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.
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Location: Phoenix: , Phoenix AP |
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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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Art Institute OnlineDevelop your creative potential through The Art Institute of Pittsburgh - Online Division where we give you the freedom to decide when and where to attend class.
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Location: Online |
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Kaplan UniversityAdvance your career with an online degree from Kaplan University.
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Location: Fort Lauderdale: 6301 Kaplan University Avenue, Fort Lauderdale FL 33309 |
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American InterContinental University OnlineEarn an online degree that really matters from AIU Online.
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Location: Hoffman Estates: 5550 Prairie Stone Parkway, Hoffman Estates IL 60192 |
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Baker College OnlineEarn a Certificate, Associate, Bachelor, Master's or Doctorate for less at Baker College Online.
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Location: Lisle: 550 Warrenville Rd, Suite 101, Lisle IL 60532 |
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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
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Location: Tampa: 5104 Eisenhower Blvd., Tampa FL 33634 |
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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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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.
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Location: Online |
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Fortis InstituteGet the skills and training you need for a great career at Fortis Institute. * Programs vary by location * Please contact each individual campus for accreditation information * Fortis Institute- Indianapolis advertising code is AC-0163. Programs
Location: Online |
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