While Iowa is a hub for several big industries such as manufacturing, green energy and agriculture, it is also home to top-quality universities and colleges. Public and private schools are a source of pride for all Iowa residents, with some schools and colleges having histories that go back to the mid-nineteenth century. Many of these institutions are well-known for the strength of their various academic programs, which includes web design and its related subjects. Anyone who is interested in exploring this exciting field would be well-served by looking at the programs offered by the following schools.
Grand View University
Communication Department
The Department of Communication at Grand View University offers students the chance to become industry leaders through cross-disciplinary research and instruction. Degrees offered include Multimedia Communication, Digital Media Production, and Journalism and Public Relations.
Bachelor of Science in Multimedia Communication with a Concentration in Corporate Communication
The B.S. degree in Multimedia Communication with a concentration in Corporate Communication gives students the opportunity to build multidisciplinary skills that will make them stand-out job candidates in the future. They will gain a solid working knowledge of web development that will complement their traditional education in communications. Internships are encouraged by the department so that students can begin networking in the fields of business, media, communications, and journalism prior to graduation. Subjects taught include Digital Video and Audio, Communication Law, Multimedia for the Web, Web Design and Development for E-commerce, PR Campaigns, and more.
Students who graduate from the B.S. degree program at Grand View University will be ready to enter the workforce as qualified marketers and business specialists. Learning outcomes include the ability to use web design principles to influence business strategies, the ability to communicate effectively with businesses and clients and the ability to market themselves effectively as experts in their field.
Accreditation
- The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA HLC)
- The Iowa Department of Education
Contact
Department of Communication
1200 Grandview Ave
Des Moines, Iowa 50316
Phone: (800) 444-6083
Email: admissions@grandview.edu
Website: http://www.grandview.edu/aspx/audience/programlanding.aspx?aid=17&pid=3
Hawkeye Community College
Information Technology Division
The Information Technology division of Hawkeye College offers top-tier instruction in a number of subjects, including Network Administration and Engineering, Information Systems Management, and Web Programming and Development. Students are encouraged to pursue internships and work experience programs through the course of their degrees. Some credits may transfer to four-year institutions.
Associate of Applied Science in Web Programming and Development
The A.A.S. in Web Programming and Development at Hawkeye College is designed to produce graduates who can work in today’s fast-paced market and build websites and blogs that help their clients succeed. Subjects taught include server side web programming, web scripting, advanced topics in web development, PHP programming, and more. An internship and portfolio that amount to six credit hours are required in order to graduate with the degree.
Students who graduate from the web design program at Hawkeye College will be top candidates for jobs in digital design agencies. Expected learning outcomes include the ability to create solid websites for businesses in all fields, use current technology to promote mobile and tablet optimization, work with teams and proficiently use front-end programming.
Accreditation
- The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA HLC)
Contact Information
Blackhawk Hall 185
1501 East Orange Road
P.O. Box 8015
Waterloo, Iowa 50704
Phone: (319) 296-4021
Email: cindi.clark@hawkeyecollege.edu
Website: http://www.hawkeyecollege.edu/academics/programs/information-technology/web-programming-and-development/default.aspx
Iowa Wesleyan College
Department of Visual Communication and Design
The Department of Visual Communication and Design at Iowa Wesleyan College offers students the chance to engage in a multidisciplinary program that combines traditional art instruction and professional development.
Bachelor’s Degree in Visual Communication and Design
Students in the degree program for Visual Communication and Design at Iowa Wesleyan College are encouraged to apply artistic skills to the fields of marketing and business. Classes taught include History of Art, Drawing, Painting, Graphic Layout and Design, and Multimedia Development. Professional preparation courses include subjects such as marketing, advertising, and legal and ethical issues in media. Students must complete practicums or internships as well as a certain amount of studio time in order to graduate with the degree.
Students who finish a degree in Visual Communications and Design at Iowa Wesleyan College will be top candidates for positions in marketing companies as well as digital design firms. They will excel in video production and multimedia studies. Learning outcomes include the ability to apply their skills to interactive media production, digital marketing and website production.
Accreditation
- The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA HLC)
- The University Senate of the United Methodist Church
Contact Information
Visual Communications & Design Department
601 North Main Street
Mount Pleasant, Iowa 52641
Phone: (800) 582-2383
Email: aklingen@iwc.edu
Website: http://www.iwc.edu/Visual-Communications-And-Design
Kirkwood Community College
Business and Information Technology
The division of Business and Information Technology at Kirkwood Community College offers students the opportunity to work towards careers in a number of fields, either through entering the workforce upon graduation or through transferring their credits to a four year institution. Associate’s degrees offered include Accounting, Computer Information Systems, Local Area Network (LAN) Management, Interior Design, and Web Technologies.
Associate of Applied Science in Web Technologies
The A.A.S in Web Technologies at Kirkwood Community College is designed to help students get started in a career in web design and development. There are three separate concentrations offered by the college. Students can choose between Web Graphic Design, Web Development-Java and Web Development-.Net Programming. All three concentrations feature instruction in subjects such as HTML, CSS, web media, and introductory programming. Students can then pursue a concentration that will enhance their skills and make them strong candidates for jobs in the field of web design.
Graduates of the A.A.S. degree program at Kirkwood Community College will be top candidates for entry-level positions in computer support, marketing and digital design. They can also choose to transfer their credits to a four-year institution and pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Web Design or a related subject. Learning outcomes include proficiency in computer programming, web design techniques and database usage, as well as the ability to apply web design skills to the fields of businesses, marketing and e-commerce.
Accreditation
- The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA HLC)
- The Academic Quality Improvement Program (AQIP)
- The Iowa Department of Education
Contact Information
Nielsen Hall
Kirkwood Community College
6301 Kirkwood Blvd. SW
Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52404
Phone: (319) 398-4929
Email: mark.bromwich@kirkwood.edu
Website: http://www.kirkwood.edu/site/index.php?d=853
Southwestern Community College
Career and Technical Education
The Career and Technical Education Division at Southwestern Community College is designed to help students join the workforce as soon as possible after graduation. They are not meant to transfer, but credits in some instances may do so. Degrees offered include Electrical Technology, Graphic Design, Web Development, Welding, and more.
Associate of Applied Science in Graphic Design
The A.A.S. in Graphic Design at Southwestern Community College helps students develop a strong foundational knowledge of graphic design principles so that they can become solid candidates for entry-level jobs in the field. Subjects taught include Digital Layout, Drawing, 2-D Design, Web Design and Web Multimedia. The degree offers overlapping courses in both the Art and Business departments in order to provide students with a truly multidisciplinary educational experience. Students must earn 69 credits hours and hold at least a 2.0 GPA in order to graduate with an A.A.S. in Graphic Design from Southwestern Community College.
Associate of Applied Science in Web Development
The A.A.S. in Web Development is designed to produce graduates who can become the future leaders of web design and development. Over the course of their degree program, they will learn how to use programming languages and the latest technology in order to build interactive, enticing and lucrative websites. Subjects taught include Java, Visual Basic, Advanced Data Base and SQL, Web Multimedia, E-Commerce and Pre-Employment Strategies. Students must complete 69 credit hours and maintain at least a 2.0 GPA in order to graduate with the degree.
Students who graduate from the Graphic Design and Web Development degree programs at Southwestern Community College will be prepared to enter the workforce or pursue a Bachelor’s degree at a four-year school. Learning outcomes include the ability to use programming languages to build and maintain optimized websites that attract clients, the ability to construct and maintain databases and the ability to develop a strong online portfolio that will advance their professional development.
Accreditation
- The Iowa Department of Education
- The Higher Learning Commission of North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA HLC)
Contact
Creston Campus
1501 West Townline Street
Creston, Iowa 50801
Phone: (800) 247-4023
Websites:
- Graphic Design: http://www.swcciowa.edu/academics/areas-of-study/graphic-design
- Web Development: http://www.swcciowa.edu/academics/areas-of-study/web-development
University of Dubuque
Computer Graphics and Interactive Media
The Department of Computer Graphics and Interactive Media strives to produce graduates who can work in intense, cross-disciplinary jobs that set them apart in today’s competitive market. Students are encouraged to roll up their sleeves and start working with clients well before graduation thanks to an innovative “Earning While Learning” program. In this way, students gain the experience they need in order to become the best job candidates possible after they have finished their degree.
Bachelor of Science in Computer Graphics/Interactive Media
The B.S. degree in Computer Graphics and Interactive Media at the University of Dubuque is an intensive program that combines elements of business, marketing, e-commerce, web design and web development with a traditional arts-focused education. Subjects taught include visual basic programming, multimedia authoring, 2D animation, database systems, web publishing, and more. An internship is encouraged by the department but is not necessarily required for graduation, as there are other work experience programs available to students enrolled on the course.
Graduates of the B.S. program in Computer Graphics and Interactive Media at the University of Dubuque will be top candidates for positions in illustration, web design, web imaging and animation. The multidisciplinary approach of the course promotes learning outcomes that include the ability to use and apply principles of art and design to the fields of business and marketing, the ability to work with complex web development platforms and the ability to deliver unique, innovative content to employers.
Accreditation
- The Iowa Department of Education
- The North Central Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Institutions of Higher Education (NCA HLC)
Contact
2000 University Avenue
Dubuque, Iowa 52001
Phone: (800) 722-5583
Email: webeditor@dbq.edu
Website: http://www.dbq.edu/academics/vicepresidentofacademicaffairs/academicdepartments/computergraphicsandinteractivemedia/#d.en.1639
Western Iowa Tech Community College
Academic Programs
Western Iowa Tech Community College prides itself on offering top-quality Associate’s degree programs in a number of technical subjects. Courses taught include Automation, Web Design, Information Technology, Engineering, Manufacturing and more.
Associate of Applied Science in Web Design
The A.A.S. in Web Design at Western Iowa Tech is designed to help students gain a solid knowledge of the principles of web design and development so that they can design cutting-edge websites in their future careers. Classes taught include Design Layout, Vector Drawing, Web Page Coding and Responsive Web Design. Students must also complete a capstone course in order to graduate with the A.A.S. degree.
Associate of Arts in Information Systems
The A.A. degree in Information Systems at Western Iowa Tech is a solid two-year program that helps students gain a working knowledge of programming and databases so that they can find entry level jobs in the workplace after graduation. Subjects taught include Computer Science, Java, Database Design, Java II and Database and SQL. Students must complete 65 credit hours in order to graduate with the degree.
Students who graduate from the Associate’s degree programs in Web Design or Information Systems at Western Iowa Tech Community College will receive an excellent technical education that will serve them well throughout their careers. Expected learning outcomes include the ability to design, build and maintain lucrative websites, the ability to build and troubleshoot databases and the ability to use programming languages and theories in order to solve common problems in web development.
Accreditation
- The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA HLC)
- The Iowa State Board of Education
- Member of the Iowa Association of School Boards
- Member of the Iowa Association of Community College Trustees and Presidents
Contact
4647 Stone Avenue
PO Box 5199
Sioux City, Iowa 51102
Phone:
Email:
Websites:
- Information Systems: https://www.witcc.edu/programs/174/
- Web Design: https://www.witcc.edu/programs/2/
The demand for web designers and developers is expected to grow by 20 percent between 2012 to 2022. As businesses continue to rely heavily on the Internet in order to market their brands and make sales, they will need skilled web designers who can come up with creative, innovative and enticing websites that are optimized for use on multiple devices. National median salaries for web design positions exeeds $60,000 per year. A degree from any of these great colleges and universities in Iowa could be the ticket to a success career in web design and development. Start exploring your options today!