Web Design Studies That Further Your Career
Pursuing an undergraduate degree in web design? Now that the Internet has embraced social networking, blogs, and other Web 2.0 components, designers have to be nimble enough to adjust to the business requirements of their clients and employers.
Although the Web is a living, ever-changing entity, basic design principles will always apply in the workplace. If you're enrolled or considering entry into a graphic design degree or web design degree program, you may want to select a range of online courses that provide training in the essential components of design.
Here are some essential elements to consider:
Look and Feel versus Operability
Your website should not only look great, it should function intuitively and efficiently. Look over the course list to balance your training in both graphics design as well as in search optimization (SEO - Hi Rand) skills sought by many employers. Be sure your courses cover graphics optimization, image maps, vector graphics, and typography.
Navigation and Usability
Web usability guru Jakob Nielsen says consistency is the key in usability. Whenever a site breaks users' expectations, they're frustrated, they click off, and go elsewhere. Take courses that show you how to create sites that flow easily and efficiently without sacrificing appearance.
Flash
Adobe Flash is the animation program of choice for many web designers. It allows you to embed fonts, stunning colors and images, and dynamic sound and video into your site design. But it also has plug-in requirements and has many restrictions in functionality over HTML. You'll need to know why.
Static versus Dynamic
Static pages require updating by designers or content managers. Dynamic pages can be modified on by databases and scripting languages. Broaden your appeal to employers by taking courses in PHP, ASP, JavaScript, Perl, DHTML, Coldfusion, JSP, or Python.
Now, here's the good news: The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that "graphic designers with website design and animation experience will especially be needed" through the upcoming decade. Get going! Search distance learning schools offering graphic & web design degrees.
Sources
Jakob Nielsen
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Search Schools
University of PhoenixAt University of Phoenix, we believe everyone deserves access to higher education.
Programs
Location: Online |
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Capella UniversityAchieve your potential with an online degree from Capella University. Programs
Location: Minneapolis: Capella Tower, Minneapolis MN 55402 |
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DeVry UniversityFive colleges of study. One clear focus: Your career success.
Earn the respect of employers with a degree you can earn on campus, online or both. Programs
Location: Chicago: , Chicago IL |
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The Art Institute of Pittsburgh - Online DivisionThe Art Institutes system of schools offers a range of master's, bachelor's, and associate's degree
programs, as well as diploma and certificate programs specializing in the creative and applied arts.
We also offer a variety of online, evening, and weekend learning options, so there's an education
solution to fit your schedule. And our professional-grade technology can give you the practical skills
to match your ideas—helping you transform your creative energy into a fulfilling career.
Programs
Location: Online |
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Kaplan UniversityAdvance your career with an online degree from Kaplan University.
Programs
Location: Fort Lauderdale: 6301 Kaplan University Avenue, Fort Lauderdale FL 33309 |
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Strayer UniversityEarn a degree that fits your schedule at Strayer University.
Programs
Location: Online |
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American InterContinental University OnlineEarn an online degree that really matters from AIU Online.
Programs
Location: Schaumburg: 231 N. Martingale Road, Schaumburg IL 60173 |
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Full Sail University - OnlineLearning at Full Sail University has always centered around interaction and the exchange of ideas. Our online curriculum fully embraces this philosophy.
Programs
Location: Online |
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Colorado Technical University OnlineEarn your degree online in as little as 15 months. Contact Colorado Tech Online today. Learn more today.
Programs
Location: Colorado Springs: 4435 North Chestnut Street, Colorado Springs CO 80907 |
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International Academy of Design & Technology OnlineIADT's new Virtual Campus will open doors to online degree programs for imaginative, career-focused students
Programs
Location: Tampa: 5104 Eisenhower Blvd., Tampa FL 33634 |
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