Top 10 Online Associate in Web Design Programs for 2019

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs in web development and design are expected to grow 27% by 2024, making this one of the fastest-growing fields in the country. Earning your web design associate degree online is the first step to entering this exciting and lucrative field. As people and businesses increasingly rely on technology, web designers are on the front-lines of a rapidly changing digital landscape.

WHAT ARE THE BEST ONLINE ASSOCIATE IN WEB DESIGN PROGRAMS?

1

Bismarck State College Bismarck, North Dakota

BSC offers a web page development and design associate degree that can be completed either on-campus or entirely online. This program includes coursework that covers a variety of fundamental web development topics and programs, including HTML5, CSS3, XML, JavaScript, JQuery, and more. Students are also trained in Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and other photo manipulation software. Employment for web developers is expected to grow by at least 20% in the next five years, which well exceeds the national average for job growth.

Applicants must have a high school diploma or a GED and a base level of proficiency in English and mathematics to be considered. They must also have some background in working with computers. While a background specifically in computer science is not required, you may struggle to keep up with coursework without such experience. BSC is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

2

Georgia Northwestern Technical College Rome, Georgia

GNTC offers a website design/development associate of applied science degree that is available both online and at the school's Catoosa and Walker County campuses. Students must complete at least 15 credits of general education requirements before moving onto major-specific coursework on web design and development. Major courses cover a variety of topics, including program design and development, scripting technologies, web graphics, web animation, and information security fundamentals.

Students can complete this 64-credit program in just two years. Graduates are familiar with program design and development as well as computer networking and are prepared to pursue entry-level careers in the field or continue their education at a four-year school. Georgia residents are given admission priority over out-of-state students. GNTC is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

3

Central Georgia Technical College Warner Robins, Georgia

CGTC offers an associate in web design or web development that can be completed entirely online. The school is a part of a broad network of technical colleges in Georgia, which provides CGTC students with a great deal of flexibility in regards to which courses they enroll in. Even if a class is not available through CGTC's online platform, students may enroll in a similar course through any other Georgia school's online portal.

Although the majority of classes are offered online, this program does include some on-campus testing requirements for certain courses. Therefore, this online program may be better suited for students who are Georgia residents. There is also a hybrid option that allows students to enroll in both online and on-campus courses. CGTC is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

4

Wiregrass Georgia Technical College Valdosta, Georgia

WGTC offers a website design associate degree that can be completed both online and at the school's Valdosta campus. This program emphasizes both general education fundamentals and technical skills like program design and development, computer networking, and computer terminology. Graduates are prepared for careers as internet specialists or web designers.

Applicants must be at least 16 years old and have a high school diploma or GED to be considered. They must also provide ACT or SAT scores that were earned within the past five years. The majority of courses in this 64-credit program are related to web design and development, but you will also be required to complete a series of general education classes. WGTC is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

5

Lewis-Clark State College Lewiston, Idaho

LCSC offers a web design associate degree online that teaches students how to build, design, and maintain your own website. This 64-credit emphasizes both front- and back-end technologies to provide students with foundational knowledge in the field of web design. Graduates from this associate degree in web design program are proficient at communicating within a technical workplace and are prepared to work as part of a development team.

LCSC is aware that this technical field is subject to rapid changes as new technologies are created and deployed. Therefore, each semester may incorporate new topics and technologies to classes that are relevant to the industry. The school also offers a bachelor's in web design degree, allowing students who graduated from the associate program to continue their education. There is also an option that allows students to earn both degrees concurrently. LCSC is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.

6

Rochester Community and Technical College Rochester, Minnesota

RCTC offers a variety of design and development associate degree programs, including a web design associate degree online that prepares students for careers as interactive designers or web designers. Students can also earn a certification in photography concurrently with their associate degree in web design.

The 60-credit curriculum includes 30 credits of general education courses and 30 credits of major-specific coursework. Major coursework covers a variety of topics, including graphic design, digital art, web design, and motion graphics. Students can also enroll in electives on 2D design, photography, and programming for the internet. RCTC accepts applications on a rolling basis and students can enter the program at the beginning of each semester. The school has an articulation agreement with Minnesota State University, Moorhead, which allows students to easily transfer into a four-year program after graduation. RCTC is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

7

St. Petersburg College Clearwater, Florida

SPC offers an associate degree in web design and digital arts that can be completed entirely online. This program was designed concurrently with the Interactive Media Project consortium, which was created to improve student performance standards for associate degree students throughout the state of Florida. Graduates are prepared to pursue careers in digital media production, instructional integration, digital media/video production, and more.

This 64-credit program includes a series of general education requirements as well as major-specific coursework on web design, web languages, and technology. Applicants must be at least 16 years old and have a high school diploma or GED to be considered. Students are expected to maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5 throughout the program to graduate. SPC is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

8

Eastern Gateway Community College Steubenville, Ohio

EGCC offers an AAB program in internet and interactive digital media design that emphasizes internet technologies, animation, computer programming, and business skills. This web design associate degree online includes two primary areas of study: information technologies and writing/oral communication skills. Graduates enter the workforce with a portfolio of their own work, including websites, digital imagery, animations, simulations, and more. This portfolio of work can help graduates showcase their worth to potential employers and find gainful employment.

This 64-credit program offers courses asynchronously online, allowing students to complete coursework at their own pace. However, all new students must undergo a series of placement tests at either the Steubenville campus or the Youngstown campus. Distance learners may apply to undergo these tests from a remote location, which must be approved by the EGCC admissions office. EGCC is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

9

Hudson Valley Community Colleg Troy, New York

HVCC offers a computer information systems: web design and www programing associate of science degree that can be completed entirely online. This program does not include any on-campus study or residency requirements. All online students pay the same tuition rate, regardless of residency. However, out-of-state distance learners will have to pay out-of-state tuition if they choose study in a hybrid format.

The curriculum includes classes on a variety of topics, such as web design, operating systems, mobile computing technologies, as well as programming languages like Perl and C++. The school has articulation agreements with several local four-year colleges, which makes it easy for students to transfer their credits towards bachelor's degree. HVCC is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

10

Harrisburg Area Community College Harrisburg, Pennsylvania

HACC offers a web development/design associate degree that prepares students for careers as web application developers, web producers, web interactive media specialists, and more. Students in this web design associate program online must choose one of three specializations: web application development, interactive web media, or general web studies. All students at HACC are required to complete 24 credit hours in general education classes, with each specialization requiring an additional 15 credits.

This program can be completed entirely online and does not include any on-campus meetings or residency requirements. All online students pay the same tuition rate, regardless of residency. Classes are held in the fall, spring, summer, and winter terms. Applicants are welcome to apply at any time through the year and can begin enrolling in classes in the term after they are accepted. HACC is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

How to Choose an Online Associate in Web Design Program

As you browse online associate in web design programs, you should consider a few important factors. First, your lifestyle will dictate how much time you can commit to coursework. If you plan to continue working full-time while pursuing your online degree, you may want to find programs that require few or no on-campus courses or residencies.

Second, note the tuition costs and program fees, as well as how many credits and/or courses are required to complete the program. If you have earned credits from another school, find out whether you can transfer them toward the requirements in your new program. The time it takes to complete your degree will depend on required credits, how many courses you take per term, and whether or not you can transfer previous credits.

Educational Paths for Web Design Associate Degree Graduates

Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that those with a bachelor’s degree in web design or a related field tend to earn more than those with only an associate degree. Even though you can find many web design careers with an associate degree, many students complete bachelor’s programs to develop their skills and optimize their earning potential. Below are a few examples of bachelor’s degrees that those with an associate degree might consider pursuing.

  • Computer Programming

    This major provides students with a range of computer skills outside of web design. Curriculums include software creation, programming, and security network building.

  • Computer Science

    A degree in computer science prepares graduates to work with computers from their design and creation, all the way to programming.

  • Web Development

    A bachelor’s degree in web development builds on those skills from an associate degree program. Students learn to build and manage online platforms, as well as various forms of coding and design.

Career Paths for Web Design Graduates

Because of today’s rapidly changing technology, web design is especially lucrative and exciting. Professionals in this field stay one step ahead of web trends and new technology, and must learn new skills on the job. In the table below, there are a few examples of career paths for students who have earned their web design associate degree online.

Web Designer

Web designers use graphic design software to create web-based platforms, promotions, and brands. They also use codes to build websites, digital tools, and products from scratch. Designers make company websites and products compatible with touchscreen and smartphone technology.

Median Salary: $48,577

Software Engineer

Web developers create web platforms, document code, and maintain existing websites and tools for client use. They work with designers and content producers in their day-to-day work.

Median Salary: $58,068

Social Media Manager

Social media is a critical part of today’s business environment. Those with web design skills can use social media to promote products and brands, and as a marketing platform for companies. These managers also answer questions about the company sent via the firm’s social media outlets.

Median Salary: $48,272

Search Engine Optimization Specialist

SEO specialists use algorithms and coding to ensure their company is optimized in search results on websites like Google. Their goal is to make companies more visible and easily accessible for consumers. These specialists use HTML and CSS coding to design search campaigns for their company/clients.

Median Salary: $44,354

Job Outlook and Salary for Graduates of an Associate Degree in Web Design

An associate degree in web design prepares you for a variety of jobs in web and computer-related fields. With the projected job growth in web development, students with degrees in the field will have many options available to them in the industry.

According to the BLS, the median pay for web developers in 2016 was $66,130 per year. Although salaries vary based on the specific position, industry, and location you choose, jobs in these areas are especially rewarding. The table below shows the employment numbers in web development, and the projected growth by 2024.

Employment Growth for Web Development
Employment, 2014 Projected Employment, 2024
148,500 188,000

Source: BLS

SALARY GROWTH BY EXPERIENCE FOR WEB DESIGN ASSOCIATE DEGREES

Although those with associate degrees in web design may be able to take advantage of generous starting salaries, more experience usually equates to increased earnings. This is an especially optimistic prospect for those in web design and development. The table below outlines median salaries for those with different levels of experience, and in a few jobs you may consider.


To determine the best online associate in web design programs, we looked at the most important factors prospective students, mainly common predictors of future success and a school's commitment to online programs. This boils down to admissions rate, student loan default rate, retention rate, graduation rate, and the percent of students enrolled in online classes. All data points are taken from information provided by colleges and universities to the National Center for Education Statistics.

Each factor is weighted evenly in order to give an objective view and determine the best online associate in web design programs. To calculate our rankings, we looked at a school's ranking when organized by a single factor, and then averaged each category's ranking to find an overall score: Admissions Rate (20%) + Default Rate (20%) + Retention Rate (20%) + Graduation Rate (20%) + Percent of Students Enrolled in Online Classes (20%) = Final score.