It’s no secret that the Web is where the work is. Anyone and everyone wants a Web site, and those with Web design degrees can make that happen. That’s because Web designers are the ones who determine and develop the look and feel for sites, and they’re responsible for site navigation design and visual execution. Ready to point and click your way to an in-demand career through Web design schools?
Learn
Before you upload your resume, realize that a bachelor’s degree is required for most entry-level and advanced design positions. That’s where Web design schools come in.
The National Association of Schools of Art and Design accredits about 250 schools with programs in art and design. These accredited Web design degrees equip you with the design, e-commerce, scripting, and authoring skills necessary to advance in the field. You’ll learn how to develop cutting-edge Web sites that blend interactive media with consumer-targeted information. You’ll explore the nuts and bolts of Web page design using HTML scripting as well as page edit software, Web graphics and animation, video production for Web, and JavaScript. Web design colleges may also provide the opportunity to study the various site design models used in personal, commercial, and government Web sites, and to try your hand at designing your own Web pages and sites.
Once you’ve completed your Web design courses, the learning doesn’t end. You’ll need to keep your training up-to-date with certifications such as Certified Web Designer, Dreamweaver 8 Developer, Flash MX 2004 Designer, and ColdFusion MX 7 Developer, to name a few.
Yearn
Of course, all these Web design courses will be worth your while. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, graphic designers with Web site design and animation experience will especially be needed as demand for interactive media projects increase. Demand for graphic designers will also increase as advertising firms create Web marketing and promotional materials for more products and services. It’s no surprise, then, that those with design and animation experience from Web design schools will have the best job opportunities in the field.
Earn
Not only is the need great, the compensation isn’t too shabby, either. According to the 2006 AIGA/Aquent Survey of Design Salaries, the median total cash compensation for Web designers in 2006 was $48,000. Boston, Washington/Baltimore, and Los Angeles reportedly paid the top salaries for Web designers, and educational institutions, design studios/consultancies, and Web development firms were the organization types topping the wage chart.
Get in on the online explosion and explore Web design colleges today.
