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

Prospective students looking to gain expertise in planning, designing, and maintaining websites can easily discover relevant degree programs at South Carolina. Many of the state’s colleges and universities offer higher education degree programs in web development and other similar subjects. While anyone can acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in the information technology field, this major is particularly appropriate for individuals seeking proficiency in crafting and managing digital content. This expertise can prove highly versatile and valuable across multiple industries, opening a spectrum of job opportunities within the state and beyond. Graduates can generally expect to find employment with private enterprises, nonprofits, or government entities.

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for web developers 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 web developers can work in almost any industry, they are commonly employed by companies offering professional and business services. This is the third largest industry in South Carolina, accounting for $25.6 billion in revenue each year. Based on data provided by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, South Carolina employed 1,300 web developers in May 2022. These workers made an annual mean wage of $81,420, which is notably higher than the annual mean wage of $50,650 for all occupations in the state.

Web development, being a widely pursued major, is generally offered in abundance by academic institutions throughout the country. Prospective students should have little trouble finding applicable degree programs in South Carolina and beyond. While there are numerous traditional, in-person enrollment options available in the state, studying online is a viable alternative, as well. Remote learning offers convenience, flexibility, and accessibility from any location with internet connectivity, but it may not always be the most advantageous choice. For those aspiring to work in South Carolina, selecting in-state programs is often more beneficial. Local colleges and universities ensure students obtain geographically relevant education, which can be significant when pursuing positions with employers in the region. These institutions will also be more familiar with standards and requirements for obtaining state certifications and licenses.

Web developers are skilled professionals responsible for designing and creating websites, ensuring functionality and user experience. They play a crucial role in the development process, utilizing programming languages and coding to bring web design concepts to life. In fact, these professionals are often familiar with a variety of programming languages including HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. Focused on both the technical and creative aspects, web developers also collaborate with clients and other teams to understand project requirements and deliver visually appealing, user-friendly websites. In many cases, it is also their responsibility to debug and troubleshoot issues, ensuring websites operate seamlessly.

These professionals tend to be highly adept at incorporating responsive design principles to ensure optimal performance across different devices. Web developers typically stay well informed about industry trends and emerging technologies to implement innovative features into their projects. They may also collaborate with graphic designers and other stakeholders to integrate unique visual elements and create engaging online presences. E-commerce websites, social media platforms, and corporate portals are just a few examples of the diverse projects web developers may contribute to.

Problem-solving skills are crucial in this role, as web developers address challenges related to site functionality and user interface. Additionally, they may be involved in website maintenance, updates, and security measures to protect against potential threats.

As technology evolves, web developers continue to adapt, incorporating new tools and techniques to enhance website performance and user satisfaction. Their contribution to the digital landscape is integral to the success of companies in today's interconnected world.

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Online Web Development Education in South Carolina

Securing a career in web development in South Carolina typically necessitates earning a certain amount of higher education. Colleges and universities generally offer a range of applicable degrees at the including associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral levels. Alternatively, professional certificate programs are also available. These do not, however, carry the same academic weight as traditional degrees. Enrollment options include both in-person and online formats.

Find Your Online Web Development Program

Unlike some other professions with highly standardized education requirements, web developers exhibit a spectrum of academic backgrounds. In this field, practical experience and demonstrated skills often hold more weight than formal learning records, allowing individuals to gain expertise outside traditional classrooms. While many professionals pursue bachelor’s degrees, some employers are willing to consider candidates with only high school diplomas or GEDs.

However, it's essential to recognize that opportunities for those without higher education are often limited. Web development professionals typically experience better prospects when equipped with academic degrees, which tend to open avenues to enhanced job opportunities and higher-paying positions. Advanced education is especially important when it comes to applying for supervisory roles, and those choosing to earn degrees in South Carolina should ensure that they choose only from schools accredited by The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

Online Associates (AS)

Associate degrees in web development or web page design generally consist of 60 credit hours of coursework that take full-time students approximately two years to complete. Undergraduate programs differ, commonly blending general liberal arts education with specialized courses in the chosen major. This approach allows students to delve into important communication, mathematics, and social science topics alongside subject matter pertinent to their field. This not only fosters a comprehensive educational foundation useful for further study, but prepares those enrolled for entry-level professional employment. Those studying web development typically receive a broad introduction to the field that includes instruction in basic computer science, programming languages, web frameworks, and various website building tools. Students can typically expect to take classes on JavaScript, database programming, WordPress, and mobile app development, as well.

Graduates are often prepared and qualified to apply for employment as web developers, user interface designers, web designers, and computer support specialists. In some cases, entry-level jobs may also be available in other industries.

It’s also worth mentioning that undergraduate credits are transferrable and can often help fulfill requirements for new baccalaureate degree programs. With colleges and universities commonly accepting up to 60 or 90 hours of prior coursework, associate degree holders may be able to have all of their first two years of undergraduate study applied. As a result, only an additional two years of education may be needed to achieve 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. Undergraduate programs differ, commonly blending general liberal arts education with specialized courses in the chosen major. This approach allows students to delve into important communication, mathematics, and social science topics alongside subject matter pertinent to their field. This not only fosters a comprehensive educational foundation useful for further study in software development or database development, but prepares those enrolled for entry-level professional employment. Those studying web development typically receive a broad introduction to the field that includes instruction in web content design, internet systems architecture, JavaScript, computer systems security, and multimedia authoring.

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. Graduates are typically prepared for employment as software developers, graphic designers, computer programmers, computer systems analysts, and information systems managers.

Alternatively, graduates can opt for further education in the field. Those aspiring to enroll in master’s degree programs should be prepared to provide official undergraduate transcripts to prospective institutions. Additionally, applicants typically need 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 feature general liberal arts classes. However, prospective students are often required to successfully complete specific undergraduate courses, or prerequisites, before gaining admission. This ensures that all incoming students possess the foundational knowledge and skills essential for advanced study in the field.

Notably, master’s degrees in web development are not universally offered by all colleges and universities. Instead, individuals aspiring to pursue relevant higher education may encounter more programs in other related major areas of study. Two frequently encountered alternatives for enrollment are information technology and computer science. In certain instances, however, it may be possible to choose web development as a concentration.

Graduate degree programs play a crucial role in preparing students for advanced employment opportunities. Although course requirements may vary, participants often receive comprehensive training in areas such as full-stack development, mobile application development, web design, software practices, and computer programming. Additionally, the curriculum typically covers topics like user-centered web design, programming languages, computer frameworks, and development techniques.

After completing their studies, graduates frequently qualify for roles as computer and information systems managers, information research scientists, and software developers. These roles usually involve senior-level management responsibilities and come with attractive compensation packages and benefits.

Online Doctorate (PhD)

A PhD or doctorate in web development generally varies in length between 60 and 120 credit hours that can take full-time students up to seven years to complete. However, it’s crucial to recognize that only a limited number of higher education institutions provide web development programs at the graduate level. Consequently, individuals keen on advancing their education in this field often need to consider alternative majors. Common examples include computer science, computer engineering, machine learning, language processing, or biological engineering.

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These are terminal degrees and, as such, adhere to rigorous academic standards. Curriculums vary among institutions but typically cover advanced topics in the field. The initial phase of enrollment often involves conventional classroom learning, which gradually progresses into independent study and research in later years. Doctoral degrees typically culminate in the creation, presentation, and defense of dissertations, as candidates demonstrate mastery over the field to a board of computer information technology professors.

While few professions exclusively demand doctoral degrees in web development, completing such programs often opens doors to top-tier employment opportunities. Graduates often pursue careers as academic professors and researchers, enjoying some of the best occupational prospects in the field.

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Become a Web Developer in South Carolina

Embarking on a career as a web developer in South Carolina begins with defining the specific type of work you aim to undertake. The expansive nature of the information technology field provides diverse job opportunities across various industries and levels. Identifying your preferred occupation early helps streamline the preparation process and helps facilitate the establishment and achievement of your unique career objectives.

Every occupation has unique professional standards and hiring criteria. Familiarizing yourself with the specific education, training, and experiential prerequisites for your chosen profession can also be incredibly helpful. This ensures that you pursue the most fitting degree and assists in selecting relevant elective courses, academic minors, departmental concentrations, extra-curricular activities, and potential internship opportunities.

Additionally, it’s important to realize that hiring criteria tend to vary across companies. Some employers happily accept candidates with associate or bachelor’s degrees, while others mandate master’s degrees. Pursuing advanced academic degrees, even for roles with minimal education requirements, can be highly beneficial as they often enhance job prospects and potentially lead to higher pay.

Notably, studying web development during enrollment is not strictly required. This major is ideal for those interested in website creation and digital design, but several related subjects are equally acceptable for entering the field. Common alternatives at the undergraduate level include computer science or programming.

Moreover, some web development professionals secure employment without pursuing any higher education. While atypical, gaining the essential knowledge and skills through self-study and practical experience can lead to professional employment. In some limited cases, simply demonstrating a solid grasp of multimedia publishing tools, HTML programming, and languages like JavaScript and SQL may provide access to certain entry-level opportunities.

After obtaining the necessary degree(s), pursuing relevant certifications can enhance your competitiveness during the job application process. Additional credentials often emphasize expertise in specific sub-fields, differentiating you from other candidates. Notably, web development professionals can typically choose certifications based on personal interest and career aspirations as there is no mandatory or singularly crucial credential, whether you work in South Carolina or elsewhere.

Some common options sought 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

Credentials in web development are generally offered by academic institutions, professional organizations, and reputable companies. Before applying, however, it’s always wise to assess the credibility of the certification provider. The professional weight of different options varies. Factors to consider when selecting which credential(s) to pursue include price, the reputation of the provider, required skill level, and alignment with candidate expectations.

It's also a common practice for web development professionals to join relevant associations and organizations. These memberships often provide many benefits, such as access to developmental activities, academic journals, networking events, discounts, and other valuable resources.

Examples of some popular groups 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 skilled professionals who create and modify software applications, addressing specific user needs and/or employer requirements. They spend most of their time analyzing end-user needs, designing software solutions, and collaborating with programmers to develop applications, as well as ensuring the functionality and usability of applications, testing changes, and debugging as needed. These professionals often specialize in specific platforms or programming languages, staying updated on technological advancements that may impact their work. This role is crucial to enhancing user experiences, increasing efficiency, and supporting the overall functionality of diverse software applications. According to PayScale, application developers make an average base salary of $72,463 per year.

Computer Technical Support Specialist

Computer technical support specialists play a pivotal role in assisting individuals and organizations with computer-related issues. They provide specialize in troubleshooting and diagnosing hardware and software problems, offering solutions to ensure the smooth functionality of computer systems. These professionals may offer support through phone, email, or in-person interactions, guiding users in resolving technical challenges. Their proficiency in addressing a range of computer issues contributes to the efficient operation of technology systems, enhancing overall productivity and user satisfaction. According to PayScale, computer technical support specialists make an average base salary of $53,224 per year.

Graphic Designer

Graphic designers create visual concepts by hand or using computer software to communicate ideas that inspire, captivate, and inform consumers. They are often responsible for developing the overall layout and production designs for various applications such as advertisements, brochures, magazines, and corporate reports. It’s also common for them to collaborate with clients or art directors to understand project objectives and incorporate feedback, ensuring the final product meets both aesthetic and communicative goals. Additionally, it’s important for them to remain updated on design trends and technology to produce visually appealing and effective materials across diverse media platforms. According to PayScale, graphic designers make an average base salary of $48,052 per year.

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Software Developer

Software developers design, create, and maintain computer programs that power various applications. They analyze user needs, develop software solutions, and ensure functionality and efficiency. Collaborating with other IT professionals, they often spend time writing code, testing applications, and debugging errors to produce reliable software. Another common task is staying informed of technological advancements. Some may also choose to specialize in areas like mobile app development or web development. Strong problem-solving skills and creativity are key assets as they contribute to the innovation and improvement of software systems. According to PayScale, software developers make an average base salary of $74,229 per year.

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UX Researcher

UX researchers analyze user experiences to improve product usability by gathering data on user preferences and behaviors through studies, surveys, and usability tests. These professionals often collaborate with design and development teams, interpreting research findings to inform product enhancements. By understanding user needs and challenges, they are able to help create products and interfaces that better align with expectations, resulting in more user-friendly and effective designs. Other common responsibilities include monitoring trends and staying updated on user feedback. According to PayScale, UX researchers make an average base salary of $88,859 per year.

Web Content Manager

Web content managers are responsible for creating, updating, and maintaining the online content of websites. They ensure that the content is accurate, engaging, and aligns with employer goals. This role also involves collaborating with various departments to gather information, implement content strategies, and optimize websites for search engines. Additionally, these professionals monitor website performance, analyze user engagement, and make adjustments to enhance the overall user experience. Other common responsibilities include supervising teams of content creators and contributing to the development of content policies and guidelines. According to PayScale, web content managers make an average base salary of $60,637 per year.

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