Multimedia & Web Design Degrees

There are more than 150 million websites on the World Wide Web. Web designers develop new websites for companies, individuals, news companies, and any other organization needing a website. Information on every imaginable topic can be found online. Because of the increasing demand for web design specialists, many accredited colleges and universities offer degree programs in web design that can be completed online. If you have technical skills, are interested in graphic design, and enjoy developing websites a career in web design might be right for you.

Web development technology and techniques have changed significantly during the last 10 years. Improvements in audio, graphic, video, and animation technology have made websites more visually appealing and user friendly. Multimedia technology is becoming an increasingly important component of modern web design since it approves the visual quality and usability of a website.

Web Design Degree Programs and Coursework

Most college programs in web design cover the following topics: programming languages, including JavaScript, PHP, and CSS, flash technology, animation, graphic design, database usage, servers, and numerous other topics necessary to adequately understand how to utilize multi-media technology and web development tools.
Working professionals or people with other responsibilities making a career transition to the field of web design can complete coursework at their convenience if they enroll in an online program. It's also a great option for people desiring to move at a slower pace.

Get a Head Start on Your Portfolio in Multimedia and Web Design

While completing college programs in web design, most students are required to complete projects that can later become part of a portfolio, which can be shown to potential employers or clients. In fact, graduates of web design programs will not have to haul a heavy notebook full of pictures and other visual presentations to every job interview since their work can be seen online.
It's important to utilize various technologies, styles, and visual presentations when developing websites that will be part of one's portfolio. Web designs should be visually appealing and have the ability to capture the attention of users. Since more websites now contain videos, animation, and other modern technology, it's also important to be sure to have the ability to integrate these features on a site.

Many students find jobs with web development companies before graduating. These jobs can be low paying, but it enables students the opportunity to acquire invaluable work experience, which will bolster future job opportunities. Additionally, students will have an opportunity to add to their portfolios if they work while in school. It's also advantageous to obtain freelance work while in school. Many clubs, small businesses, churches, and non-profit groups have website needs.

Web Design Career Forecasts

Job growth for multi-media specialists and web designers is projected to increase by 15 percent through 2016. To accommodate this demand, more colleges and universities sponsor degree programs in web design. Web designers working in entry-level positions earn median salaries just over $40,000 a year.