Associate Degree in Web Design Program Guide

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Web designers play a critical role in e-commerce and the growing online arena. These designers create visually appealing websites with dynamic user experiences and interfaces. An associate degree in web design and a strong portfolio gets designers in the door heading toward a lucrative and fulfilling career.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects 8% job growth for digital designers and website developers between 2019 and 2029, much faster than the 4% growth rate for all occupations. Demand for website designers continues to increase as e-commerce, online purchasing, and mobile use expand.

Should I Get an Associate in Web Design?

Whether students further their education or enter the workforce, an associate degree in web design provides the skills, experience, and education required to pursue a career in the field.

For technically inclined creatives who enjoy learning and staying current on the latest high-tech trends, an associate degree in web design provides the skills and experience needed to excel in this field. Strong demand for web designers continues as businesses focus on their online presence and opportunities in e-commerce.

Most associate degrees in web design require 60-65 credits and take two years of full-time study to complete. Graduates enter the workforce as web designers and user experience (UX) designers or use the degree as a stepping stone to a bachelor's in a related field.

According to PayScale, web designers earn an average annual salary of $51,190, and individuals with a bachelor's in web design and development earn $62,590 per year. Whether students further their education or enter into the workforce, an associate degree in web design provides the skills, experience, and education required to pursue a career in the field.

Many programs culminate in a capstone project and provide the opportunity to develop a portfolio. Students entering into the workforce find better job prospects with this type of experience and examples of finished work.

Check out the Best Online Associate in Web Design Programs

What Will I Learn in a Web Design Associate Program?

Students pursuing an on-campus or online associate degree in web design learn about the many intricate details that go into creating a website. In addition to graphic design programs, such as Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator, students also delve into basic programming languages, including HTML, CSS, and Javascript.

Students learn how to design a targeted, functional, and easy-to-navigate website using formatted text, graphics, and hyperlinks. Classes also focus on effective communication and problem-solving skills that develop the collaborative approach needed in this profession.

While courses vary by program, most offer similar classes that lead to key competencies. A few of these courses include design fundamentals, graphics and animation for web and mobile, programming concepts, and branding and marketing.

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What Can I Do With an Associate in Web Design?

Graduates with an associate degree in web design work in a variety of industries, including education, hospitality, finance, data processing, and computer design. They may work for gaming sites, online businesses, or news outlets and in both small businesses or large corporations.

Some graduates work specifically in mobile applications, while others specialize in a specific aspect of design. Designers with a knack for business and an independent streak commonly work as freelance consultants. Some students go on to pursue an advanced degree.

Learn about the many career possibilities in our web development careers guide.

Popular Career Paths

Web Designer

A web designer creates engaging and easy-to-use websites. They employ navigational elements, such as menus, buttons, and pages, and determine the layout and design of graphics, photos, and font.

Webmaster

A webmaster may build and maintain a new website or improve an existing site. They also monitor a website's performance, including ranking on search engines, speed, and functionality.

Front-End Developer

A front-end developer focuses on a website's user-facing aspects. These developers optimize a user's experience by design implementation and creating tools that improve the interaction.

UX Designer

A UX designer enhances the user experience, focusing on the journey a user takes as they scroll through a website. They execute usability testing and develop personas to make technology user-friendly while increasing sales and customer retention.

Popular Continued Education Paths

How Much Money Can I Make With an Associate in Web Design?

Annual salaries vary, based on employer, role, experience, and location. PayScale reports that web designers earn an average annual salary of $51,190, with the top 10% earning $75,000. UX designers boast greater potential earnings, with an average annual salary of $75,000 and the top 10% earning $108,000.

Frequently Asked Questions About Associate in Web Design Programs

What is an associate in web design?

Students earning an associate degree in web design learn the basic design principles necessary to create a website. Unlike web developers, who use coding languages to build websites' core structures, designers use graphic design software to create aesthetically pleasing user-friendly websites.

How much does it cost to get an associate in web design?

The cost of an associate degree in web design varies based on residency status and the school. Most programs fall within the range of $5,000-$32,000 in total tuition. Some programs disregard residency for online students. Many schools offer financial aid in the form of scholarships, grants, and loans.

Is an associate in web design worth it?

Yes. An on-campus or online associate degree in web design qualifies graduates for entry-level positions in fields like web design and UX design. Many programs also provide students with the opportunity to build a portfolio, which improves job prospects. Some graduates use this degree as a stepping stone to a bachelor's degree.

What can you do with an associate degree in web design?

An associate degree in web design paves the way to entry-level positions as web designers in small businesses and large corporations. Web designers also work in numerous industries, such as e-commerce, gaming, hospitality, finance, and marketing. Some graduates pursue self-employment and work as freelancers.

What's the difference between an associate in web development and an associate in web design?

A web developer uses programming languages to create a web designer's vision. An associate degree in web design teaches students how to create a user-friendly website with graphic design software like Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator. A student pursuing an associate degree in web development learns to work with coding languages to build a website's core structure.

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