Top 10 Online Associate in Web Design Programs for 2019
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics , jobs in web development and design are expected to grow 27% by 2024, making this one of the fastest-growing fields in the country. Earning your web design associate degree online is the first step to entering this exciting and lucrative field. As people and businesses increasingly rely on technology, web designers are on the front-lines of a rapidly changing digital landscape.
WHAT ARE THE BEST ONLINE ASSOCIATE IN WEB DESIGN PROGRAMS?
Top 10 Online Associate in Web Design Programs for 2019
BSC offers a web page development and design associate degree that can be completed either on-campus or entirely online. This program includes coursework that covers a variety of fundamental web development topics and programs, including HTML5, CSS3, XML, JavaScript, JQuery, and more. Students are also trained in Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and other photo manipulation software. Employment for web developers is expected to grow by at least 20% in the next five years, which well exceeds the national average for job growth.
Applicants must have a high school diploma or a GED and a base level of proficiency in English and mathematics to be considered. They must also have some background in working with computers. While a background specifically in computer science is not required, you may struggle to keep up with coursework without such experience. BSC is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
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How to Choose an Online Associate in Web Design Program
As you browse online associate in web design programs, you should consider a few important factors. First, your lifestyle will dictate how much time you can commit to coursework. If you plan to continue working full-time while pursuing your online degree, you may want to find programs that require few or no on-campus courses or residencies.
Second, note the tuition costs and program fees, as well as how many credits and/or courses are required to complete the program. If you have earned credits from another school, find out whether you can transfer them toward the requirements in your new program. The time it takes to complete your degree will depend on required credits, how many courses you take per term, and whether or not you can transfer previous credits.
Educational Paths for Web Design Associate Degree Graduates
Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that those with a bachelor's degree in web design or a related field tend to earn more than those with only an associate degree. Even though you can find many web design careers with an associate degree, many students complete bachelor's programs to develop their skills and optimize their earning potential. Below are a few examples of bachelor's degrees that those with an associate degree might consider pursuing.
Computer Programming This major provides students with a range of computer skills outside of web design. Curriculums include software creation, programming, and security network building.
Computer Science A degree in computer science prepares graduates to work with computers from their design and creation, all the way to programming.
Web Development A bachelor's degree in web development builds on those skills from an associate degree program. Students learn to build and manage online platforms, as well as various forms of coding and design.
Career Paths for Web Design Graduates
Because of today's rapidly changing technology, web design is especially lucrative and exciting. Professionals in this field stay one step ahead of web trends and new technology, and must learn new skills on the job. In the table below, there are a few examples of career paths for students who have earned their web design associate degree online.
Web designers use graphic design software to create web-based platforms, promotions, and brands. They also use codes to build websites, digital tools, and products from scratch. Designers make company websites and products compatible with touchscreen and smartphone technology.
Median Salary: $48,577
Job Outlook and Salary for Graduates of an Associate Degree in Web Design
An associate degree in web design prepares you for a variety of jobs in web and computer-related fields. With the projected job growth in web development, students with degrees in the field will have many options available to them in the industry.
According to the BLS , the median pay for web developers in 2016 was $66,130 per year. Although salaries vary based on the specific position, industry, and location you choose, jobs in these areas are especially rewarding. The table below shows the employment numbers in web development, and the projected growth by 2024.
| Employment, 2014 | Projected Employment, 2024 |
|---|---|
| 148,500 | 188,000 |
Source: BLS
SALARY GROWTH BY EXPERIENCE FOR WEB DESIGN ASSOCIATE DEGREES
Although those with associate degrees in web design may be able to take advantage of generous starting salaries, more experience usually equates to increased earnings. This is an especially optimistic prospect for those in web design and development. The table below outlines median salaries for those with different levels of experience, and in a few jobs you may consider.
To determine the best online associate in web design programs, we looked at the most important factors prospective students, mainly common predictors of future success and a school's commitment to online programs. This boils down to admissions rate, student loan default rate, retention rate, graduation rate, and the percent of students enrolled in online classes. All data points are taken from information provided by colleges and universities to the National Center for Education Statistics.
Each factor is weighted evenly in order to give an objective view and determine the best online associate in web design programs. To calculate our rankings, we looked at a school's ranking when organized by a single factor, and then averaged each category's ranking to find an overall score: Admissions Rate (20%) + Default Rate (20%) + Retention Rate (20%) + Graduation Rate (20%) + Percent of Students Enrolled in Online Classes (20%) = Final score.