Do you want to help people have interactive online experiences? You can help people make decisions online and understand the human decision-making process with a web degree. The course of study is difficult and opinion-based, sometimes you’ll need to know how to write a discussion essay which requires introducing your opinion and many other things. 

Most web development degrees will provide a solid foundation to help you understand programming and basic website design. So, if you want to convince people to decide or give them a great user experience, a career in web design might be for you. Program courses can vary, and most of them will have a similar curriculum. Choosing one might seem difficult, but we are going to help you make it easy. 

Before we jump into the best web design programs, we need to understand what constitutes good web design. 

What makes a good web design?

An effective web design program conveys a particular message while enticing your reader and keeping them engaged. Several factors affect engagement and experience:

  • Consistency
  • Colors
  • Typography
  • Imagery
  • Simplicity/Ease of use

When you design a website, you need to consider how well a viewer will receive it. A great website design will build trust and guide your visitors to act. It would be best if you focused on both aesthetics and the user experience. Once you understand the fundamentals of good web design, you can choose the best program. So, what should a good web design program include?

The requirements for a good web design program

Most web development programs give you a solid foundation in programming, and many of them include design basics to help you meet the above requirements. A degree could combine engineering and user experience modules. Program’s vary by location and University. So, to choose the best program, you need to read the school’s curriculum.

After you read and consider the program, you can ask yourself if it will teach you the factors for engagement and experience. Next, you need to consider the class offerings. If you want a flexible schedule and are motivated, you could opt for a less expensive online course. Online courses offer a lot of flexibility, allowing you to attend from anywhere. 

If you do not want to take courses online, you should consider taking a face-to-face class. Although these courses are not as flexible with scheduling, you will benefit from a more inclusive classroom experience. Some people need to meet with teachers to stay motivated and meet deadlines. The last thing you should consider is accreditation. 

If you opt for a school that isn’t accredited, you may be wasting money on your degree. Web designers can make a lot of money, but you might accept jobs that do not show off your skills without an accredited degree. We have compiled a list of the five best web design programs in the USA to help make your decision easier. 

The best five web design programs in America

Since web design teaches the fundamentals of engineering, engineering schools offer many of the options we will mention. Business schools will provide others. Regardless of their classification, they all have one thing in common. They are the best courses of study in the USA. So, let’s jump into the list. 

The University of California – San Diego

The course offered by The University of California is a one-year certification in graphics & web design. You can access this if you have a bachelor’s degree. UC San Diego’s program will comprehensively prepare you to design outstanding web pages that look beautiful. You will gain valuable knowledge about technology used in the industry and develop a personal portfolio. 

Purdue University

The University is in West Lafayette, Indiana. Their web design degree prepares you to be an expert in human-computer interfaces, theory of design, and programming. By the end of their course, you will be savvy enough to use technology to develop final web products that get results. 

The University has a large population of international students and is ranked 60th of all national universities and colleges in America.

Brigham Young University

BYU is a large private university whose web design and development program examines the internet’s crossroads and emerging technology, entertainment, and education. The University takes a faith-based approach to learning. The curriculum includes theology and church history on top of web design. The University encourages students to specialize in one of the following three areas. 

  • Web Design
  • Web Development
  • Business and Web Communication

The University is very prestigious and consistently ranks as one of the ten best universities you can attend in the USA. 

Tulane University

Tulane is in New Orleans, Louisiana, and it is known as the most selective university in the state. Originally founded as a medical college and maintaining those affiliations, they offer dozens of programs across all subjects and disciplines. They offer a BA degree program in digital design that prepares you for freelance or in-house career. 

The curriculum used by the University is broad, and after completing the course, you will be well-versed in digital illustration, animation, graphic design and have a large digital portfolio. The school’s alumni have gone on to become senators, Fulbright scholarship winners, and Marshall scholars. 

Santa Clara University

Santa Clara University is in California and a town with the same name. They offer degrees at all levels and provide a unique opportunity for people who want a degree in web design. Their program is balanced with design and engineering and gives you the chance to find work in a diverse setting. So, they provide additional classes so you can focus on and learn the following:

  • Intro to engineering
  • Data types and structures
  • Computer networking
  • Software Engineering

The University has a fantastic reputation, and many graduates have become notable professionals. Some have become governors and congressmen, while others have become Pulitzer Prize winners or inducted into the rock and roll hall of fame. The University is ranked 64th in America. 

Is a career in Web Design for you?

A career in web design can be lucrative. However, it requires a special set of skills. Some of those skills are easy to learn, but others will take time to develop. Becoming a web designer is the perfect job if you have a passion for the following. 

  1. Using Design Software
  2. Understanding HTML
  3. Using CSS to enhance a webpage
  4. Javascript functionality

These are the things you should love, but there are also skills you need to have to be a great web developer. If you possess them and have the interests mentioned above, a career in web design might be for you. Choose any web design program discussed here, and you will open the door to many new opportunities. 

About the Author

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Mirko Humbert

Mirko Humbert is the editor-in-chief and main author of Designer Daily and Typography Daily. He is also a graphic designer and the founder of WP Expert.