Best Online Bachelor’s in Web Design Programs
Updated October 18, 2023
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Online bachelor's in web design programs give graduates the skills and competencies needed to design websites for a variety of clients.
Whether working in-house for a single client or in a freelance capacity with a portfolio of clients, these professionals tend to be in high demand.
| #1 | Arizona State University-Skysong Scottsdale, AZ |
| #2 | Southern New Hampshire University Manchester, NH |
| #3 | Brigham Young University-Idaho Rexburg, ID |
| #4 | University of Arizona Tucson, AZ |
| #5 | Southeastern University Lakeland, FL |
Featured Online Schools
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects roles for web developers will grow 13% between 2018 and 2028 -- a number far higher than the national average for all occupations. Nearly 21,000 new roles are projected to be added to the existing 160,500. These professionals also earn substantial salaries; median annual pay reached $69,430 in 2018, while the top 10% of earners received in excess of $124,480 during the same time period.
Best Online Bachelor's Degree Programs
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Arizona State University-SkysongLocation
Scottsdale, AZ
Tuition$14166
Graduation Rate14%
Serving over 45,000 students, ASU offers an online bachelor of applied science in internet and web development as a degree completion program. Students complete just one or two courses per five-week term.
Required coursework includes information design and usability, advanced web markup and scripting, website and e-commerce strategies, and graphic industry business practices.
Applicants need an associate degree in a related field such as graphic design or a technical discipline with design experience and a minimum GPA of 2.0 to qualify for admission.
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Southern New Hampshire UniversityLocation
Manchester, NH
Graduation Rate54%
Founded in 1932, SNHU offers an online bachelor of arts in graphic design and media arts. Students can choose from two concentrations: web design or 3D modeling and animation.
Students take courses such as language and practice of media arts, basic design and color theory, advanced digital graphic design for the web, and advanced digital imaging. The program also includes general education courses, and students may transfer in up to 90 credits from previous studies.
Applicants do not need to submit standardized test scores and can apply on a rolling basis to receive a decision within days.
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Brigham Young University-IdahoLocation
Rexburg, ID
Graduation Rate57%
A private Mormon university serving over 33,000 students, BYU-Idaho offers a unique bachelor of science in applied technology with a web development focus. Learners complete general education courses and three different certificates to complete the program.
Students choose from several different certificates at each stage, but web development students take web and computer programming for 13-15 credits, web development as part of 60 associate credits, and a final web development series for the bachelor's credits. A senior internship rounds out bachelor's-level requirements.
Applicants do not need to submit SAT or ACT scores to apply.
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University of ArizonaLocation
Tucson, AZ
Tuition$15594
Graduation Rate64%
A public university with nearly 45,000 students, UArizona offers a bachelor of arts in information science and e-society. Students take courses online to prepare for a career in digital media.
Required courses include digital storytelling and culture, social media strategies across professions, and digital information. Students build core skills in information and media literacy, digital engagement, and misinformation detection.
Applicants with a top 25% high school class ranking or a minimum GPA of 3.0 can receive automatic admission. Students without these requirements can apply for a comprehensive review.
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Southeastern UniversityLocation
Lakeland, FL
Graduation Rate42%
A private university founded in 1935, SEU offers a bachelor of science in digital media design. Students explore the field from a faith-based perspective.
Required courses include a survey of digital media and design, digital marketing and analytics, web page design, and UX and UI design. Students also take general education courses and the required religion core that satisfies the school's mission statement.
Applicants need a high school diploma with a minimum GPA of 2.0 and a Christian character reference to qualify for admission.
Online Bachelor's in Web Design Degree Program Ranking Guidelines
We selected the following degree programs based on program quality, range of courses provided, school awards, rankings, reputation, and educational outcome for students.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is Web Design?
Web design focuses on developing, building, and maintaining user-friendly websites aligned to industry best practices in form and function. Essentially, it is making websites that are pleasing to look at and easy to use.
What Does a Web Designer Do?
Web designers work with clients to ascertain their needs, plan and create prospective web designs, and write code to bring those sites to life.
What Kind of Degree Do You Need to Be a Web Designer?
Educational requirements vary by work setting, but they typically include a degree in web design, computer science, or programming.
What Jobs Can You Get With a Web Design Degree?
Web designers work in both public and private sectors as employees and contractors.
Choosing an Online Bachelor's in Web Design Program
Many factors go into making an informed decision about the best fit among web design programs. Because of this, it's best to start the selection process, to ensure you have enough time to consider each prospective school against your academic and professional requirements. Here are a few elements to consider.
Learners looking to avoid substantial student debt often attend a public, in-state school. Those with more available funds may pursue a private education.
Attending a transfer-friendly institution ensures students avoid retaking the same classes if they move to a different school. It can also reduce the amount of time it takes to finish a degree.
Students seeking a livelier experience may gravitate towards a larger college, while those who desire a more intimate learning community tend to select smaller universities. Private schools tend to be smaller than public ones, but that is not always the case.
Most full-time, online web design degrees take four years to complete, but part-time and accelerated options also exist.
Some students do not have the time or resources to visit campus, making it important to find an online-only program. Those with more flexible schedules may opt for a hybrid degree, allowing them to attend physical classes when needed.
Many web design programs mandate internships to help students build practical skills. Thesis options exist for those more interested in industry research.
What Is Web Design?
Web design is a large, ever-evolving field devoted to the design and practice of website creation. Because the discipline is so broad, it's common for programs to offer concentrations. These vary by school, but typically include areas like web development, digital design, systems development, and game design and programming.
Web design is a large, ever-evolving field devoted to the design and practice of website creation.
Graduates of web design degrees take on myriad roles, with common titles including web developer/designer, multimedia artist, graphic designer, and computer and information systems manager. Given the ubiquity of the world wide web, these jobs exist in every setting imaginable, including large corporations, small nonprofits, and government agencies at the local, state, and federal levels.
Learners who pursue this path typically have a passion for both technology and design alongside a desire to bring both passions together. They also enjoy the prospect of lifelong learning and enjoy staying up-to-date on emerging trends and best practices.
Common challenges to web design careers include competing against other qualified candidates, participating in continuing education opportunities, and meeting client needs. Goals include creating user-friendly, intelligently designed web pages that meet the needs of clients and customers alike.
What Is a Bachelor's in Web Design Degree?
Online bachelor's in web design degrees typically require four years of full-time study, while part-time students graduate in approximately six years. Those who pursue an accelerated program can graduate in 28-36 months. Curricular requirements vary by institution, but common classes include interactive web design I/II, fundamentals of motion graphics, visual communication and concept development, and principles of color theory. If the program does not feature a concentration, learners typically use electives to specialize their knowledge.
Requirements for admission also vary from school to school, but commonly include a completed application, non-refundable application fee, transcripts from any schools previously attended demonstrating a minimum GPA, and ACT/SAT scores. Most schools also require 2-3 letters of recommendation and a personal statement outlining professional goals. Particularly competitive programs may also require an in-person or virtual interview.
Skills gained in the program include vector drawing, concept development, visual communication, and user-centered design. Many programs include an internship component to help degree seekers develop their skill sets prior to graduating. If attending online, career counselors work with distance learners to find suitable internship sites near their places of residence.
Web Design Jobs
Completing a web design bachelor's degree online helps graduates complete for jobs both within the world of web development and beyond. This versatile program instills competencies and skills in computer programming, visual design, and customer service, which meet the demands of numerous roles. The jobs discussed below are only a sample of professional options.
Graphic Designers
Graphic designers use their creative skills to design logos, illustrations, layouts, and other visual elements for clients. Like web designers, they can work for a single client or take on multiple clients in a consulting role. Common responsibilities include meeting with clients to determine needs, using software to design graphics, presenting their work, and making changes as needed.
Graphic designers typically need a bachelor's degree in graphic design or a related topic, though some positions may accept a creative portfolio in lieu of academic work. Graphic designers are highly creative, artistic professionals who communicate well and know how to convert ideas into deliverables.
Multimedia Artists
Multimedia artists use software and drawing techniques to design two- or three-dimensional effects. They typically work in gaming, video production, entertainment, advertising, or commerce. Responsibilities include creating graphics and animations, designing visual effects, meeting with clients or supervisors, and editing designs based on feedback.
These professionals need a bachelor's degree in animation computer graphics, fine arts, or a related subject. They also need a portfolio of their work. Multimedia artists are detail-oriented, artistic professionals with advanced computer skills and a desire to see each project through to completion.
Computer Information Systems Managers
Web developers design, implement, and improve websites for their clients. Some web developers focus on front-end designs, such as the website's user interface, while others use their talents to improve back-end components, such as performance improvements and capabilities. Responsibilities include meeting with clients about design ideas, writing code, determining website information, and integrating multimedia where needed.
Web developers usually need a bachelor's degree in web design, computer science, or programming. They have a high attention to detail, excellent customer service skills, and the ability to concentrate on a project until it is finished.
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