Web development careers are on the rise. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment opportunities will grow by 23% by 2031. The median annual salary in this field is $78,300. Students can prepare for this career through an online bachelor’s in web development program, where they will learn to create, design, test, and maintain websites.
Similar career paths include graphic designers, who earn a median annual salary of $50,710, and special effects artists and animators, who earn $78,790.
The high salaries a graduate can earn make attending an online bachelor’s in web development program a good investment. The National Center for Education Statistics reports that the average tuition for the 2021-22 academic year was $7,869 at public schools and $37,095 at private colleges. Most online bachelor’s in web development degree programs require 120 credits and take four years of full-time study to complete.
How to Choose an Online Bachelor’s in Web Development Program
Choose your area of study
Before choosing an area of study, students should determine which web development tasks they envision as career goals. Knowing this will help them match the correct educational path with their goals. Standard web development concentrations include game development, digital security, health informatics, software design, and IT entrepreneurship.
Students must choose which type of online bachelor’s in web development degree will help them use their skills in their desired concentration. Options include the following:
- Bachelor of Science (BS): Focuses on developing students’ technical skills
- Bachelor of Arts (BA): Emphasizes design, development, and broad applications
Research schools and programs
The best online bachelor’s in web development programs are accredited, meaning they meet quality standards set forth by a valid accrediting body. Students can verify a school’s accreditation status by visiting the U.S. Department of Education’s Database of Postsecondary Institutions and Programs. Individual web development programs may also have accreditation from the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET). Many employers, licensing, and certification agencies require students to have a degree from an accredited institution.
Other information that students seek out includes:
- Faculty credentials
- Program awards and recognitions
- Graduation requirements
- Enrollment options (full-time vs. part-time)
- Flexibility of the online program versus the on-campus program
- Graduation rates and placements
Students can find this information by browsing the school’s website, participating in virtual tours and information sessions, interacting with the program and faculty on social media, and contacting the admissions department directly.
Prepare for tests and applications
The first step in preparing for tests and applications is to create a spreadsheet for organizing information. The spreadsheet should include the name of the university and its application deadline. Columns on the spreadsheet can consist of the list of materials the school requires, such as:
- Completed application
- Application fees
- Official transcripts
- Standardized test scores
- Letters of recommendation
- Personal essay
- Resume
The list of requirements may vary for each university. Additionally, students should find out if their school accepts the Common Application, which can help streamline the application process.
As students compile the materials, they can check them on their spreadsheets. If a university requires students to take a standardized test, they should do so while still in high school. Some schools allow work experience to substitute for test scores, which may benefit adult learners.
Select your program
Students often apply for multiple programs simultaneously to give themselves better odds of acceptance to an online bachelor’s in a web development program. However, they should also keep in mind that most schools charge application fees, which can add up quickly. Narrow your list of potential schools as much as possible before you start submitting applications. You can also contact the school’s admissions office to inquire about application fee waivers.
Determine how you’ll pay for your degree
The first step in figuring out how to pay for your degree is to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This will help schools determine your eligibility for financial aid like scholarships, loans, grants, and work-study.
Students should explore all avenues for gift aid (money that doesn’t need to be repaid) before borrowing federal or private student loans.
Parents can claim a $2,500 tax credit through the American Opportunity Tax Credit if they each earn less than $90,000 annually. Other IRS savings programs include the education savings bond program and student loan interest deduction.
Students who are working while enrolled in their online hotel and restaurant bachelor’s degree program can find out if their employer offers tuition assistance benefits.
Best 50 Accredited Online Bachelor’s in Web Development Programs
Discover More Options
How We Rank Schools
This list covers online undergraduate programs in web development. Graduates of these programs often receive a Bachelor of Science with a specialization in web development, computer information systems, information technology, or information networking.
Accreditation verifies the quality of coursework and ensures that graduates are prepared to develop both desktop and mobile web experiences. We’ve included bachelor’s programs accredited at the regional and national level by the Higher Learning Commission, Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, and the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology-Computing Accreditation Commission.
What Can You Expect from an Online Bachelor’s in Web Development Program?
Students can expect to begin their higher education by taking general courses, such as math and science, that will prepare them for degree-specific classes. It typically takes full-time students four to five years to complete the typical 120-credit-hour program. Part-time students may need an additional year or two.
Students learn skills specific to web development, such as web design, security, operating systems, networking, computer algorithms, and project management. Students may choose electives like software engineering, database systems, and programming languages. Many online bachelor’s in web development programs also require students to complete internships and a final web development project.
Program delivery methods may vary. Some programs are operated asynchronously, with students receiving pre-recorded lessons and assignments they can complete on their own schedule. Other programs are synchronous and require students to attend virtual classes at designated times. There are also programs offered in a hybrid format, which have both asynchronous and synchronous elements.
Potential courses you’ll take in an online bachelor’s in web development degree program
- Website Development Foundations. This introductory course teaches students various coding methods, programming languages, audio and video, animations, photo galleries, and hosting. Students finish the course knowing the basics of designing website applications.
- Digital Security. Students learn the various ways websites become vulnerable to security breaches and hacks. They learn how to detect threats and resolve issues. They learn how to create websites with protection that can prevent and fix security problems.
- Database Management. Students learn the best ways to store, organize, and manage data using existing software or by creating a new software application. Students learn the tools, formats, and databases, such as MySQL, NoSQL, and DevOps Database. They will improve their skills through hands-on projects.
- Advanced Web Design. Students can build on their basic programming skills by learning advanced techniques in designing websites for individuals and businesses. They can create sites for heavy or low traffic, utilize advanced coding techniques, and customize web applications to meet various online needs.
- Coding. Students learn to code, create algorithms, block and text programming, and turn ideas into code. Students’ problem-solving skills will improve, helping them find solutions to web issues.
Online Bachelor’s in Web Development Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply for an online bachelor's in web development degree program?
The application process begins with contacting the university’s admissions department to confirm their deadlines and determine which items you must submit. General application materials include a passing score on a standardized test, usually the SAT or ACT. Some schools use ACCUPLACER, a platform that accurately assesses students’ skills to place them in a degree program. Other requirements may include:
- Minimum GPA in high school or community college studies
- Official transcripts showing previous education history
- Letters of recommendation from counselors, coaches, teachers, or other professionals
- Personal essay about why the program interests you and your career and education goals
- Resume with work experience, awards and recognitions, and unique talents
How much does an online bachelor's in web development degree cost?
Tuition varies if students attend a public or private institution, are considered in-state or out-of-state at public universities, and are enrolled part-time or full-time.
Students must consider all expenses, not just tuition, such as:
- Textbooks and supplies
- Application fees
- Costs of taking standardized tests
- Graduation fees
- Laboratory or internship fees
- Technology fees (laptop, Internet)
- Student support services fees
Most of the above costs are recurring every semester. Therefore, the longer it takes to complete a program, the more a student will pay. Students should explore the many grants and scholarships to reduce overall costs.
How long does it take to earn an online bachelor's in web development?
The primary factor in program length is how quickly students can finish the credit hours, including internships and final projects. Students must earn a total of 120 credits to receive a bachelor’s degree. If students have previously earned credits from another school or program, this can help cut down on the time it will take to earn their bachelor’s in web development.
Changes in life circumstances can also impact how long it takes a student to earn their degree. Choosing an online bachelor’s in web development program offers more flexibility than on-campus programs, allowing students to continue their studies after a break.