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Is a Web Development Degree Right for Me?

Is a Web Development Degree Right for Me?

Web development degrees can open doors for an exciting career in a booming industry. Earning a degree will teach you the skills you need in web development.

Web developers create web applications or websites for clients. They work to create a product that meets the company or organization's needs and objectives while creating a useful and easy-to-navigate tool for the customer.

Working as a web developer can be an exciting career path for people who enjoy problem-solving, working from a computer, and learning new skills. Trained web developers are in demand, as web development careers are expected to grow much faster than average over the next decade.

There are many ways to become qualified as a web developer. The most common way is to earn a bachelor's degree in web development, though some professionals decide to take a less traditional route. It is possible to gain web development skills by completing online courses, such as coding bootcamps.

What Is a Web Development Degree?

There are many levels of degrees in web development, from earning an associate degree or bachelor's degree, completing web development bootcamps, or enrolling in online certificate programs. Whether you want to go the traditional route of higher education or get experience through online courses and internships, there is plenty of opportunity in the web development field.

Web development degrees cover many fundamental topics related to building websites and web applications, such as programming languages, web technologies, user experience design, and full-stack development. Grads of web development degree programs will be ready to enter the field and start gaining experience right after graduating.

What Does a Web Development Major Study?

Web developers learn many skill sets in their degree programs, though a big skill is learning programming languages. These programming skills are used to actually build websites, fix bugs, and create the user interface of the product. Some of the coding languages you might learn include:

  • HTML
  • CSS
  • JavaScript (also called Java)
  • Python
  • Microsoft programs

Web developers may use many different programming languages, so learning deep principles of computer science like logical operations and syntax will help in any context.

You will also learn about full-stack web development, which covers both front-end web development and back-end development skills. Other technical skills include:

  • UX design
  • project management
  • scripting
  • using frameworks
  • designing web pages
  • learning algorithms
  • cybersecurity
  • design skills

Why You Should Consider a Degree in Web Development

Here are some reasons you should consider earning a degree in web development.

It Is a Growing Field

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts a 16% growth rate of web development and digital designer jobs in the next decade, a rate that is much faster than the national average.

Typical Entry Level Roles Require a Degree

According to the BLS, most entry level web developer jobs require at least a bachelor's degree. Earning a degree from an accredited institution can give you the best chance of succeeding in the field. Earning a master's degree in web development, or a related field such as computer science, can help you boost your career and qualify for more senior roles and leadership positions.

You Can Work Remotely

One of the perks of working in web development is the opportunity to work remotely. As long as you have a reliable computer, internet connection, and a quiet space to work, you can complete your tasks from anywhere.

You Can Gain a Specialization

There are so many exciting areas to specialize in that can help you fine-tune your skills and market yourself for specific roles. Some specializations you may consider are:

There Are New Challenges Every Day

Every day is different as a web developer, which keeps your role fresh and exciting. The length of time you spend on any one project will vary depending on the role, but there will be frequent changes and challenges to face to keep you from getting bored.

You Will Become a Lifelong Learner

Web development is an ever-evolving field, with new technologies being introduced every year. In order to stay up to date in the industry, you have to develop a lifelong learning mindset, which is beneficial to other areas of your life too.

Job Opportunities for Web Development Degree Majors

A degree in web development is useful in a variety of careers and qualifies graduates for a number of different types of jobs. Here are some of the best career options for web development degrees:

Web Development Degree: Questions To Ask Yourself

If you think you want to earn a web development degree, be sure to ask yourself the following questions before enrolling in a program.

Do I Enjoy Working Remotely and Independently?

Web developers often work independently with the freedom to choose their workspace. Becoming a web developer is a great career choice for individuals who like to travel and spend time alone.

Do I Want To Earn a Degree or Complete a Nontraditional Web Development Program?

Web development is a very skill-based domain. Developers who demonstrate high-quality work will usually be able to find work. This gives aspiring web developers some flexibility in their educational pathways.

Am I Good at Problem-Solving and Staying Calm While Facing Challenges?

Web developers can face stubborn bugs and complex challenges that require analytical thinking skills to solve. The ability to stay calm and solve problems efficiently is a key skill in web development.

Can I Stay Patient and Focused When Working With Code for Large Amounts of Time?

Web developers will spend extended periods of time at a computer screen writing code and fixing bugs. Make sure you enjoy working at a computer if you want to go into web development.

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