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By University HQ Staff Writers
Edited by Evelyn Keener
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What is Web Development?

Individuals interested in acquiring the knowledge and skills needed to plan, design, and maintain websites will have little trouble finding applicable degree programs at colleges and universities in Rhode Island and throughout the United States. While open to anyone, web development is a particularly attractive area of study for those seeking expertise in creating digital content. The expertise gained by graduates is often highly versatile and valuable across numerous industries, offering a wide variety of job opportunities in the state and beyond. Employment prospects span various sectors, including private enterprises, nonprofits, and government entities.

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment for web and digital designers is projected to grow 16% from 2022 to 2032. This is much faster than the average for all occupations and will result in an increase of about 19,000 relevant job openings each year.

While developers can work in almost any industry, they are commonly employed by companies and organizations offering professional and business services. This is the third largest industry in Rhode Island, accounting for $7.8 billion in revenue each year. Based on data provided by the BLS, Rhode Island employed 490 web developers in May 2022.

Because web development is a fairly popular major area of study, degree programs in this field are widely available at academic institutions nationwide. Students can generally choose traditional in-person or online enrollment. While remote learning provides the convenience of accessing classes from anywhere with internet connectivity and offers flexibility in scheduling and completing courses, it may not always be the most advantageous. For instance, individuals intending to work in Rhode Island may find it beneficial to opt for programs provided by in-state schools. This decision ensures a geographically relevant education, a crucial consideration when seeking jobs with local employers and state certifications and licenses.

Web and digital developers are instrumental in shaping the digital landscape, creating the visual and functional aspects of websites and web applications. Their responsibilities encompass both the design and technical implementation of websites, ensuring a seamless and engaging user experience. Proficient in various programming languages such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript - these developers collaborate with designers to transform visual concepts into responsive and interactive web interfaces. They may work on the back-end of sites, integrating databases and servers, and/or on the front-end, enhancing user interfaces for optimal usability. It’s also common for them to troubleshoot and debug issues, ensuring the functionality of websites across different browsers and devices. Additionally, security considerations are often paramount, and developers implementing measures to safeguard projects against cyber-threats.

It's worth noting that duties are often dictated by the employer industry. Although jobs can be found in almost every sector, opportunities tend to be most prevalent in computer systems design, education services, advertising, and public relations. It’s also common for professionals in this field to manage their own businesses and/or function as independent contractors. To narrow focus, many choose to specialize in a particular type of website creation such as ecommerce, news, or gaming.

Effective communication and collaboration skills are crucial for web and digital developers, as they frequently work directly with cross-functional teams and/or clients to understand project requirements and deliver the best possible results. Staying information about information technology trends and emerging technologies is also essential. Other beneficial knowledge and skills include the ability to test applications, build prototypes, write code, administer traffic, and design graphics.

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Online Web Development Education in Rhode Island

Individuals aspiring to web development positions in Rhode Island will likely require higher education. Colleges and universities generally offer web development degrees at various levels: associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral. Professional certificate programs are also available, though they often lack the same academic weight as traditional degrees. Both in-person and online enrollment options exist.

Unlike some professions, education requirements for web developers vary. While most professionals in the field pursue bachelor’s degrees, some employers may consider candidates with high school diplomas or GEDs. In this field, however, knowledge and skills often weigh more than academic records, and practical experience can be gained outside traditional classrooms.

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It's important to note that, while they do exist, opportunities for workers without higher education are often limited. Professionals tend to fare better when they possess academic degrees of some kind. Additionally, advanced degrees, especially for supervisory roles, enhance job prospects and access to higher-paying positions.

Online Associates (AS)

Web development or computer science associate degree programs generally consist of 60 credit hours of coursework that take full-time students approximately two years to complete. Each undergraduate curriculum is unique, typically blending general liberal arts with major-specific classes. This approach ensures that students explore communication, mathematics, and social science topics alongside content relevant to their area of study, which fosters a well-rounded educational foundation for future learning and professional employment. Web development students usually receive a broad introduction to the field that includes studying relevant areas such as basic computer science, programming languages, web frameworks, and various website-building tools. Those enrolled are also likely to receive instruction on JavaScript, database programming, WordPress, and mobile app development.

This degree type commonly readies graduates for employment as web developers, user interface designers, web designers, and computer support specialists. Entry-level positions may also be available in other information technology sectors.

Credits from undergraduate courses can be transferred and used to fulfill requirements for new undergraduate degree programs, such as those at the baccalaureate level. Generally, colleges and universities acknowledge up to 60 or 90 hours of prior coursework. This is equivalent to about two years of study. Consequently, individuals holding associate degrees may require only an additional two years of education to obtain bachelor’s degrees.

Online Bachelors (BS)

Bachelor’s degrees in web development often consist of 120 credit hours of coursework that take full-time students approximately four years to complete. As previously mentioned, undergraduate programs such as these typically incorporate both general liberal arts and major-specific classes in their curriculums. This ongoing study of various subjects - including mathematics, social sciences, and communication skills - ensures that students receive a comprehensive education applicable to diverse aspects of life as well as any potential further academic endeavors. Those majoring in web development can also expect to receive a broad introduction to the most important subjects in the field. This usually includes web content design, internet systems architecture, JavaScript, computer systems security, and multimedia authoring. You might also earn another degree with a computer science minor if you want to add breadth to your knowledge of software development.

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the standard minimum education level for web development professionals in the United States is the bachelor’s degree. This degree type commonly readies graduates for employment as software developers, graphic designers, computer programmers, computer systems analysts, and information systems managers.

As an alternative, graduates can also choose to pursue advanced education in the field. Individuals who intend to apply for master’s degree programs must be ready to submit official undergraduate transcripts to prospective colleges and universities. Additionally, applicants are usually required to meet specified minimum grade point average (GPA) and Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) score criteria.

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Online Masters (MS)

Master’s degrees in web development generally range from 30 to 45 credit hours of coursework that take full-time students approximately two to three years to complete. Graduate-level programs no longer include general liberal arts classes. However, many programs do require applicants to successfully complete specified undergraduate courses, or prerequisites, before admission. This ensures that all incoming students have the fundamental knowledge and skills necessary for advanced study in the field.

Not all colleges and universities offer master’s degrees in web development, however. Those seeking to pursue higher education of this type may find other similar major areas of study more prevalent. Two of the most common enrollment alternatives are information technology and computer science. Some academic institutions also offer web development as an optional concentration.

Graduate degree curriculums assist students in preparing for advanced employment opportunities. While course requirements vary, enrolled individuals frequently receive in-depth instruction in full-stack development, mobile application development, web design, software practices, and computer programming. Those enrolled can also expect to learn about user-centered web design, programming languages, computer frameworks, and development techniques.

Upon graduation, individuals often become eligible for positions such as computer and information systems managers, information research scientists, and software developers. These are typically upper-level management positions that offer competitive pay and benefits.

Online Doctorate (PhD)

A PhD or doctorate in computer science subjects generally varies in length between 60 and 120 credit hours that can take full-time students up to seven years to complete. It’s important to note, however, that few colleges and universities offer web development programs at this level. As a result, it’s often necessary for those interested in pursuing further education in this field to select other related major areas of study such as computer science, computer engineering, machine learning, language processing, or biological engineering.

As terminal degrees, these programs uphold rigorous academic standards. While curriculums vary by institution, they typically offer opportunities to study various advanced topics relevant to the field. Students typically undergo traditional classroom instruction during the first phase of enrollment, with later years dedicated to independent study and research. In many cases, these degrees conclude with the creation, presentation, and defense of dissertations before a board of computer information technology professors.

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Relatively few professions exclusively require applicants to possess doctoral degrees in web development or any related subjects. Those who choose to complete these programs, however, typically qualify for some of the best employment opportunities available in the field. These include careers as academic professors and/or researchers.

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Become a Web Developer in Rhode Island

Becoming a web developer in Rhode Island generally starts with pinpointing the specific type of work you want to perform. The information technology field is vast, offering a wide variety of job opportunities numerous fields and levels. Early identification of your preferred occupation can streamline your preparation process, making it notably easier to establish and achieve your unique career objectives.

Professional standards and hiring criteria differ between occupations. As a result, it’s important to invest time in acquainting yourself with the education, training, and experiential prerequisites specific to your chosen profession. This ensures that you will pursue the most appropriate degree and will help you select relevant elective courses, academic minors, departmental concentrations, extra-curricular activities, and/or internship opportunities.

Notably, hiring standards vary depending on the company. Some businesses may be satisfied with candidates who possess associate or bachelor’s degrees, while others expect applicants to have master’s degrees. Even when pursuing occupations with minimal education requirements, earning an advanced degree can be beneficial. Not only will it enhance your job prospects, but it can also lead to higher pay.

Additionally, studying web development during your enrollment may not be a strict requirement. While this major suits those interested in website creation and digital design, several related subjects are equally acceptable for entering the field. Common alternatives at the undergraduate level include computer science or programming.

Moreover, certain web development professionals secure employment without pursuing any higher education at all. Although this is not the norm, acquiring the essential knowledge and skills through self-study and practical experience can lead to professional employment. Demonstrating a solid grasp of multimedia publishing tools, HTML programming, and programming languages like JavaScript and SQL may suffice for gaining certain entry-level jobs.

Upon acquiring the requisite degree(s), seeking one or more pertinent certifications can be advantageous, as well. Such certifications often emphasize expertise in specific sub-fields, setting you apart from other candidates during the job application process.

Professionals in this field have the flexibility to choose the certification(s) they wish to pursue based on personal interest and/or career aspirations, as there is no mandatory or singularly crucial credential.

Some common options sought by web development specialists include:

  • Google UX Design Certification
  • World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) Front-End Web Developer Certification
  • Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Full Stack Development Certification
  • Springboard Software Engineering Certification
  • CareerFoundry Full-Stack Web Development Certification
  • Global Information Assurance Certification (GIAC) Certified Web Application Defender Credential
  • Adobe Digital Learning Services Adobe Certified Expert (ACE)
  • Oracle University Java Enterprise Oracle Certified Expert Credential

Web development certifications are available from academic institutions, professional organizations, and reputable companies. It’s advisable to check the credibility of the credential provider before applying as the professional weight of different options can vary. Factors to consider when choosing which credential(s) to pursue include price, provider reputation, required skill level, and candidate expectations.

Finally, it’s quite common for web development professionals to become members of relevant associations and organizations. Membership in these groups comes with various benefits such as access to developmental activities, academic journals, networking events, discounts, and other resources.

Examples of popular options include:

  • International Web Association (IWA)
  • American Webmasters Association (AWA)
  • Higher Education Web Professionals Association (HighEdWeb)
  • Web Professionals (WOW)
  • Webgrrls

Careers for Web Development Graduates

Application Developer

Application developers are information technology (IT) professionals who design, create, and maintain software applications to meet specific user needs. They collaborate with clients and end-users to understand requirements, then use programming languages and frameworks to develop functional and user-friendly applications. It’s also their responsibility to ensure that applications are efficient, secure, and compatible across various platforms. They may troubleshoot and debug software to improve overall functionality. According to PayScale, application developers make an average base salary of $72,463 per year.

Computer Technical Support Specialist

Computer technical support specialists provide essential assistance to users facing hardware or software issues by responding to inquiries, diagnosing problems, and offering solutions to ensure the optimal functioning of computer systems. These professionals may work remotely or on-site, guiding individuals through troubleshooting processes and providing step-by-step instructions. They play a vital role in maintaining smooth computer operations for both individuals and organizations. According to PayScale, computer technical support specialists make an average base salary of $53,224 per year.

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Graphic Designer

Graphic designers utilize their artistic skills to create visually appealing designs, often by designing software to produce layouts for print or digital media that can be used for various purposes. They may work closely with clients to understand project requirements before incorporating images, typography, and colors to convey the specified messages more effectively. To provide a harmonious blend of aesthetics and functionality, these professionals often strive to remain updated on design trends. It’s also common for them to collaborate with teams and juggle multiple projects simultaneously. Their creative output often contributes to branding, marketing, and visual communication across diverse industries. According to PayScale, graphic designers make an average base salary of $48,052 per year.

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Search Engine Optimization (SEO) Specialist

SEO specialists play a crucial role in enhancing the visibility and ranking of websites on search engines. This generally entails analyzing website structures and content, implementing strategies to improve search engine rankings, and staying informed about search engine algorithms. It’s common for these professionals to use a wide variety of optimization methods to ensure better search engine performance - such as keywords, meta tags, and images. They also spend time monitoring website traffic and user behavior in order to further improve SEO strategies for greater online presence and enhanced user experience. According to PayScale, SEO specialists make an average base salary of $49,062 per year.

Software Tester

Software testers play a crucial role in the software applications development process by designing and executing test plans, identifying defects, and collaborating with developers to address issues. These professionals use various testing methods, such as manual testing and automated testing tools, to assess software performance and user experience. They then document and communicate findings to improve software reliability, contributing to the delivery of high-quality products to end-users. Their efforts help maintain the integrity and efficiency of software systems. According to PayScale, they make an average base salary of $56,468 per year.

UX Researcher

UX researchers collaborate with cross-functional teams to study user behavior and preferences to enhance the design of digital products and applications. They start by conducting research through methods such as surveys, interviews, and usability testing to gather insights into how users interact with technology. They analyze the collected data to identify patterns and trends that can help inform future product development decisions. As advocates for user-centered design principles, they play a crucial role in ensuring the usability of products and satisfaction of digital experiences. According to PayScale, UX researchers make an average base salary of $88,859 per year.

Web Content Manager

Web content managers play a crucial role in maintaining an effective online presence by overseeing the creation and management of online content for organizations. Coordinating activities with content creators, they ensure that material aligns with established goals and is consistently presented, as well as analyzing website metrics to assess content performance and implementing strategies to enhance user experience. Additionally, they work to ensure websites are up to date and engaging, often with the help of content management systems. According to PayScale, web content managers make an average base salary of $60,637 per year.

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