ratio. With over 25 interdisciplinary programs on offer, Stanford attracts students from all corners of the US. It is also well known for its athletic programs and campus culture.
Stanford University Overview
- School Type: Private
- Acceptance Rate: 5.19%
- Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission
- Degrees Offered: Bachelor’s, Master’s, Doctorate
- US News Ranking: #6
- Times Higher Education Ranking: #4
Best Stanford University Web Development Programs
- Bachelor of Science in Mathematical and Computational Science. This interdisciplinary computer science program covers subjects such as computation and statistical inference. It equips students with everything they need to function in any tech-centric career field, including web development.
- Master of Science in Computer Science. The doctorate programs at Stanford do not require a master’s degree to apply, so this program is tailored for those that prefer to do so anyway. This program takes three to five years to complete. It can be completed mostly online depending on your area of focus.
- Foundations in Computer Science Graduate Program. This program is designed specifically for those already in the workforce. It aims to sharpen professionals’ computer science skills, from programming to building object-oriented software, over nine months. The program is flexible and allows up to three years for completion.
Stanford University Web Development Key Takeaway
A degree from Stanford offers a level of prestige that is almost guaranteed to open doors for alumni of the computer science program.
Founded in 1868, the University of California-Berkeley has a current student population of 45,057 and a student-to-faculty ratio of 18:1. It is widely regarded for its political and applied science programs. It also offers programs in many other disciplines at all levels of tertiary education.
University of California-Berkeley Overview
- School Type: Public
- Acceptance Rate: 17%
- Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission
- Degrees Offered: Bachelor’s, Master’s, Doctorate
- US News Ranking: #22
- Times Higher Education Ranking: #8
Best University of California-Berkeley Web Development Programs
- CS Bachelor of Arts. Berkeley’s CS undergraduate program reflects its uniquely broad view of computer science. The Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science aims to give students a wide range of tools that allow them to excel in the industry and choose any path they desire.
- EECS Bachelor of Science. This program is ranked as one of the top three computer engineering programs in the world. It combines electrical engineering and computer science into one major for students looking to design information-driven communication systems and devices.
- Joint Bachelors/Masters (5th Year M.S.). This special program is offered to exceptional graduates of either of the two bachelor’s programs. It allows students to earn an MS in Computer Science or EECS one year after earning a bachelor’s. Much like a PhD program, this program requires a research project and a final thesis.
- Master of Engineering (M.Eng.). This graduate program equips students with the necessary tools for the engineering industry. Admission requires a bachelor’s degree in computer science or equivalent technical skills. The program features a strong emphasis on leadership and teamwork and culminates in a capstone project.
- Graduate Research Degree Program (Ph.D.). Berkeley offers research-based graduate degree programs for those interested in academics. The PhD program does not necessarily require a master’s degree. Students pick a focus from many different research areas, and this determines whether they get an EECS or CS qualification.
University of California-Berkeley Web Development Key Takeaway
UC Berkeley combines some of the best technical training in the world with a strong focus on industry leadership to ensure excellence.
The University of California-San Diego was founded in 1960 and is known for its world-class faculty and a wide variety of programs. The school has a student population of about 32,000 and a student-to-faculty ratio of 19:1.
University of California San Diego Overview
- School Type: Public
- Acceptance Rate: 37%
- Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission
- Degrees Offered: Bachelor’s, Master’s, Doctorate
- US News Ranking: #34
- Times Higher Education Ranking: #34
Best University of California San Diego Web Development Programs
- Bachelor of Science in Computer Science. The BS in Computer Science program teaches students the fundamentals of computing, programming, software engineering, and systems and networking. The program offers many electives to help refine any focus, including web design.
- Master of Science in Computer Science. This graduate program covers a minimum of three academic quarters. Students choose a subject of focus for their capstone. There’s a thesis option, with a capstone thesis required. Alternatively, students can choose to take the comprehensive plan, which has standard or interdisciplinary options.
- CSE Five-Year Bachelor's/Master's Program. UC San Diego offers undergraduates the chance to take on additional coursework at the graduate level. By doing this, students can obtain both a bachelor’s and master’s in computer science within five years. This program is open to undergraduates who maintain a distinguished record through their junior year.
- Doctor of Philosophy in Computer Science. This 37-unit program is the capstone of academic studies in computer science. PhD students must focus on a chosen research area. UC San Diego also offers PhD students the chance to qualify for a Master’s in Computer Science simultaneously if they do not already have one.
University of California San Diego Web Development Key Takeaway
UC San Diego has an excellent track record of offering students both depth and breadth at all levels of study, which gives web development students a well-rounded, interdisciplinary education.
The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign was founded in 1867. It currently hosts 33,500 undergraduate and 17,800 graduate students and has a student-to-faculty ratio of 17:1. The school offers many undergrad and graduate programs, with its engineering and business programs being particularly noteworthy.
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Overview
- School Type: Public
- Acceptance Rate: 63%
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
- Degrees Offered: Bachelor’s, Master’s, Doctorate
- US News Ranking: #47
- Times Higher Education Ranking: #48
Best University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Web Development Programs
- Bachelor of Science in Information Sciences. This four-year undergraduate program is ideal for future information professionals. It does this through a focus on the human perspective and social implications of information science. This program also covers more traditional data science skills like interpretation and information systems design.
- Bachelor of Science in Information and Data Sciences. This program is an interdisciplinary form of the BS in Information Sciences. It teaches data science skills in addition to the technical skills covered in the standard program. This further enhances the student’s understanding of how data works in a corporate setting.
- Master of Science in Information Management. This highly customizable graduate program helps students gain skills in information management and analysis to further their computational prowess. The flexible curriculum includes electives and course groupings targeted at specific career paths.
- Master of Science in Library and Information Science. This world-class graduate program is ranked as the best program of its kind by US News and World Report. In addition to allowing students to customize their course work based on their area of focus, the program offers internships and other useful networking opportunities.
- Doctor of Philosophy in Information Sciences. This five-year program offers research-oriented, interdisciplinary instruction. The university also offers guaranteed financial support to doctorate students. PhD students can concentrate their research focus on data organization, infometrics, and other web development-related topics.
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Web Development Key Takeaway
The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign is a great destination for graduate students looking for exceptional instruction, guaranteed financial support, and a wide variety of information science programs.
Founded in 1863, the University of Massachusetts-Amherst is the flagship campus of the UMass system. It has an undergraduate population of 22,745 and a student-to-faculty ratio of 18:1. It offers a wide range of computer science programs across all levels of post-secondary education.
University of Massachusetts Amherst Overview
- School Type: Public
- Acceptance Rate: 65%
- Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education
- Degrees Offered: Bachelor’s, Master’s, Doctorate
- US News Ranking: #68
- Times Higher Education Ranking: #141
Best University of Massachusetts Amherst Web Development Programs
- Bachelor of Science in Computer Science. This is a four-year program with a sharp focus on versatility within the field of computer science. It has very flexible requirements, allowing students to take the computer science courses that best align with their interests.
- Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science. This program is an interdisciplinary alternative to the BS in Computer Science. BA students learn foundational computer science skills while taking classes from other colleges. This helps students develop a more well-rounded skill set for a particular career path, such as web development.
- Master of Science in Computer Science. This graduate program can be completed on campus or online. Students choose to concentrate on data science, security, or field experience. This program usually takes two years over four semesters to complete.
- Doctor of Philosophy in Computer Science. The doctoral program at UMass Amherst requires a master’s degree as well as 18 regular credits and 18 dissertation credits. UMass offers assistantship programs that allow students to experience the top-of-the-line doctorate program without financial hindrance.
University of Massachusetts Amherst Web Development Key Takeaway
UMass Amherst is a large institution that still manages to cater to a wide variety of students, including computer science students.
The University of Michigan-Ann Arbor is one of the largest and most prestigious public universities in the nation. Founded in 1817, it offers top-shelf education at an affordable rate. It currently has an undergraduate enrollment of 32,282, a graduate enrollment of 17,996, and a 15:1 student-to-faculty ratio.
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor Overview
- School Type: Public
- Acceptance Rate: 26.1%
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
- Degrees Offered: Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD
- US News Ranking: #23
- Times Higher Education Ranking: #24
Best University of Michigan-Ann Arbor Web Development Programs
- Bachelor of Science in Information. This interdisciplinary undergraduate program combines the technical skills of computer science with management skills. Web development students in the BS in Information program understand how to harness data and technology to meet people’s needs.
- Master of Science in Information. This graduate program prepares students for careers in the information industry. This is done through hands-on experiential learning, an interdisciplinary approach, and access to over 90 highly ranked educational programs. The MSI program takes two years to complete.
- Master of Applied Data Science - Online. This online graduate program focuses on the professional application of data science skills like statistics, data analysis, and dissemination. This is an ideal option for professionals that can’t afford to commit to full-time, on-campus classes.
- Doctor of Philosophy in Information. This program focuses on research methods for students. PhD students get individualized faculty guidance as they conduct their own research inquiries. Students shape their experience towards their own areas of interest, which makes the PhD program ideal for web development students.
The University of Michigan-Ann Arbor Web Development Key Takeaway
The University of Michigan-Ann Arbor is perfect for web development students who want to experience Ivy League-level education without the attached financial toll.
The University of Washington-Seattle is a large school with a student population of 49,025 and a student-to-faculty ratio of 20:1. Founded in 1861, the school is quite popular in its home state of Washington, often drawing applicants from all corners of the state and beyond. The school is also known for facilitating research as early as the undergraduate level.
University of Washington-Seattle Overview
- School Type: Public
- Acceptance Rate: 56%
- Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
- Degrees Offered: Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD
- US News Ranking: #59
- Times Higher Education Ranking: #29
Best University of Washington-Seattle Web Development Programs
- Bachelor of Science in Computer Science. This is an undergraduate program with very flexible upper-division requirements. Students can tailor their coursework to a specific area of interest, such as web development. The BS program also offers opportunities like internships and undergraduate research.
- Professional Master’s Degree in Computer Science. This program is designed for professionals looking to advance in the industry, but it covers a wide range of applied computing topics. The program requires 40 credit hours over what is usually a four-year period.
- Doctor of Philosophy in Computer Science. The PhD program at the University of Washington consists of coursework, research, and thesis preparation. This program requires 90 units to complete. Graduate students in this program also earn an integrated master’s degree as part of the process.
University of Washington-Seattle Web Development Key Takeaway
The University of Washington is a great place for any STEM education and research and is more accessible than many other schools of its caliber.
The Best Schools for Web Development: Types of College Degrees and University Programs Offered
Web development skills can be accessed through a wide range of computer science programs and various levels of academic qualification. These range from skill-specific workshops all the way up to research-led PhD programs. These are all helpful, depending on what your goals are in web development.
A community college certificate covers one area of interest within a larger field. This could range from user interface to user experience. The goal of the program is to thoroughly train a student in one area, usually over a few months. Community college web development graduates have an increased level of specialization in their particular area of interest.
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An associate degree is an undergraduate qualification that covers about half as much material as a bachelor’s program in that same field. It can also be used as a qualification to start a bachelor’s degree in the third year and usually takes two years to complete.
An associate’s degree can be sufficient for some employment in industry or to gain the basic skills needed for self-study. As such, an associate degree in computer science could give aspiring web developers the basic technical skills required to launch their professional career. This could then be supplemented by attending a web development bootcamp.
Web development doesn’t constitute a major in most institutions, but it is a prevalent focus in many computer science programs and related majors. Gaining a bachelor’s degree in any of these subjects gives aspiring web developers the necessary technical skills to get started.
Furthermore, this qualification is particularly useful for entry-level positions at large organizations. A bachelor’s degree usually takes around four years of full-time education to earn. However, if you’re not willing to devote that amount of time, you could consider an accelerated bachelor’s degree.
A master’s degree is awarded to postgraduate students who complete an elevated level of study in a particular field. Many schools offer master’s degrees specifically suited to advancement in the industry, as opposed to academic work. A master’s program usually takes between one and three years to complete.
Getting a master’s degree in a relevant field can be beneficial to a career in web development, as graduate programs tend to teach more than just technical skills and basic knowledge. They also help students gain a higher understanding of the web development industry and open the door to more lucrative employment opportunities.
A web development graduate certificate is similar to an associate’s degree in scope. It focuses intently on one aspect of web development and usually takes a few months to a year to complete. The difference is that a graduate certificate is aimed at graduate-level students instead of undergraduate students.
Graduate certificate programs cover more complex topics than bachelor’s or associate degree programs, but require less coursework than a master’s program. Some graduate degree courses count as credits toward a master’s degree from the same institution. Graduate degrees are also great for professionals looking to access new opportunities.
A doctorate almost always serves the purpose of furthering a career in research. A doctorate program prepares web developers to innovate new techniques and optimize existing techniques. Most web developers do not get a doctorate degree, as it takes between 3 to 5 years and often is not needed for industry or independent work.
Comparing Popular Degree Options
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Best Web Development Schools: Other Web Development University Rankings
The demand for web developers is on the rise, as social and professional networking through the Internet becomes a bigger and bigger part of our lives. Due to this demand, the best web development schools offer a wide variety of relevant programs. Below is a list of web development university rankings grouped by degree level.
Best Online Web Development Schools
- Bellevue University. Bellevue University offers an online web development program for undergraduates. It also provides a hybrid version of the same program. The curriculum is centered around skills in full-stack web development, including database design, data sets, computer frameworks, and computer languages.
- Fort Hays State University. Fort Hays State University provides two online web development certification courses that focus on front end and full stack concepts. They focus on web and mobile applications as well as web development’s impact on business models.
- Liberty University. Liberty University gives comprehensive online education to Christian applicants. The university’s Bachelor of Science in Information Technology program focuses on mobile and web programming. The program covers coding skills, information security, and database management.
Best Community Colleges for Web Development
- Brookdale Community College. This school furnishes a few sample courses with web development applications. These core courses inspect the effect and use of web development innovation in UX design, front end development, full stack development, and backend development.
- Lorain County Community College. This school offers numerous web development certificates and an Associate of Applied Science in Web and Mobile Development. It is an ideal place to obtain a convenient web development certification.
- Maricopa Community Colleges. Maricopa grants a Certificate of Completion to students who complete its web development program located on campus at Rio Salado, Arizona. Mesa Community College, which is part of the Maricopa district, offers some web development-centered courses.
Best Undergraduate Schools for Web Development
- Arizona State University. ASU offers an online Bachelor of Applied Science in Internet and Web Development. It is a bachelor’s fulfillment program for students who have previously acquired about 60 credits in an associate degree program from an accredited university.
- Cornell University. Cornell University is generally popular as a web development school. It offers two online web development accreditation programs for undergraduates.
- University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Through its Decentralized Systems Lab, this college offers a few seminars on web development. Students from the Information Technology and Software Engineering division register for these sample courses as minors.
Best Graduate Schools for Web Development
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology. The MIT Sloan PhD program is one of the most thorough graduate programs globally. MIT offers a PhD in Information Technology that utilizes the resources offered by the MIT Centers for Digital Business and Information Systems.
- Stanford University. Stanford University offers a highly ranked web development program for graduate students. Stanford offers graduate programs focused on human-computer interaction and software systems.
- The University of California-Berkeley. UC Berkeley is one of the best schools for web development research. The web development initiative at Berkeley allows graduate students to research software engineering, digital forensics, and cybersecurity.
Best Web Development Schools With Dual Degree Programs
- University of Arkansas-Little Rock | Bioinformatics Or Data Technology. UA’s Bachelor of Arts in Website Design and Development is an interdisciplinary program offered across UA’s data science, communication, and data technology divisions. Its program pairs well with a major or minor in bioinformatics or data technology.
- Utah Valley University | Web & Application Development Or Interaction Design. Website design and development students at UVU pick between a focus in web and application development or one in interaction design. Both career tracks set students up for careers in front end web development and application development,
- Western State University | User Experience Design Or Full-Stack Web Development. WSU offers a computer science undergraduate program with two emphasis choices. Students can choose to focus on user experience design or full stack web development.
Best Schools With Accelerated Web Development Programs
- Arizona State University | Graphics Information Technology, MS. ASU offers its MS in Graphics Information Technology program online to guarantee maximum flexibility. The accelerated program allows students to acquire both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in five years.
- Champlain College | BS in Web Design & Development. Champlain College offers a flexible and quick online BS program for web design students. Students of this degree program can also earn a specialized certificate in a concentration of their choice.
- Youngstown State University | BS in Computer Science. Full-time students can complete this program in eight semesters. This program also offers flexibility and permits students to incorporate a subsequent minor.
Easy Colleges to Get Into
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Is Graduate School for Web Development Worth It?
Yes, it is worth going to graduate school for web development. A graduate certificate or master’s degree can be instrumental in advancing your career. Certain master’s programs and most PhD programs are indispensable milestones for anyone looking to advance in academia. Additionally, graduate programs offer great networking opportunities for both industry and academic contacts.
What Jobs Can You Do With a Web Development Degree?
The jobs you can do with a web development degree are spread across various career fields. More businesses are embracing the phenomenon of organizational digitization. These services require the services of skilled web developers.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that, aside from self-employment, the most popular career field for web developers is computer systems design. Web developers also work for publishing ventures, scientific, management, technical consulting services, and advertising and public relations companies.
How Much Can I Earn With a Degree in Web Development?
According to Glassdoor, workers with a degree in web development earn an average salary of $87,487. Generally, your earnings as a web developer depend on your level of education, skill, and the company you work for. An increase in certification and skill typically leads to a corresponding increase in earnings.
Highest-Paying Web Development Careers
| Profession | Minimum Education | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Site reliability engineer | Bachelor’s degree | $118,036 |
| Digital design engineer | Bachelor’s degree | $95,620 |
| Backend web developer / engineer | Bachelor’s degree | $87,009 |
| Full stack software developer | Bachelor’s degree | $79,870 |
| UI developer | Bachelor’s degree | $77,605 |
| Front end web developer | Bachelor’s degree | $77,143 |
| Java software developer / programmer | Bachelor’s degree | $75,876 |
| Website developer | Bachelor’s degree | $60,832 |
| Web programmer | Bachelor’s degree | $57,311 |
| Web graphics designer | Bachelor’s degree | $48,886 |
Best Jobs With a Web Development Degree
The best jobs with a web development degree are site reliability engineer, digital design engineer, and backend web developer. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, digital designers and web developers in the publishing business report some of the most noteworthy earnings, with a median annual wage of $77,200.
It’s undeniable that a web development degree opens up lucrative and rewarding career prospects in the technology field. Consequently, the kinds of web development jobs accessible to you are dependent on your level of education. Here are a couple of the common degrees students seek when considering a career in web development.
These kinds of jobs ordinarily don't need an elevated level of web development expertise. They center on specific skills acquired during the associate degree program. These skills include UI/UX, software development, and database management.
Top Web Development Careers With an Associate Degree
Most web development bachelor's degree jobs are entry-level jobs and frequently overlap with associate degree jobs. As such, you will frequently require an extra web development certification to acquire an edge over your counterparts in the job market.
Top Web Development Careers With a Bachelor’s Degree
These jobs are the most esteemed corporate web development jobs because of the academic qualifications required. The majority of them are specialized jobs that require hands-on experience and mastery of cutting-edge skills like cybersecurity. The Bureau of Labor Statistics assesses that these jobs will increase by 22 percent over the next eight years.
Top Web Development Careers With a Master’s Degree
Most web development doctorate jobs are research positions, either in academia or within research associations. They consist of inspecting and investigating web development technologies to distinguish areas of progress. They research the impact of web development on different areas of the economy and determine how to use this research to make professional decisions.
Top Web Development Careers With a PhD
Some academic programs permit students to acquire internship positions in organizations with a stake in the web development industry. Though the essential goal of internships is to acquire work insight that aligns with their career goals, students will usually get a monthly allowance for their services.
Top Web Development Internships
- Intel Software Engineer Intern: $92,808
- Applied Dynamic Solutions Web Developer Intern: $59,000-125,000
- SkitterTV Front End Engineer Intern: $17-20/hr
How Can I Pay for Web Development School?
You can pay for web development school by applying for financial aid options like grants, scholarships, and work-study programs. These choices are accessible at each level of education, from undergrad to doctoral programs. Below are the best sources of financing for each web development degree.
- Student Loans. This is the most common strategy for financing undergraduate studies. Most US students are eligible for student loans with forgiving remuneration periods. Student loans can also be used to finance graduate courses, but this is less common.
- Work-Study Programs. Work-study programs allow students who need a temporary source of income during an academic program. These are usually readily available, but often require consistent grades above a certain threshold.
- Scholarships. Scholarships are available for many different reasons, usually based on merit or demography. They can be full-ride scholarships or partial payments towards tuition. Some even cover fees other than tuition like living expenses. As such, if you need financial aid for a program it is advisable to apply for multiple scholarships.
- Assistantship or Research Fellowship. Graduate students often have access to assistantships, research fellowships, or both. Assistantships are paid appointments to assist faculty in one way or the other while enrolled in a related program. Research fellowships are the same thing, but specific to research programs.
How to Pay for Your Chosen School Education Path
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Choosing the Best Web Development School for You
To choose the best web development school for you, you should consider the kinds of degrees the school awards, its reputation, its accreditation, and its cost. You can use these factors to make an informed decision on the ideal school for your career path. Below are some pivotal factors to consider.
Cost
Degree awarding programs can be expensive, sometimes prohibitively. Factors like the program, institution type, and location can all affect the tuition and other related fees. In-state students applying to public colleges generally pay fees on the lower end, while out-of-state private colleges make up the high end of tuition.
However, there are many ways to circumvent tuition issues. Consider things like grants, assistantships, and fee deference before ruling out a school that otherwise suits your needs. Students can contact a school’s admissions team or financial advisors to discuss these options.
Program Format
A few programs offer both synchronous and asynchronous methods of engagement. Asynchronous engagement, which usually involves facilitating student access to instruction outside the classroom, offers flexibility that might be a necessity for some. Students seeking online web development degrees should prioritize that offer asynchronous learning options.
On the other hand, synchronous engagement typically requires scheduled classes. This might prove difficult for part-time students who have other obligations. Consequently, you should opt for full-time or part-time programs, depending on what suits your schedule.
Accreditation
Programs and schools get accreditation from third-party organizations, which evaluate them to see if they are up to standard. The accreditation guarantees that these institutions and programs satisfy uniform academic standards, like those for engineering and technology. An unaccredited program or school can undermine your industrial or academic aspirations.
It is generally in your best interest to attend accredited institutions and undertake accredited programs. However, accreditation might not be necessary for certain programs, such as bootcamps. In some cases, the reputation and student outcomes of a program might make it worth exploring with or without accreditation.
How to Get Into the Right School for Your Profession
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Does It Matter What College I Go to for Web Development?
Yes, it does matter what college you go to for web development. The university you attend will decide the nature of your studies and the technical skills and knowledge that you graduate with. While most universities don’t have a unique web development major, there are still many programs relevant to web development.
Web development is related to many other topics in software engineering, computer science, programming, graphic design, and cybersecurity. It is also quite wide-reaching in its scope, making it difficult for any one program to capture the whole picture. Therefore, it is up to you to do the research and decide if a school has the right focus for you.
Web Development University Ranking Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Schools for Web Development
We ranked the best web development schools by consulting the university rankings conducted by US News & World Report and Times Higher Education. To further refine our web development university ranking methodology, we considered reputation, graduation rate, student-to-faculty ratio, and breadth and depth of web development degree program offerings.
Additional Reading About Web Development
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Best Web Development Schools FAQ
No, you don’t have to go to college to get certified as a web developer. There are several other avenues to get the training and recognition you need to get into web development. Some institutions partner with third-party online platforms like Coursera to provide free training and low-cost certification in many areas relevant to web development.
Alternatively, bootcamps are another way to go about it. These programs tend to be faster than others and offer any student that can keep up all the tools needed for web development. You can use some of these to learn web development for free.
The best degree program for a web development career is software engineering. Most colleges offer web development courses and training within the software engineering framework. Ideally, you should enroll in software engineering as a major, with a concentration relevant to web development. Then you can add a minor like computer science or programming.
The biggest benefit of a bachelor’s degree in web development is the career skills it gives you. An undergraduate program usually covers programming languages and how to build, design, and test web pages. If accessibility is an issue, online programs tend to have the same curriculum as on-campus ones, without the inconvenience of in-person obligations.
Yes, web development-related majors are in high demand due to the steady increase in online activity. Furthermore, the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 13 percent increase in jobs requiring web development skills and digital design between 2020 and 2030.
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.
