Web Designer Education Requirements

Web designers are people who typically create web sites based on the input of their customers. Customers generally have concrete ideas on what they want on their web site and what information they want to include, but in terms of style, it can be up to the web designer to come up with an effective web site layout. There are also creative elements in web site design because the site needs to be aesthetically pleasing in order to satisfy the person or company that wanted the site created. For this reason, many web site designers also have backgrounds in graphic design.

The Facts

Most companies require a four-year degree with a web or graphic design major for web designer positions and will list this requirement in the job listing. With some research, however, some smaller companies can be found that will not have this requirement. In these cases, though, a strong portfolio that provides proof of the applicant's abilities will be necessary. Of course, higher degrees such as a Master's degree will enhance the opportunity to gain employment.

Types

A four-year degree can be a Bachelor of Science degree or a Bachelor of Arts degree. Because of the technical nature of web design, a Bachelor of Science degree can provide better credentials for being able to handle a technologically challenging job. However, because there are some aesthetic considerations in web design, a Bachelor of Arts degree combined with a strong portfolio can be effective in obtaining employment.

Considerations

Some programs offer online courses that will lead to four-year degrees. In the case of web design, these can be effective in satisfying the educational requirements that companies impose for their web design positions. Traditional schools, however, will have a stronger impact on employers looking at resumes.

Misconceptions

A four-year degree in web or graphic design will have plenty of coursework in web and graphic design. But four-year colleges also include coursework in other areas such as the humanities. While these courses might not seem particularly relevant in gaining employment as a web designer, companies will see the completion of this coursework as rounding out potential employees and will view it as a positive factor.

Expert Insight

The people best suited to be successful at web design are people who love to play with their computers and computer applications. This does not mean that people who play video games all day are the best candidates. Successful web designers enjoy tinkering with application settings and seeing the results on their computer monitors. And if someone doesn't enjoy the work of web design, employment in that field can lead to a high degree of job dissatisfaction.

Resources

• Online Web Design Schools