Pursuing a Web Design Degree Online
September 2nd, 2008
If you are interested in a career that has a high rate of job growth regardless of the economy, take a look at web designing. A creative person can do well in this area and make an above average salary. If you are not interested in earning a degree, there are certification programs for you to learn the necessary skills in a shorter period of time.
Programs a Web Design Online Degree
Diploma : Information Systems, Web Development
Undergraduate Certificate : Information Systems, Web Development
Certificate : Web Design
Associates : Web Design and Interactive Media
Bachelor : Web Design and Interactive Media, Information Systems with an Emphasis in Web Development, Web Design and Multimedia, Fine Arts with a concentration in digital design, Animation and Media Arts
Careers in Web Design
You can choose from several different occupations when you hold a degree in web design. They include:
- Web designer
- Video game designer
- Web design and development
- Software developer
- Animators
- Video game console makers
- Multimedia artist
- Production artist
Salaries for a Web Design Degree Online
Salaries vary based on your degree, experience and title. Some median salaries and titles include: multimedia artist ($44,000), productions artist ($39,000), web designer ($45,000), software developer/designer ($49,000), video game console designer ($50,000), web design and development ($46,000), web designer ($45,000) and multimedia artist ($58,000).
Pros and Cons of Getting a Web Design Degree Online
The salaries with visual communication degrees are varied. Much of the variation is due to degree and level of experience. Median salaries for various careers include: Graphic Designers make between $30,000 and $35,000, Freelance Designers make about $60,000, Web Designers take in around $45,000 and Design Directors average about $98,000 a year.
Pros and Cons of a Visual Communications degree online
Professional development :
Most people who complete an online degree get promotions and higher pay. You can improve your skills without leaving your job.
Convenient :
There are fewer expenses due to not having to travel which means no gas money and no money for parking fees. Also, there are no weather issues like snow and traffic congestion difficulties.
Acceptance of online degrees : Most employers make no distinction between having an online degree and a traditional degree.
Flexibility :
You can work on your degree anytime, anywhere as long as you have an internet connection. This method of getting a degree is great for you if you are self motivated and will work daily so that you will not get behind.
Other advantages
include being able to read lectures and go to websites anytime, few tests and having professionals in your line of work teach and mentor you.
Professionals: Mentors in your field from different parts of the world
Cons of Getting a Web Design Degree Online
Cost : Online education is often a higher out of pocket expense than traditional education.
Loneliness : There are no students that you can eat with, talk to or go out with in person
Lack of services : There is little financial aid or career guidance information
Lack of interaction : There is no face-to-face interaction so you will do poorly if you learn best with in-person interaction.
Lack of external motivation : You cannot succeed in online education if you must work when you feel like it or need to be around other students for motivation or to help you understand your course work
Lack of recognition by some employers : Some companies that pay higher salaries may not hire workers with an online degree.
- Kaplan University
- International Academy of Design and Technology
- Art Institutes
- Strayer University
