Most Affordable Online Master’s in Web Design Degrees

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.