Why This Matters

  • 46% OF WEB DEVELOPERS HAVE A BACHELOR’S

    When it comes to the education level of those actively working in the web design and development field, O*NET reports that 46% have a bachelor’s degree and another 17% have an associate degree.

  • 8% JOB GROWTH FOR WEB DESIGNERS

    As e-commerce continues to expand, the demand for web designers who can create and maintain websites is expected to rise faster than average. Employment is projected to grow 8% from 2019 to 2029, adding more than 13,400 new jobs.

  • EARN $77,200 PER YEAR AS A WEB DESIGNER

    Trained web developers and digital designers earn an average of $77,200 per year. The lowest 10% earned less than $40,750, while the highest 10% earned more than $146,430 per year. Web designers in advertising, public relations, and related fields earned $71,930 per year.

Our Research

Our list of bachelor’s degree plans for web designers focuses on Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Applied Science programs. All the web design programs we reviewed are offered online or in hybrid format by regionally accredited schools. A degree in web design provides computer-savvy students with the technical knowledge and programming techniques they need to create engaging websites that drive traffic and generate sales online.

The Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC) accredits web design bachelor’s programs that meet the highest standard of rigorous education. Additionally, this list includes programs offered by regionally accredited schools and colleges. Class unit hours and degrees from accredited institutions are easy to transfer to other schools with similar programs.

  • 76 hours to write this article
  • 84 universities and colleges we assessed
  • 111 education programs we compared

The Top 50 Online Bachelor’s in Web Design Programs

Best Online Bachelor's in Web Design Programs Badge
01
Intelligent Pick
Baker College
01
Best for Transfers
Franklin University
01
Most Affordable
Brigham Young University - Idaho
01
Best Faculty Mentors
Arizona State University
01
Best Public Institution
University of Maryland Global Campus
01
Best Asynchronous Program
Champlain College
01
Best Focus on Software Development
Capella University
01
Best Christian Institution
Liberty University
01
Best Focus on Creativity
Academy of Art University
01
Best Hands-On Experience
Full Sail University
01
Best Graphic Design Focus
Southern New Hampshire University
01
Best for Working Professionals
University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point
01
Best for Portfolio Development
Bellevue University
01
Best Certification Preparation
Fort Hays State University
01
Best Technology Focus
DeVry University
01
Best in the South
Southeastern University
01
Best Academic Advisors
University of Arizona
01
Best In-State Tuition Rate
Lewis-Clark State College
01
Most Interdisciplinary Focus
Hodges University
01
Best for Critical Thinking Skills
Lesley University

What You Should Know About This Degree

Web developers and designers are essential to businesses that rely on having an online presence. A bachelor’s degree in web design positions you to be a creative, innovative professional who is comfortable working as a consultant, employee, or freelancer. As a trained web designer, you will be responsible for making businesses, products, and services desirable to an online audience.

There are a variety of occupations with job duties that are similar to those of web developers and digital designers. Graphic designers and animators have similar courses in art, design, and technique; however, the job tasks and required skills are significantly different.

Graphic designers create visual concepts that are used in websites to inspire and inform people. Animators rely on special effects to create images that appear to move for entertainment. Graphic designers earn around $53,000 per year, while animators earn about $77,700 per year. A web designer might rely on both of these professions to help them develop high-quality websites.

The overall job market for web designers is positive. Although a bachelor’s degree will give you the practical skills you need, you should also look to add hands-on experience or an internship. Even a second degree or minor in a related field like graphic design will make you a more desirable job candidate.

What’s Next?

Here are some questions to ask when researching online bachelor’s in web design programs:

  • Am I eligible for this program? Many web development programs accept students from different backgrounds. There are no special tests or exams to complete for admissions, and common requirements include having a high school diploma or equivalency.
  • How long does it take to complete this online degree? Most web design students can earn the required 120 to 124 credit hours for their online bachelor’s degree in four years. General education and elective courses usually comprise 54 to 60 units. The remainder for the required bachelor’s degree are a mix of classes that cover gaming, mobile apps, and website development.

Once you decide on an online bachelor’s program, contact the admissions department for information on how to apply. Keep track of all your deadlines, and submit the necessary transcripts and other important records on time. You will also need to consider how you will finance your education and explore options such as scholarships, federal loans, and employer-based tuition reimbursement programs.