Studying Web Management: Degrees at a Glance
Website management involves the careful monitoring and maintenance of several Web-related components. Specialists in the industry work in a number of positions and perform tasks involving hardware, software and security. Colleges and universities offer Web management degrees through a school of information technology. The associate's degree can prepare you for entry-level opportunities in the tech field. The bachelor's degree provides the educational foundation for management positions with the appropriate experience.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reveals that you can expect about as fast as average (12%-18%) to faster than average (22%) job growth during the 2010-2020 decade (www.bls.gov). Overall, information technology occupations are among the fastest growing and competitively paid opportunities.
| Associate's | Bachelor's | |
|---|---|---|
| Who is this degree for? | People who want entry-level support jobs in the industry | Individuals interested in pursuing a career in management or who want specific opportunities in Web development, management or security |
| Common Career Paths (with approximate median or mean annual salary) | - Entry-level web designer ($52,000 median)** - Computer programmer ($76,000 mean)* | -Web customer support specialist ($67,000 median)** - Information security analyst, Web developer or computer network architect ($82,000 mean)* - Computer and information systems manager ($126,000 mean)* |
| Time to Completion | 2 years full-time | 2 years with an associate's degree, 4 years without an associate's degree |
| Common Graduation Requirements | - Roughly 60 credits - Information security capstone | - Approximately 120 credits - Foundational programming course - Internship or capstone project |
| Prerequisites | High school diploma or equivalent | High school diploma or equivalent |
| Online Availability | Yes | Yes |
Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2011 figures), **Salary.com (July 2012 figures).
Associate's in Web Development
The associate's degree in Web development provides a broad range of skills in the design, development, implementation and management of websites or intranets. Programs offer courses that develop your skills in the integration of Web technologies to support business objectives. Upon graduation, you will understand how to configure, manage and program interactive websites. The associate's degree can prepare you for entry-level support, technician or programming opportunities in the technology industry. Employers may prefer candidates with a bachelor's degree for some positions, but strong programming and technical skills mixed with experience can provide opportunities for entry-level programming jobs.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Entry-level opportunities offer relatively competitive salaries
- Internship programs provide the opportunity to gain experience
- Programs offer the opportunity to focus studies through electives
Cons
- Employers may prefer candidates with a bachelor's degree for some opportunities
- Job growth may be affected by overseas contracting
- Achieving some certifications will extend your training beyond 2 years
Common Courses and Requirements
The associate's degree provides a well-rounded foundation through general education, technical, networking, programming and design courses. You will take roughly 60- 70 credits in networking, business and communications classes. Some programs require an internship practicum, which provides an opportunity to apply your knowledge in a real-world company. Following are some common courses:
- Web design
- Web animation
- Scripting-PHP
- Emerging technologies
- Supporting servers
- Commerce and the Internet
- Network troubleshooting
Online Course Info
Some colleges offer the Web development program as a complete online education. Programs may offer additional courses in marketing to round out your studies. Schools design their online programs to meet the needs of people employed in the industry or those seeking a career change. You can expect to meet some criteria, such as a work experience project, prior to graduation. In addition, you will need access to software and hardware relevant to the industry.
Stand Out with This Degree
The World Organization of Webmasters (WOW) offers a number of certifications that will validate your skills as you move through your career. You can pursue the apprentice or associate-level webmaster, designer, developer or administrator certifications during your studies. Employers seek candidates with strong programming skills and current knowledge of tools and programming languages. Working to establish a strategy to maintain your knowledge during your studies will help keep you abreast of changes. In addition, taking courses programming languages, such as JavaScript, SQL and HTML will help you meet minimum employer requirements.
Bachelor's in Web Development
The bachelor's degree in Web development takes your education a step further through the delivery of advanced topics in networking, security and programming. You may find programs that offer a development component combined with multimedia design features. Programs offer areas of specialization in network management or administration, to name a few. The bachelor's degree can prepare you for entry-level opportunities in Web development. Programs offer the foundation required to think critically, adapt to changing technologies and use multimedia to communicate complex information.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Employers are seeking candidates with a bachelor's degree, at minimum
- The flexibility of the degree provides several options for specialization
- Programs lay the foundation to transfer to a graduate program
Cons
- Some employers prefer information security candidates with a graduate education
- Associate's degree salaries may be comparable for some positions requiring a bachelor's degree
- Seeking the appropriate certification will extend the time you take training and becoming marketable
Common Courses and Requirements
The bachelor's degree offers a focused education that provides flexibility through electives. You will learn Web-design principles, programming, technical writing skills and management information systems concepts. Some programs require that you specialize in an area of your interest. Courses in advanced graphic design, marketing, technical communication, Web information systems, online document development, organizational behavior and communications provide a well-rounded business and technical background. You will also take a Web development capstone, which requires your participation with fellow students in the execution of a development strategy.
Online Degree Info
Similar to the associate's degree, the online bachelor's degree offers a complete distance education. Schools structure programs in an accelerated format of between 5-week and 7-week sessions. Programs focus on usability testing, page development, analytics and reporting, publishing techniques and Web management. You will need access to the appropriate software and hardware to finish your online degree successfully.
Stand Out with This Degree
Obtaining the appropriate certification will demonstrate your understanding and skill at the design, implementation and management of Web components. In addition to seeking WOW's certification, participating in internships to gain experience will provide an edge when searching for employment. In addition, keeping a portfolio of programming examples or technical documentation will support the skills you've learned. Consider participating in clubs offered by your school or working on research projects offered by an instructor to further your knowledge and marketability.
