Web Design Degree Programs in Pennsylvania (S-Z)

Hershey’s isn’t the only thing sweet in the Quaker State; the accredited web design degree programs in Pennsylvania really take the cake! Top ranked programs are offered in bustling cities like Philadelphia or Pittsburgh as well as quaint towns like Greenville or Youngwood for those who draw inspiration from varied settings. From Associate’s to Bachelor’s with online, on campus, and blended learning options, the Keystone State has a variety of web degrees for newcomers and lifetime learners wishing to delve into the exciting career options available to web designers.

The Art Institute of Pittsburgh

Graphic & Web Design Program

Founded in 1921, The Art Institute of Pittsburgh became the model for all other Art Institutes around the country. Some of the most varied accredited web design degree programs in Pennsylvania can be found at The Art Institute of Pittsburgh. From Associate’s degrees to Bachelor’s programs in majors that include Graphic Design or Web Design and Interactive Media, AI Pittsburgh offers a variety of degrees that can be taken online or in the classroom to kick start any career in web design.  Some programs offered at AI Pittsburgh allow students to start building portfolios before they graduate, which will provide them with useful tools to find their first jobs after school.

Graphic Design Associate of Science (AS)

AI Pittsburgh’s Graphic Design Associate’s degree prepares students for career opportunities in a number of fields, including publishing, interactive communication, advertising, and television. Guiding students through the creation of their professional portfolio and offering a number of career focused learning experiences, the AS program is designed to prepare graduates for the job market upon graduation. Recently, alumni have taken entry-level positions as gallery assistants, print buyers, photo editors, production artists, set designers, and sign makers. With the option to complete the program online, on campus, or as part of a blended learning plan, the two year AS in Graphic Design requires students fulfill 91 quarter credits. Classes include: Drawing, Introduction to Design Applications, History and Analysis of Design, Color Theory, Introduction to the Visual Arts, Digital Image Manipulation, Concept Development, Mixed Media, and Graphic Illustration

Graphic Design Bachelor of Science (BS)

The Art Institute of Pittsburgh also offers a Bachelor of Science in Graphic Design degree that prepares students for entry-level work opportunities in design or television studios, corporate communications departments, and advertising agencies, among others. Graduates have gone on to fulfilling careers as graphic or web designers, production coordinators, computer artists, and junior art directors. Professional experience gained during the first years following graduation has allowed others to pursue careers as creative directors, art directors, production managers, and studio managers. The four year Bachelor of Science includes 180 quarter credits. During the first year, classes include Fundamentals of Design, Freshman Studies, Perspective, Typography, and Digital Illustration. In the second year, students take Composition and Language, Life Drawing, Microeconomics, Graphic Symbolism, and Design Principles. During the last two years, students take Corporate Identity, Web Scripting, Dimensional Design, and Advanced Communications; they also gain professional experience as part of an internship and select from a variety of electives to round out their program of study.

Web Design & Interactive Media Associate of Science (AS)

With a focus on training students for positions that involve designing, developing, and implementing web sites as well as the latest interactive media, the AI Web Design & Interactive Media Associate of Science degree starts by focusing on honing each student’s drawing and design skills, allowing learners to delve into the fundamentals of web design, audio, and digital imaging before trying their hand at interactive media later in their program of study. By creating a solid foundation, students are well prepared to meet new challenges as they begin to work with JavaScript and Flash. The two year 91 quarter credit program exposes students to Fundamentals of Media Communication, Color Theory for Multimedia and Web, Digital Imaging for Multimedia and Web, Writing for Multimedia, Screen Design and Graphics, Project Management, and Interactive Authoring.

Web Design & Interactive Media Bachelor of Science (BS)

The Bachelor of Science in Web Design & Interactive Media from The Art Institute of Pittsburgh prepares students to work with a variety of interactive media, including museum displays, kiosks, cell phones, MP3 players, and tablets as well as traditional laptops and computers. The capstone project allows Bachelor of Science students to work through a project from the beginning, starting by planning, designing, and developing the project and then seeing it through to completion, offering invaluable real-life experience. The portfolio completed as part of the BS degree prepares students to seek employment upon graduation, with recent alumni enjoying careers as interactive web site designers, digital media managers, creative directors, and webmasters, as well as a variety of web and design related positions in education, medicine, and law. Courses taken as part of the four year 180 quarter hour program include Fundamentals of the Internet, User-Centered Information Design, Basic Web Scripting, Computer Animation for Multimedia and Web, Desktop Video, Web Imaging Techniques, Media Law and Ethics, Database Systems, and Interactive Telecommunications.

Accreditation

  • The Accrediting Council of Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS)
  • The Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)

Contact

The Art Institutes Pittsburgh
Graphic & Web Design Program
210 Sixth Avenue, 33rd Floor
Pittsburgh, PA 15222
Phone: (888) 624-0300
Email: csprogramadmin@edmc.edu
Websites:

The University of the Arts

College of Art, Media & Design; School of Design

With an exclusive focus on training artists, the University of the Arts is a community of artists working to engage and instruct the next generation to use their creativity as productive members of society as a whole. This is achieved through educational programs that focus on artistic aspects, like aesthetic sensibility and perceptual acumen, while also enriching the cultural awareness of each student. An integral part of the College of Art, Media & Design, the School of Design offers several accredited web design degree programs in Pennsylvania tailored to individual career pursuits.

Web Development & Interaction Design

The University of the Arts’ Web Development & Interaction Design program allows students to delve into three important areas simultaneously: design, technology, and research. With a focus on user-centered design principles, the 126 credit hour program of study is divided among Electives (16.5 credits), the Liberal Arts Distribution (30 credits), Discipline History (12 credits), Major Requirements (39 credits), CAMD School Core (6 credits), CAMD College Core (18 credits), and University Common Curriculum (4.5 credits). Students have the opportunity to explore Webcasting; Dynamic Web Development; Psychology of Human/ Computer Interaction; and Research, Sketching, Mapping & Prototyping as part of their required major courses.

Graphic Design

Celebrating nearly half a century as one of the top ranked Graphic Design programs in the country, the University of the Arts continues to innovate. The Graphic Design program offers students the opportunity to work with the latest technology, including 3D printers, while also learning more traditional means of communication, for example, through projects that include designing and producing handmade books. Students gain experience in the real world while helping the local community, with previous classes redesigning parking signs around the City of Philadelphia and setting up an intranet interface at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia to facilitate patient care. Classes include 124.5 credits divided among the University Common Curriculum (4.5 credits), CAMD College Core (18 credits), CAMD School Core (6 credits), Major Requirements (39 credits), Discipline History (12 credits), the Liberal Arts Distribution (30 credits), and Electives (15 credits). Major Requirements include Applied Design Lab, Visual Perception and the Language of Form, Design for Understanding, Design Strategies: Non-linear Narratives and Audience-Based Design, and Design Strategies: Brand Identity.

Accreditation

  • The Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
  • The National Association of the Schools of Art and Design

Contact

The University of the Arts in Philadelphia
College of Art, Media & Design
School of Design
320 S. Broad St.
Philadelphia, PA 19102
Phone: (800) 616-ARTS
Contact Page
Websites:

Thiel College

Department of Math and Computer Science

Associated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Thiel College was founded in 1866 and continues to offer students a top rated liberal arts education with majors in popular fields that are expected to continue expanding in the future. In keeping with the hands on approach to learning at Thiel College, web development majors gain direct professional experience by working with the local community as part of several service learning projects organized in Greenville and the surrounding area.

Bachelor of Science in Web Development

The Department of Math and Computer Science at Thiel College offers one of the top ranked accredited web design degree programs in Pennsylvania: the B.S. in Web Development. Students complete the 54-55 credit hour program of study by taking a variety of liberal arts and specialized classes dedicated to web development. Core Requirements include classes in English Competency, Foreign Language Competence, Mathematics Competency, Writing Intensive Courses, Integrative Requirements, Scientific, Humanities, Fine Arts/ Performing Arts, Social Science, SCCI/ Math/ Natural and Physical Sciences, and Concern for Physical Well-Being. Major Requirements include Data Management, Fundamentals, E-Commerce, Systems Analysis, Web Design, Visual Basic, Java Programming, Database Management, Web Programming, Marketing, and Graphic Design. Students also select three electives from among courses like: Operating Systems, Accounting I and II, Business Law, and Macroeconomics.

Accreditation

  • The National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities
  • The Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)

Contact

Thiel College
Department of Math and Computer Science
75 College Ave
Greenville, PA 16125
Phone: (800) 24-THIEL
Email: agrover@thiel.edu
Website: http://www.thiel.edu/assets/documents/curriculum-guides/web-development.pdf

Westmoreland County Community College

Graphic Communications

The Graphic Communications Department at Westmoreland County Community College offers a number of accredited web design degree programs in Pennsylvania, including degrees in Graphic Design, Graphic Communications, and Web Publishing. WCCC offers the community hands on learning experiences in which students have the opportunity to master the latest technology and explore design theory and practice.

Graphic Design Associate of Fine Arts (AFA)

Westmoreland’s Graphic Design Associate of Fine Arts degree is a transfer program in which students fulfill the requirements for the two year AFA before moving on to a senior educational institution. Learning outcomes include being able to weave together typography, layout, color, and image elements by employing the principles of design, art, and perception; demonstrating a firm grasp on how new digital technologies and traditional analog tools are used, as well as the experience necessary to feel at ease using the latest software; and compiling a portfolio that reflects the competencies and skills achieved while earning the AFA. The 62 credit program of study allows students to explore Type & Publishing, Design Technology, Art & Illustration, Digital Imaging & Editing, and Graphics & Lettering, as well as College Writing, College Algebra, Digital Imaging, Advanced Composition, and Social and Natural Sciences electives.

Graphic Communications Web & Mobile Option

Westmorland County Community College’s Graphic Communications Web & Mobile Associate’s degree is specifically designed for students eager to learn Adobe software and other web-standard tools to put designer-based insights to work. Alumni have gone on to jobs as interface designers, web graphic designers, and web technicians at a variety of businesses. Learning outcomes include gaining the skills and experience necessary to create a range of documents necessary media production, including scripts, budgets, schedules, story boards, and proposals; honing communication skills to solve problems and work well as a team and independently. Classes include Podcasting & Social Media, Editing & Video Tech, DSLR Video Production, Digital Photography/ Photoshop, Dreamweaver: Beginner and Advanced, and the 3 credit web internship or Info Architecture.

Web Publishing Associate of Applied Science (AAS)

WCCC’s Web Publishing Associate of Applied Science degree helps prepare students to develop and deploy websites, using today’s hottest technology to solve the long-standing challenges of communicating with customers. Positions open to graduates include: corporate communications; technical support; and web management, development, and marketing. The curriculum was hand-picked by experts in the field to help students distinguish between and correctly implement different scripting options, translate their knowledge of design principles to dynamic web pages, and develop their expertise in database management. Course offerings include Acrobat Essentials, Web Design, Web Content Development, HTML & CSS, Fireworks, PHP and SQL, E-Commerce Technology, Web Architecture or a Web Internship.

Accreditation

  • The Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)

Contact

Westmoreland County Community College
Graphic Communications
145 Pavilion Lane
Youngwood, PA 15697
Phone: (800) 262-2103
Contact Page
Websites:

From close knit community college settings in scenic small towns to nationally recognized art institutes nestled in The Cradle of Liberty, the accredited web design degree programs in Pennsylvania are designed to meet the needs of today’s learners, offering exciting programs in this in demand field.