Studying Web Graphic Design: Associate and Bachelor's Degrees at a Glance
Web graphic designers are responsible for creating websites that are visually appealing and functional. As a student of web graphic design, you will learn how to use industry-standard software and technology to create professional websites tailored to your clients' needs.
In addition to learning about the fundamentals of design, you'll also learn how to use marketing strategies to create the most effective websites. Graduates can find jobs with advertising agencies, creative departments of corporations, web design studios, animation studios and public relations companies, among others.
With the continued explosion of Internet use, companies and individuals need well-designed websites. In May 2011, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported that the average salary for web developers was about $82,000. The BLS predicted that web developers would see a 22% employment growth from 2010 to 2010, which is faster than average. Although these figures are good, you should be aware that competition for web design jobs might be stiff because you'll be competing with applicants with formal education, as well as self-taught applicants who learned their craft through years of trial and error.
| Associate | Bachelor's | |
|---|---|---|
| Who is this degree for? | Students interested in getting a solid foundation in web creation and design | Students who want to deepen their understanding of web design and learn programming skills |
| Common Career Paths (with approximate median annual salary) | Although these jobs are open to applicants with associate degrees, employers may give preference to applicants with bachelor's degrees. - Web designer ($62,000 - experience and/or a bachelor's degree may be required for this salary)* - Graphic designers ($44,000)** | - Web architects or programmers ($78,000 - web developers with programming experience)** - Art directors ($81,000)** |
| Time to Completion | 2 years, full-time | 4 years, full-time |
| Common Graduation Requirements | - 18 credits of general education courses - 54-66 credits of courses in web design fundamentals, technology and software - Portfolio review/exhibit | - Web design fundamentals, technology and software - Courses in multimedia and animation - Programming and scripting classes - Advanced courses in web design and production - Portfolio review/exhibit |
| Prerequisites | High school diploma or GED | High school diploma, GED or associate degree |
| Online Availability | Yes | Yes |
Sources: *Salary.com (May 2012 figures), **U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2011 figures).
Associate in Web Graphic Design
Associate degree programs, such as the Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Web Graphic Design or AAS in Web and Interactive Media, provide the fundamentals you'll need to get an entry-level job as a web designer. You'll learn which software is standard in the industry and how to use them. These programs also provide a solid background of the history of graphic design and its use for the Internet. The basics of HTML/XHTML, typography and web layouts are a few of the core topics you'll cover. You'll also be introduced to important web tools like Dreamweaver, Adobe Photoshop and others.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- After you get your foot in the door or find your niche, an associate degree may be the only long-term formal training you will ever need throughout your career.*
- There is a lot of overlap in web design-related jobs, especially at the entry-level, so you may have a broad range of employment options after graduation.*
- You may be able to put your web design skills to use almost immediately by creating your own website or troubleshooting existing websites.
Cons
- Many may consider web design a fun or glamorous job, so competition for the best jobs will be strong.
- Some employers may prefer to hire applicants with bachelor's degrees even for entry-level jobs.*
- Because of the broad nature of web design, you could risk getting lost in the crowd unless you find a specialized niche early in your career.
Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Courses and Requirements
At the associate level, you may not need a strong foundation in programming. Because of this, most courses will focus on the design aspect of web graphic design. Core courses you may complete include:
- Digital imaging
- Color typography
- Web layout and design
- Dreamweaver
- Adobe Photoshop
- Web animation
Building a portfolio can also be an important component of this degree, and you may also need to submit a portfolio for review to successfully complete this program. Some schools may also require a capstone project, such as a solo or group project.
Online Degree Options
The online degree options are similar to those for on-campus associate degree programs. Students must take a similar number of core courses, including the same amount of general education courses. Online students may also have to build their portfolios throughout this 2-year degree program and submit them for review in order to graduate. Some online schools use technology to have live online portfolio reviews. A capstone project may also be required for graduation.
Stand Out with this Degree
Treat your portfolio as the vital job search tool it will become. Determine if you have what it takes to be an excellent generalist, or if you need to focus on perfecting a specific area of web design. In addition to building a great portfolio, you should have a professional-looking web page that you designed from scratch to refer employers to for another sample of your work. If you don't have any on-the-job experience, consider volunteering your web design services in order to add to your design portfolio.
The BLS also notes that it's important for those who work in graphic design areas to stay current with industry software in design and computer graphics. You can learn more about these types of software in your program or by training with them on your own.
Bachelor's in Web Graphic Design
You can find a variety of bachelor's degree programs that offer training in web graphic design, such as the Bachelor of Art in Graphic Information, Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Web Design and Interactive Media or B.S. in Media Arts with a concentration in web design. These degree programs generally delve deeper into the technology you'll be using as a web designer.
It can also help you develop your own creative voice after you have learned the fundamentals of web design. Like the associate degree, the bachelor's program will qualify you for entry-level positions web development, graphic design or other related fields.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- The minimum education many employers expect is a bachelor's degree, even for entry-level jobs.*
- Many degree programs provide the type of practical project management and Internet marketing training you'll need to impress potential employers, especially if you don't have work experience.
- Once you've established yourself as a good web designer, you may be able to successfully work as a freelancer, either part-time or full-time.
Cons
- You'll be competing with applicants with associate degrees, as well as experience, for the same jobs.
- Many talented people are attracted to these jobs, so the competition for the best jobs will be strong.*
- You may need to complete continuing education to stay current with industry software and technology.
Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Courses and Requirements
The bachelor's degree program expands on the courses offered in an associate degree program. In addition to teaching the basics of designing a web page, the bachelor's program also covers the more advanced programming aspects of website design. The additional two years of a bachelor's program also allow more time for you to find your creative voice and hone your technical skills. Examples of courses include:
- Web design programming
- Implementing web campaigns
- Using scripting for the web
- Usability and web design
- Illustration
- Independent portfolio building and review
Online Degree Options
You will primarily find online bachelor's degree programs in this area through private, for-profit institutions. Some programs may include web design as one of the areas of focus under the umbrella of a multimedia design or graphic design degree program.
These schools offer 4-year degree programs that are comparable to the degree programs for on-campus schools. In addition to coursework, online students may also be required to work on building their portfolios and complete other research and design projects before graduation.
Stand Out with this Degree
As a graduate with a bachelor's degree, you may be competing with people who have real-world experience in some area of web design. You may consider pursuing internship or volunteer opportunities outside of any program requirements. For example, you could work with a nonprofit organization that may need help in establishing a web presence.
Another way you could enhance your training would be to pursue professional certification in related areas, like web development and graphic design. You can find a variety of certification options, such as the web design specialist credential from the Certified Internet Web Professional organization.
