What is Web Development?
The purpose of a web developer is to create customer-focused websites that provide a great user experience (UX) and satisfy the client’s specific requirements. Depending on their skillset, they may be responsible for creating both the front-end (look and feel) and back-end (server side) elements of an application or website. Ultimately, their goal is to present an aesthetically appealing design with efficient code that is able to perform certain actions with ease, especially in commercial website development.
Web developers build sites from scratch or use content management systems (CMS). There are two broad categories of web developers: front-end developers (client side) who focus on coding the aesthetics of a website and back-end developers (server side) who write server scripts to power dynamic site features such as databases, interactive forms, content delivery networks, etc. Depending on the type of project being worked on, it may be necessary for one or both types of developers to combine forces in order to build a comprehensive online offering. Those with a lot of experience can make their way into web management roles
Having good problem-solving skills means that, when issues arise during development, you’re able to identify and fix them quickly; this is especially important during client projects that require tight deadlines. Other useful attributes include coding proficiency, attention to detail, good communication abilities, and creative flair when it comes to design elements like fonts, images, and color schemes. Those experienced in web development will have knowledge about web standards – HTML/CSS & JavaScript included – but there are many other languages used for building websites such as Ruby on Rails and Python, which have become more popular in recent years due excel at meeting modern usability needs.
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Online Web Development Education in Indiana
Web development colleges provide students the opportunity to earn a degree in web development. Colleges that offer web development degrees typically include courses such as digital media, programming, software engineering, and user interface design. These courses help students to understand how to create websites and applications that are user-friendly and effective. Additionally, many of these programs require students to complete an internship or other project in order to build experience working with real-world web technologies.
At the undergraduate level, most schools offer bachelor’s degrees in web design or related fields like computer science or information technology. At the graduate level, there are programs that focus exclusively on web development, which may require additional coursework in areas like database administration and advanced coding techniques. Many universities also offer certificate programs for those looking for more specialized training without committing to a full degree program. Regardless of the path taken, gaining a college degree in web development can open up exciting career opportunities for graduates.
Online Associate (AS)
An associate degree in web development is an educational program that helps individuals gain the skills needed to create interactive websites and web applications. The curriculum focuses on areas such as coding, design, usability, accessibility, and marketing. Students learn how to use HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and other languages to create attractive websites with interactive features. They are also taught methods of optimizing search engine results and ways to monetize their work through digital advertising campaigns. With a degree in this field, students can find employment as web designers or developers for commercial firms or government agencies.
Additionally, they may become freelancers, providing services online, or even pursue a career creating their own websites. This type of degree is ideal for those interested in technology because it provides a comprehensive understanding of the latest trends and tools available for creating dynamic web products.
Online Bachelors (BS)
A bachelor's degree in web development provides students with the knowledge and skills they need to create, design, develop, and manage websites. In these bachelor's degree programs, students learn the principles of web development including HTML5 and JavaScript coding languages, relational database management systems (RDBMS), web scripting languages like PHP and Python, content management systems (CMS) such as WordPress and Drupal, user experience (UX) design, search engine optimization (SEO), server-side programming, and client-side scripting.
Bachelor's degree programs in web programming and development also teaches students how to integrate multimedia elements into websites such as audio files, video streaming services, and interactive graphics. Additionally, students get an understanding of the software development life cycle (SDLC), project management strategies for web projects, and computer-aided design tools. Through hands-on exercises in labs, or internships in organizations related to web development industry, graduates build a portfolio that demonstrates their ability to develop professional quality websites for clients. After graduating with a bachelor's degree in web development, professionals are typically prepared for positions working as web designers or developers within businesses or organizations.
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Online Masters (MS)
A master's degree in web development isn’t required but can be beneficial to those who want to work professionally as web developers. Students will gain a deeper understanding of the underlying processes and technologies used in programming, as well as having a better understanding of how to create effective websites. Furthermore, graduates with a master's degree in web development will be able to apply their knowledge practically through project management and quality assurance practices.
When pursuing a master's degree in web development, students will learn about developing modern web applications such as AJAX, CSS3, HTML5, JavaScript, JSON (JavaScript Object Notation), PHP/MySQL, and XML. They’ll also become proficient in using various frameworks for front-end development, such as AngularJS and ReactJS. Additionally, they may develop expertise in content management systems like WordPress and Joomla, which are widely used today for creating stunning websites with little effort. Finally, they’ll take courses that cover the fundamentals of user experience design (UXD) so that their projects adhere to industry standards for best practices when it comes to usability and accessibility aspects of webpages.
Online Doctorate (PhD)
A PhD in web development can be a great option to advance your career but will take between four to seven years to complete. These programs focus on the design, development, and implementation of applications for websites. Coursework may include topics such as web architecture, server-side programming languages, database management systems, application servers, content management systems, web security protocols, and open-source frameworks. It’s important for students to also understand how these technologies interact with one another, as well as the importance of user experience design when implementing applications.
Most programs will also require completion of a research project or dissertation that could explore new methods of developing more effective websites or other related topics. Additionally, depending on the chosen institution’s requirements, students might have to attend seminars and participate in lab assignments where they can apply their knowledge by creating various components like databases or scripts for websites.
Online Certifications
Web development certifications provide a wealth of knowledge to individuals who are looking to become experts in their field. These certifications can be earned through a variety of institutions, including colleges and universities and private companies that specialize in web development. The curriculum for these courses is often tailored specifically to the needs of the individual student and will cover topics such as HTML5, PHP, JavaScript, CSS3, and other web technologies.
Depending on the institution or company offering the certification program, there may also be additional coursework required, such as classes in project management or user experience design. Upon completion of these requirements and passing all exams associated with them, students can earn an official certificate from that organization attesting to their skills and abilities in web development. These certificates are a great way for employers to quickly verify potential employees' expertise in this field without having to do extensive background checks on the applicants work history. Additionally, those who hold certifications are more likely to receive higher pay than those without them since they have demonstrated that they possess a certain level of proficiency in their chosen area of study.
Become a Web Developer in Indiana
Web development is a great career choice. From creating interactive and informative websites to improving existing online applications, web developers design, build, and maintain the many webpages and applications we use every day. The job is challenging, creative, and pays well due to the technical skills required. Here's how to become a web developer.
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Step 1: Learn the Basics
For anyone looking to break into the world of web development, one of the most essential skills they need to master is programming languages. Most jobs call for knowledge in HTML, JavaScript, CSS, Python, PHP, and other popular languages. You can find online tutorials and courses on any of these languages, which will help get you started.
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Step 2: Gain Experience Using Open Source Projects or Online Portfolio Building Platforms
Once you have mastered the basics of coding language, another important step toward becoming a professional web developer is gaining experience with actual projects. One way to do this is by utilizing open source projects like WordPress that allow developers to contribute their work and show off their talents for all potential employers to see. Additionally, some sites, such as CodePen, offer portfolio-building platforms so that budding developers can showcase their work in an organized manner and make connections with professionals within the industry.
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Step 3: Explore Different Niches within Development
Web development encompasses many smaller areas within it such as app design, front-end/back-end development, and UX design as well. It’s important to understand what kind of path within this field you’d like to embark on when pursuing a career within it, so researching each one thoroughly should be done before making any major decisions related to your future.
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Step 4: Develop Professional Network Connections
Aside from mastering specific codes and platforms, networking often leads aspiring developers toward potential employment opportunities and mentorship from experienced professionals. Finding social networking groups related to tech may initially seem daunting, but they create better communication between those looking for clients or employment opportunities. Connections allow both parties involved benefit from feedback.
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What Can I Do with a Bachelor's in Web Development?
A bachelor's in web development can open up a range of career paths and professional opportunities. Students can explore jobs such as web designers, software engineers, user interface designers, and web administrators. They will also develop the technical skills required to create websites, applications, and other online services. Additionally, they may gain specialized skills in areas such as database management systems, E-commerce solutions, or content management systems. With their degree, they can work on projects that involve coding languages like HTML5 and CSS3, as well as scripting languages like JavaScript. Furthermore, graduates may be able to pursue leadership positions at digital agencies or become freelance developers for clients from around the world. For those looking for an entrepreneurial path with their web development degree, starting a business can be an attractive option because of the abundance of tools available to help them get started quickly.
Potential Careers for Graduates
- Software Publisher:
The primary responsibility of a software publisher is developing and managing software products for sale or distribution. This includes product design and development, market research and analysis, production planning and administration, testing and quality assurance services, post-production maintenance tasks such as bug fixes and upgrades, and customer support services including technical assistance via phone or online help tickets. Publishers must also provide marketing materials to promote their products on websites, print publications such as magazines or newspapers, radio shows and/or television networks.
Necessary Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree in computer science or related field
- Ability to use a variety of software tools and platforms
- Knowledge of the software development lifecycle
- Excellent problem-solving skills
- Excellent communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills
Estimated Salary
- The median annual wage for desktop publishers in the US in 2021 was $46,910
- The mean annual wage for desktop publishers in Indiana is $46,770
- Data Processor:
Data processing is an increasingly important job in the digital age — it involves sorting, organizing, and handling data for businesses and organizations.
Necessary Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree in computer science, information systems or a related field preferred
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Knowledge of database systems (SQL)
- Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills
- Ability to work independently and in a team environment
Estimated Salary
- The median annual wage for data scientists in the US in 2021 was $100,910
- The mean annual wage for data scientists in Indiana is $75,280
- Computer Information Systems (Manager):
Computer information systems managers are responsible for managing the user experience, supervising day-to-day operations, and planning the long-term strategy of an organization's computer systems. They have a duty to meet customer demands and analyze system requirements, keeping up with new technology trends.
Necessary Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree in computer information systems, computer science or related field
- 5+ years experience in a related role
Estimated Salary
- The median annual wage for computer and information systems managers in the US in 2021 was $159,010
- The mean annual wage for computer and information systems managers in Indiana is $125,180
- Computer Systems Analyst:
Computer systems analysts combine computer programming skills with business analysis to develop or review software applications, systems, and databases.
Necessary Requirements:
- Bachelor's degree in computer science, information technology or related field
- Demonstrated experience in computer systems analysis, design, development and implementation
- Knowledge of a variety of programming languages and databases
Estimated Salary
- The median annual wage for computer systems analysts in the US in 2021 was $99,270
- The mean annual wage for computer systems analysts in Indiana is $89,510
- Software Tester:
A software tester is responsible for testing and evaluating software programs to ensure they meet customer requirements. This role will involve designing, writing, and executing test plans, as well as identifying and documenting software bugs.
Necessary Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree in computer science, information technology or related field
- Proven experience in software testing
- Knowledge of various software testing techniques, such as black box testing, white box testing, regression testing, etc
- Strong communication skills both written and verbal
Estimated Salary
- The median annual wage for software developers, quality assurance analysts, and testers in the US in 2021 was $109,020
- The mean annual wage for software quality assurance analysts and testers Indiana is $79,610
- Full-Stack Developer:
A full-stack developer is someone who can handle both front and back end of a web application. This involves mastering technologies like HTML, CSS, JavaScript, database management systems (MySQL), version control systems (Git), server and hosting environments (AWS), and others. Thus, it takes more than coding skills to be a successful full stack developer - problem solving and design thinking is essential, as well.
Necessary Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree in web development or equivalent experience
- 2+ years of experience in web development
- Expertise in Object-Oriented Programming and MVC pattern
Estimated Salary
- The median annual wage for web developers and digital designers in the US in 2021 was $78,300
- The mean annual wage for web and digital interface designers Indiana is $63,390
- Information Cybersecurity Analyst:
An information security analyst defends a company’s data and computer systems against cyber-threats. Specializing in this field requires knowledge of networks, databases, cloud-based security tools, forensics, malware, and risk analysis.
Necessary Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity or a related field
- Minimum 3 years of experience in information security management
- Knowledge of computer security principles
Estimated Salary
- The median annual wage for information security analysts in the US in 2021 was $102,600
- The mean annual wage for information security analysts in Indiana is $86,410
- SEO Specialist:
As a SEO specialist, you'll be responsible for optimizing websites and content to rank higher on popular search engines such as Google. The job also requires fundamental skills such as keyword research, link building, content optimization, and technical analysis.
Necessary Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in a related field such as digital marketing or web development
- Knowledge of HTML, JavaScript and CSS
Estimated Salary
- The mean annual wage for market research analysts and marketing specialists in the US in 2021 was $76,080
- The mean annual wage for market research analysts and marketing specialists in Indiana is $62,520
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