What is Web Development?
Oklahoma is a state that may be an afterthought for those who live on the coasts. After all, it's sparsely populated, has no major cities or airports, and isn't often the setting for popular television shows. In fact, the entire state has only four million people, which is less than half of the population of New York City and slightly more than the population of Los Angeles. Nevertheless, Oklahoma is a very important part of the US economy. Its mining, quarrying, and oil & gas extraction industry is the second largest in the nation. In fact, Tulsa was once the world largest oil producer.
A web developer is a technology professional who specializes in creating the fundamental code required for websites to work as intended. They are often more interested in the back end operations of sites, operations that are often invisible to the casual user. They connect search dialogues to databases, create cookies that ease use of websites, and support their sites' cyber security measures.
Web developers are often distinct from web designers. Their skill sets are more weighted by coding languages that are relevant to the back end of websites such as PHP, Python, C++, Ruby, Java, and JavaScript, among others. Naturally, their back-end work must cooperate with the front-end. Thus, it's vital for web developers to be familiar with front-end languages, such as HTML and CSS.
Since web developers necessarily do all their work via the computer, they can work anywhere in Oklahoma or the world. For years, coders and web developers have worked from remote locations since all they need is a network connection to upload their work, and this trend escalated in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and its ensuing lockdowns.
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Online Web Development Education in Oklahoma
Though other Oklahoman industries aren't quite as strong as its presence in the natural resources sector, it is supported by a diverse set of economic drivers not unheard of elsewhere. The second largest industry in Oklahoma is its real estate sector. Real estate sales, leases, and rentals account for $19 billion in annual revenue for the state. Much of this is surely related to activities related to mining and oil drilling, among other factors. Oklahoma's real estate sector ranks 33rd in the nation.
The third largest industry in Oklahoma is manufacturing. Again, much of this manufacturing activity is surely related to refining oil, processing minerals, and otherwise processing natural resources. Manufacturing accounts for nearly $19 billion in annual revenues.
The fourth largest economic driver in Oklahoma is the sector known as professional and business services. This area covers activities such as waste removal, management consultation, commercial laboratory work, and even IT consulting, including web development. The entire sector accounts for nearly $17 billion annually. Since web development is now a necessary part of nearly every business in the world, it receives top priority from the state of Oklahoma.
In fact, the Oklahoma legislature funds the state's public colleges and universities, providing their web development degree programs with plenty of resources. This includes associate web development degree programs in Oklahoma's community colleges all the way through doctoral web development degree programs. In turn, Oklahoma's web development degree program faculty members use those funds to attract and maintain the best instructors and professors possible.
Online Associates (AS)
An associate computer science or web development degree is a great way to launch a career. Oklahoma's community colleges strive to offer students plenty of IT options, and web development is one of them. During the course of the degree, web development students work hard to master the issues related to creating a working, secure website. This includes learning about networking, but also computer programming and the languages of the internet, web page creation, basic HTML, web applications, web design, and other related subjects.
Since associate web development degrees include the core college curriculum required of any bachelor's IT degree student, aspiring web developers gain new skills, too. Since many web developers learn their coding skills through independent channels, the softer skills included in the core curriculum may be what makes an associate web development degree most worthwhile. Their education related to writing, communication, and other topics will serve them well on the job. In fact, web developers will be wise to focus their elective courses on topics such as mathematics, statistics, economics, business management, and other areas that they feel will impact their careers later.
Get more information about an associate in web developmentOnline Bachelors (BS)
A four-year bachelor's web development degree is perhaps the best bet for students who are interested in long-term career success. This is mainly because a bachelor's web development degree can lead to a master’s degree, usually without a need for more coursework. It's also true because bachelor's web development degree students can dive deep into a variety of web development projects, as well as related topics that may impact their careers.
Many web development students earn a more well-rounded education by taking courses in topic areas that inform their later careers. For instance, web development students might take higher level mathematics, including statistics, that can help them transition into work in data science. They might also take courses in cyber security or computer science that will expand their purely technological work. Finally, bachelor's web development degree students can complete one or more internship programs that provide real world experience with professionals. Internships can be very eye-opening and revelatory for web development students.
Get more information about a bachelors in web developmentOnline Masters (MS)
A master’s degree is increasingly important in all fields, especially high-tech careers that are focused on computer science. Though it may seem hard to believe, web developers are continuing to evolve the networking tech that informs nearly every aspect of our lives. Thus, a web developer who returns for a master’s web development degree will do themselves a great service.
Master’s level web development degrees are valuable for many reasons. While some may point out that employers often seek out certifications more than degrees, an academic credential is something that can never be taken away. Further, many certification programs require certain academic credentials before candidates can even take a certification test. Meanwhile, web developers who complete graduate degrees in web development will re-enter the workforce with highly specialized skills and problem-solving abilities that are hard to match.
It should be noted that not only is an MS in web development a vital addition to any web developer's resume, but there are other master’s degrees that they might consider. One of the most common is an MBA. On top of the invaluable business courses, students can concentrate in web development, IT, or another topic for their second year.
Get more information about a masters in web developmentOnline Doctorate (PhD)
Tech is one area in the business community that highly values a PhD. Web developers who pursue their PhD might focus on high growth areas such as cyber security, cryptography, artificial intelligence, or programming languages. There are even employers who will hire a PhD to join their team as a researcher. Thus, many PhDs in tech fields can continue their research as well-paid members of the business community, rather than in academia.
However, many PhD students choose to remain in academia and seek tenure track positions. With a PhD, people can teach at the undergraduate and graduate levels, including doctoral degree programs. They might also seek out positions as research faculty members. If one's doctoral thesis matches the work a particular university's researchers are pursuing, they might join them. Research faculty never need to teach, though many will take students on as research assistants.
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Become a Web Developer in Oklahoma
Though web developers are everywhere in the Oklahoman economy - creating and maintaining sites for the state's banks, restaurants, real estate firms, and oil companies - it's not always clear how one joins that career path. There are many ways to approach this career. This is because most hiring managers in web development look more for skill sets and experience rather than education or licensure.
Thus, it's never too early for a student to start gaining new web development skills. Even in high school, students can start learning programming languages. This is a good time to learn easier languages, such as HTML and CSS, which are great for hand-coding websites. Students might even find web developer bootcamps available online. There are some available that are either free or on offer for low cost. These may not offer a certificate or other credential, but those who apply themselves will gain the skill they need to build websites. Some students even use their skill sets to find local clients who need websites. Small businesses, such as restaurants and local artisans, may be keen to find someone to build their site and maintain it.
High school students who have a passion for technology and a penchant for programming are also urged to find like-minded friends. These friends may be able to introduce new ideas while offering fellowship and fun. Students should also work on taking the highest math courses they can. If their high school offers computer courses, they should complete those and take advantage of any co-op programs available through local community colleges.
During the third year of high school, students should start looking around for the best web development degree programs for them. This can include associate degree programs in local community colleges or full bachelor's degrees in a university, or four-year college. The key factor to consider, however, is the program's accreditation.
The bare minimum accreditation standard for any degree program is a CHEA-approved regional accreditation. This will affirm that one's degree will be valid when they apply for graduate school and that employers will recognize the degree as valid. Students should also look for web development degree programs that boast program specific accreditation from ABET. This accreditation agency reviews all STEM degree programs, and their credentials are recognized nationally.
After graduation, or even before, students should start seeking certificates that attest to their skill in programming or other technological skills. Employers like to see specific credentials, even from their entry-level employees. Developers who earn and maintain these credentials are sure to find great success over time.
Careers for Web Development Graduates
- Web Developer
This tech profession focuses on building and maintaining the back-end resources for websites. Developers may need to work on database connectivity, cyber security, cookie creation, or simply ensuring that all a site's pages are fully functional for users. Core languages for a developer can include Python, PHP, Java, JavaScript, Ruby, SQL, and C++. - Web and Digital Designer
Designers work on the fit and finish of websites and create dynamite designs for print and web media. Digital designers need core skills in Photoshop, Illustrator, and the entire Adobe Creative Suite. Designers may have degrees in fine art, but tech skills are imperative. - Web Content Manager
The web is made of a lot of content and managers seek to ensure that it is of the best quality. Content managers may assign content creators certain topics to cover. They also need to understand SEO and how to strategize around keywords and trending topics. - Front-end Developers
These web professionals are often called web designers, but nomenclature varies. Front-end developers also work on applications such as word processors and streaming applications. They make sure that each part of an app is easy to use with an intuitive interface. - UI/UX Designers
These tech workers make sure that applications and websites are accessible to their targeted end users. UI/UX designers need a strong background in art as well as technology. Coding skills in HTML and CSS will be very helpful, as will skill in Photoshop, Illustrator, and Blender. - Management, Technical, and Scientific Consulting Services
Consultants are a vital part of today's economy. Consultants evaluate their client's management, tech, and science to ensure that it's the best available. They then make recommendations for improvements. - Software Developer/Engineer
Developers may work on creating a software package from scratch, but others are hired to maintain a specific piece of software. Developers need to have programming skills that match the software in question. Developers tend to focus their work on specific languages, which then tends to land them in certain industries working on similar of software packages. - Information Security Analyst
These tech workers are on the front lines. They protect their employers or clients from hackers who would seek to steal their data. InfoSec analysts keep a constant eye on their firm's security to ensure that no breaches have occurred. They also work hard to upgrade their firm's InfoSec systems and protocols to prevent future attacks. - Database Administrator
These IT workers oversee their firm's database. Administrators provide employees with the credentials they need to access all or part of the database. They also work to keep the database updated with current data and to ensure that the technology it operates with is maintained and current with contemporary standards. - Game Developer
Many tech workers get their start because they are looking for a career in game development. Game developers are sort of the total package: they have strong artistic talents while also knowing how to design a game. Developers who work for larger game companies, such as EA Games, may be more specialized to work in the art department or as coders who tweak game physics.
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