Online Web Design Vs. Web Development Degrees: What's the Difference?

Although sometimes used synonymously, Web design and Web development are two different disciplines. Web design focuses on how a webpage or website looks and feels to its visitors. Web development, on the other hand, focuses on the coding that makes the page or site work.

The Difference Between Web Design and Web Development Degrees

Web Design

The terms 'Web design' and 'Web development' are often used interchangeably and are sometimes offered in the same degree program. Web design, however, refers to what's known as 'front end' design. Front end design focuses on the aesthetics, or the look and feel, of a website. Web designers are responsible for creating the graphical elements and layout of webpages. This is typically done using image editing programs such as Adobe Photoshop and markup languages such as HTML.
Web designers typically study topics such as digital illustration, multimedia design, webmastering, image editing, Internet programming, animation, portfolio presentation and interface design. Job options for graduates with a degree in Web design include Web designer, Web administrator, production assistant and multimedia designer.

Web Development

Web development refers to what is sometimes called 'back end' construction. Back end construction focuses on the coding and other technical aspects responsible for the functionality of websites. This is done through the use of coding languages such as XML, SGML, JavaScript and HTML. Web developers may also use the same design concepts as Web designers to build websites.
Typical Web development courses cover topics such as database applications, project management, programming, multimedia, computer graphics, Web authoring and e-commerce. Possible jobs include Web developer, programmer, webmaster and Web database administrator.

Online Degree Programs

Since both Web design and Web development are computer-focused fields, degree programs in these areas are readily available through online learning. Students may pursue a distance-learning program leading to a diploma, certificate or associate's, bachelor's or master's degree in either area. Generally, an up-to-date computer and a fast Internet connection are the minimum requirements for online programs in Web design or Web development; however, students may need to download specific software programs, such as Photoshop, to complete some courses.

Salary Information

According to PayScale.com, differences exist in salaries among Web designers and Web developers as well. On average, Web designers earned between $31,008-$51,264 annually in 2010. Web developers, on the other hand, tended to earn more, averaging between $38,626-$62,398 in the same year.