If you’re computer savvy and looking to gain an income using your technical skills, a degree in web design may be perfect for you. No matter what the industry, all businesses seem to have corresponding web pages today. It’s essential for people to be able to find out more information online. As more and more websites require mobile touch screen accessibility, web designers must also be able to code sites that are compatible with mobile devices. Businesses need the creativity and technical skills from web designers now more than ever.
What kind of Web Design degree should you get?
Though most web design degrees will provide a solid foundation in programming and design basics, those on our list vary in emphasis and application. For example, a degree could combine both web design and communication. Another could give its students an informations education that incorporates web design.
Though the programs vary, just be sure the school’s curriculum reflects your interests and passions. Online education is not only a flexible way to advance your education and career, but it’s affordable too. If you’re not sure that a master’s degree in web design is right for you, but like the idea of online education, College Choice has also ranked the overall Most Affordable Online Colleges.
How much money do people make with a Master’s in Web Design?
According to Payscale, web designers make, on average, nearly $50,000 a year. Not a bad salary for a job that allows you the flexibility to work from anywhere and the ability to create your own schedule. Plus, the more experience and technical skills you have, the better.
You can make up to nearly $80,000 as a web designer. Plus it’s projected that demand for web developers and designers will rise another 15 percent in the next few years. This job requires the frequent updating of design skills, so you’ll be continuously learning. The more you know, the more design jobs you’ll score!
What can you do with a Master’s in Web Design?
Earning a master’s degree in web design will open up many creative doors for graduates. With this degree, you’ll be qualified for careers as a UX/UI designer, multimedia specialist, gaming developer, web content manager, and more! You can work in television and film, or you can even freelance and work for yourself! The options are endless.
Interested in bringing life to people’s creative visions? Luckily, College Choice is here to help! We’ve ranked the Most Affordable Online Master’s degrees in Web Design to take the stress out of your search for the perfect school. Read on to find the program that’s best for you.
2018 Ranking
See our rankings methodology page.
1
Fort Hays State University
Average Net Price: $11,993
School Website
Overview
Founded in 1902 and home to mascot Fort Hays State Tiger, Fort Hays State is a public university that is located in Hays, Kansas. With an enrollment of over 15,000 students, the university boasts the lowest tuition rates in the Kansas Board of Regents system. FHSU now offers a flexible online Master of Professional Studies degree in Web Development.
Program Features
All courses in this web development program are offered through FHSU’s top-ranked Virtual College. All students must complete 30 credit hours, including a Capstone in Informatics. Required courses may include:
- Web Scripting Languages
- Interactive Systems Design
- Intensive Web Development
- Introduction to Web-Enabled Databases
- Foundations of Information Systems Security
This comprehensive program is both flexible and affordable, perfect for working professionals looking to earn an advanced degree.
Notables
U.S. News and World Report has ranked Fort Hays State University among the nation’s best for Grad Education in 2018. FHSU was also ranked among the top online colleges and top military-friendly colleges as well. Graduate students can expect to spend around $280 per credit hour at FHSU. Scholarships and financial aid packages are also available for qualifying students.
2
University of Florida
Average Net Price: $14,761
School Website
Overview
Located in Gainesville, Florida, the University of Florida is a flagship university with a huge array of degree programs and over 50,000 undergraduate and graduate students. UF also has strong research credentials, with more than 150 research facilities, institutes, and centers, to which both traditional and online students have access to. Now, students can earn an online Master of Arts in Mass Communication with a specialization in Web Design.
Program Features
This unique program includes 34 hours of coursework plus three final credits in the capstone course. Core concepts of this program include code, design, and strategic communication. Required courses may include:
- Web Design Principles
- Digital Imagery in Web Design
- Digital Media Layout and Design
- Web Interactivity and Engagement
- Corporate and Brand Identity on the Web
- Research Methods in Digital Communications
Full-time students typically complete this curriculum in 18 months. All classes are live and meet during specific times during the week. The total cost of this program is just over $22,000.
Notables
The University of Florida is ranked among the best fifty universities in the country by ARWU, U.S. News & World Report, Forbes, and Washington Monthly. Likewise, many of UF’s individual academic departments are ranked among some of the best nationwide, including its programs in aerospace, health sciences, chemistry, agricultural science, pharmacology and toxicology, environmental/ecology, and biology.
3
Harvard University
Average Net Price: $16,205
School Website
Overview
Perhaps the most well-known university in the world, Harvard is the United States’ oldest institution of higher learning. This prestigious Ivy League boasts many honors, including 47 Nobel Laureates, 32 heads of state, and 48 Pulitzer Prize winners. For those looking for a challenging, yet rewarding, web design program, look no further than Harvard’s Master of Liberal Arts in Digital Media Design.
Program Features
Offered through the Harvard Extension School, this graduate program includes 12 courses, with at least one taken on campus. Required courses may include:
- Video Field Production
- Exploring Digital Media
- Principles of Game Design
- Exposing Digital Photography
- Introduction to 3D Art and Animation
- Introduction to Visual Communication Design
All students are also required to complete a capstone project, producing an innovative digital media prototype in web design or video production. Graduate students in this program have five years to complete degree requirements. The total cost of this program is approximately $32,000.
Notables
It’s no surprise that Harvard is consistently ranked among the world’s best universities. In fact, U.S. News and World Report ranked Harvard #1 on its list of Best Global Universities. The university was ranked #2 amongst National Universities and #2 for Best Value Schools.
4
University of Phoenix
Average Net Price: $18,062
School Website
Overview
The University of Phoenix prides itself on cost effective, quick, and flexible degrees. Many courses are only five or six weeks long, meaning you can squeeze classes into a busy schedule. The school emphasizes the ease of transferring credits from other accredited colleges.
Program Features
At University of Phoenix you can earn a BS in Information Technology with Advanced Software Developer Certificate. You’ll learn:
- Java
- C++
- .NET languages
- System Design
Notables
University of Phoenix is an affordable online option for busy students. The university has a Tuition Guarantee, meaning you lock in one tuition rate at the start of your enrollment. The 2018 rate is only $398 per credit.
5
Illinois Institute of Technology
Average Net Price: $25,847
School Website
Overview
Founded in 1940, the Illinois Institute of Technology is home to eight schools and colleges, six of which offer undergrad programs. The Institute offers both traditional and professional master’s programs, as well as doctoral programs, certificate specializations, and dual-degree options. Interested in web design? Check out Illinois Tech’s innovative Web Design and Application Development program.
Program Features
Offered through the Institute’s School of Applied Technology, the Master of Information Technology and Management offers several concentration areas. For those who pursue Web Design and Application Development, required courses may include:
- Research and Usability Testing
- Intelligent Device Applications
- Web Application Development
- Rich Internet Applications
- Web Systems Integration
- Business Innovation
Graduates in this program must complete just 21 credit hours to earn their degree. Online courses are asynchronous, meaning they are available for review on-demand, 24/7. This provides great flexibility for working professionals to earn their degree.
Notables
For a smaller school, IIT has plenty to boast. In fact, notable faculty includes three Nobel laureates. U.S. News and World Report has also ranked IIT among the Best Value Schools and Top National Universities. The school has also been recognized for its computer science programs.