Web Designer Education & Training Requirements

Web Designer Education & Training Requirements

Employers and clients who hire web designers typically require they have at least earned a bachelor’s degree in computer science, communications or business. Students can also earn a BA in graphic arts, with a concentration in web design. Some schools allow students the additional option of a specialty certification within the field of website design. Website programming and Internet marketing are two prime examples of this.

Both online and traditional colleges offer certificate and degree programs at the associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degree level. Most colleges require applicants to submit a basic portfolio as part of the screening process. This could include drawings, photography, and anything else that highlights the student’s artistic abilities.

A typical bachelor’s degree program in web design requires students to complete core curriculum like math and English, as well as several courses in their intended major. Some of the specific coursework at this level may include:

• Digital Image Design for Websites
• Basic HTML
• Web Writing
• Computer Systems Introduction
• Digital and Strategic Marketing
• Online Retailing
• Fundamentals of Networking
• Internet and Website Architecture
• Graphic Design
• Drawing
• Animation

Additionally, many employers prefer someone who has a professional portfolio that shows the design process in creating other websites, whether as a student, intern, part-time employee at another company, or as a volunteer. High school students who know they want to go into web design should take graphic arts and computer programming in addition to learning as many web design software programs as possible.

Building an outstanding portfolio while still a student is a crucial component of success when trying to land an entry-level job as a website designer. When considering college degree programs, students should make sure that they have significant instruction in this area. A portfolio in web design is different than other majors because the bulk of the work will be online. After all, perspective employers and clients must be able to see that the applicant can produce quality work, and what better way to show off a web designer’s body of work than online.

Along with a link to one or more websites, the student portfolio should include in-depth descriptions of the sites along with the steps he or she used in creating the sites. Those looking to hire web designers need a way to evaluate the applicant’s problem-solving abilities and thought process in addition to the quality of their online work.

Along with a professional portfolio, satisfactory completion of an internship is essential to get noticed in this competitive field. Many colleges have counselors that can put students in touch with local companies that routinely work with interns. Others have career centers and online resources where students can gather the information they need to start applying for internship positions. Since most companies prefer to work with experienced website designers, students should plan to devote much time and effort into securing an internship or apprenticeship.

The benefits of completing an industry internship are numerous, even if the student does not receive financial compensation for his or her time. It gives would-be web designers the opportunity to receive personal coaching from someone who knows the realistic demands of the industry. Students learn artistic and technical skills as well as how to work effectively as part of a creative team. Colleges that require completion of an internship assign a certain number of credits to the off-site experience in addition to any stipend the student may receive. Students should also expect to prepare a written or oral report on what they learned from the experience.

Volunteering is yet another ideal way to gain valuable experience as a web designer. Large corporations may not have the time or the need to take on a volunteer, but non-profits and charities are normally receptive to it. Students looking to volunteer should contact a program administrator by phone or email with the offer and a few samples of his or her work. They should agree on the specifics of the project and how long it should take at the outset. The student also needs to make it clear that he or she would appreciate a professional reference in exchange for the free work.

Obtaining a post-graduate degree or completing a specialty certification are both popular ways to advance as a website designer. It takes most people two years of full-time study after earning their bachelor degree to complete the requirements for a master’s degree. At this level, courses are more in-depth, with emphasis on graphic design, flash animation, and sound, as well as the technical aspects of website development. Master-level courses may include online data structures and algorithms, software development, and human-computer interaction. Certificate programs concentrate on the mastery of a specific area within the field, such as HTML or front-end web design.