<a href="https://www.onlinemasterscolleges.com/online-masters-in-web-design/">Web Design</a>

College Name & Address	Tuition	Graduation Rate
#1 University of Florida Tigert Hall, Gainesville, Florida 32611	$10,770	89%
#2 Harvard University Massachusetts Hall, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138	$50,928	98%
#3 Boston University One Silber Way, Boston, Massachusetts 02215	$58,560	89%
#4 Illinois Institute of Technology 10 West 35th Street, Chicago, Illinois 60616	$29,052	72%
#5 University of Denver 2199 S. University Blvd, Denver, Colorado 80208	$53,640	75%
#6 Fort Hays State University 600 Park St, Hays, Kansas 67601	$3,726	46%
#7 Southern New Hampshire University 2500 North River Road, Manchester, New Hampshire 03106	$18,900	37%

Source – Integrated Post Secondary Education Data System & University Data
*Tuition rates are for in-state and per year. Program specific rates may apply.
**NA – data not available

Students of an online master’s in web design development learn how to build modern business applications for the web and mobile devices. In this program, they will learn how to build websites with popular programming languages and frameworks by applying the principles of user experience, information architecture, and web design. Combining theory and practice will help students understand how the two merge and use that knowledge in real-world projects. Students will have to complete 35 to 50 credits, and the program includes a capstone project.

Some of the core courses in a web design development degree program include but are not limited to:

• Digital Imagery in Web Design
• Design Principles
• Applied 2D Graphics: Web Design
• Web Development
• Animated and Interactive Web Content
• Interpersonal Communication
• Web Interactivity and Engagement
• Web Research Methods
• 2D Graphics: Bitmap
• Mass Communication Theory
• Digital Media Layout and Design
• Advanced Design
• Web Design Principles
• Marketing Research for Multimedia Professionals
• Web Programming: JavaScript
• Corporate and Brand Identity on the Web
• User Experience (UX) Theory and Research
• Foundations of Visual Communications Design
• 2D Graphics: Vector
• Applied Art for the Web
• Content Management
• User Experience Design
• Web Technologies
• Social Media & SEO

In addition to core courses, students must opt for electives such as English Composition or Technical Communication, or choose from the many technical courses available, such as:

• 3D Visualization
• Python Programming
• Database Design and Implementation
• Object-Oriented Methods and Programming
• Principles of Cryptography
• Introduction to Audio/Video Production
• Web Graphics Production
• Data in Web Application Development
• Marketing Analytics
• User Interface Design and Implementation
• Web Development with PHP
• Web Scripting with JavaScript
• Internet Mapping
• Creative Problem Solving and Programming Concepts
• Mobile Application Development with Web Standards
• Distributed Computing
• Digital Photography and Imaging
• Principles of Project Management
• iOS Application Development
• User Experience Design and Usability Assessment
• Principles of Information Security
• Adobe InDesign
• Database Design and SQ
• Motion Graphics/Compositing: After Effects
• Application Security
• Design Concepts: Typography
• Database Administration

Types of Masters in Web Design Development Degrees

The Master’s in Web Design Development is, more often than not, a concentration or focus area of broader master’s degree programs. For example, prospective students can opt for an online Master of Arts in Mass Communication with a concentration in Web Design, such as one offered by the University of Florida, or a Master of Science in Information and Communications Technology with a concentration in Web Design and Development. 

In most instances, students will have to choose from a Master of Arts (MA) degree that is multi-disciplinary and leans on liberal arts and humanities, or from a Master of Science (MS) degree that is more scientific and technically oriented. 

Areas of Specialization for Online Masters in Web Design Development

Web design development being a specialization subject, in some cases offers only concentration courses. Through these courses, students can select one professional field within a bigger industry sector and become proficient in the abilities required to succeed in that area. Some examples of concentration courses include but are not limited to: 

• Advanced Website Design and Management
• Web-Enabled Information Systems
• Website Design and Management
• Usability Design for Websites

Why should I do Online Masters in Web Design Development?

Interaction design, development, and distribution of rich media content via the Internet to handheld mobile devices and desktop computers are all part of the Web Design and Development process. Through the online masters in web design development program, students will learn the fundamentals of web design and get the required skills and knowledge to become great web designers and developers. Students will be equipped with a professional level of competence in web design and content management and learn how to become successful professionals in the rapidly changing web design/development industry. Those interested in creating beautiful, functional, and effective websites and web applications and who have a flair for design will find this degree very suitable. 

With businesses and nonprofits increasing and refreshing their presence in the digital world, demand for web designers and developers is steadily on the rise. Web Developers and Digital Designers jobs are predicted to grow by 23% between 2020 & 2030, faster than the average for all occupations. 

Upon completing an online master’s in web design development, graduates will be ready to take on projects with ease and efficiency. Among the many skills they would have acquired, they will have the ability to: 

• Use HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and other industry-standard languages efficiently and effectively.
• Plan, develop, create, test, and maintain interactive web pages and animations, meeting quality standards and established goals.
• Create graphical assets, animations, and multimedia for websites and applications.
• Make use of industry-standard software such as Photoshop and Illustrator.
• Apply design ideas and aspects to online environments.
• Create fully responsive websites suited to the customer’s requirements and target audience.
• Create effective integrated marketing plans and strategies for digital platforms.

How to get into the Online Masters in Web Design Development program?

Enrolling in an online master’s degree program in web design development is usually simple.  To begin, students will have to choose a master’s program in design, communications, or computer technology and opt for web design development as a concentration. To do so, most institutions require that prospective students have an undergraduate degree in any field. Although the admission requirements for each program and college may vary, the following are some basic admissions requirements for online master’s degrees in web design development: 

• Application for Admission
• Application Fee
• Official Academic Transcripts
• An Undergraduate Degree in Marketing or Other Discipline
• Minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.8 on a scale of 4.0
• Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) or Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) Scores (sometimes asked)
• Personal Statement or Statement of Purpose
• At least 2 Letters of Recommendation
• Graduate Resume
• Proof of Proficiency in English (if the native language is not English)

Note: Students are advised to check with the admissions office of their chosen college for exact and specific admission requirements, as they vary by college and program. 

How long does it take to complete the Online Masters in Web Design Development?

The duration of web design development studies primarily depends on the chosen master’s program since web design development will be a concentration in the selected master’s. In most instances, a master’s degree will require about 2 years to complete, full-time. Part-timers will, of course, take longer. However, a master of arts in, say, communications, with web design development as a specialization, can be completed in 12 or 18 months, depending on various factors. In all, students will require between 35 and 50 credits to graduate.

Accreditation for Online Master’s Degree in Web Design Development

Accreditation is a process in which a third-party organization verifies that a school or degree program meets and/or surpasses the predetermined quality and rigor standards. Although college accreditation is optional, it has various benefits, one important one being – it verifies a curriculum to employers and other colleges and institutions. Accreditation also ensures that students can transfer credits simply and quickly from one recognized institution to another while still being eligible for federal financial help. The U.S Department of Education and/or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) have approved six regional accrediting agencies to accredit colleges: 

New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) 

Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) 

Higher Learning Commission (HLC) 

Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) 

Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU) 

Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC) 

To check a school’s accreditation status, students can visit the official U.S Department of Education website or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) website. 

More information on accreditation is available in the Accreditation Guide.

Scholarships are the best way to fund a college education as the awarded money does not have to be paid back. Besides, getting a scholarship will take a load off one’s head, not having to worry about paying for college. Several individuals and organizations provide scholarships to students studying web design development and related programs. Here are some examples:

While free online courses may not lead to a master’s degree, they are frequently offered by some of the world’s greatest universities and can provide students with additional knowledge and insights not available in the classroom or a textbook. Students might benefit significantly from them in their everyday studies, assignments, exams, and capstone projects. Here are some free resources for students pursuing a master’s degree in web design development: 

Course	Topics on Web Design Development
Offered by	Udemy
Description	Udemy has a collection of a whopping over 10,000 free courses related to web design development! These courses cater to different learning levels from beginners to professionals and cover almost every conceivable topic in web design development.

Course	Topics on Web Design Development
Offered by	Coursera
Description	Coursera is a popular site that offers courses, projects, specializations, professional certificates, and more. Some topics include Foundations of User Experience (UX) Design, Web Design for Everybody: Basics of Web Development & Coding, Programming Foundations with JavaScript, HTML, CSS, and more.

Course	Topics on Web Design Development
Offered by	Webflow University
Description	Webflow University offers curated courses covering HTML and CSS basics to SEO and CMS essentials. Some examples are SEO Fundamentals, CMS & Dynamic Content, CSS Layout & Positioning, Interactions & Animations, etc.

Course	Topics on Web Design Development
Offered by	EdX
Description	EdX has a wide section of web design development courses. Topics include Computer Science for Web Programming, Programming for the Web with JavaScript, UX Data Analysis, Digital Marketing Fundamentals, and more.

When an individual is certified, it means they have gone through a rigorous process to prove mastery of a specific subject or skill. While standards and eligibility differ by subject, in general, certified individuals are deemed to have substantial firsthand experience and training in their field, having passed a rigorous examination. In brief, a certification is a useful tool for finding professionals who have advanced to the top of their profession and are well-qualified to offer the best services their clients need. Here are a few certifications for web design development students and working professionals: 

1. Certified Web Designer Associate (CWDSA)
   The WebProfessionals.org Certified Web Designer Associate (CWDSA) certification assesses more than just the fundamental skills required of aspiring and current Web designers. At the standard described by this test specification, the individual must demonstrate a working knowledge of Internet basics, HTML including HTML5, CSS3 and WYSIWYG editors, web graphics, web audio and video, website design, website management, and basic legal issues.
2. Certified Web Professional (CWP)
   The Certified Web Professional (CWP) is administered by the International Web Association (IWA). It assures the effectiveness of the services rendered by the professional to the public and provides recognition to those practitioners who have attained unquestioned professional status in a single discipline based on examination, professionalism, and experience.
3. CIW Web Foundations Associate
   The CIW Web Foundations Associate certification, administered by the Certified Internet Web Professionals (CIW), is ideal for professionals who use the Internet on the job. It validates their understanding of important technologies that affect virtually every business. Once certified, these individuals are ready to pursue specialties in Web design, JavaScript e-commerce, databases, and other fields.
4. Adobe Certified Expert (ACE)
   The Adobe Certified Expert (ACE) certification is a vital credential to earn to further one’s profession. For those web developers and designers who use Adobe as the program of choice, this certification endorses their skill in various interactive and online content areas, including web design, video, rich Internet applications, technical communications, and eLearning. Apart from ACE, Adobe also offers a host of other certifications as well.
5. Amazon Web Services (AWS) Certified Developer
   The AWS Certified Developer certification is best suited for those who design or develop applications on the AWS platform. This certification will help prove one’s proficiency in designing, developing, and maintaining cloud-based solutions and applications using AWS solutions and the platform.