Online Web Design Degrees

One of the more intriguing aspects of becoming a Web designer is that you can learn your skills in the same medium you seek to master. As the Web becomes more distributed across tablet, laptop, smartphone and desktop platforms, so do the training options that teach you how to join the industry. Online Web design degree programs at the certificate, associate, bachelor's and master's degree levels are as close as your keyboard.

Web designers learn their design, animation, technical and programming skills through practical, hands-on classes. With experience, designers may move into more demanding or management roles. Depending on the organization, designers may assume some of the duties of Web developers, who are responsible for building websites and Internet applications. Web designers may work for themselves, as private consultants, or with firms that specialize in creating a full range of sites, including e-commerce sites, corporate internal intranets and more.

Inside look at online Web design degree programs

Online Web design degrees offer training from fundamental computer science to the cutting-edge of Internet technology. Coursework can include usability, information design, webmaster administration, e-commerce, computer graphics, multimedia design, color theory, audio and video editing, and dynamic content. You may use languages like HTML and PHP or tools such as Adobe Creative Suite products, including Photoshop, Illustrator, Dreamweaver and Flash.

If you are interested in becoming a Web developer, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that these pros usually need a bachelor's degree in a computer-related field. If you are already gaining valuable experience in the field, online Web design degrees allow you to expand your qualifications while balancing studies and work.

Web design career outlook and salary

Salaries for Web design professionals vary widely based on experience, employer, education, certifications and region of the country. Web developers with technical training earned a median 2010 wage of $36.37 hourly or $75,660 annually, according to the BLS.

Graphics designers, including those working on the Web, earned a mean annual wage of $48,140 for 2010, with salaries for top earners reaching more than $76,000. The BLS expects the strongest employment opportunities for those who have Web design experience.

One of the more intriguing aspects of becoming a Web designer is that you can learn your skills in the same medium you seek to master. As the Web becomes more distributed across tablet, laptop, smartphone and desktop platforms, so do the training options that teach you how to join …