The field of Web Development is quite lucrative – it has been estimated by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics that the employment opportunities in this field are likely to increase by 13% between 2018 and 2028. Since there is a high demand for web development and design services across the business world, almost every industry has ample job opportunities for web development professionals.
If you are interested in joining this line of work, then read this article thoroughly. It will provide useful information about Web Development and Design Degrees being offered in the U.S.
What Is Web Development and Design?
The process of building and maintaining websites is called Web Development. It includes web network security configuration, web content development, web programming, web publishing, web design, and database management.
What Can You Do with a Degree in Web Development and Design?
After completing a Web Development and Design degree, you can work as a Web Developer, Web Designer, Front End Developer, UX Designer, UX Researcher, Web Content Manager, and SEO specialist.
Keep reading this article to learn about the job and growth prospects for some of these positions. The employment figures mentioned below have been taken from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics for 2019.
Web Developers
These professionals create and design websites. They are involved in writing codes for websites, monitoring website traffic, and testing and creating applications for websites. Web Developers work in advertising, management consulting, publishing, and the computer systems design industry.
| Annual Median Salary, 2019 | $73,760 | |
| Job Outlook, 2018-2028 | 13% | |
| Annual Mean Salary, 2019 | $82,370 | |
| State with the Highest Employment Level, 2019 | California | 20,920 |
| State with the Highest Salary, 2019 | Washington | $134,310 |
Software Developers
These professionals create systems or applications that run on a computer or other devices. They usually work for software publishers or companies that provide computer system design services.
| Annual Median Salary, 2019 | $107,510 | |
| Job Outlook, 2018-2028 | 26% | |
| Annual Mean Salary, 2019 | $111,620 | |
| State with the Highest Employment Level, 2019 | California | 249,620 |
| State with the Highest Salary, 2019 | Connecticut | $134,370 |
Computer Programmers
These professionals test and write code that allows software programs and computer applications to run properly.
| Annual Median Salary, 2019 | $86,550 | |
| Job Outlook, 2018-2028 | -7% | |
| Annual Mean Salary, 2019 | $92,610 | |
| State with the Highest Employment Level, 2019 | California | 24,400 |
| State with the Highest Salary, 2019 | Washington | $164,610 |
What to Expect from a Degree in Web Development and Design?
The Associate degree program in Web Design & Development requires completion of around 60 credit hours. Students enrolled in this program get a chance to study interesting topics such as Web Page Development, Introduction to Python, Website Design, Internet and Web Architecture, and Networking Fundamentals.
The Bachelor’s program in Web Design & Development requires completion of approximately 120 credit hours. In order to graduate from this program, students have to study a range of modules such as Web Media, Server-Side Scripting, Retail Internet Business, Regional Database Design, and Introduction to Operating Systems.
The Master of Arts (M.A) in Web and Multimedia Design (WMM) prepares students for a range of professional careers by introducing them to challenging project-based courses. The program’s curriculum incorporates a range of modules such as Web and Applications Technology, Interactive Design, Interface Design Principles, Web Programming, and Mobile Application Development. Students have to complete around 33 credits to obtain this degree.
How to Choose a Web Development and Design Degree?
Some of the factors that you should consider while choosing a Web Development and Design degree include program structure, accreditation status, cost of the degree, financial assistance, the reputation of the faculty, and distance learning opportunities.
Web Development and Design Degree Admission Requirements
In order to get admitted to a Web Development and Design program, you will be required to submit a number of documents to the admissions office. You can check each program’s website to familiarize yourself with the admission criteria.
Generally, most schools require candidates to send their application forms along with a statement of purpose, letters of recommendation, and school/college/university transcripts. International applicants are also expected to take an English language proficiency test before applying to the program.