Best Online Bachelor’s in Web Development
Updated October 18, 2023
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An online web development degree offers learners numerous opportunities for specialization and professional growth and prepares them to succeed in a competitive job market.
Students in these programs can focus their degree in a specific area that aligns with their career goals and personal interests, such as web design or computer programming. The curriculum introduces students to all elements of the field, including graphic design, software development, and network security.
Graduates of an online web development program qualify for lucrative careers in a rapidly growing job market. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for web developers is expected to grow by 16% between 2022 and 2032, a rate much faster than the average for all other jobs in the United States. As e-commerce and the use of mobile devices expand, so does the demand for professionals who can manage online purchasing and sales as well as create mobile-friendly platforms and sites.
The Best Online Bachelor's in Web Development Programs
We use trusted sources like
Peterson's Data and
the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools.
#1 Best Online Bachelor’s in Web Development
Fort Hays State University
Hays, KS - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Looking to earn a flexible online degree in web development? Consider Fort Hays State University. Undergraduates choose from 24 online bachelor's programs at the public, four-year institution. For students looking to advance in the web development field, the school's online bachelor's in information networking and telecommunications is a wise choice. The program prioritizes flexibility through full- and part-time study options.
During the web development program, students complete foundational and advanced coursework relevant to the field. Students also complete general education requirements, gaining a well-rounded education. Enrollees can customize their degree through electives, minors, and concentrations.
Graduates possessing a bachelor's degree can access more job opportunities and grow their earning potential over time. The median salary for graduates six years after their degree completion is $36,800, according to the college. Undergraduate students eligible for financial aid can expect to pay $12,108 in tuition and fees, on average. Students interested in learning more about admission requirements and their eligibility for financial aid should connect with the department.
Fort Hays State University at a Glance:
Online Enrollment: 8,759
Total Online Programs: 40
Online Bachelor's Programs: 24
Admission Rate: 91%
#2 Best Online Bachelor’s in Web Development
Arizona State University
Scottsdale, AZ - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Arizona State University, a public, four-year college, enables study across 126 online degree programs. Of these programs, 54 are available to undergraduate students. Learners seeking competitive, customizable study relevant to the web development field will find the school's online bachelor's in internet and web development to be an attractive option. Students in the program benefit from flexibility, with the option to enroll full or part time.
Learners complete industry-relevant classes throughout their studies, gaining broad and specific knowledge of the web development field. Classes equip students with knowledge and skills applicable to a post-graduate career. While enrolled, students can customize their studies by choosing electives, minors, and degree concentrations.
Graduates easily grow their earning potential with a bachelor's degree. According to the college, graduates earn a median salary of $42,200 six years after completing their degree. The college reports that the average undergraduate pays $14,568 in tuition and fees yearly, after aid. Students can meet with the Office of Financial Aid to learn more about funding opportunities and eligibility requirements for scholarships, fellowships, and other financial aid.
Arizona State University at a Glance:
Online Enrollment: 44,167
Total Online Programs: 126
Online Bachelor's Programs: 54
Admission Rate: 64%
#3 Best Online Bachelor’s in Web Development
Liberty University
Lynchburg, VA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Students seeking to enroll in a competitive bachelor's degree program should consider Liberty University. Distance learners can choose from 30 fully online bachelor's programs. Distance learners interested in the web development field can pursue the school's BS in information technology web and mobile programming.
The web development program balances rigor with flexibility. Learners work with academic advisors to create a course schedule meeting their career and academic goals.
The school reports undergraduate tuition as $15,417. Web development students gain access to internal and external funding opportunities, such as scholarships, fellowships, and federal financial aid, through the college.
Liberty University at a Glance:
Online Enrollment: 78,511
Total Online Programs: 161
Online Bachelor's Programs: 30
Admission Rate: 51%
Transfer Credits Accepted: Accepted
#4 Best Online Bachelor’s in Web Development
Baker College
Owosso, MI - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Baker College provides flexible study opportunities to distance learners across 48 degree programs. Of its online programs, 19 offer an undergraduate-level education. From its campus in Owosso, Michigan, the school offers an online web development degree. The information systems bachelor's program provides flexibility through customizable study options and classes.
Enrollees complete both foundational and advanced coursework, granting them the knowledge and skills needed to advance in the web development field. Students also complete general education requirements, gaining additional knowledge. Majors choose electives, minors, and concentrations to customize their course of study.
Graduates possessing a bachelor's degree can access more job opportunities and grow their earning potential over time. The institution reports a median salary of $27,600 earned by graduates six years after completing their studies. Prospective learners can explore funding opportunities, eligibility requirements, and other opportunities by connecting with the Office of Financial Aid.
Baker College at a Glance:
Online Enrollment: 4,691
Total Online Programs: 48
Online Bachelor's Programs: 19
Admission Rate: 73%
#5 Best Online Bachelor’s in Web Development
Champlain College
Burlington, VT - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Champlain College is a private, nonprofit, four-year institution providing competitive study across 39 bachelor's programs. The web design and development program is one of 12 online bachelor's programs available through the institution. The bachelor's in web design and development supports flexible, rigorous study.
The program balances rigor with flexibility, proving beneficial to working professionals, busy students, and other learners. Enrollees can modify their coursework in consultation with their academic advisor. Students can also choose electives and pursue interdisciplinary studies to fit their career goals.
At present, undergraduates pay $41,728 in tuition. Distance learners at the accredited institution qualify for federal financial aid programs and other forms of aid.
Champlain College at a Glance:
Online Enrollment: 2,301
Total Online Programs: 60
Online Bachelor's Programs: 12
Admission Rate: 85%
Online Bachelor's in Web Development Programs Ranking Guidelines
We ranked these degree programs based on quality, curricula, school awards, rankings, and reputation.
Our Methodology
Here at TheBestSchools.org, we take the trust and welfare of our readers very seriously. When making our school and program rankings, our top priority is ensuring that our readers get accurate, unbiased information that can help them make informed decisions about online education. That's why we've developed a rigorous ranking methodology that keeps the needs of our readers front and center.
Our proprietary, multi-criteria ranking algorithm analyzes key data indicators — as collected by the federal government — for each school or program. What data we use depends on the focus of each specific ranking, but in all cases, our ranking methodology is impartial: Schools cannot buy better rankings at TBS.
While specific criteria under consideration can vary by ranking, there are a few data points that we value most highly. They are affordability, academic quality, and online enrollment. Below, we break down our algorithm to help you understand what you're getting when you use one of our rankings.
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Academics -
Affordability -
Online Enrollment
Data Sources
The data used in TBS rankings comes primarily from the federal government, and much of it is provided by the schools themselves. We aggregate and analyze this data to build our rankings.
The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) is our primary source. Its data comes from annual surveys conducted by the U.S. Department of Education's National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). Every college, university, or technical school with access to federal financial aid must participate in these surveys, which include questions about enrollment, graduation rates, finances, and faculty qualifications. This is publicly available data, which you can access yourself through the College Navigator.
Additionally, because we value a personal touch and the professional experience of our staff and Academic Advisory Board, we vet all results and adjust rankings as necessary based on our collected knowledge of schools and degree programs. Depending on the ranking, we may obtain additional input from AcademicInfluence.com, subject matter experts, prior TBS ranking lists, or other sources we deem relevant to a particular ranking.
Breakdown of Our Rankings Methodology
About Our Ranking Factors
Here at TBS, we value what you value: quality education, affordability, and the accessibility of online education. These factors guide all of our program rankings.
Each of these factors are further broken down into weighted subfactors. For example, retention rates are weighted more heavily than availability of program options because they are a better indicator of student success.
We chose the following factors for our rankings because of their influence on learning experiences and graduate outcomes. However, students should always balance our rankings against their personal priorities. For instance, a learner who needs a fully online program may prioritize online flexibility more than our rankings do. Our rankings are designed to help you make a decision — not to make a decision for you.
Academics - 75%
Affordability - 15%
Online Enrollment - 10%
In all our school rankings and recommendations, we work for objectivity and balance. We carefully research and compile each ranking list, and as stated in our advertising disclosure, we do NOT permit financial incentives to influence rankings. Our articles never promote or disregard a school for financial gain.
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Featured Online Bachelor's in Web Development Programs
The Advantages of a Web Development Education
Earning a bachelor’s degree in web development can result in higher salaries and more job opportunities. For example, professionals with a bachelor’s degree in web development earn an average of about $10,000 more each year than those with an associate degree, and they can pursue a broader range of job opportunities. The section below reviews career opportunities available to those with a bachelor’s degree in web development as well as corresponding salary information.
| Degree Level | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Associate Degree in Web Development | $53,000 |
| Bachelor’s Degree in Web Development | $79,000 |
Web Development Degree Career Information
Your program may give you the option to select a concentration in a web development subfield. For example, a cybersecurity concentration prepares you to protect a company’s data, and graduates with this specialized expertise often work for large corporations or government agencies. With a networking concentration, you can help companies network devices or streamline information sharing. Before selecting a program or concentration, consider which option best fits your interests and career goals.
Web Designer
Web designers are responsible for developing, creating, and coding web pages and associated apps. They work with their clients to provide graphical and technical aspects of website applications. They also conduct routine maintenance of websites.
User Experience Designer
UX designers work with executives, engineers, clients, and product managers to derive solutions to improve user experience. They present design deliverables and concepts to meet business and client requirements and produce prototypes to perform user testing and guide iterations of design.
Web Graphic Designer
Web graphic designers create and design websites for companies, conveying a company's overall message and mission to the public. They also communicate the company's culture and philosophy through videos, colors, pictures, sounds, and applications.
Web Developer
Web developers work with content producers and designers. They write code to generate web pages and access business logic servers and databases. Developers build the backbone of websites and make necessary improvements.
Computer Programmer
Computer programmers collaborate with content producers and designers as they write, modify, and debug computer software for server applications. They also test software for server applications and document their findings and results.
Source: PayScale
Choosing an Online Web Development Degree Program
When looking for an online web development program, students should carefully review several important factors. To begin, compare program costs to determine what you can afford and take into account any expected financial aid. Then, review transfer policies, program length, school size and type, and any on-campus requirements you might need to satisfy before graduating. Being selective allows you to choose a program that best fits your specific needs.
Accreditation for Online Web Development Degrees
As you explore prospective online degrees in web development, pay special attention to a school or program’s accreditation.
Two main types of accreditation exist: national and regional. Nationally, accredited institutions typically focus on career and technical-based coursework and offer a minimal liberal arts curriculum. As a result, these institutions tend to feature lower tuition rates than regionally accredited colleges and universities, but they may be excluded from most tuition reimbursement plans. Conversely, institutions with regional accreditation feature primarily liberal arts-based coursework. Although they generally charge higher tuition rates than nationally accredited colleges and universities, these schools give students the opportunity to qualify for tuition reimbursement plans and allow them to transfer credits more easily.
While the U.S. Department of Education (ED) does not accredit educational institutions or programs, it does hold accrediting agencies responsible for proper enforcement of standards. As a part of the ED’s oversight roles, the Secretary of Education must publish a list of nationally recognized accrediting agencies considered reliable authorities for the quality of education and training in higher education. Additionally, the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) functions as an organization of degree-granting colleges and universities, providing national advocacy for academic quality through self-regulation.
Students can access a list of all accredited schools on the ED’s website or on CHEA’s website.
Web Development Concentrations
Web development is a broad field with several different areas of focus. Many online web development degrees offer concentrations where students can tailor the curriculum to their personal or professional interests. The table below outlines a few of the most common areas.
Web Design
Students explore topics such as JavaScript, XML, and internet protocols. The curriculum emphasizes hands-on web design experience and features a special focus on electronic publishing through the use of industry standard software.
- Careers this concentration prepares for: Web designer, user experience architect, computer programmer
Digital Design
A digital design concentration explores topics such as electronic publishing, multimedia projects, and motion graphics. Throughout the curriculum, students gain hands-on experience with multimedia and animation.
- Careers this concentration prepares for: Graphic designer, typographer
Software Development
Learners apply specific methodologies and tools to assess and analyze software and software systems design. They also learn to identify vulnerabilities and threats that compromise the intention of the software.
- Careers this concentration prepares for: Software developer, cybersecurity professional
Web and Mobile Development
This concentration allows students to learn the language of web design as they create dynamic artwork using color commands, painting tools, layers, typeface design, filters, and other imaging techniques.
- Careers this concentration prepares for: Web designer, graphic designer, mobile application designer
Programming
Programming students learn to write code to help create software programs for businesses. Throughout their coursework, they learn to investigate enterprise resource planning, business process modeling, enterprise application integration, and business activity monitoring in a global enterprise.
- Careers this concentration prepares for: Computer programmer, information technology specialist
How Long Does It Take to Get a Degree in Web Development?
Students typically take about four years to earn their online bachelor’s in web development; however, some may take longer if they enroll part time. Since part-time students complete fewer credits each semester, they can take up to five years to earn a bachelor’s degree.
Some programs offer accelerated options, allowing learners to double up on their credits each semester in order to graduate sooner; students can complete accelerated programs in as little as two years. Learners should consider these programs if they do not have other commitments such as full-time jobs or families, as these formats require students to complete a significant amount of coursework in a short period of time. Conversely, students might consider part-time enrollment if they have personal or professional commitments to juggle with their coursework.
Courses in an Online Bachelor’s in Web Development Program
A bachelor’s degree cultivates skills that prepare learners to succeed on the job, such as advanced knowledge of computer coding. These courses also prepare students for certification tests. Multiple certifications are available that prove your competence in computer coding to future employers. To stay competitive in the job market, choose a program that offers optimal coding courses.
Capstone projects play a significant role in online web development degree programs. They require you to synthesize the knowledge and skills gained through coursework into an original computer program, database, or web app. A successful capstone project not only ensures that you earn your diploma, but the final product can also set you apart from other applicants when you seek your first postgraduate job.
- Foundations in Application Development: Introducing students to the design, understanding, and implementation of computer programs, a foundations in application development course focuses on programming as a problem-solving tactic in engineering and business applications. Students learn to write computer code in a structured, logical, and organized fashion.
- Computer Platform Technologies: In this course, students develop an understanding of the background of hardware and software technology. Hardware topics in the course include memory, registers, CPU architecture, addressing modes, instruction sets, busses, and input and output devices. Software topics focus on process management, memory, file system management, and input and output.
- Business Systems Analysis and Design: Learners explore the roles and uses of information systems in business organizations. The course focuses on the major issues that come with managing information technology in contemporary business environments as well as the relationship between an organization’s information technology and other operational structures.
- Website Design: Students in this course learn to create interactive pages for the World Wide Web, survey internet concepts, and explore client-server communications and network protocols. Coursework also explores the syntax for building consistent appearances and styles across web pages.
- Network and Telecommunication Management: This course gives learners in-depth knowledge of networking theory and data communications along with requirements and concepts related to networking technologies and telecommunications. Students learn to design, maintain, and build a local area network; manage telecommunications networks; and conduct cost-benefit analyses of connectivity options.
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