How to Get an Online Associate’s Degree in Web Design

Is job security and earning potential important to you when it comes to selecting a career? If this sounds like you and you are fond of working with computers, pursuing an associate’s degree in web design may pay off in the long run.

Because everyone uses computers in this day and age, it’s inevitable that web designers are constantly needed by companies and even sole proprietors. The Internet has revolutionized the way we do research, communicate, and so much more. It’s growing so fast that we can hardly track its pace. Companies and brands are always on a lookout for talented web designers to turn their average looking website into something that is not only attractive and modern, but also one that closely matches their brand in terms of vibe. Also, of course, let’s not forget about the user-experience. With a web design associate’s degree, you can become one of those talented professionals to help them do just that.

This degree typically takes two years of full-time study to complete. However, if you choose to earn your credential online, you may be able to complete it earlier. Depending on how many classes you can take per quarter/semester, you may be able to finish a lot quicker.

If you are a busy individual looking to go to school while still attending to your personal obligations, pursuing an associate’s degree in web design online could be a great option. Distance learning can work really well for those who are motivated and independent learners. It is important to make sure that the college you choose is accredited so that the credits you earn can be easily transferred to a four-year college should you decide to continue your education. By virtually attending classes online, you will have access to all course materials and participate in class discussions just like you would normally in a traditional classroom setting. Virtual learning allows you to log into the classroom portal from anywhere and anytime to complete required coursework and exams. Students can easily communicate with other students and their professors via chat platforms and email.

Common Associate’s in Web Design Curriculum

Since web design entails a lot of computer work, you will be learning topics involving it. For example, you will learn programming languages like HTML and Java. You will also learn how to use Flash, and how to incorporate audio and video onto sites to create a multimedia experience for visitors. Other things you might learn at the associate’s level include color theory, elements of graphic design, internet marketing techniques, and more.

Coursework will vary depending on the college, but you can be sure that you will get a good foundation on the subject wherever you go. If you’re looking for a job that blends both art and technology, web design is exactly that.

In addition to web design-related courses, students will also have general education requirements and electives to complete, which will vary from college to college. These classes will help you develop a well-rounded foundation of knowledge that will be useful in understanding real-life situations and succeeding in whatever career you choose to be in. For example, you might take introductory classes in writing, math, science, art, history, language, and more. Many of these general education course requirements can be waived if you took AP classes and passed their respective exams in high school. If this sounds like it might be you, we recommend checking with your college counselor to see which classes you might not have to retake.

Associate’s in Web Design Careers

After graduating with your associate’s degree in web design, you can either continue your education and earn your bachelor’s degree in a related field, or jump right into an entry-level job. While higher education is not mandatory for success, it is highly recommended as your career options are much more open with the extra credential. The more you know and the more experience you have, the more likely someone will want to hire you as their web designer. With that said, if you are planning to work for yourself and have your own web design business, then it will be wise to use the associate’s degree as a stepping stone to higher education. Being your own boss has massive perks such as charging premium rates and being able to set your own hours.

If you don’t plan on moving on to the bachelor’s level, you can try to get an entry-level position at a design firm. Because technology is complex, though, employers are most likely going to give priority to those with more background and knowledge. They will more likely be convinced that you know what you are doing once you’ve earned that extra degree.

Because technology is constantly changing, you can expect the web design industry to also be evolving over the years. This field will not become stagnant anytime soon. So, if you are looking for something that will offer you interesting work for your lifetime, then a web design associate’s degree will put you in the right direction!