Top Web Design Program Rankings

At one time, web design was a field where most of the workers, even some of the top players in the industry, were self-taught. Today, this is increasingly rare, as employers and clients want to hire web designers who have both raw talent and formal training. During your time in school, you could take classes in areas such as programming languages, principles of design, search engine optimization, technical writing, website architecture, communication, information systems, networking, and project management. The top design programs give you lots of options to you can tailor your education to fit your skills and interests.

Rhode Island School of Design

For students interested in any fine arts or design program, it’s hard to beat the Rhode Island School of Design, otherwise known as RISD. U.S. News and World Report has named this college the best graphics design school in the country for 2010, and they’ve been at or near the top of the list for years. They have programs for both bachelor’s degree students and master’s degree students, though it is important to note that the emphasis at this school is on the design elements you’ll use as a web designer, rather than the more technical work you’ll need to learn to complete.

Full Sail University

Full Sail University is based in the Orlando, Florida area and also offers online classes to students in their web design program. They’ve long been considered a top school in this area, and unlike many design schools, they offer a program that combines both the visual element and the back-end technical element to give you an extremely comprehensive understanding of this field. Full Sail’s bachelor degree program helps you create a portfolio and includes classes on business management, communications, and other skills you’ll need in the workforce. Many graduates even go on to open their own studios upon graduation.

International Academy of Design & Technology

If you want to get started in your web design career as quickly as possible, but still also value a formal education, the International Academy of Design & Technology might be a good college program for you to consider. They have a great web design associate’s degree program, which allows you to learn the fundamentals so you’re prepared for a career in this industry but don’t have to spend four (or more) years in school.

Top Web Design Schools Online

Web design, Web site development, and Web programming are disciplines that require advanced training. While a college degree is not essential to become a good Web site designer or Webmaster, obtaining at least an associate's degree in the subject will not only sharpen your skills, but also look good on your resume to any potential employer. The schools listed below offer Web design or similar degrees through their online learning programs.

DeVry University
AS in Web Design
DeVry University — DeVry University's AS in web design helps students gain mastery over software applications, fundamental design principles, programming for web design and online graphics, and web content management strategies. Students learn all types of graphic media for marketing, advertising, teaching, and other multimedia projects. Graduates are equipped with a professional portfolio of design samples.
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Baker College
AAS in Web Development
BA in Web Development
Baker College — Baker College offers two accredited degrees in Web Development both at the campus and through online courses for students who want to pursue lucrative careers in an industry that is ever-expanding: a Bachelors and Associates in Web Development. These programs are designed to be completed at your own pace from school, your home, or even on the go. Moreover, the online programs offer an affordable option as they cut many of the costs associated with campus programs.
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Kaplan University
BS in Web Design
Kaplan University — Kaplan University's BS in web design program prepares students to enter into successful careers as web designers, programmers, and information technology specialists. The program is designed to enable students to design real-world media products and create solutions for hardware and software problems. However, success in the industry isn't entirely dependent on programming skills. Students also learn to evaluate trends and new products to determine their effectiveness.
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Full Sail University
BS in Web Design
Full Sail University — Full Sail University's BS in Web design & development teaches students the technology they need to understand the language of Web design and create interactive web content. The program covers front and back end development for the web, PDAs and cell phones, and requires students to master the multiple languages used in today's hottest technology.
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Strayer University
BS/IS in Web Development
Strayer University — The Strayer University BS degree in information science with a concentration in Web development is a relatively new program that teaches cutting edge web development techniques. The curriculum, offered online, combines a campus-based approach and enhances it with simulations and other hands-on technology. This degree is designed for the busy working professional that seeks advanced training in web technology.
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International Academy of Design & Technology
AS in Web Design
BFA in Graphic Design
International Academy of Design & Technology — The International Academy of Design & Technology offers an AS in web design and a BFA in graphic design. Programs blend the technological and artistic skills needed to start successful careers in graphic design for print and the internet with courses like Digital Imaging, Multimedia Design, and Programming for the Internet.
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University of Phoenix
BS in IT/Multimedia
University of Phoenix — The University of Phoenix offers a BS in Information Technology with a multimedia specialization. With an emphasis on visual communication, students develop digital media skills as well as gain a foundation in core technologies and design principles. Additionally, students also learn telecommunications, technical writing, programming, computer networking, and information systems.
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Rasmussen College
AS in Web Design
Rasmussen College — Rasmussen College's AS in web design teaches students how to develop websites to be visually engaging through the use of color, sound, images, graphics, animation and text. The art of building a successful website requires as much technological skill as artistic talent, as well as a foundation in psychology and behavioral principles.
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University of Massachusetts
Web Design and Dev Cert
University of Massachusetts — The Website Design and Development certificate program from University of Massachusetts gives students a foundation in design for the web and building dynamic websites. Students will learn to use software and programming languages like PHP and Javascript to build advance websites that follow today's standards and latest advances. Students will also learn how to translate their designs into layouts usable by all browsers.
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Art Institute of Pittsburgh
AS in Media Design
BS in Graphic Design
BS in Media Design
Art Institute of Pittsburgh — The Art Institute of Pittsburgh's AS in media design, BS in graphic design, and BS in media design degree programs prepare artistic students with the practical business and technological skills they need to make their art marketable. Media design degrees concentrate on web design and programming languages. Graphic design teaches students to make images to sell ideas in a variety of media. The BS in media design gives students the technological skills and creative support they need to venture into the job market successfully.
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American InterContinental University
BFA in Web Design
American InterContinental University — The American InterContinental University's Bachelor of Fine Arts in Web Design & Development gives students the basic principles of web design, like how to develop websites that are effective and user-friendly, and how to make the web experience more engaging through the use of graphics, sound, and typography. Students develop the skills they need to become professional web designers and developers.
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Westwood College
BS in Web Design
BFA in Animation
BS in Game Design
Westwood College — Westwood College's BS in web design, BFA in animation, and BS in game design programs effectively combine instruction in technology, programming, industry-current tools, and artistic foundations to produce students who can create compelling and engaging images on the internet, or in a variety of gaming platforms. Instructors are not only knowledgeable technology professionals, but have real-world insights to offer in career-focused classes.
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South University
BS/IT in Web Management
South University — South University's BS in IT with a specialization in web management prepares students with theoretical and applied knowledge that allows them to become effective and informed web administrators. Students study system analysis, design, programming, and case studies in classes that promote communication skills along with critical thinking. Graduates are prepared to enter into a variety of information technology fields.
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Sessions College for Professional Design
AOS in Web Design
Sessions College for Professional Design — Sessions College for Professional Design's Associate of Occupational Studies (AOS) programs prepare students to enter immediately into careers in the design industry. Their AOS in web design program covers all the tools and skill sets students need to start designing effective websites for businesses or private use. Graduates leave with a professional portfolio of design work to show potential clients.
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