Web designers customize the look of websites through graphics, color, and layout. And they're also critical for making websites accessible and functional.
What qualifications do you need to become a web designer? Many careers require a bachelor's degree. Earning a web design degree builds the knowledge and hands-on skills you'll need to succeed in this growing field.
What will you learn during an online web design degree? You'll explore digital design techniques while also learning how to use programming languages to customize websites. And you'll graduate with a portfolio that highlights your skills.
Our guide introduces the best online web design programs so you can find one that fits your budget, schedule, and career goals.
Popular Online Web Design Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Best Accredited Online Bachelor's in Web Design Programs
Web Design Career Outcome and Salaries
Web designers are in high demand. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects jobs for web developers and digital designers will grow by 8% between 2023 and 2033, faster than the 4% average growth rate across all occupations. What's driving growth? The expansion of e-commerce and the mobile web, which means more jobs for web designers.
Earning a bachelor's in web design can prepare you to beome a web designer or digital interface designer. A bachelor's in web design can also prepare you for web development careers or related roles in graphic design and UX design. Your digital product design skills can also qualify you for diverse content creation roles in multimedia design or web content creation.
| Jobs | Description | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Web designer | Designs websites, including layouts, interfaces, and graphics | $108,820 |
| UX designer | Develops interactive features that improve user experience in digital interfaces | $80,020 |
| Webmaster | Maintains websites and creates digital content, including supervising the addition of new content | $62,540 |
| Web developer | Codes websites to create functional and accessible content | $95,570 |
| Graphic designer | Designs graphics for advertisements, websites, and other outputs | $64,700 |
| Multimedia designer | Develops multimedia products, including videos and web designs | $60,480 |
| Digital interface designer | Creates digital interfaces, including interactive features and usability functions | $108,820 |
| Front-end developer | Codes features that users interact with on websites, known as the front-end of sites | $84,840 |
| Online content creator | Creates videos, infographics, and other content for websites | $54,730 |
| SEO specialist | Implements strategies to optimize search engine results | $53,700 |
What to Expect From an Online Web Design Degree Program
General Information
Cost: According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), in 2021-2022, public school tuition cost an average of $15,200 per year, and private nonprofit schools charged $29,700.
Program Length: Web design programs usually last four years for full-time students; faster options exist for those with transfer credits
Program Format: Programs may be offered in an online or hybrid format, with asynchronous and synchronous options.
Part-time or Full-time: Both are available.
Transfer Credits: Many programs allow students to transfer up to 90 credits out of a 120-credit bachelor's degree.
Accreditation: Colleges and universities should maintain institutional accreditation; there are no programmatic accreditors for web design.
Prerequisites
You'll need a high school diploma or the equivalent to qualify for admission to any undergraduate program. Some colleges require SAT or ACT scores. To qualify for financial aid, fill out and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Web design programs may also require prerequisite classes before declaring your major. Prerequisites might include introductory web design, web development, or interactive design courses.
Program Requirements
Complete Major Courses: As part of your web design degree, you'll take 30-40 credits of web design classes, including upper-division courses in web development, interactive design, and computer programming.
Meet General Education Requirements: Bachelor's degree programs often require 30-50 credits of general education courses in the humanities, social sciences, and STEM. Transfer students can meet these requirements with credits from their previous schools.
Choose a Concentration or Minor: You can choose a concentration or minor to focus your degree. A minor in information technology, communication, or business, for example, can complement your major.
Build a Portfolio: You'll graduate with a portfolio that showcases your skills to help you transition into the workforce.
Common Topics or Subjects Covered
Digital Design: You'll explore digital design techniques and software tools, including design theory, usability, and accessibility. In addition to strengthening web and mobile design skills, you'll also learn about multimedia design.
Programming: Web design programs incorporate programming courses that cover HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. These courses focus on the application of programming in web design and web development.
Interactive Design: Learn how to create interactive digital media using scripting and programming languages. You'll practice through usability reviews, digital media exercises, and group projects.
Front-End Development: Strengthen your front-end development skills with an emphasis on creating usable, interactive websites.
Common Concentrations or Specializations Offered
Graphic Design: Strengthen your graphic design skills with courses in typography, image editing, illustration, and multimedia design.
UX Design: Focus on user experience while learning how to conduct user research, develop interactive interfaces, and improve user experience on websites and mobile apps.
Web Development: Gain programming and web development skills to code websites, including front-end and back-end development. You'll learn how to use development tools and programming languages to customize websites.
Skills Learned
Digital Image Editing: During a web design degree program, you'll learn how to edit and customize images using tools like Adobe Creative Cloud and other software. You'll learn how to create high-quality images for different mediums.
JavaScript: The internet runs on JavaScript, and web design majors learn how to use it to code websites and create interactive web features. You'll also strengthen your HTML and CSS knowledge.
Content Management Systems (CMS): Web designers interact with many types of CMS, and a web design degree program can help you build the skills needed to create sites using them, such as via WordPress.
Student Support Services Offered
Academic Advising: Receive personalized support from academic advisors and access academic support services like the writing center or tutoring. Many colleges connect incoming students with an advisor who supports them throughout their program.
Tech Support: Online learners can access tech support through their program, which can include help with online learning technologies. Some programs offer support with software programs used in digital design.
Career Counseling: Prepare for the job market with career services, including career counseling, mock interviews, and job placement support. Programs may also provide information about graduate placements and employment.
Undergraduate Certificates for Web Design
An undergraduate certificate in web design can quickly introduce you to core concepts and skills. Most certificate programs require students to complete 15-30 credits, so you can usually finish a certificate in one year or less. You'll take courses in digital design, interactive design, and web development. Some programs also let you choose electives to customize your certificate.
What can you do after a web design certificate program? You may qualify for entry-level roles as a web designer or digital designer, but many of these careers require a bachelor's degree. At most colleges, you can apply the credits you earn during a certificate toward an undergraduate degree.
In addition to web design, you can find certificates in digital design, web development, and related areas.
Is an Online Degree in Web Design Worth It?
A web design degree can pay off. Plus, earning your degree online is a great way to advance your education with a flexible schedule.
During an online web design program, you'll strengthen in-demand skills for careers in a growing field. You'll also benefit from support services throughout your degree program. If you're on the fence, consider an online web design certificate, which can introduce you to the subject as well as online learning. When researching programs, consider the total cost and your schedule to find the best fit for you.
Frequently Asked Questions About Web Design Online Degree Programs
A bachelor's degree in web design can prepare you for a career as a web designer. You can also major in related fields like web development, graphic design, UX design, and digital design.
