Why This Matters

  • PREPARE FOR OVER 15 POTENTIAL CAREER PATHS

    A master’s in web development will set you up for a variety of different job opportunities, including web content coordinator, web applications developer, UI/UX designer, and more.

  • 20,900 NEW WEB DEVELOPMENT JOBS EXPECTED

    As our reliance on websites for entertainment, education, and services continues, demand for web developers rises too. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 13% job growth in this field through 2028.

  • WEB DESIGN JOBS TO INCREASE BY 24% BY 2028

    Graphic design jobs focusing on website creation and user experience will see faster-than-average growth within the next decade as companies expand their online presences.

Our Research

We focused our research on graduate programs in web development. Available types of master’s degrees in this field include Master of Science (MS), Master of Arts (MA), and Master of Professional Studies (MPS).

In order to ensure accessibility for the greatest number of students, we sought out programs that can be completed entirely or primarily through distance learning.

As a confirmation of quality, we only included programs that are offered at regionally accredited institutions. This guarantees that they meet high standards of excellence in postsecondary education, and that your degree will be widely recognized and regarded by employers.

Once we narrowed our list of programs, we reviewed each of them on the basis of cost, reputation, faculty, flexibility, and outcomes. Based on this information, we calculated an Intelligent Score for each program on a scale of 0 to 100. Our top picks for the best online master’s in web development are highly respected, affordable, and customizable. (For a more extensive explanation, check out Our Ranking Methodology.)

  • 56 hours to write this article
  • 138 universities and colleges we assessed
  • 336 education programs we compared

The Top 10 Online Master’s in Web Development Programs

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What You Should Know About This Degree

An associate’s degree is the minimum level of education needed to obtain many entry-level web development jobs. Mid-level or senior positions may require a bachelor’s degree, but generally a master’s degree is not a prerequisite to working or advancing in the field. Therefore, master’s degrees are best suited for individuals who have a bachelor’s degree in a different or related field, and are looking to gain web development skills as a way to change careers.

If you are entering the web development field from another industry, it’s important to consider that hands-on experience is highly valued by employers. While you will learn theoretical and practical skills in your classes, you should seek out a program with an experiential learning component, such as an internship. Not only will this give you the opportunity to apply your web development and design skills in the real-world, the professional connections you make will be valuable when it comes to job-searching.

Depending on your personal interests and professional goals, you may also want to consider a degree in a related field like graphic design, which will teach you a broad range of design skills for web and print, or software development, in which you will learn how to design the programs that run websites and applications.

What’s Next?

Here are some questions to ask when researching Online Master’s in Web Development programs:

  • Am I eligible for this program? For a master’s-level program, you may be expected to have some foundational knowledge of coding, digital media, and design software. Before applying to a program, be sure to look at its eligibility requirements to confirm that you meet the minimum qualifications for admission.
  • How are courses delivered? In distance learning programs, classes are typically delivered either in a synchronous or asynchronous format. Students attend synchronous courses remotely at set times throughout the term. In asynchronous courses, students can access their lessons and assignments at any time. Consider your personal scheduling needs when selecting the type of delivery method that works best for you.

Now is also the right time to review all application deadlines and procedures for the programs you plan to apply to, and start gathering your application materials. You should also start exploring options for financing your master’s degree. Research institutional aid like scholarships and assistantships through the school, apply for student loans, and find out if your employer offers any tuition assistance benefits.