The natural beauty of the Great Lakes region is often eclipsed by the magnetism of its urban centers, but accredited web design degree programs in Michigan also attract people to the area. The state that has been hard hit by economic turmoil within the auto manufacturing sector seeks steady gains through industries like farming, tourism, mining and energy. Michigan’s information technology (IT) educational programs indicate that the next big economic boost may be in the technology sector. This premise is supported by the state’s development of SmartZones which supports the growth of high technology, small businesses. Here are some of the schools offering foundational level training for exciting careers in website design and development.
Lansing Community College
Computer Information Technologies
The Computer Information Technologies (CIT) department at Lansing Community College offers a rich mix of IT academic programs that combine theoretical classroom knowledge with experiential learning options. Before enrolling in one of CIT’s IT programs, students meet with experienced, accessible academic advisors to determine which program matches their strengths and career goals. Candidates for Lansing’s IT programs can earn certificates and associate degrees in IT applications, networking and security, tech support and programming. The school even offers an IT apprenticeship program that allows students to learn IT skills while in a paid position; the apprenticeship program leads to an associate degree. Lansing Community College has also partnered with private workforce development agencies within the state to help unemployed and underemployed individuals gain the knowledge that they need to transition into a new IT career or a four year university program through its Epathways program.
Computer Info Tech Programming Program
Lansing’s CIT department offers students a program that focuses on building fundamental software development skills. The program’s curriculum presents students with opportunities to learn a wide variety of programming languages using different development environments. Since the school closely partners with industry, the courses are directly aligned with common business IT goals and objectives. Students begin studying the Python language to learn about some foundational programming principles, and they subsequently learn other popular languages like C# and .Net. Since many career opportunities exist within the web and database development, students also learn Java and SQL as well. More advanced studies of mobile computing languages are taught during the latter part of the program curriculum. The program leads to a Computer Programmer/Analyst Associate Degree, and graduates are also prepared to sit for popular IT certificate examinations.
Accreditation
- Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association (NCA HLC)
Contact
4100W – Computer Information Technologies Program
Lansing Community College
P.O. Box 40010
Lansing, MI 48901-7210
Phone: (517) 267-6406
Email: sunigae@lcc.edu
Website: http://www.lcc.edu/cit/programming/
Monroe County Community College
Business Division
Monroe County Community College’s (MCCC) Business Division is home to several professional disciplines including culinary management, accounting, administration, business management, information systems, graphic design and software application development. MCCC’s Business Division exercises continuous improvement when it comes to curriculum development, and its overall success is often credited in part to its talented, accessible faculty and staff. Additionally, the division supports degree programs that include comprehensive class room courses coupled with experiential learning opportunities performed outside of the traditional classroom. Because of its comprehensive degree programs, some of Michigan’s quality four year universities honor transfer agreements with MCCC to allow their students to gain entrance into baccalaureate degree programs.
Associate Of Applied Science Degree In Computer Information Systems, Web Design Specialization
The Computer Information Systems (CIS) department allows students to learn foundational computer science skills in eight different concentration areas. The Web Design specialization consists of 60 credit hours of required general education and core course as well as some elective classes. Some of the required general education courses include English composition, business writing and mathematics. The core courses pertain to topics like graphics applications, 3D animation and digital video editing. Students also learn about industry standard markup languages and database development protocols. This CIS program leads to an associate of applied science (AAS) degree, and it also prepares students to earn IT certifications through comprehensive examinations. Agreements with local universities allow students to seamlessly transfer their credits to pursue four year undergraduate degrees in computer science or information systems.
Accreditation
- The Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association (NCA HLC)
Contact
1555 S Raisinville Rd
Monroe, MI 48161
Phone: (734) 242-7300
Email: bleonhardt@monroeccc.edu
Website: http://www.monroeccc.edu/business/cis/CIS-WebDesign_2014-15.pdf
Associate of Applied Science Degree in Computer Information Systems, Web Development Specialization
For those MCCC students who enjoy problem solving and discovering the most efficient ways to implement computer system designs, the CIS degree with a concentration in Web Development is often the program curriculum of choice. The comprehensive 60 credit hour curriculum covers a variety of general education, core course and elective topics. Some of the required general education course topics that students can expect to take prior to graduation or enrollment in more advanced CIS courses include mathematics, English composition and introduction to CIS. The core courses of this CIS curriculum is heavily focused on programming. In addition to general foundational computer science classes, students learn about the various theories, methodologies and languages for web and database systems. Some specific computer programming languages taught are Java, .Net and Visual Basic. Upon graduation, students are prepared to enter junior web and database programming positions.
Accreditation
- The Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association (NCA HLC)
Contact
1555 S Raisinville Rd
Monroe, MI 48161
Phone: (734) 242-7300
Email: bleonhardt@monroeccc.edu
Website: http://www.monroeccc.edu/business/cis/CIS-WebDeveloopment_2014-15.pdf
Associate Of Applied Science Degree In Graphic Design
MCCC offers students a creative alternative to the typical computer science degree program. Its 60 credit hour degree in Graphic Design is an answer to industry’s demand for skilled digital artists within software development companies. Students enrolled in the MCCC Graphic Design major can specialize in Digital Media or Illustration. In addition to the general education requirements common to all MCCC degree programs, the Graphic Design degree includes required core courses in art and digital graphics. The Digital Media concentration includes instruction in multimedia development, 3D animation and digital video editing. The Illustration concentration focuses more on specialty art topics like ones for art history and drawing. Graduates of the program are expected to demonstrate the ability to translate clients’ requests into an effective, creative design. Students learn to identify client needs and promote their ideas in a professional manner via keen listening, written and visual communication skills.
Accreditation
- The Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association (NCA HLC)
Contact
1555 S Raisinville Rd
Monroe, MI 48161
Phone: (734) 384-4142
Email: bhesser@monroeccc.edu
Website: http://www.monroeccc.edu/business/graphicdesign/graphic.htm
Mott Community College
Fine Arts And Social Sciences Division
Mott Community College’s (MCC) Fine Arts and Social Sciences (FASS) Division includes a variety of degree programs that promote creative career fields and quality of life improvements within local communities. The division includes degree programs within the Visual and Performing Arts office like theater, photography, graphic design and music. The Social Sciences office presents students with degree programs like political science, social work and anthropology. The FASS Division encourages students to combine creativity, technical and critical thinking skills in their academic pursuits and careers.
Associate Of Applied Science In Graphic Design
The graphic design discipline expands on the principles of visual arts and brings a modern, digital perspective to the traditional field. While graphic design skills are used in a variety of areas, designers must always combine creative art and technical skills to communicate their unique ideas and brand building solutions. The MCC AAS degree program provides three tracks for students enrolled in the Graphic Design program, and they are the Illustration, Motion and Media Graphics and a General track. The illustration track focuses on studio arts and digital design. Students who want to use their visual communication and graphic design skills in the film industry often choose the Motion and Media Graphics track. The degree program’s General track covers a number of graphic design areas and skill sets.
Accreditation
- The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA HLC)
Contact
1401 East Court St.
Flint, MI 48503
Phone: (810) 232-3431
Email: mara.fulmer@mcc.edu
Website: http://www.mcc.edu/fass/fass_graphicDesign.php
Schoolcraft College
Business And Information Technology Pathway
Schoolcraft College recognizes that careers in business and technology often experience the highest growth and pay potential of careers across all industries so their academic programs within the Business and Information Technology pathway are comprehensive and rigorous. Some of the variety of academic majors represented by the department are business administration, accounting, economics, computer information systems, aviation management and cosmetology management. The results oriented coursework helps students gain the hard skills needed to succeed in a variety of professions.
Computer Information Systems, Web Specialist Associate Degree
Students at Schoolcraft College who want to gain the skills needed to design, develop and maintain websites often enroll in the school’s Web Specialist program. The dynamic program curriculum instructs students on the theories and methodologies which are the foundations for efficient web design and development. Once the student masters these fundamental skills, they are able to adapt to the ever changing environment of information technology. The course topics for the Web Specialist program include the introduction of programming languages and development platforms like C#, Visual Basic, Cold Fusion and Flash. During the coursework of the Web Specialist degree program, students also learn about information security, database management and interactive graphic and game design. Career paths taken by those with a Web Specialist Associate Degree include website designer, web master and website developer.
Accreditation
- The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association (NCA HLC)
Contact
18600 Haggerty Road
Livonia, MI 48152
Phone: (734) 462-4426
Email: gotoSC@schoolcraft.edu
Website: http://www.schoolcraft.edu/pdfs/guides/programs/web_specialist.Pdf
South University
College Of Business
South University’s College of Business is home to academic disciplines like business administration, legal studies, information technologies, nursing and health sciences. The college offers degree programs in these areas of study at the associate, undergraduate and graduate levels. The school has articulation agreements set up with two year degree granting schools like community colleges. These partnerships help students who have graduated from quality associate degree programs to easily continue their academic pursuits at a traditional university.
Bachelor of Science in Information Technology, Multimedia and Web Developments
The field of IT which has experienced a great amount of job growth over the years includes a variety of job functions. At South University, students have options to participate in a general IT program or target a subcategory that suits their career goals. A popular niche within the IT career field is the development of multimedia within website development. Students at South University who are interested in this subcategory usually major in Information Technology with a Multimedia and Web Development concentration. Those enrolled in the Multimedia and Development concentration can expect to take classes on server technologies and database systems that are used within website design.
Accreditation
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
Contact
41555 W 12 Mile Rd,
Novi, MI 48377
Phone: (248) 862-7500
Website: http://online.southuniversity.edu/degrees/bachelor-science-information-technology.aspx#course-list
Washtenaw Community College
School Of Digital Media Arts
Washtenaw Community College’s (WCC) School of Digital Media Arts brings students opportunities to enter creative careers in the digitized arts. Having a web presence is a necessity for modern businesses, and nearly all websites employ some form of graphic art. The internet is not the only place where this art form is used, and WCC’s Digital Media Arts supports students’ career goals in a variety of art functions with certificate and degree programs like 3D Animation, Digital Video, Graphic Design Technology, Web Design and Development and Photography.
Web Design And Development Certificate
IT is a high growth industry, and a variety of careers pertaining to website design and development are widely available even during tough economic times. To gain the skills needed to excel in this field, students look to academic programs like WCC’s Web Design and Development Certificate. During this 24 credit hour program, students learn the fundamentals of efficient, user friendly website design. The school also instructs program participants in various web programming languages and development platforms. Some required courses are ones that pertain to introductory web development, interface design and creating a positive user experience. The program’s curriculum is updated by an appointed committee that is closely tied with industry, and agreements are in place for successful graduates to transition into baccalaureate degree programs at universities.
Accreditation
- The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association (NCA HLC)
Contact
4800 E Huron River Dr
Ann Arbor, MI 48105
Phone: (734) 973-3300
Email: kgottschang@wccnet.edu
Website: https://departments.wccnet.edu/dma/programs/web/
Graphic Design Technology Associate In Applied Science
WCC’s AAS in Graphic Design Technology combines the creativity of fine arts with the technical aspects of digital media. The program’s courses are taught by accomplished, industry experts who help students package their unique design ideas in a way that professionally communicates solutions to clients’ requirements. Some of the course topics taught in the program are problem solving in graphic design, interface design, publication design and digital studio. The 64 credit hour program allows students to gain the skills to obtain entry level employment as illustrators or graphic designers, and articulation agreements are in place so that students can transfer all of their credits to a traditional university to pursue an undergraduate degree in the discipline.
Accreditation
- The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association (NCA HLC)
Contact
4800 E Huron River Dr
Ann Arbor, MI 48105
Phone: (734) 677-5213
Email: kwilli@wccnet.edu
Website: http://www.wccnet.edu/academics/programs/view/program/APGRD/
While Michigan is coming to grips with its economic decline in the automobile manufacturing industry, leaders in community development are actively promoting the growth of new IT companies through special incentives and programs. This new environment is ideal for students who want to pursue accredited web design degree programs in Michigan.
Related Resource: How Much Does A Web Designer Make?
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