Become a Web Designer or Webmaster
There's very little doubt that there are not many jobs cooler than being a professional Web Designer. The Internet has spawned a new breed of graphic design professional. And this tech-savvy Internet expert is known as the Web Designer.
What is a Web Designer?
A Web Designer is a graphic design professional that specializes in creating Web pages to be displayed on the Internet. As businesses and organization move to the Web by the thousands every day, becoming a professional Web Designer is the equivalent of ensuring your employment for decades to come. The Internet is in its infancy and Web Designers will be the key professionals who develop this invention to its full capacity. Along the way, you will be working on some killer projects and making some good money.
Opportunities as a Web Designer
For Web Designers, there is simply no limit to the direction their careers might take. From government agencies to non profit organizations, brick and mortar businesses to the latest Internet start ups, Web Designers are at the center of it all. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of Web Designers is expected to grow about as fast as average for all occupations through the year 2014. This means that while other positions might be stagnant, animation pros with advanced degrees from accredited colleges and schools will see growth.
Desired Skills for Web Page Designers and Webmasters
- Technological Proficiency. Because 100% of the Web Designer's job takes place on the computer, a keen knowledge of the system is vital.
- Creativity and Vision. Successful Web design professionals all have the ability to create the Web page in their minds and transfer that vision onto the screen.
- Multi-tasking Abilities. If you work in a Web design firm, you will be expected to handle several projects at once
The Road to a Career in Web Design
Step one in becoming a professional Web Designer is to check out the traditional colleges and technical schools that offer degree in Web design. You might opt for an on campus or online program to suit your needs. Both avenues will get you where you want to be.
Web Page Design Schools and Degrees
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What They Offer: Diploma in Web Design What You Learn: Web design using HTML and scripting, along with graphics, web video production, and JavaScript. Need to Know: Graduates can transfer credits they earn in this program to theschool's Website Design and Interactive Media degree programs. The Buzz: This program is a great way for design professionals with experience in traditional media to get up to speed with new media technologies. |
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What They Offer: Associate degree in Web Design, and Bachelor's degree in Web Development What You Learn: The associate degree program teaches the principles of good web design, and the use of computerized design tools and graphics software to create web pages. The bachelor's degree provides additional courses in web programming, including ASP .Net and databases. Need to Know: Multimedia online courseware lets you access course material on your schedule, and allows you to interact with other students and instructors. Students develop a portfolio of their work that can be used in job interviews. |
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What They Offer: Certified Internet Webmaster Associate and Master Certified Internet Webmaster Designer Certificates What You Learn: How to develop and maintain websites using HTML, create e-commerce websites, and use web management tools. TechSkills Students use a combination of classroom instruction, online learning, and flexible scheduling become proficient in their chosen subjects. The Buzz: Students may be able to use their Veterans Administration or GI Bill education benefits to pay tuition. Need to Know: Programs may vary by location. |
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What They Offer: BS in Information Technology, with a specialization in Graphics and Multimedia What You Learn: How to work with vector graphics, image processing, and multimedia to create web content. Need to Know: Students in this online university may be able to earn credit for their prior education or work experience. |
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What They Offer: Web Page Designer Diploma What You Learn: How to create HTML using Adobe Dreamweaver, web graphics, effective web page design, e-commerce, and an introduction to programming for the Internet. Need to Know: Prior to graduation in this home study course, students create a final project to demonstrate their skills. |
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What They Offer: Diploma in Graphic Design & Animation What You Learn: Key graphics applications, including image editing in Photoshop, creating animations in Macromedia Flash, developing digital audio and video with Adobe Premier, and multimedia presentations using Macromedia Director. The Buzz: In addition to being able to create compelling websites, graduates can develop interactive CDs and multimedia presentations. Need to Know: All programs are not offered at all campuses. |
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What They Offer: Certificate and associate degree in Web Design What You Learn: The certificate program teaches HTML web page creation, graphic imaging, and multimedia. The degree program adds training in Internet Commerce, computer information systems and marketing. Need to Know: Students in the degree program can participate in an internship. |
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What They Offer: Multimedia and Web Design Technology Associate degree What You Learn: How to develop interactive programs for the web or CD. Coursework includes digital photograpic techniques, 3D animation, web video, and ecommerce website design. The Buzz: Students get hands-on experience in the school's state of the art networked laboratories with technologies including Adobe Illustrator, Quark, and Final Cut Pro. |
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What They Offer: AAS in Web Design What You Learn: The entire process of creating a professional-looking website, including HTML coding, graphics, and dynamic web page design. There is also an introduction to multimedia, audio and video. Need to Know: The program includes an internship, so students can get real world experience prior to graduation. |
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Who They Are: Center for Digital Imaging Arts at Boston University in Waltham, Massachusetts and Washington, DC What They Offer: Graphics and Web Design Certificate What You Learn: How to create dynamic websites incorporating graphics, multimedia, animations, and forms. Students learn to use applications including Dreamweaver, Flash, and Photoshop. Need to Know: The certificate also includes programming training in Javascript and PHP. |
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Who They Are: The Career Institute of American International College in Braintree, Cambridge, Framingham, Springfield and Woburn, Massachusetts What They Offer: Digital Web Design What You Learn: How to use 2D animation and Flash to create compelling multimedia websites. Need to Know: This program is part of a series of visual communication certificates, including a Digital 3D Design master certificate. |
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Who They Are: The College of Westchester in White Plains, New York What They Offer: Associate degree in Multimedia Development and Management, concentrating in Web Design and Development What You Learn: Web design applications and tools including Flash, DHTML, CSS, and Javascript. Need to Know: Students create a portfolio of designs they can use to show to potential employers. |
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Who They Are: Tri-State Business Institute in Erie, Pennsylvania What They Offer: Diploma in Web Site Development and Management What You Learn: The techniques necessary to plan, build, manage, and maintain sophisticated, interactive Web sites that include database connectivity, multimedia, and searchable content Need to Know: Students get instruction on Web site development tools such as Macromedia Flash, Adobe Illustrator and PhotoShop, Java Script, and XML.. |
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What They Offer: Web Development associate degree What You Learn: How to create and maintain web pages, and how to create 2D and 3D computer graphics and multimedia. Need to Know: Skills learned in this degree, including the college level general education courses, can be used in many types of visual communications careers. |
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What They Offer: Web Site Designer diploma and Web Site Administrator associate degree What You Learn: In both programs, students learn to create websites in DreamWeaver and Flash, HTML programming, and databases. The degree program introduces Javascript programming, networking, and UNIX/Linux. Need to Know: The Associate degree program prepares students for the Microsoft Certified Professional and CompTIA INet+ Certification exams. |
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What They Offer: Associate degree in Website and Graphic Design What You Learn: How to design and maintain websites, particularly e-commerce websites. Students learn web graphics, animation, web programming and website maintenance. |
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What They Offer: Associate degree in Web Design & Development. What You Learn: How to design and develop websites in the PC and Macintosh environment, including database backends. Become familiar with applications including Photoshop, Dreamweaver and PHP. Need to Know: Graduates will have a professional portfolio that can be used to show prospective employers. |
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What They Offer: Online Associate degree in Computer Information Systems/Web Development and Bachelor Degree in Information Technology/Web Development What You Learn: How to use information architecture, graphics, and multimedia to design static and e-commerce websites. Need to Know: Bachelor program is offered as a four year degree, or a 2+2 program for students with associates degrees. |
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What They Offer: Associate degree in Web Design What You Learn: How to design and develop web sites for the Internet using scripting languages, animations, and images. The hands-on program includes experience on both the PC and the Mac, and includes training in the human factors responsible for effective presentation. |
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What They Offer: Diploma in Information Systems: Web Development What You Learn: The skills needed to create and maintain e-commerce websites and web portals. Learn HTML, programming in SQL, Java, and C++, and database management. |
