If you want a quicker way to start your career as a web designer or developer, consider getting an online web development certificate rather than going for a whole degree. Not only is a certificate cheaper and quicker, but it will be completely focused on the skills you need to become employed in this fast-growing field. Every business and organization needs web design and this is only becoming more important as we live more of our interactive lives online. Start your web design certificate online, and get on the path to a great career building beautiful and functional websites and applications.
Should I Get an Online Web Development Certificate?
Whether you are just finishing up high school or you are decades into another career, you can still enroll in a web development certificate online to enter this great profession. You don’t have to be a digital native to take a certificate course, as some of them give you a very good introduction to different computing topics. But if you are a bit more advanced, there are certificates that will give you a very targeted skillset that can be just perfect to add to your credentials. Think about it: for a very reasonable price, you can get the skills you need to get a job in a profession that pays very well, is growing much faster than other careers, and allows you to work in pretty much any industry that you like! If you enjoy problem-solving and being creative, web development and design may be the perfect career for you.
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Web Design or Web Development?
In most cases, you don’t have to make a hard choice between web design and web development, as each job type includes some of the other in it. Web design will focus more on the aesthetics of the product, yet you will still need some development skills to make it function as it should so users can interact with it. Web development will see you focusing more on functionality, interactivity, and getting complex processes working properly, but you will still have to make it look nice and work with the graphics that are appropriate for the purpose. It’s more of a matter of which set of skills you want to emphasize. It is all part of creating websites that every institution and company needs.
Curriculum & Costs for an Online Web Development Certificate
Web development certificate online programs can be just two classes of work or contain multiple classes and take a year or more to complete. The shorter certificates are usually 15-18 credits long, while the longer programs can be 30 credits or more, and are basically half the work of an associate’s degree. The shorter programs can be better for those with at least a bit of experience on computers, while the longer programs have comprehensive introductory coursework that will help bridge the gap for those who lack familiarity with some computer concepts.
Common courses include Introduction to Computer Programming, Database Concepts, Introduction to Web Development, and so on. Classes may cover more than one programming language or platform, or you may see classes that just work with JavaScript or PHP, for example. Different online web development certificates will have slightly different focusses, with some working more towards e-commerce applications, and others emphasizing design and user interaction.
The costs for web design certificates online can range from under $1,000 to over $15k. Because each school has a different cost per credit, you may find that some of the comprehensive programs with 30 credits cost about the same as a short program that has a higher cost per credit. Additionally, you will need to have a computer and perhaps even purchase software for some certificate programs, so there can be other costs to consider.
Scheduling for most online web development certificates is asynchronous, which means that you can sign on at any time during the week to complete the assignments. Most programs are designed to work well for part time students, but the 30 credit programs may work better for people who can be full time students. You can check with the program that you choose to see if it will fit well with your other responsibilities.
Careers in Web Development & Design
With a certificate in web design and development, you can get jobs like webmaster, web application developer, website manager, web design specialist, web architect, e-commerce developer, and other related titles. In any of these positions, you might meet with people to decide what information needs to be on a website, write code, integrate graphics into a design, make mockups of site architecture, monitor web traffic, debug web applications, or design graphics and layouts. The jobs can involve lots of creativity, but also require good communication skills to understand client needs and work with others, plus the technical skills to make websites come to life. There can be periods with lots of varied tasks, and other times where you may be concentrating on a repetitive or complex coding process.
Jobs for web developers and designers are expected to increase by 8% between 2019 and 2029, which is much faster than average. The median salary for these jobs is $73,760 per year according the Bureau of Labor Statistics. According to Indeed.com, a web developer with less than one year of experience earns an average of $68,238, while the average for those with more than 10 years of experience is $96,527. Salaries for web design and development are very good, especially when you consider that you can get many of these jobs with just a certificate and your talent. In this profession, being able to demonstrate what you can do is more important than your degree or credential, so it is a great career for those with ambition who don’t want to spend a long time in school.
18 Online Web Development Certificate Programs Under $6,000
Our editors compared 31 development and web design certificate programs from 19 regionally accredited online schools to create this spotlight list. Our research reveals the most affordable options in the United States—18 online certificates for under $6,000!
Madison Area Technical College
Degree: IT-PHP Professional Web Developer Certificate
Total Cost (In-State & Out-of-State): $902Madison Area Technical College’s online IT-PHP Professional Web Developer Certificate is just six credits in two classes. Before beginning the certificate, students should have a grade of “C” or better in Intro to Programming and Database courses. The two courses in this program are designed to be taken sequentially, with PHP Web Development with MYSQL followed by Advanced PHP Web Development and MYSQL Web Development. This targeted certificate is perfect for students who seek these in-demand skills for web development and want to finish in a short amount of time.
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IT-PHP Professional Web Developer CertificateSeminole State College of Florida
Degree: Technical Certificate in Web Development
Total Cost (In-State): $2,038
Total Cost (Out-of-State): $7,033The online Web Development Technical Certificate from Seminole State College of Florida is an affordable path for those seeking employment developing website for businesses. The program is 18 credits long, with courses that include Intro to Computer Programming, Java Script, and Data Driven Websites, plus two elective courses. Students will be exposed to a wide range of server-side programming and scripting technologies. Students should have a working knowledge of Windows PC operations, but otherwise, this is a terrific certificate for students with no programming experience who want to go into web development.
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Technical Certificate in Web DevelopmentSt. Petersburg College
Degree: Certificate in Web Development
Total Cost (In-State): $2,282
Total Cost (Out-of-State): $7,234St. Petersburg College offers the online Web Development Specialist Certificate as an 18 credit program that introduces students to skills in coding, testing, and debugging dynamic websites and applications. Students will learn HTML, CSS, JavaScript, website architecture and development, interactive graphics, and also project planning and tracking for websites. Courses include Web Foundations/Essentials, Social Media and Web Technologies, and Client-Side JavaScript. The online web development certificate from St. Petersburg College is perfect for those who want to learn the skills to develop websites quickly, but may also want to pursue a degree program at a later date, as all the courses are upward compatible.
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Certificate in Web DevelopmentFort Hays State University
Degree: Certificate in Front-End Web Development
Total Cost (In-State & Out-of-State): $3,403
The online Front-End Developer Certificate offered by Fort Hays State University comprises 15 credits and is perfect for those who are inspired by developing what the user interacts with, also known as front-end development. For students who are interested in human-computer interaction and user experience design, this web development certificate online is a quick way to get the necessary skills. For those who have some experience, the department may allow you to waive the two intro classes in the program, making an even shorter pathway to this valuable skillset.
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Certificate in Front-End Web DevelopmentDaytona State College
Degree: Certificate in Web Development Specialist
Total Cost (In-State): $4,204
Total Cost (Out-of-State): $14,573Daytona State College’s online Web Development Specialist Certificate program can be completed in three semesters for those enrolled full time. This comprehensive program is 35 credits of coursework that prepares students to design and build websites and to work in Internet, Intranet, and Extranet environments. Courses include A+ Computer Repair, Digital Imaging Fundamentals, Principles of Computer Programming, and Web Scripting (PHP). The program is eligible for federal financial aid and offers students seeking a web design certificate online a full program of courses to meet industry requirements for skills and knowledge.
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Certificate in Web Development SpecialistChamplain College
Degree: Certificate in Web Design
Total Cost (In-State & Out-of-State): $4,770For students who want to design websites, the Champlain College fully online Web Design Certificate Program offers convenience and flexibility. Courses are available 24/7 online, and each semester has two 7-week terms, making it easy to fit this certificate into a busy life. The 18-credit program helps students master HTLM5, CSS, Adobe Photoshop, and Mockups3. Classes include Streaming Media Technology, Usability in Website and Software Design, and Designing Digital Images for the Web. The school also offers a bundle of career resources as an add-on for a small fee.
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Certificate in Web DesignSaint Johns River State College
Degree: Certificate in Web Development Specialist
Total Cost (In-State): $4,959
Total Cost (Out-of-State): $20,988The online Web Development Specialist Certificate at Saint Johns River State College is a comprehensive program of 36 credits that can lead students to entry level employment as internet/intranet technicians, web developers, or webmasters. Courses include Introduction to Electronic Commerce, Network/Data Communications, and Introduction to Mobile App Programming. For students who need a full introduction to this field but don’t want to take a full degree program, this online web development certificate offers a focused program that also counts as college credit for a possible future degree.
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Certificate in Web Development SpecialistIndiana University Online
Degree: Certificate in Information Technology for Web Development
Total Cost (In-State): $5,277
Total Cost (Out-of-State): $18,286Indiana University Online offers the Information Technology (for Web Development) Undergraduate Certificate as an 18 credit program designed to prepare students to become webmasters, website application developers, website architects, or website designers. Courses for this targeted program include Analysis & Design, Introduction to Data Management, and Commercial Website Development. The program allows students to start in the Fall, Spring, or Summer semesters, and enrolls students from all 50 states and internationally. This short certificate offers a respected and cost-effective program that can be accessed from anywhere around the world.
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Certificate in Information Technology for Web Development (IUPUI)Indiana University Online
Degree: Certificate in E-Commerce Development (IUPUI)
Total Cost (In-State): $5,277
Total Cost (Out-of-State): $18,286Indiana University Online also has the E-Commerce Development Undergraduate Certificate, which offers two tracks: ASP.NET for those who want to use the Microsoft.Net Framework, or the Java Track. Students will learn about e-commerce and how to develop websites within one of these frameworks, and be qualified to work as webmasters, e-commerce developers, or website developers. Core courses in the certificate include Systems Analysis & Design, XML-Based Web Applications, and Advanced E-Commerce Development. This certificate is perfect for students who know they want to focus on e-commerce and offers targeted education in a convenient format.
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Certificate in E-Commerce Development (IUPUI)American Public University System
Degree: Certificate in Enterprise Web Applications
Total Cost (In-State & Out-of-State): $5,545
The Undergraduate Certificate in Enterprise Web Applications from American Public University System includes training in object-oriented programming, Java, HTML, and lays the foundations for the CIW Site Development Associate certification. There are no prerequisites for the program, but completion of the Web Publishing Certificate first is strongly recommended. Classes for this program include Fundamentals of Programming, Enterprise Development using J2EE, and Database Concepts. The certificate is 18 credits long and perfect for those who want to focus on enterprise web applications.
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Certificate in Enterprise Web ApplicationsAmerican Public University System
Degree: Certificate in Enterprise Web Applications Using .Net
Total Cost (In-State & Out-of-State): $5,545
American Public University System also offers the Enterprise Web Applications using .NET, which is includes instruction in object-oriented programming, Visual Basic, and C#. Courses include Enterprise Development Using VB.NET: Introduction, Enterprise Development Using ASP.NET, and Enterprise Development Using C#. Prior experience with object-oriented programming is strongly recommended for this program. At 18 credits long, this online web development certificate is a great way to expand enterprise web applications skills without taking a whole degree program.
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Certificate in Enterprise Web Applications Using .NetAmerican Public University System
Degree: Certificate in Visual Basic Application Development
Total Cost (In-State & Out-of-State): $5,545
This program from American Public University System will train students to develop custom applications for businesses using the Visual Basic interactive development environment. These skills are especially relevant to employers who need data analysis and productivity applications. Classes include Fundamentals of Programming, Scripting Languages for the Administrator, Enterprise Development Using VB.NET: Introduction, and Web Development Using JavaScript. In this 18-credit program, students will gain skills in app development that are useful to many different types of organizations.
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Certificate in Visual Basic Application DevelopmentAmerican Public University System
Degree: Certificate in Web Publishing
Total Cost (In-State & Out-of-State): $5,545American Public University System’s Web Publishing certificate is a hands-on, 18 credit program where students will use HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Dreamweaver, coding, and multimedia while learning navigation, layout, and graphics to build attractive websites. Students from this program can work in almost any company, as all need web developers, designers, and managers. Courses include Introduction to Web Analytics, Web Development Using JavaScript, and Internet Concepts. For students who want a strong foundation in web development, the Web Publishing Certificate is a great choice.
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Certificate in Web PublishingAmerican Public University System
Degree: Certificate in Web 2.0
Total Cost (In-State & Out-of-State): $5,545American Public University System also has the Web 2.0 certificate for students who want to understand the concepts, tools and best-practices to create websites, blogs, online communities, and more. The program covers global communications, information sharing, and business success in a variety of industries. Prior experience with JavaScript or other scripting languages is recommended. The 18 credit program includes classes such as Web Development Fundamentals, Web 2.0 Fundamentals, and User Interface Design. Perfect for those who wish to keep up with the trends in web development to be able to participate meaningfully in the information sharing economy.
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Certificate in Web 2.0Bismarck State College
Degree: Certificate in Web Page Development & Design
Total Cost (In-State): $5,695
Total Cost (Out-of-State): $8,103The online Web Page Development and Design Program Certificate from Bismarck State College is a 30 credit program designed to be completed in one year of full time study. Students will learn HTML 5, CSS3, Bootstrap, XML, JavaScript, jQuery, PHP, Python, and Adobe Creative Suite. Required skills for entering the program include accurate keyboarding of 20-30 wpm and file management skills. Additionally, students should have completed or be currently enrolled in English Composition I. This is a great program for students wanting an affordable comprehensive curriculum to prepare them for jobs as webmasters, web designers, developers, or programmers.
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Certificate in Web Page Development & DesignWilmington University
Degree: Certificate in Web Applications Development
Total Cost (In-State & Out-of-State): $5,715Wilmington University’s online Undergraduate Certificate in Web Applications Development covers front-end and back-end development skills as well as HTML and CSS. Courses in this 15 credit program include Web Design and Development, JavaScript, and Mobile App. Students with previous college experience may be able to transfer up to six credits to the certificate, while students with less preparation may need to take additional courses to gain the certificate. For students who want to learn to design and build advanced web applications, this is a short and focused program.
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Certificate in Web Applications DevelopmentChamplain College
Degree: Certificate in Web Infrastructure
Total Cost (In-State & Out-of-State): $5,724The 18 credit online certificate in Web Design and Infrastructure from Champlain College teaches skills in HTML 5, CSS, Mockups 3, and Adobe Photoshop. The program balances technical and aesthetic concerns in web analysis and design, giving students experience in using interactive technologies to communicate with web users. Classes include Designing Digital Images for the Web, Usability in Website and Software Design, and Streaming Media Technology. Courses are offered in two 7-week terms per semester, and students have full 24/7 access to fit the program around their schedules.
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Certificate in Web InfrastructureChamplain College
Degree: Certificate in Web Programming
Total Cost (In-State & Out-of-State): $5,724Champlain College also offers an online Undergraduate Certificate in Web Programming that is 18 credits long. It is perfect for students who want to build interactive, database-driven websites using client- and servicer-side programming. Students gain familiarity with over 12 applications and platforms, including AJAX, CodePen, HTML 5, JavaScript, DOM, MySQL, PHP, Python, and Relational Database Management Systems. With two 7-week terms per semester, the online web development certificate in web programming is a convenient and flexible way to gain the skills to develop e-commerce and other interactive web sites.
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Certificate in Web Programming
Get Started Today!
For a career with interesting work, high pay, and lots of jobs in all different kinds of industries, it’s hard to beat web development and design. Getting your web design certificate online could take a short amount of time yet bring you a whole new world of career possibilities. Plus, you won’t break the bank for the education that can help you start or switch careers to an exciting path in web development.