The 10 Best Online Web Design Associate Degree Programs of 2021
Web designers play a key role in creating beautiful and user-friendly websites. If you are a tech-savvy artist and you want to join the ranks of web designers, you should consider getting one of the best online Associate Degrees in Web Design.
Getting an online web design associate degree isn’t the only way to become a web designer. However, attending an online college for an Associate Degree in Web Design will give you a good general education to start. Students learn the fundamentals of web design, including programming, ecommerce, UX design, and front end development.
At a Glance: The Top 10 Web Design Associate Degrees of 2021
If you want to become an online associate in web design, make sure you choose from one of the best programs. In the table below we’ve rounded up the best web design associate degrees in the United States. You can compare the schools and tuition costs at a glance.
The information in the table below was obtained directly from the website of each school.
School and Degree | Tuition | Notes |
---|---|---|
Bismarck State College Associate of Applied Science in Web Page Development and Design |
$166.97 per credit $250.45 per credit |
In-state Out-of-state |
Cerro Coso Community College Associate of Science in Web Professional |
$46 per credit $329 per credit |
In-state Out-of-state |
Champlain College Associate Degree in Web Design and Development |
$42,564 per year | All Students |
Georgia Northwestern Technical College Associate of Applied Science in Web Site Design/Development |
$100 per credit $200 per credit |
In-state Out-of-state |
Illinois Central College Associate of Applied Science in Web Systems |
$155 per credit $390 per credit |
In-state Out-of-state |
Lewis-Clark State College Associate of Applied Science in Web Design and Development |
$6,982 per year $20,238 per year |
In-state Out-of-state |
Mohave Community College Associate of Applied Science in Computer Graphics and Web Design |
$76 per credit $304 per credit |
In-state Out-of-state |
Northcentral Technical College Associate Degree in Web Design |
$138.90 per credit $208.35 per credit |
In-state Out-of-state |
North Dakota State College of Science Associate of Applied Science in Information and Communications Technology, Web Developer |
$142.76 per credit | All students |
Southeastern Technical College Associate of Applied Science in Web Design/Development |
$7,629 total | All Students |
Why You Should Pursue a Web Design Associate Degree Online
You should pursue a web design associate degree online because it allows you to earn your degree remotely without having to change your other commitments. The cost of attendance for an online associate degree is also typically lower than for an in-person degree program.
An online Associate Degree in Web Design takes two years or less to complete full-time. It covers all the fundamentals of web design and prepares college students for rewarding careers right after graduation. Alternatively, you can choose to advance to a bachelor’s degree and transfer your credits without starting from freshman year.
- Online associate degrees are more affordable.
- They offer unparalleled flexibility because you can study anywhere.
- You can choose to advance to a bachelor’s degree whenever you like, as long as your school offers transfer credits.
What Are the Requirements for an Online Web Design Associate Degree?
You will need a high school diploma or a GED to apply for an online web design associate degree. Typically, community colleges award these associate degrees. Most community colleges offer open admission, which means everyone who applies is accepted as long as they have evidence of high school education or the equivalent.
While it’s not a mandatory requirement, understanding the popular programming languages and having general knowledge of coding will make things easier for you when you enroll.
Top 10 Online Web Design Associate Degrees: 2021 List
Enrolling in one of the best online web design associate degrees will set you up for your future. Make sure you do your research before applying. Below you’ll find more detailed information on the top online Associate Degrees in Web Design.
Bismarck State College | Associate of Applied Science in Web Page Development and Design
This community college offers two-year degree and certificate programs in web design and a host of other disciplines. It also offers 20 bachelor’s degree programs. The school is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, and it has been one of the largest higher institutions in North Dakota since 1939.
This degree program takes place fully online. It covers programming languages, electronic publishing, ecommerce, and more. Students must present SAT scores or an equivalent to qualify for admissions. Mandatory internships are part of the program, and you should be able to complete the required 60 credits in two years.
Cerro Coso Community College | Associate of Science in Web Professional
This is a two-year community college that was founded in 1973. The school has maintained an open enrollment policy, so every student with the desire to learn can apply without SAT or GPA requirements. The school is accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.
During the program, you will learn everything there is to know about database administration, ecommerce, UX design, front end development, and every form of digital production.
Champlain College | Associate Degree in Web Design and Development
Champlain College has been around since 1878. It offers more than 60 online degree programs, including an Associate of Science in Web Design and Development. The school is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.
If you want a combination of web design and development, this degree might be right for you. Around 39 credits are professional courses related to design and development, while the rest come from other faculties. You’re going to learn how to use Python, JavaScript, HTML, and server-side programming languages and frameworks.
Georgia Northwestern Technical College | Associate of Applied Science in Web Site Design/Development
This school was founded in 1962, and it has been one of the best technical colleges in the state since then. The school is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
The Associate of Applied Science in Web Site Design and Development prepares you for an entry-level job. Apart from the regular web design courses, you will also learn the core principles of information security. Toward the end of the program, you can either opt for a capstone project or showcase your talent during an internship.
Illinois Central College | Associate of Applied Science in Web Systems
This college was founded in 1967, and it awards degrees for technical and non-technical disciplines. It is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges & Schools, so it offers transferable credits.
Illinois Central College has a rich web design program that prepares students for life in the tech world after graduation. Most of the classes are geared toward teaching students how to design user-friendly commercial websites from the ground up. Students learn the fundamentals of both front end and backend web development.
Lewis-Clark State College | Associate of Applied Science in Web Design and Development
This university has been offering full-time and part-time programs since it was founded in Idaho in 1893. It offers bachelor’s degrees as well as associate degrees. The school is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
The Associate Degree in Web Design and Development is as extensive as it gets as far as technical education is concerned. You only need to take courses in UX/UI design, programming, ecommerce, IT, and full stack development. As well as studying, you can build your portfolio by attending the mandatory internship.
Mohave Community College | Associate of Applied Science in Computer Graphics and Web Design
This community college was only founded in 1970 and has built a strong reputation in Arizona. It has campuses in different parts of the state and is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Students enrolled in the web design and computer graphics program may opt for a hybrid or fully online classes. The program covers game development and design, programming languages, web design, digital marketing, and more. It combines studying with an internship that allows you to gain on-the-ground experience.
Northcentral Technical College | Associate of Science Degree in Web Design
This community college is another great option for students interested in a well-rounded associate degree. The school is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission to offer more than 190 programs, including web design.
The Associate Degree in Web Design isn’t just about using a single programming language. It teaches students how to use integrated technologies in their designs. It also covers digital marketing, website development, content development, and more.
North Dakota State College of Science | Associate of Applied Science in Information and Communications Technology, Web Developer
This community college has been around since 1903 and is a recognized member of the North Dakota University System. It hands out two-year associate degrees to students in different departments. The school is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
You will become job-ready right after completing the Associate of Applied Science in Information and Communications Technology program with a concentration in web development. The subjects covered include programming and web authority software. It also comes with a fantastic internship program that allows you to get on-the-job training.
Southeastern Technical College | Associate of Applied Science in Web Design/Development
This community college is new compared to the others on this list. While the original school, Southeastern Technical Institute, can be traced to 1963, Southeastern Technical College was merged and renamed in 2009. It is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
The Associate of Applied Science in Web Design/Development can be obtained online without a single in-person class. Courses include computer networking, programming languages, game design, and development. Note that students can take the program at an accelerated pace, completing it in one year instead of two.
Choosing the Right Online Web Design Associate Degree Program
It’s important to choose the best online web design associate degree for you to get the most out of it professionally. Your education is going to play a significant role in future career development goals. Having a solid foundation from the beginning will make things easier for you in the long run. The only way to get a solid foundation is to attend the right school.
Below are some of the common factors you should consider when choosing an Associate Degree in Web Design.
Curriculum
A web design curriculum should have basic introductory courses to web design, including programming languages like HTML and CSS scripting. You should also look for courses in popular areas such as marketing, ecommerce, UX design, and front end development.
Accreditation
Not every program for web design you find online is accredited. If you attend a school that isn’t accredited, you might get the knowledge you need, but you will be unable to upgrade to a bachelor’s program without starting from scratch. Employers mostly look for accredited degrees. The 10 schools listed above are all accredited.
Tuition and Financial Aid
Online associate degrees are indeed more affordable than traditional schools, but you still need to find out the tuition cost and financial aid options available. Tuition costs can vary widely between schools. Access to financial aid will reduce the upfront cost of the degree.
What Can You Do With an Online Web Design Associate Degree?
With an online web design associate degree, you can work as a web designer for a multimedia company or work as an independent web designer. You may also secure a career as a graphic designer, animator, or any other job that requires a combination of arts and technology.
Animator
Average Salary: $56,359
Animators are also artists who design images and frames that give viewers the illusion of movement. You can create animations for games, advertisements, cartoons, and more. The entry route to becoming an animator is usually an associate or bachelor’s degree.
Web Designer
Average Salary: $51,424
As a web designer, your primary focus will be on creating the user-focused parts of websites, ensuring that they are easy to navigate. An associate degree is a great way to open up entry-level web design jobs or advance to higher learning such as a bachelor’s degree.
Graphic Designer
Average Salary: $46,369
Graphic designers create visual concepts for print and digital assets. This includes everything from digital marketing to magazines to websites. To work as a graphic designer, you usually need some formal education, and an associate degree is usually the minimum requirement for entry-level jobs.
How Much Can I Expect to Earn With an Online Web Design Associate Degree?
After earning an online associate degree in web design, you should expect to earn an average of $46,466, according to ZipRecruiter. This is the entry-level salary for roles in the web design field. This translates to an hourly pay of $22 per hour. ZipRecruiter also reports that salaries could range from as high as $99,500 to as low as $22,500.
Self-employed web designers and those with managerial positions in the corporate world are among the highest earners. Your salary depends on your location and level of experience. According to ZipRecruiter, the top three highest-paying locations are Sunnyvale, CA, Santa Cruz, CA, and Santa Rosa, CA.
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Is an Online Web Design Associate Degree Worth it in 2021?
An online associate degree in web design is worth it in 2021. The projected job growth for web designers is eight percent by 2029. This means another 14,000 jobs will be available. The field is growing much faster than other fields.
If you are an artist who wants to nurture the digital side of your craft, there are a lot of exciting job prospects for you in the web design industry. It’s also easy for a web designer to dive into other tech roles in the future as the field continues to grow. Try one of the best online associate degrees in web design to start your career.