Can I Earn a Web Development Degree Online?
Earning a Web Development Degree Online
Web development is a popular field that continues to grow with many people wondering if they can earn a web development degree online. The good news is that it’s very popular to earn a degree in web development through distance learning. Not only are online web development degrees possible, but they’re offered in various degree levels. Choosing an online program offers the student the opportunity to choose any school without location playing a factor. Here is some helpful information.
What is Web Development?
Web development is the development of a website, and a web developer is the one that creates and designs websites. A web designer may create the website while the web developer puts it all together and ensures it functions correctly. In some companies, the web develops takes care of both designing, creating and maintaining the website. Other duties of a web developer include:
- Creating and testing website applications
- Meeting with management and clients to discuss the website’s design
- Monitoring website traffic flow
- Working with graphics and other designers
Web developers work may vary depending on the type of website they created and its purpose, such as news, e-commerce or gaming, among others. Web developers may specialize in the following areas.
- Back-end web developer – Takes care of the entire technical construction of the website.
- Front-end web developer – Takes care of the aesthetics (how it looks) of the websites
- Webmaster – Maintains the website and keeps it updated
How to Become a Web Developer?
The educational requirements for web developers can vary depending on where they work and the type of work they do. The most common requirement is an associate degree, but many web developers earn bachelor’s degrees. Individuals who are pursuing specialized web development positions, such as front-end or back-end web developers may be required to have a bachelor’s degree in programming, computer science or a related field.
Web developers must have a solid understanding of HTML programming as well other languages such as SQL or JavaScript, They should also be familiar multimedia publishing tools like Flash.
Web developers must also keep up with technology and constantly-changing programming languages and applications.
What is an Online Web Development Program Like?
An online web development degree program is not much different than an on-campus program other than that online students can complete their courses over the internet. They log into the school’s site and send/receive assignments through emails, DVDs, discussion boards and streaming media. Both programs will have courses like interface usability; mobile apps and e-commerce; database design; digital imaging; budgeting and research; computer illustration and graphic design. Associate degree programs usually take two years to complete, but online degrees can be finished in more or less time. In addition to completing course work, the online student may be required to develop a website as part of a practicum course.
Career Outlook for Graduates
Our dependence on the internet for both business and pleasure has put out a demand for web developers. They are expected to see job growth of 13% between 2018 and 2028 with almost 21,000 new web developer jobs created during that time as reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
The bureau also reported that web developers earned an average annual wage of $73,760 with wages ranging from $39,810 to $142,080 as of May 2019. Factors that can affect earning potential include degree level, experience, employer, and location.
Earning a web development degree can prepare an individual for a career as a web developer or web designer, which are both very popular careers. As we continue to use the internet for almost every aspect of your lives, we will continue to need qualified web developers who keep up with changing technology. Earning a web development degree online allows the individual to continue working while earning the degree.
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