Want to build or manage websites for a career? If so, you may be interested in earning an online web development degree. Web development degrees introduce you to the ecommerce trends and consumer spending habits that drive online business. As part of your program, you'll also learn how to create engaging visual and written content and how to manage online operations in a number of organizational settings.According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), positions for web development specialists are projected to increase almost 27% by 2024. This rapid growth reflects the growing popularity of e-commerce and the increasing accessibility of the internet. Workers in the field earn an average annual salary of $64,000.Earning your web development degree online allows you to study at nights or on weekends, so you can go to school without disrupting your current responsibilities and obligations. If you have strong writing and communication skills and a passion for curating the way people view and interact with web content, online web development programs are a great way to begin your career in this burgeoning industry. Read on to learn more about the types of careers available in the field, and the academic path you can take to get there.
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Design Director
LinkedInOnline Web Development Degree Overview
| Degree Level | Average Cost | Loan Default Rate | Time Commitment | Early Career Pay | Mid-Career Pay | Unemployment Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Associate | $14,258 | 17.54% | 1+ years | $42,000 | $77,990 | 8.3% |
| Bachelor's | $20,581 | 17.64% | 4 years | $61,250 | $99,250 | 4.3% |
| Master's | $17,961 | 8.38% | 2+ years | $85,750 | $118,500 | 2.9% |
Perhaps the most important factor in landing a job in web development is experience, and with that, an impressive portfolio. While it is possible find work with only an associate degree, bachelor's degrees in web development provide a framework where you can get the skills you need without scouring the internet for resources or working dubious freelance jobs. In an industry dominated by the self-taught, a bachelor's in web development can help you stand out from the crowd in an increasingly competitive industry. Furthermore, many online web development programs connect their students directly with companies through internships and work training.
Online Web Development Degrees
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Online Web Development Choose Your Career
| Career | Median Salary | Projected Growth | 2014 Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Web Developer | $64,970 | 27% | 148500 |
| Computer Support Specialist | $51,470 | 12% | 766900 |
| Software Developer | $100,960 | 17% | 1114000 |
| Information Security Analyst | $90,120 | 18% | 82900 |
| Computer Programmer | $79,520 | -8% | 328600 |
Online Web Development Degree in Action
Meet Our Expert: Juan Pablo Madrid
Design DirectorJuan Pablo is the Design Director for Online Optimism, a full service digital agency in New Orleans. Born in Guatemala, he moved to Louisiana to pursue a marketing degree at the University of New Orleans.
LinkedInOnline Web Development Professional Requirements
Adobe Certified Expert (ACE)
The Adobe Certified Expert (ACE) exam consists of several different tests on various Adobe products. The scenarios that would lead you to take an ACE exam may vary. If you are applying for a web development position, certain employers may require a specific Adobe certification. Freelancers and those looking for independent products can set themselves apart by being an ACE. No degree is needed to take the exam and study materials can be found online for free, primarily on the Adobe website. Certification does expire and there is a fee to get yourself reaccredited. The ACE is not required, unless you plan on teaching Adobe software and systems to other, in which case it is highly recommended.
MTA & MCSD: Microsoft Developer Certifications
Both the Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA) and the Microsoft Certified Solutions Developer (MCSD) exams are proof of expertise and are not explicitly required of those looking to find work in web development. The MTA is a good certificate to obtain at the start of your career because it covers fundamental topics and shows you are qualified for an entry-level position. It is divided into three exams — IT Infrastructure, Database, and Developer — based on what you want to specialize in or which job you want to pursue. The MCSD is also divided into topic-based exams, including Windows Store Apps, Azure Solutions Architect, and Universal Windows Platform. Like the topics suggest, the MCSD exam is more specialized, designed for those who are perhaps at the middle of their career and want to gain an advantage when applying for higher-paying but more demanding jobs. It should be noted, however, that you do not need to have an MTA certificate in order to take the MCSD. Neither credential expires. Certain employers may require the certification of their candidates. MTA exams take 50 minutes and MCSD exams take 150 minutes.
W3 Web Certifications: HTML, CSS, Javascript
Consisting of 70 multiple-choice and true/false questions, the W3 Web Certification exams test an individual's knowledge on the specified programming language. You can take each exam twice and the higher score will be the one used to denote your level of achievement. No degree requirement is necessary, though getting a bachelor's in web development online is useful preparation, and many people use these certifications as a way to show their expertise in HTML, CSS, or Javascript. Test preparation materials can be found on the W3 website itself. It should be noted that because W3 is a private accreditation program, those interested in taking the exams should research whether or not their current/prospective company or employer sees merit in this accreditation. Certification may prove your knowledge and expertise of the various platforms to potential employers.