Education Options for Web DesignersCalifornia is one of the greatest states in which you can gain a degree in web design. From Hollywood to San Diego to Silicon Valley, computers are used in many businesses and it is essential for businesses to have websites. The need for skilled web designers is high. Flashy websites are in high demand, and the average computer user lacks the needs to create lush, fast-loading graphics on a web page. To achieve this goal, one must look at completing a college or technical school that has a web design program. There are a number of ways one can achieve a career in web design. Californian schools offer certificate programs, associate degrees, or bachelor degrees. Each program comes with special restrictions and requirements. Certificate programs: With the certificate programs, most colleges require the person to have an associates degree with computers before they will allow someone into the fast-paced web design programs. The reason for this is that they need students who are used to the pacing of a college program, have decent computer skills, and are dedicated to their studies. Typically, the colleges ask that all incoming students interested in this program already are proficient with Adobe programs such as Photoshop and Illustrator. It is imperative that students have an understanding of the languages HTML and CSS. Once enrolled in the certificate program for web design, students must complete courses in a few subjects including web design, digital video production, animation, flash, web campaigns, and scripting. Students will be working with many programs, so be prepared to learn a number of software programs in a short span of time. It is important to be at ease with computers before taking on this type of schooling. Software used includes:
A web design certificate program takes two college semesters to complete, so be prepared to work hard and learn quickly. If fast paced learning is not your thing, a web design certificate program is probably not your best option. Associates Degree: The two-year associates degree offers a steady learning pace. There are a few options available including graphic design or multimedia design. These programs will prepare you to create many aspects of web design. The best part is that there are no prerequisites when entering these programs. You will learn everything you need during your two-year education. The courses in multimedia design usually include:
If graphic design is more appealing, expect to successfully complete these courses:
These skills will enable you to focus your attention on the graphics used in web design, but you probably will want to take additional courses in HTML and Flash if you want to become a full-time web designer. Bachelor's Degree: A bachelor's degree in media arts is a perfect choice. For four years, you will hone your skills in many aspects of computer graphics and web design. Courses include:
It is essential that the student have some skill with Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator and have a basic understanding of HTML and CSS. If you lack these skills, you must add these courses to your first semester of college. The schooling for web design is rigorous, but once completed the salary potential is great. Often, web designers earn upwards of $100 per hour on average depending on how many graphics and Flash animations are used. In California, salaries are higher because the demand is so great. Competition is fierce however, so be prepared to drop your rates at first in order to draw in business. Once you have a few clients and have built a portfolio, you can become far more competitive with your rates. View a list of schools in California offering web design, graphic design and multimedia. |