Web Design Degree Programs in Pennsylvania (M-R)

In today’s changing career landscape, computers continue to play a pivotal role in all of our lives, so it is not surprising that the number of web design jobs is expected to grow in the coming years. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates the number of web developers will increase by 20 percent through the year 2022, offering a promising prognosis for new graduates in the field. http://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/web-developers.htm Several universities offer web design degree programs in Pennsylvania to prepare students for success in these careers.

Mercyhurst University

Mercyhurst University is a Catholic, liberal arts institution offering more than 50 undergraduate majors, eight graduate degrees, and programs for adult learners. Founded in 1926 by the Sisters of Mercy, the university has an enrollment of more than 4300 students and it employs 168 faculty members on three campuses. The school has received accolades for its academic programming, including its designation in 2011 as a “top tier” college in the northern region by U.S. News and World Report. The university’s main campus sits on a scenic hill overlooking Lake Erie. The school also offers courses through the North East campus, the Corry campus, and Booker T. Washington Center. The computer systems support program is based at the North East location.

Computer Systems Support Associate of Applied Science

The goal of this associate’s degree program is to provide graduates with key skills for working in the field of information technology. By the time students graduate from the program, they are expected to be able to demonstrate knowledge of computer applications, web design, graphic design, computer hardware and networking, and emerging technologies. The computer systems support program is based at the North East campus, a site about 20 minutes from the main campus where 32 academic programs are offered. Students must complete 61 credit hours to graduate. The slate of core courses includes general subjects such as history, English, art, and religion. Specialized classes are offered on topics like graphic design, web management, public relations, and smartphone app programming. Program graduates should be able to move into computer support roles in small- or medium-sized businesses. Students also may be able to transfer credits to a baccalaureate program at the main campus if desired.

Accreditation

  • The Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)

Contact

Mercyhurst University Main Campus
501 E 38th St.
Erie, Pa 16546
Phone: (800) 825-1926

Mercyhurst University North East Campus
16 W. Division St.
North East, PA 16428
Phone: (814) 725-6100
Email: bzhang@mercyhurst.edu
Website: http://www.mercyhurst.edu/academics/academic-departments/mathematics-and-computer-systems/computer-systems-major

Northampton Community College

Business & Technology

Founded in 1967, Northampton Community College offers more than 100 career and transfer programs in fields such as education, health care, arts and sciences, and business and technology. The college’s primary campus is in Bethlehem, but the school also maintains several branch campuses and satellite sites in the surrounding area. Northampton serves nearly 34,000 students at its various locations. Many of those students – about 15,000 – are enrolled in credit programs. However, about 19,000 others seek adult literacy, youth, and workforce training classes at the school. The school is the only community college in the state where students can reside in residence halls.

Communication Design Associate in Applied Science

The communication design program combines classroom learning with computer lab experience to prepare students for entry-level jobs in the field. The communication design graduate will have the tools to work with new technologies and formats, including Twitter, Facebook, and smartphone applications. Students can choose either a print/web or new media focus in their second year in the program. Those who choose the print/web concentration will take classes in subjects such as drawing, introduction to web design, typography, and digital photography. The new media track offers courses in topics like 3D computer animation, new media production, and interactive design. The program’s learning outcomes project that graduates will be proficient in new media design, will be familiar with the industry’s best practices and trends, and will understand marketing and advertising principles. Students also are required to create a professional design portfolio and identity kit before graduating from the program.

Computer Information Technology Application/Web Programming

Northampton offers an associate’s degree in computer information technology which can be completed within two years of full-time work. However, some students are interested in gaining web programming skills without enrolling in a two-year program. The school’s specialized diploma in application and web programming is a great option for students who want to update their skills without an extended time commitment. The specialized diploma is completed with 24 credit hours of study. Coursework includes such classes as database systems, computer technology, client-side scripting, and mobile development. Graduates in this program are expected to learn important computer competencies, to evaluate and solve computer issues, and to gain experience in resolving business computing problems.

Web Development Associate in Applied Sciences

This web development degree is designed to prepare students to enter the job market right after graduation instead of transferring to a four-year college. Students learn to design and build a website, to analyze technical requirements for website creation, and to be proficient in programming and database design techniques. After graduation, they should be ready to join the workforce as web developers, web programmers, web application developers, and similar occupations. This associate’s program can be completed in two years of full-time study. In addition to core courses in general education subjects, students must take specialized classes in computer graphics, computer technology, introduction to web design, and advanced web technologies. During the last semester of studies, students are required to develop a web portfolio and to create a functioning, dynamic website.

Web Site Design

The web design program introduces students to concepts of website design and development by offering a 16-credit roster of design and graphics courses. Through the college’s state-of-the-art computer labs, students are able to receive hands-on experience with graphic and web design software and other high-tech tools. Web design students will use Apple Macintosh computers in the school’s digital lab to develop web design skills. Graduates are expected to be familiar with HTML scripting language, to understand web design authoring software, to be able to use digital cameras for web content, to know how to put a website online, and to be able to test and monitor the site’s operation.

Accreditation

  • The Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)

Contact

Northampton Community College
3835 Green Pond Rd.
Bethlehem, PA 18020
Phone: (610) 861-5300
Contact Form
Websites:

Pittsburgh Technical Institute

School of Design

With its focus on career preparation, Pittsburgh Technical Institute (PTI) has been offering services for more than 65 years. The school prides itself on adjusting its programs to meet the current demands in the job market. The two-year institution currently offers about 25 different educational options to about 2000 students. PTI is located on a 180-acre campus within 20 minutes of downtown Pittsburgh. The location has easy access to on-campus housing, recreational areas, and local dining and shopping. PTI also has an online division where students can earn certificates and degrees in a distance-learning environment.

Graphic Design

PTI’s graphic design program introduces students to the skills they will need to launch a career in the industry. Those skills include using state-of-the-art design software to produce a variety of products, including annual reports, brochures, billboards, advertisements, websites, and web-ready animation. Students participate in internships in order to get hands-on job experience. They also must develop a portfolio and must highlight their design skills in their own portfolio show. The school’s instructors have worked in the design industry and can offer real-world advice to the students. Every student must take core courses in general subjects like speech, finance, psychology, and English. In addition, the successful graduate will complete specialized classes in topics such as computer illustration, digital imaging, interactive media, photography, advertising processes, and typography.

Web Design/Development-Multimedia Technologies

With training through PTI’s web design and development program, new graduates should be prepared for entry-level jobs in design studios, advertising agencies, broadcast media, and e-learning companies. In addition to learning about web design, students are introduced to key web programming skills. Program graduates are expected to master training in website design, dynamic storage, code for screen delivery, interactivity, mobile applications, and motion graphics. The program format includes an internship as well as a variety of specialty courses. Class topics may include digital imaging, drawing fundamentals, interactive design, photography, motion graphics, and entrepreneurship. Core general education courses also must be completed.

Accreditation

  • The Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)

Contact

Pittsburgh Technical Institute
1111 McKee Rd, Oakdale, PA 15071
Phone: (412) 809-5100
Email: james@pti.edu
Websites:

Reading Area Community College

Founded in 1971, Reading Area Community College (RACC) is a public institution serving about 5000 students in the city of Reading and in Berks County. The college offers associate degrees, diploma and certificate programs, career training, personal enrichment courses and other educational options to meet the needs of people in the community. RACC currently enrolls more than 4600 students. The city-based college is classified as an “open enrollment” school, meaning that any student may be able to enroll after completing certain required steps like placement testing. After this testing, students without a G.E.D. or high school diploma may need to take additional classes before enrolling.

Computer Information Systems Associate of Arts

The goal of Reading’s computer information systems track is to get students ready to enter bachelor’s degree programs in the field as juniors. The 60-credit degree program teaches students about modern hardware and software, website design, programming, communication skills for business, personal computer installation, diagnostics, networking, and preventive maintenance. Thirty-six credit hours are reserved for general core course requirements in subjects like English, ethics, and art. Students also will take training classes in computer networking, programming, database systems, and web design. Basic business training also is achieved with courses in financial accounting and macroeconomics. RACC has dual admissions agreements with several other Pennsylvania schools which are designed to ease the transition from the associate’s program to a four-year college. Students can apply to both the community college and the four-year institution at the same time.

Web Site Development Associate of Applied Science

If you are interested in pursuing entry-level jobs as website developers, RACC’s associate degree program is a great first step. The program teaches students to master web design principles, to create multimedia websites using web authoring tools, to maintain a web server, and to understand modern computer hardware and software. This career-based program spans two years, and requires 68 credit hours in technology, business, and general coursework. Students must complete classes in computer programming, web design, microcomputer applications, and flash animation for the web. On the business side, prospective graduates must finish courses in e-commerce, principles of management, business communications, and small business management. Students at approved secondary schools may be eligible for college credit through articulation agreements between their schools and the college.

Accreditation

  • The Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)

Contact

Reading Area Community College
10 S 2nd St.
Reading, PA 19603
Phone: (610) 372-4721
Websites:

Prospective web design students may want to focus on technological training, on creative design skills, or on a combination of these areas of study. While web developer jobs were expected to grow at a faster pace than graphic design jobs, both types of workers were employed in large numbers within the state. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, nearly 3600 web developers and about 8790 graphic designers worked in Pennsylvania in 2013. The average annual wage for web developers in the state was $62,120, while graphic designers earned an average yearly salary of $46,360. No matter what avenue a student chooses, there are web design degree programs in Pennsylvania to offer the appropriate training.

Related Resource: Is a web design degree worth it?

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