Certificate in Web Development and Design
About Web Development and Design
The internet is fast becoming the number one source of communication, information and entertainment all over the world. Millions of users log on to different websites to obtain the latest news, watch the latest TV shows and stay in touch with relatives and friends. Websites form the very core of the internet and it is essential for governments, businesses, media outlets and other organizations to make functional, visually pleasing websites packed with useful content available to internet users. Web developers and designers create websites, design attractive graphics, prepare content, promote sales and manage databases for clients.
About the Degree
In order to enroll in an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in web design, students must be high school graduates and need to pass a college entrance exam. A degree in web design includes courses in networking, content management systems, database development and management, digital imaging, graphics design, animation and 3d design. Students also learn various scripting languages such as HTML, CSS, PHP, JavaScript and XML. Specialized web design courses include web design usability, web based user interface design, flash based web design, web campaign implementation and content management. Courses in new media marketing, web based marketing and online sales are now also included in most web design degrees.
Career Prospects
Most web designers start out as part of design teams at software houses and go on to become team leaders, or set up their own web design businesses. More experienced web designers are picked by top companies like Google, Yahoo and Microsoft and work in highly specialized areas of web design. The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates an increase of about 35% in employment opportunities in this field. Average wages for fresh graduates stand at $40,000 while more experienced professionals earn close to $100,000 per year.