Earning A Master’s In Web Development Online – Forbes Advisor

Take a moment and ask yourself: How many things have you done online today before starting to read this article? Did you browse a few other websites, buy something or enter a search term?

By now, these online activities are so commonplace, we hardly give them a second thought. But you might give a second thought to the web developers who code the sites and build the apps we use all the time. The ubiquity of digital technology means that web developers are consistently in demand—and they’re only likely to be more in demand as technology becomes increasingly intertwined with our daily lives.

Even if you already have a bachelor’s degree in web development or a related field, you can further expand your knowledge and update your skills with additional education. A master’s degree in web development will teach you the latest innovations and help qualify you for careers with higher-than-average salaries.

If this idea appeals to you, use this guide to learn about the benefits of earning an online master’s in web development.

What Is an Online Master’s in Web Development?

An online master’s in web development expands the coding and programming skills developers use to create websites and apps. These programs build a broader understanding of the technology underlying the internet and prepare workers for senior positions in the field.

A master’s degree often requires two years of full-time study, though some programs only take one year. Costs vary by program, ranging from a few thousand to tens of thousands of dollars, so research prospective schools’ tuition. Credit requirements typically span 30 to 45 credits.

In remote learning programs, classes are often identical to in-person courses. Asynchronous classes post lectures and assignments for students to complete on more flexible schedules, while synchronous courses use technologies like web conferencing to facilitate live virtual classroom experiences.

Often, web development degrees focus on three varieties of development:

Types of Web Development

• Front-end development creates the outward-facing aspects of apps and websites, ensuring users’ interactions with the tools are as frictionless as possible. Front-end developers use tools like HTML, CSS and JavaScript to create an aesthetically appealing interface that works across browsers and platforms.
• Back-end development refers to the behind-the-scenes aspects of a website, from its underlying architecture and functionality to database management.
• Full-stack development combines the front and back ends of web development and includes user experience (UX) design, database management, project management, security and client communication.

Admission Requirements for a Master’s in Web Development

As with tuition, admission requirements vary by school. Common application components include:

• A bachelor’s degree in web development or a related field like computer science or information technology
• A transcript of your undergraduate academic career showing a minimum GPA of 3.0 and successful completion of prerequisite courses
• Letters of recommendation from employers or teachers
• A portfolio of web development projects

Common Courses in an Online Web Development Master’s Program

Advanced Website Design and Management

In this course, students add intermediate and advanced JavaScript to their existing HTML and CSS skills. They use all three languages to create a working client-side (in other words, public-facing) application.

Database Design and Implementation for Business

Through Structured Query Language (SQL), learners create relational databases, which store data in rows and columns. Classes like this often end with a capstone where students demonstrate their skills through projects like designing and building a functioning database.

Information Systems Analysis and Design

This course explores the analysis and development of information technology (IT) applications from the initial stages of needs assessment and system feasibility through systems-level testing. Students learn to make graphical models of IT project requirements.

Web Graphics Production

This course teaches learners best practices and policies for web graphics creation and manipulation through applications such as Adobe Photoshop. Hands-on assignments train students to correct, manipulate and modify images. The class also covers typography, web production techniques and the use of CSS to combine images and encode them into website layouts.

Web-Enabled Information Systems

This class examines best practices for various levels of software development, from the front end to the database back end, which provides a grounding in full-stack development. Cloud-based software development and its attendant security issues are another focus.

What Can You Do With a Master’s in Web Development?

The following professionals may benefit from a web development master’s degree:

• Software developers create computer programs and apps that allow users to perform specific functions like playing games or sorting fields in a database. There are multiple specialties within software development. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects these careers will grow 25% between 2021 and 2031.
• Web developers build and maintain websites, handling everything from a site’s underlying architecture to its functionality and navigation. Web developers can specialize in front-end, back-end or full-stack development.
• Web designers create the interfaces, layouts and—occasionally—graphics for websites and apps. Their responsibilities may also extend to functionality and navigation to ensure consistent performance over different browsers and devices.​​
• Information technology specialists provide technical assistance to users within an organization. They also maintain organizations’ computer networks, keeping them secure from hacks, viruses and other threats.
• Information systems managers oversee computer-related processes in an organization. They help set organizations’ IT goals and build the requisite computer networks.

Should You Earn Your Master’s in Web Development Online?

There are several advantages—and potential drawbacks—to earning a master’s in web development online. Consider these pros and cons before making a decision.

On the positive side, the cost of an online degree is often lower. Distance learners rarely have to pay for student housing or relocate or travel for school. Plus, some schools extend in-state tuition rates to all online students, regardless of where they live. Online degrees also typically offer more flexibility through asynchronous classes.

However, some learners benefit from the more rigid structure of a classroom environment, so evaluate your self-sufficiency before committing to an online degree. Additionally, distance learning programs may not give you opportunities for networking to the same degree as in-person programs.

Whichever option you choose, confirm that any potential online program holds institutional accreditation from an agency with Council for Higher Education Accreditation or Department of Education approval. Accreditation ensures your school meets standards of academic excellence.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Master’s in Web Development Programs