Several accredited web design degree programs in Maryland can be easily found on both sides of the Chesapeake Bay, the large estuary that nearly splits the Mid-Atlantic state in two. In many ways, Maryland is an ideal state for aspiring web designers. Just as good web design blends art, science and technology, Maryland is a state that offers everything from rugged mountains to ocean beaches, bustling major cities to sleepy farm towns, and advanced high tech jobs to traditional workdays on the water harvesting oysters, crabs and fish. A fairly small, but prosperous state, it freely offers both inspiration and opportunity to those who call it home.
Chesapeake College
Division of Career and Professional Studies
Maryland’s first regional community college, Chesapeake College offers 85 programs resulting in various certificates and associates degrees on a 170 acre campus on the state’s beautiful Eastern Shore. While it’s Division of Arts and Sciences provides courses in the humanities, mathematics and science, it’s Division of Career and Professional Studies offers programs in computer information, criminal justice, health and wellness, business, technology, and nursing that are intended to prepare students for either entrance into the workforce or transfer to a four-year college or university. Students interested in computers can choose to study web design, personal computer and network management, computer information security, and microcomputer applications.
Associate of Applied Science in Computer Information Systems in Interactive Media and Web Design
Intended to ready students for jobs as designers and operators of multimedia presentations and web pages, the Associate of Applied Science in Computer Information Systems in Interactive Media and Web Design at Chesapeake College equips students with the concepts, knowledge and skills they need to work with today’s multimedia software and microcomputer graphics. It also includes business courses to prepare them to work effectively in a professional environment. In order to earn their associates degrees, students must spend approximately two years completing a minimum of 63 credits in coursework that covers computers, basic programming, assorted design concepts and general education topics. After successfully finishing the program, graduates will be prepared to immediately seek employment in the field of web design, pursue professional certification with the confidence that their degree fulfills the educational components of certification, or even continue their education by transferring to a bachelor’s degree program at a four-year college or university.
Accreditations
- The Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Contact
P.O. Box 8
Wye Mills, MD 21679
Phone: (410) 822-5400
Email: dhill@chesapeake.edu
Website: http://ecatalog.chesapeake.edu/preview_program.php?catoid=4&poid=390&returnto=219
Garrett College
Business and Information Technology Department
Set among the picturesque mountains of western Maryland, Garret College is a two-year college with five academic departments and nearly 40 programs that result in certificates and associates degrees. The school’s Business and Information Technology Department offers affordable training in a broad range of business and technology topics, combining hands-on learning opportunities with instruction from educators who are experts in their fields. Programs include graphic web design, business management, network administration, e-commerce, repair/network technician and computer applications for business. Students who wish to continue their education can be confident that the credits they earn at Garret College will easily transfer to four-year institutions thanks to the college’s articulation agreements with several of its neighboring universities.
Associate of Applied Science in Computer Information Technology: Graphic/Web Design
Students in Garret College’s Associate of Applied Science in Computer Information Technology: Graphic/Web Design degree program are taught a curriculum that includes the fundamentals of both traditional and computer design and the skills needed to use the latest software and hardware effectively. Coursework for this major covers topics like basic design, graphic design, database applications, desktop publishing, image editing, animation and web page design. In order to complete their associates degrees, students are required to earn 64 credits in general education, technology, design, and business coursework. They must also participate in a field experience. Once they have completed the program, graduates will be qualified to take positions with advertising agencies, public relations firms, design studios, publishers and other businesses that need professionals capable of handling illustrations, photography, graphic art, art direction, print production, animation, and web graphics and design. Or, if they prefer to continue their education, they can take advantage of Garrett College’s articulation agreements to transfer to an undergraduate web design program at a four-year university.
Accreditations
- The Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Contact
687 Mosser Road
McHenry, Maryland 21541
Phone: (301) 387-3000
Website: http://www.garrettcollege.edu/images/program_sheets/226.pdf
Hagerstown Community College
Technology and Computer Studies Division
Founded in 1946 as the first community college in the state of Maryland, Hagerstown Community College awards letters of recognition, certificates and associates degrees in over 100 career preparation, transfer, personal development, adult education and customized training programs. Its Technology and Computer Studies Division uses classrooms equipped with sophisticated simulation technology and state-of-the-art labs to offer quality programs in graphic design, multimedia technology, alternative energy, mechanical engineering, information systems technology, and industrial technology. These programs are designed to prepare students for entry-level careers as technological professionals or for transfer to a university for further training.
Associate of Applied Science in Web and Multimedia Technology
On top of providing access to the latest technology and software, the Associate of Applied Science in Web and Multimedia Technology degree program at Hagerstown Community College teaches students about the science of computer programming and the art of design. Students study the planning, mechanical development, production, visual design and information structure of websites. As part of the program, they gain invaluable work experience through an internship with a local multimedia business and participate in a group project to benefit a non-profit agency. These opportunities provide chances for experiential learning and ensure students have production websites highlighting their talents and abilities for their portfolios. Students must earn a total of 60 credits in general education and technology coursework to receive their associates degrees. After earning their degrees, student may pursue further education at a four-year university or accept jobs as web masters, multimedia artists, web designers, and web developers.
Associate of Applied Science in Graphic Design Technology
Intended for students who plan to enter the workforce after graduation, Hagerstown Community College’s Associate of Applied Science in Graphic Design Technology degree program provides training in graphic design and visual communication with courses in drawing, computer graphics, digital imaging and layout, web design, typography, digital video and audio, and multimedia authoring. As part of the curriculum, each student must assemble a portfolio, promotional package and resume, critical tools they will need when they begin to pursue professional positions. To receive their associates degrees, student must complete a minimum of 60 credits earned in both general education and graphic design technology coursework. After graduation, students will be ready to seek out positions at newspapers, magazines, design studios, public relations firms and advertising agencies to work on projects involving web graphics and design, graphic art, print production, art direction, photography, illustration and even animation. They would also have the option of continuing their educations by transferring to four-year universities and pursuing bachelor’s degrees.
Accreditations
- The Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Contact
11400 Robinwood Drive
Hagerstown, MD 21742
Phone: (240) 200-5000
Email: mcspivey@hagerstoncc.edu
Website: http://www.hagerstowncc.edu/academics/divisions/tcs
Towson University
The College of Fine Arts and Communication
Located less than ten miles from Baltimore, Maryland, on a beautiful, suburban campus, Towson University offers more than 130 degree programs through its seven colleges. Recognized as a cultural center for the state, its College of Fine Arts and Communication helps students hone their artistic talents by combining a broad liberal arts education with specialized, hands-on training in their particular field of interest. The college provides well-respected undergraduate and graduate programs in graphic design, ceramics, design, digital art, illustration, fine art metalsmithing, painting, sculpture, electronic media and film, dance, music, theater arts, and mass communication and communication studies. These programs are designed to acquaint students with the ins and outs of their area of focus and prepare them to continue in a professional capacity after graduation.
Bachelor of Fine Arts of Art + Design with a concentration in Graphic Design
The internet age’s rapid evolution in technology demands new understanding and techniques in graphic design. An extremely competitive screened program for which only the most talented students are accepted, Towson University’s innovative Bachelor of Fine Arts of Art + Design with a concentration in Graphic Design degree program ensures students learn to create clear, effective communication by enabling them to master both traditional print design and the more dynamic web designs. The curriculum hones critical and conceptual thinking skills while providing students with a thorough understanding of design theory, typography and assorted design technologies. To complete their bachelor’s degrees, students must earn a minimum of 124 credits. This is comprised of 43 credits from the university’s core curriculum, 42 credits in foundational art coursework and 39 units in coursework required for the major. Because all students assemble a professional portfolio during their senior year, graduates of this program are prepared to enter the workforce in a variety of traditional or technological graphic design careers. Or, if they choose to continue their education, they will be able to apply to graduate school.
Accreditations
- The Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Contact
8000 York Road
Towson, MD 21252-0001
Phone: (410) 704-2808
Email: artdepartment@towson.edu
Website: http://www.towson.edu/art/undergraduate/artstudio/graphicdesign/
With the internet such an integral part of today’s lifestyle, talented web designers will find plenty of opportunity to use their skills. Virtually every business, nonprofit organization and government agency now has an internet presence that is designed, cultivated and maintained by web designers. Students interested in accredited web design degree programs in Maryland will find plenty of interesting options on both sides of the Chesapeake Bay.
Related Resource: What Is The Difference Between An Associate’s Degree and a Bachelor’s Degree In Web Design?