Do you have a creative flair and passion for technology and design? If so, earning an online bachelor’s degree in web design might be an excellent fit for you.

As the world increasingly relies on digital spaces, a strong web presence has become vital for companies and organizations across nearly every industry. Web designers have the technical and creative capabilities to create and maintain eye-catching, user-friendly and engaging websites that leave lasting impressions on users.

While several pathways can lead to a career in web design, earning a bachelor’s degree can be a strong entry point to this dynamic field. Both in-person and online web design bachelor’s programs equip learners with the technical knowledge and skills needed to succeed in a constantly evolving digital landscape.

This article overviews what an online bachelor’s degree in web design entails, including admission requirements and standard coursework. We also discuss career opportunities for graduates.

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What Is an Online Bachelor’s Degree in Web Design?

An online bachelor’s degree in web design is an undergraduate program that teaches students to build functional, useful and attractive apps and other digital platforms.

Typically, online web design bachelor’s programs involve 120 credits of major-specific and general education coursework, taking around four years of full-time study to complete.

Each degree program offers a unique curriculum, but this degree commonly covers the following subjects:

  • Programming
  • Color, design and composition theory
  • HTML and CSS fundamentals
  • Graphic design for the web
  • User experience (UX) design
  • Typography

Some schools offer specializations that allow students to tailor their studies toward a specific area of web design, such as UX design, graphic design, front-end development or back-end development.

Earning a bachelor’s in web design online rather than in person presents some notable benefits. Compared to in-person learning, online learning is typically more flexible in terms of pace and scheduling.

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Web Design vs. Web Development

Web design and web development are closely related but distinct fields that work together to create functional, intuitive and well-designed websites.

Web design is more concerned with the front-end visual aesthetic of websites or applications, including color scheme, layout, graphics and typography. Web designers create visually appealing and user-friendly interfaces that align with a business’s brand.

Comparatively, web development involves the technical implementation and functionality of websites. Web developers write code to create a website’s underlying structure and layout, ensuring they’re secure, functional and responsive across various browsers and devices.

While there is some overlap between web design and web development, each field requires a unique set of technical skills to create engaging and practical websites.

Admission Requirements for a Bachelor’s in Web Design

Admission requirements for a web design bachelor’s degree vary depending on the institution. In addition to an application form and the accompanying fees, schools often require official high school and postsecondary transcripts demonstrating a minimum GPA.

Less common admission requirements for a bachelor’s degree in web design include an admission essay, letters of recommendation and standardized test scores.

Common Courses in a Web Design Bachelor’s

Web design curricula and course offerings vary by program. Common courses found in a web design bachelor’s program include:

Design for Marketing

Design for marketing courses explore the principles of visual aesthetics, quality design and the role of design in marketing communications, emphasizing brand identity. Students examine case studies, analyze successful brand identity programs and evaluate brand expressions in various contexts and mediums.

Designing Digital Images for the Web

Courses on designing digital images for the web prepare students to create and optimize high-quality digital images. Learners gain hands-on experience using image editing tools and software. Course topics may include digital imaging fundamentals, responsive design, image optimization and vector graphics.

Fundamentals of Motion Graphics

A course on motion graphics fundamentals typically overviews the history and development of animation, foundational theories and principles. Students learn to create engaging designs through hands-on exercises using computer animation software, focusing on timing, rhythm and movement.

Typography

In typography courses, students explore the history and development of typographic forms and fonts and their impact on contemporary typography. Course topics include historical styles and theories of type design, typographic layouts and letterforms. Learners study the mechanics of using type in various type applications to create visually engaging, accessible text.

Website Design

In courses on website design, students learn to achieve a balance between technical functionality and aesthetics. Students may learn web design principles, programming languages, UX and user interface (UI) design, responsive design and web analytics.

Careers for a Bachelor’s in Web Design

Earning a bachelor’s in web design can prepare graduates for various web design and development careers. Below we list a few potential career paths for candidates with a bachelor’s in web design.

  • Graphic designer: Graphic designers create visual content that communicates ideas and messages to target audiences. These professionals use design software and tools to develop graphics, layouts, logos and other visual designs for various mediums, including the web, digital media and print.
  • Mobile application developer: A mobile application (app) developer designs and creates applications for mobile devices, such as smartphones and tablets. These professionals use programming languages and software to build, test and deploy mobile apps across various platforms and operating systems.
  • UX designer: UX designers play a critical role in designing websites, apps and other digital platforms to make them functional, intuitive and enjoyable. These professionals conduct research to identify user needs; create site maps, prototypes and wireframes; and deliver final design solutions to their clients to improve the customer experience.
  • Web designer: Web designers create websites. These professionals use design programs and software to plan, ideate and create intuitive, user-friendly and visually appealing website layouts. Web designers often work closely with clients, stakeholders and marketing teams to determine a website’s needs and goals and deliver targeted design solutions.
  • Web developer: Web developers write code to create, design and build websites, software and other web applications. They usually fall into one of three categories: front-end, back-end or full-stack developers. To learn more, see our guide on how to become a web developer.

Should You Earn Your Bachelor’s Degree in Web Design Online?

Earning an online bachelor’s degree in web design boasts several advantages, such as flexibility, convenience and affordability–but distance learning isn’t always for everyone. Before enrolling in an online bachelor’s program, ensure you consider accreditation and your learning style, personal preferences and career goals.

To assess the quality of a program before enrolling, make sure your prospective school holds institutional accreditation from an organization approved by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. Accreditation verifies that a program meets specific educational standards, ensuring that potential employers will recognize the degree.

Online programs best suit self-motivated students who want to set their own pace for learning. It’s important to closely review online programs’ curricula to ensure their course offerings, faculty and resources align with your educational and career goals.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Bachelor’s Degrees in Web Development

Is it hard to get a job as a web designer?

Like many fields, the job market for web designers can be competitive, and several factors can influence the time it takes to land a job. Employers often seek candidates with strong portfolios demonstrating a solid understanding of industry-standard tools and technologies, best practices and design principles.

What is a BS in web design?

A BS (bachelor of science) in web design is a four-year undergraduate program that prepares graduates for entry-level web design roles across several industries. The curriculum typically covers web design principles, UX and UI design, web development, information architecture and web analytics.