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Online degrees in Web design

The Internet has become the world's stage--a venue for sharing ideas, selling goods and connecting with people. Web designers are the set architects of the Internet, producing a compelling visual display using digital media. Online degrees in Web design teach designers the artistic and technical skills that are needed to create effective Web communications.

Web designers create websites for organizations or individuals interested in establishing a presence online. AIGA, the professional association for designers, offers the following definition: "A Web designer determines the look and feel of sites and is responsible for site-navigation design and visual execution." Designers are experts in visual communications, determining how to present information and images in an effective and aesthetically pleasing format.

Online degrees in Web design offer a broad curriculum spanning both artistic and technical skill sets. Sample course titles include the following:

Color theory
Digital imaging
Web animation
Media communication
Design and typography
User-centered information design
Screen design and graphics
Web scripting
Web programming

Web design programs at the bachelor's and graduate level encourage specialization. Areas of specialization include advertising or marketing, multimedia production and human-computer interface or user-centered design.

Online web design degrees

The most important calling card for a Web design career is a high-impact design portfolio. Online degrees in Web design help aspiring creative professionals develop the skills to build a portfolio. The degree also serves as an important credential in the field. Most Web designers have an associate or bachelor's degree in Web design, graphic design or multimedia. The full list of available online Web design degrees includes:

Associate of Science or Applied Science. These two-year degrees are career-focused programs, emphasizing entry-level technical and design skills. The associate degree is available from community colleges, art schools, vocational and technical institutes, and some universities.
Bachelor of Arts or Science. The four-year bachelor's degree is the preferred credential for Web designers. The program offers a more extensive general education and theoretical foundation, as well as applied arts and technical training.
Master of Arts or Science. The two-year graduate degree offers an opportunity for advanced coursework and an independent studio project.
Master of Fine Arts (MFA). The MFA program in Web design focuses on advanced studio practice with faculty mentorship.

College graduates with a degree in another field can gain skills for Web design careers by completing a certificate in Web design. Certificate programs may be completed in a matter of weeks and target specific technical design skills.

Careers in Web design: today and tomorrow

Online degrees in Web design lead to entry-level designer roles. Top employers of Web design graduates, according to AIGA, include the following:

Design studios
Advertising agencies
Publishing houses
Web development firms
In-house corporate design department

Web designers command a solid income for their creative and technical abilities. At the 50th percentile, total annual compensation was $58,500 in 2010, according to the AIGA|Aquent Salary Survey. The employment outlook is also strong, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports.

Although the BLS data points toward moderate growth for graphic designers overall, the Occupational Outlook Handbook calls out Web design as an area of opportunity: "Graphic designers with website design and animation experience will especially be needed as demand increases for design projects for interactive media--websites, mobile phones and other technology." Growth in Internet advertising and marketing is primarily driving demand for trained Web designers.

Web design at a glance:

Top location: California is home to some of the highest Web design salaries in the industry, according to the AIGA|Aquent Salary Survey 2010.
Salaries: Web design salaries range from $45,000 to $70,000 (AIGA, 2010).
Education: A bachelor's degree is the preferred credential for Web designers, but degrees and certificates are available at all levels.

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