Online Internet and Website Development Certificate Program Overview

Web developers design and implement websites for all types of clients, from large companies to small home businesses. Many Web developers are also hired to maintain and update client websites as Internet technology changes. Several top schools offer online certificate programs for web developers.

Online Website Development Certificate Program Overview

Online website development certificate programs prepare students for entry-level jobs as web developers. Students enrolled in these programs are trained in both digital graphic design and common programming languages for the Internet. Most schools require students to have a high school diploma or GED. Some also ask that students have some familiarity with HTML programming; however professional experience is rarely required. Graduate-level certificate programs often require students to have an associate or bachelor's degree.

Program Details and Information

Although many schools offer both classroom and online certificate programs for prospective Web developers, most online programs do not require students to attend any classroom sessions. Most schools allow students to complete their certificate program at their own pace and courses typically meet once per week for online chats with classmates and their instructors. Students also retrieve assignments and download lectures online.
Students wishing to take this program online will need to run a current operating system and have Java and Flash enabled in their Internet browser to watch and listen to lectures, complete interactive assignments. and interact with both classmates and their instructor.

Course Descriptions and Information

Most online Web development certificate programs train students to work with images and graphics in addition to technical programming and website functionality. Some programs also include training in database design and networking fundamentals.

Website Design and Development Course

Students gain foundational knowledge and insight into the development of visual website content. Topics of discussion include compression, file formats and Web color.

Mutimedia Course

This course instructs students how to use and edit audio, video and images for Web application. Students also learn how to design and implement their own interactive media.

Website Server Administration Course

In this class, students are taught how to plan, install and configure a Web server. They are also taught access management and resource optimization.

E-Commerce Course

Students are taught how to program their sites to conduct business using emerging technologies. Topics include encryption, security and programming online payment capabilities,.

Career Outlook For Graduates

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (www.bls.gov) expected the demand for Web developers to grow over the 2008-2018 decade as companies expand their Internet capabilities. As of 2008, the median annual salary for a Web developer was around $70,000.

Continuing Education Information

Credits earned in a certificate may transfer into an associate or bachelor's degree program. Degree programs can also often be completed online or in the classroom.