Earning An Online Bachelor’s Degree In Web Development – Forbes Advisor

Are you passionate about technology and design, and do you aspire to become a creator? If you’re ready to transition from browsing websites to building them, a bachelor’s degree in web development can open the door to a fulfilling and creative career.

Obtaining a degree in web development offers several advantages. The field has a lower barrier to entry, and web development experience helps build marketable skills that can lead to a lucrative career. And online web development programs provide cost savings and more flexible learning schedules compared to in-person programs.

If you’re intrigued, keep reading to learn about what a bachelor’s degree in web development involves and the benefits of earning this degree online.

What Is an Online Bachelor’s Degree in Web Development?

Whether pursued online or in person, a bachelor’s degree in web development teaches you the skills to create and maintain interactive websites. Students learn to build websites through foundational programming languages like CSS, HTML and JavaScript before moving on to more advanced languages such as PHP, Python and Ruby. The degree also covers web server administration, web security and database management.

An online bachelor’s degree in web development requires around 120 to 127 credits, with most students completing their degrees within four years. Some online degree programs may offer accelerated coursework and flexible transfer policies, allowing students to complete their degrees faster.

The primary difference between an online bachelor’s degree program and a traditional in-person program is the delivery format. In-person programs require students to attend classes at specific times and locations. Online programs typically offer greater flexibility. While distance learners are expected to complete their coursework by an assigned deadline, many programs allow them to choose when and where to complete their coursework.

Occasionally, online courses may include synchronous learning sessions, where students attend class at a set time.

Admission Requirements for a Bachelor’s in Web Development

Admission requirements for an online bachelor’s degree in web development vary by school. However, the following are typically required:

• A high school diploma or GED certificate
• A minimum GPA average
• Official transcripts from previous education
• A completed application form
• College entrance test scores
• Letters of recommendation from former teachers or academic counselors

While helpful, prior experience in coding and computer science isn’t a requirement for applying.

Concentrations Within Web Development

Front-End Development

The web elements we see, click on and interact with exist thanks to front-end developers. Front-end development focuses on the user’s interaction with a website, with the goal of making it as intuitive and friction-free as possible.

Front-end developers ensure that a site’s appearance and functionality stay consistent across browsers and between desktop and mobile platforms. They use their knowledge of HTML, CSS and JavaScript to design and build a seamless user interface.

Back-End Development

While front-end developers handle the outward-facing aspects of a website, back-end developers manage all the processes users don’t see. Their behind-the-scenes responsibilities include everything from a site’s underlying architecture and functionality to data analysis, storage and security. Coding languages like Java, Python and Ruby are part of a back-end developer’s day-to-day portfolio.

Full-Stack Development

Full-stack development refers to end-to-end web application development. Full-stack developers handle both the front and back ends of a website, making this a jack-of-all-trades concentration that encompasses user experience (UX) design, database management, project management, client communication and other web development tasks.

Common Courses in a Web Development Bachelor’s

Image Editing and Manipulation

Image editing improves the quality of an image by adjusting contrast, color values and other parameters. Image manipulation involves modifying the image itself, such as adding or erasing elements within the image.

Students learn these two distinct skills through hands-on experience with Adobe Photoshop and working with image files for print, digital and other media.

Information Design and Usability

This class teaches design and programming solutions for optimizing the user experience on websites and apps. Those solutions might include interactive features, graphics or particular approaches to organizing information.

Usability in Website and Software Design

Usability refers to the extent to which a person can easily use software or a website to accomplish a specific goal. This course explains the underlying concept of usability and the metrics used to evaluate usability. Attention is also given to the crucial role user experience (UX) plays in this context.

Website Design and Web Technologies

This class provides hands-on exposure to specific web design tools and techniques. By building a site for a real or fictitious business, students learn up-to-date standards and protocols for a variety of web-based technologies.

Writing for the Web

This course teaches students how to write effective and functional web content for websites. Students identify a target audience for a website and develop the best messaging and content to influence the audience. Next, they create a SWOT analysis to evaluate the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats associated with the website. Then, they formulate a mission statement and create a sitemap and web content before publishing the website.

Careers for a Bachelor’s in Web Development

The following salary data comes from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

Computer Programmer

Median Annual Salary: $97,800
Projected Job Growth (2021-2031): The BLS projects a 10% decline from 2021 to 2031.
Job Description: Computer programmers write the code that makes software run properly. They must be proficient in several programming languages, such as Python and C++.

Digital Designer

Median Annual Salary: $83,240
Projected Job Growth (2021-2031): The BLS projects a 23% growth between 2021 and 2031, substantially higher than the average for all U.S. occupations.
Job Description: Digital designers create the visual elements—such as graphics, banner ads and webpage layouts—of internet content for browsers, mobile phones and other digital platforms.

Graphic Designer

Median Annual Salary: $57,990
Projected Job Growth (2021-2031): The BLS projects 3% growth between 2021 and 2031, slower than the average for all occupations.
Job Description: Graphic designers create the layout and design for editorial and advertising content across print media, from books, magazines and reports to posters and billboards. Learn more with our guide on how to become a graphic designer.

Web Developer

Median Annual Salary: $78,580
Projected Job Growth (2021-2031): The BLS projects 23% growth from 2021 to 2031—faster than the average for all occupations.
Job Description: Web developers build and maintain websites, handling everything from site performance (for example, loading and refresh speeds) to user interface, functionality and navigation. To learn more, see our guide on how to become a web developer.

Should You Earn Your Bachelor’s Degree in Web Development Online?

The growing popularity of distance learning in recent years has made online education more accessible and accepted. But before committing to an online bachelor’s degree in web development, there are a few factors to consider.

Accreditation

The first and most important factor to consider is accreditation. Online schools and degree programs are held to the same rigorous accreditation standards as traditional in-person institutions. Always verify the accreditation status of any school or program you are considering by visiting the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) website and searching their Directory of Accredited Institutions and Programs.

Budget

Affordability is another important consideration when choosing a program. Opting for an online degree is likely more cost-effective compared to in-person learning. Cost savings can stem from lower tuition, eliminating the need for room and board and the reduction in commuting to and from campus.

Learning Style

In addition to objective factors, there are also subjective criteria to think about. Understanding your learning style is essential. Distance learning may not align with your preferences if you thrive in a classroom environment where intellectual discussions and collaboration occur. Think about your scheduling preferences and whether you prefer the greater flexibility online learning affords or more structure in your weekly routine.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Bachelor’s Degrees in Web Development