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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 Phoenix

    At University of Phoenix, we believe everyone deserves access to higher education.

    Programs

    • A.A. in Information Technology/Web Design
    • B.S. in Information Technology - Web Development

    Location: Online

    University of Phoenix
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  • Capella University

    Achieve your potential with an online degree from Capella University.

    Programs

    • BS - System Development: Web Application
    Location:
    Minneapolis: Capella Tower, Minneapolis MN 55402
    Capella University
    Request Info »
  • DeVry University

    Five 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

    • Associate - Web Graphic Design
    • Bachelor's - Multimedia Design and Development
    • Bachelor's - Computer Information Systems - Web Development & Administration
    Location:
    Chicago: , Chicago IL
    DeVry University
    Request Info »
  • The Art Institute of Pittsburgh - Online Division

    The 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

    • Web Design and Interactive Media
    • Graphic Design
    • Game Art & Design

    Location: Online

    The Art Institute of Pittsburgh - Online Division
    Request Info »
  • Kaplan University

    Advance your career with an online degree from Kaplan University.

    Programs

    • AAS in Information Technology - Web Development
    Location:
    Fort Lauderdale: 6301 Kaplan University Avenue, Fort Lauderdale FL 33309
    Kaplan University
    Request Info »
  • Strayer University

    Earn a degree that fits your schedule at Strayer University.

    Programs

    • Diploma: IS: Web Development
    • Undergrad Cert: IS: Web Development
    • BSIS: Web Development

    Location: Online

    Strayer University
    Request Info »
  • American InterContinental University Online

    Earn an online degree that really matters from AIU Online.

    Programs

    • Bachelor's (BFA) - Web Design
    • Bachelor's (BFA) - Graphic Design
    Location:
    Schaumburg: 231 N. Martingale Road, Schaumburg IL 60173
    American InterContinental University Online
    Request Info »
  • Full Sail University - Online

    Learning at Full Sail University has always centered around interaction and the exchange of ideas. Our online curriculum fully embraces this philosophy.

    Programs

    • Media Design, Master of Fine Arts (Online)
    • Graphic Design, Bachelor of Science (Online)
    • Web Design and Development, Bachelor of Science (Online)
    • More...

    Location: Online

    Full Sail University - Online
    Request Info »
  • Colorado Technical University Online

    Earn your degree online in as little as 15 months. Contact Colorado Tech Online today. Learn more today.

    Programs

    • Bachelor of Science in Information Technology - Web Development
    Location:
    Colorado Springs: 4435 North Chestnut Street, Colorado Springs CO 80907
    Colorado Technical University Online
    Request Info »
  • International Academy of Design & Technology Online

    IADT's new Virtual Campus will open doors to online degree programs for imaginative, career-focused students

    Programs

    • Associate of Science in Web Design and Development
    • Associate of Science in Graphic Design
    • Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design
    • More...
    Location:
    Tampa: 5104 Eisenhower Blvd., Tampa FL 33634
    International Academy of Design & Technology Online
    Request Info »
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