Online Web Programming Degree Program Information

While online Web programming degrees are rare, interested individuals can find the training and knowledge needed to enter the field through an online bachelor's degree program in Web design and development. This program provides both creative and technical instruction in the advanced studies of Web administration, programming and database management.

Overview of an Online Bachelor's Degree in Web Design and Development

This online program focuses on the two main elements of creating and building a website. Web design incorporates basic theories of Web text, layout, colors, audio, graphics, video and interactivity design while Web development is the technical process of implementing the design. This includes the programming of complex Internet applications, coding pages, social network services and writing markup. Students develop skills that enable them to plan, develop and implement dynamic and useful websites that contain functioning structure, behavior and style.

Program Information and Requirements

Depending on the program, an online bachelor's degree in Web design and development requires approximately 120-180 credit hours that can be completed entirely online. Required coursework combines general education courses with core classes within the major. Most of the online Web design and development programs include a final project that is completed within the final stages of the program. The final project requires students to utilize all of their learned Web development skills to define and create a multi-faceted website. Students are expected to plan the design and functionality of their site and then begin the production phase where they will create the entire site from start to finish.
In addition to high-speed Internet and e-mail access, students need to have a variety of design applications in order to complete assignments. Typical software requirements include Adobe Dreamweaver, Macromedia Flash Player and Macromedia Fireworks. Courses are typically conducted through school-specific online portals, such as Courseware. Class discussions and group communication is usually conducted through e-mail and online discussion boards.

Common Online Coursework for an Online Bachelor's Degree in Web Design and Development

Common online coursework encompasses a variety of topics, providing students with an in-depth knowledge of both the technical and design aspects of Web design and website development. Courses that address ethical issues, problem solving and website maintenance are also incorporated. Courses include:

Programming Concepts Course

Students are introduced to the program development process. Emphasis is placed on algorithm development and problem solving. Students become familiar with programming structures common to all languages, including basic data types, variables, control structures and looping.

Programming for the Internet Course

Lessons focus on the basics of Web creation and usage. Students learn about different browsers, Internet terminology and Internet usage.

Web Design Course

Students learn how to create websites using Electrical Course cascading style sheets (CSS), hypertext markup language (HTML) and Extensible HTML (XHTML). Through the use of popular development and design tools, students learn to create links, insert images and use tables with Web pages.

Backend Development and Frameworks Course

This online course provides an overview of how to further the interaction between client and server communication. Students study procedures related to the implementation of database structures, framework deployments and server side language.

Career and Licensure Information

Graduates from on online program in Web design and development are prepared for a number of careers, including Web programmer, Web designer, content developer and webmasters or Web administrators. Due to ongoing technology changes and advancement, professionals in this field are typically required to participate in continuing education and training to become familiar with new software and Web programming techniques. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (www.bls.gov), job prospects should be excellent because employment opportunities have been projected to grow by 30% during 2008-2018. As reported in September 2010 by Payscale.com, the salary for a Web programmer ranged from $38,968-$59,077.