Best Online Bachelor’s in Web Development

Earning a bachelor’s degree in web development can result in higher salaries and more job opportunities. For example, professionals with a bachelor’s degree in web development earn an average of about $10,000 more each year than those with an associate degree, and they can pursue a broader range of job opportunities. The section below reviews career opportunities available to those with a bachelor’s degree in web development as well as corresponding salary information.

Your program may give you the option to select a concentration in a web development subfield. For example, a cybersecurity concentration prepares you to protect a company’s data, and graduates with this specialized expertise often work for large corporations or government agencies. With a networking concentration, you can help companies network devices or streamline information sharing. Before selecting a program or concentration, consider which option best fits your interests and career goals.

Source: PayScale

When looking for an online web development program, students should carefully review several important factors. To begin, compare program costs to determine what you can afford and take into account any expected financial aid. Then, review transfer policies, program length, school size and type, and any on-campus requirements you might need to satisfy before graduating. Being selective allows you to choose a program that best fits your specific needs.

As you explore prospective online degrees in web development, pay special attention to a school or program’s accreditation.

Two main types of accreditation exist: national and regional. Nationally, accredited institutions typically focus on career and technical-based coursework and offer a minimal liberal arts curriculum. As a result, these institutions tend to feature lower tuition rates than regionally accredited colleges and universities, but they may be excluded from most tuition reimbursement plans. Conversely, institutions with regional accreditation feature primarily liberal arts-based coursework. Although they generally charge higher tuition rates than nationally accredited colleges and universities, these schools give students the opportunity to qualify for tuition reimbursement plans and allow them to transfer credits more easily.

While the U.S. Department of Education (ED) does not accredit educational institutions or programs, it does hold accrediting agencies responsible for proper enforcement of standards. As a part of the ED’s oversight roles, the Secretary of Education must publish a list of nationally recognized accrediting agencies considered reliable authorities for the quality of education and training in higher education. Additionally, the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) functions as an organization of degree-granting colleges and universities, providing national advocacy for academic quality through self-regulation.

Students can access a list of all accredited schools on the ED’s website or on CHEA’s website.

Web development is a broad field with several different areas of focus. Many online web development degrees offer concentrations where students can tailor the curriculum to their personal or professional interests. The table below outlines a few of the most common areas.

Students typically take about four years to earn their online bachelor’s in web development; however, some may take longer if they enroll part time. Since part-time students complete fewer credits each semester, they can take up to five years to earn a bachelor’s degree.

Some programs offer accelerated options, allowing learners to double up on their credits each semester in order to graduate sooner; students can complete accelerated programs in as little as two years. Learners should consider these programs if they do not have other commitments such as full-time jobs or families, as these formats require students to complete a significant amount of coursework in a short period of time. Conversely, students might consider part-time enrollment if they have personal or professional commitments to juggle with their coursework.

A bachelor’s degree cultivates skills that prepare learners to succeed on the job, such as advanced knowledge of computer coding. These courses also prepare students for certification tests. Multiple certifications are available that prove your competence in computer coding to future employers. To stay competitive in the job market, choose a program that offers optimal coding courses.

Capstone projects play a significant role in online web development degree programs. They require you to synthesize the knowledge and skills gained through coursework into an original computer program, database, or web app. A successful capstone project not only ensures that you earn your diploma, but the final product can also set you apart from other applicants when you seek your first postgraduate job.