Students seeking accredited web design degree programs in South Dakota will find ample opportunities as the Mount Rushmore State boasts several rigorous academic programs in the field. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, web developers should see a 20 percent growth in jobs by 2022, which is much faster than the national average for other occupations. In South Dakota, top employers in the medical, military, tourism and food service industries will undoubtedly continue to utilize web design and development services to promote their businesses. The following programs prepare students for a variety of careers related to web design.
Dakota State University
College of Arts and Sciences
Founded in 1881 and tied for number 80 on U.S. News and World Report’s list of the best regional universities, Dakota State University features programs designed around computer science, technology and other related fields. Unlike typical universities that feature traditional mottos, the school’s slogan captures the spirit of fun and innovation that Dakota State University embodies: “Technically, we’re better.” For students looking into accredited web design degree programs in South Dakota, the university’s College of Arts and Sciences offers a comprehensive program centered on design that allows students to develop their creativity while pursuing practical courses founded on current technology.
Bachelor of Science in Digital Arts and Design
Dakota State University understands that web development and design contribute significantly to the job market today due to businesses’ increasing dependence on successful websites. As such, the school has created an in-depth program for undergraduates interested in pursuing these fields. The Bachelor of Science in Digital Arts and Design comprises five specializations: Audio Production, Computer Graphic, Digital Storytelling, Production Animation, and Web Design and Production. The school as a whole is focused on practical education. Students will utilize technology and modern software products to create projects and demonstrate their understanding of the subject matter. As a four-year university, however, the school also values a well-rounded education that includes education on what they refer to as “soft skills:” critical thinking, team-building exercises, creativity and “an understanding of symbolic communication.” The bachelor’s program requires completion of 130 credit hours divided into specialty core classes and general university courses. Each specialty requires a different number of core credits.
Accreditation
- The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools
Contact
Dakota State University
College of Arts and Sciences
820 N Washington Avenue
Madison, SD 57042
Phone: (605) 256-5270
Email: artsandsciences@dsu.edu
Website: http://catalog.dsu.edu/preview_program.php?catoid=16&poid=1069#WebDesignAndProductionSpecialization48Credits
Dakota Wesleyan University
College of Arts and Humanities
Dakota Wesleyan University was established in 1885 as a private university with ties to the United Methodist Church and now encompasses 50 acres in a rural setting with just under 900 students enrolled. Despite its small population, the university boasts a tied ranking at number 54 on U.S. News and World Report’s list of the best regional schools in America for 2014, and DWU’s distinguished academic programs more than make up for the school’s limited size. Students who study here enjoy variety when it comes to professional opportunities as approximately 75 percent of the study body participates in professional conferences, attends internships and conducts self-led research.
Bachelor of Arts in Digital Media and Design—Web Design
Dakota Wesleyan University’s College of Arts and Humanities offers a number of technically advanced programs in creative fields including a Bachelor Arts in Digital Media and Design. Students can choose from one of two emphases: Web Design or Graphic Design. The Web design program combines practical instruction on industry standard technology with theoretical concepts designed to help enhance students’ overall college experience and training. Throughout the program, students will practice on Mac brand computer systems along with relevant software products, and the school offers a 24-hour lab outfitted with appropriate equipment to encourage their progress. The Web Design emphasis requires 39 credit hours and includes courses on topics such as computing graphics, mobile applications, color theory, and advanced media design. As a Bachelor of Arts program within the College of Arts and Humanities, the Web Design emphasis also requires students to take and pass two semesters of a foreign language.
Accreditation
- The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools
Contact
Dakota Wesleyan University
College of Arts and Humanities
1200 W. University Avenue
Mitchell, SD 57301
Phone: (605) 995-2631
Email: viredder@dwu.edu
Website: http://www.dwu.edu/digitalmediaanddesign/webdesign/
Mount Marty College
Division of Arts & Humanities
As a Catholic Benedictine school founded in 1936, Mount Marty College strives to provide excellent opportunities that combine its religious roots with modern higher education, and the school offers a variety of degrees in 30 fields of study. The approximately 1,100 students who study at the school enjoy access to small class sizes, hands-on coursework taught by experienced faculty and complimentary laptop computers for full-time enrollees. For students who want to pursue a career in web development or design, Mount Marty College offers a degree in Graphic Design and Media Arts under the direction of its Division of Arts & Humanities.
Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design & Media Arts
Whether students wish to pursue careers in print media, photography, or web design, Mount Marty College offers a creative and well-developed program centered on the digital arts. The Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design & Media Arts program features studio-style classes in which students learn the basics of appropriate technology while gaining experience in a liberal arts setting. The school primarily focuses on a liberal arts education, but students also have access to personal laptops assigned upon admittance as well as a fully equipped lab for completing projects and coursework. To complete the degree program, students must pass at least 126 credit hours designated into core classes, general education requirements, and electives. Courses cover a broad range of topics related to digital arts such as drawing and painting, web based graphics, and advanced graphics. In addition to the academic requirements, all students must do 20 hours of service as defined by the school.
Accreditation
- The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools
Contact
Mount Marty College
1105 West 8th Street
Yankton, SD 57078-3725
Phone: (605) 668-1584
Email: mmcadmit@mtmc.edu
Website: http://www.mtmc.edu/academics/programs/gra.aspx
National American University
Information Technology—Internet Systems Development
Originally founded as a one-year secretarial school in 1941, National American University has grown into a large for-profit educational system spanning several locations throughout the United States and online. Students looking for accredited web design degree programs in South Dakota have the option to attend National American University entirely online or enroll in one of two physical programs in the state: Rapid City and Ellsworth Air Force Base. In these locations, students can enroll in the Bachelor of Science program offered through the school’s Information Technology—Internet Systems Development section, which offers courses designed to enhance technical ability in the field of web development.
Bachelor of Science Degree
National American University offers several emphases under its Information Technology division, and the Internet Systems Development emphasis in particular will help students prepare for careers as webmasters and developers for a wide range of companies. The degree is a traditional four-year program, but students can enroll completely online or through one of the two physical locations listed above in South Dakota. For students who enroll at a physical location, National American University requires at least 54 hours of residency at a single campus. The school operates on a quarter credit basis, and all students seeking a bachelor’s degree must complete a minimum of 180 quarter credit hours to graduate. Select programs may require additional credit hours. Of the credit hour requirements, three courses need to come from 3000-level classes while at least three classes must be taken at the 4000 level. The program combines general education with major courses and core courses.
Accreditation
- The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools
Contact
National American University — Rapid City
5301 S. Hwy 16
Rapid City, SD 57701
Phone: (605) 394-4800
Email: rcadmissions@national.edu
or
National American University — Ellsworth AFB
1000 Ellsworth Street
Ellsworth AFB, SD 57706
Phone: (605) 718-6550
Email: elladmissions@national.edu
South Dakota State University
College of Arts & Sciences
While the college and property of South Dakota State University have been in existence since 1881, the school reached university status in 1964. Celebrating its 50th year as a university this year, South Dakota State University comprises nine distinct Colleges offering 74 majors, 30 graduate programs at the master’s level, 13 doctoral programs and a variety of specializations and minors. Under the direction of the university’s College of Arts & Sciences, the Department of Visual Arts offers a bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design that helps prepare students to seek employment for entry-level positions in design firms and other businesses requiring technical expertise.
Graphic Design
Unlike many universities, South Dakota State allows students to complete a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree in Graphic Design. For the B.A. program, students will need to complete a foreign language requirement. For the B.S. program, students will take more natural sciences, social sciences and humanities courses than they would if they chose the B.A. route. Regardless of the path chosen, students who enroll in the graphic design bachelor’s program must complete at least 120 semester hours to graduate. Of these 120 hours, 35 hours comprise general education and institutional requirements, 17 to 34 hours meet the College of Arts & Sciences requirements, 42 fulfill the major requirements and the remaining credits meet elective and supporting course requirements. Students in both B.A. and B.S. programs will take similar courses on topics related to graphic design such as motion graphics and visual communication. Seniors must complete a portfolio project demonstrating their skills.
Accreditation
- The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools
Contact
South Dakota State University
College of Arts & Sciences
Department of Visual Arts
Grove Hall 101, Box 2802
Brookings, SD 57007
Phone: (605) 688-4103
Email: sdsu.artdept@sdstate.edu
Website: http://catalog.sdstate.edu/preview_program.php?catoid=24&poid=4885&returnto=2241
University of South Dakota
College of Fine Arts
As one of the oldest post-secondary schools in the Dakotas, the University of South Dakota enjoys a rich history dating back to 1882 and the opening of its first official classes. Today, the school boasts a number of prestigious rankings from publications such as Forbes magazine, U.S. News and World Report, The Princeton Review, and Military Times. The University of South Dakota offers 205 undergraduate programs and 66 graduate programs to more than 10,200 students as of the 2013 fall semester, and those interested in a career in graphic design will enjoy the university’s Bachelor of Fine Arts program offered by the Department of Visual Arts.
Bachelor of Fine Arts, Graphic Design/Multimedia
For students who want a broad art education with specific instruction on graphic design and digital art, the University of South Dakota offers a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree with an emphasis in Graphic Design and Multimedia. The B.F.A. program emphasizes creative thinking, conceptualization and theory combined with practical exercises in product creation. All students at the University of South Dakota must complete at least 128 credit hours. These hours include the specific core requirements for the major as well as institutional and general education requirements set by the university. For the graphic design emphasis, students will complete 78 hours of major-specific courses covering subjects such as the history of photography, digital design, and studio specialization courses. Before students can select a focus area such as graphic design, they must complete the institutional Art Foundation program that comprises technical education and an introduction to the concepts learned in upper-division courses.
Accreditation
- The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools
- National Association of Schools of Art and Design
Contact
University of South Dakota
College of Fine Arts
Department of Art
414 E. Clark Street
Vermillion, SD 57069
Phone: (605) 677-5636
Email: art@usd.edu
Website: http://www.usd.edu/fine-arts/art/undergraduate.cfm
When considering an academic program in web design, it’s important to keep in mind that technology changes rapidly in this line of work. Students should review each program’s course offerings, technology and equipment carefully to determine if the school offers the right balance for an effective degree. Fortunately, the aforementioned schools offer fine programs for students seeking accredited web design degree programs in South Dakota.
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