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Get the Skills to Be a Web/Graphic Designer or Developer
Combine your creative skills and technical savvy with the Web Design degree program at Laurus College for career success.
Web Design Training in 2 Years*
The Associate of Science degree in Web Design prepares students for a career in the expansive web design industry. The goal of the program is to provide students with the opportunity to develop an eye for design and gain an understanding of the theories and technologies required to build and maintain effective web pages and other web-based solutions.
The program includes training in page construction, coding and scripting techniques, principles of design, content creation, and usability design. Students learn the skills needed to leverage existing technologies and frameworks to build mobile-ready, responsive web sites quickly and easily.
Here’s How You’ll Grow With Us
The goal of this Associate Degree program is to provide students with the opportunity to develop skills in web design, front-end development, digital marketing, brand development, usability design, and content creation. As part of the curriculum, student will have the opportunity to develop skills in:
Web Page Authoring
Adobe Photoshop
Graphic Design
Data Management
Client-Side Scripting
Motion Graphics
Web Frameworks
Digital Business Development
Digital Advertising
Desktop Publishing
Web Content Creation
Social Media Management
Brand Management
Marketing
The Big Three of Web Design & Development
Web Authoring courses focus on crafting web pages utilizing modern coding techniques to create mobile-ready, responsive web sites using semantically correct code. Students also learn how to leverage existing technologies and frameworks to build pages and sites quickly and easily, and to apply both client and server-side code to improve their user experience.
Digital Marketing courses focus on researching and applying data toward creating campaigns that meet both user and business goals. They equip students with the primary concepts and skills necessary to manage social media communities and to design, develop, and deploy touch points to maximize conversions.
Content Creation and Design courses build student skills in writing, image development, audio/video editing, and multimedia creation, as well as graphic design and layout skills, with an eye toward developing concrete visual hierarchies and effectively utilizing design patterns and trends.
Course List
Students in this course are exposed to basic issues in starting a business. Topics may include capitalization, staffing, subcontracting, permits, facilities, and basic business planning. The course offers students practical exercises to begin strategic development of a business and offers practical problems and issues in the startup phase of building a successful organization. Credits: 5
This course prepares students to develop and implement project plans when working to complete assigned projects. Topics in this course may include defining project goals and objectives, specifying tasks or how goals will be achieved, establishing needed resources for project completion, and associating budgets and completion timelines. Students study the major phases of project management including project feasibility, planning, implementation, evaluation, and support. Project management software will be used by students to gain an understanding of how to best organize and delegate their project. Students gain an understanding of how to manage projects and how these skills may be applied to an individual project or a group project. Credits: 5
English provides students with the basic rhetorical foundations to prepare them for the demands of academic and professional writing. Students in this course will learn and practice the strategies and processes that successful writers employ when communicating information. These strategies include reading analytically and strategically, improving reading comprehension, writing persuasively, writing for investigative purposes, problem-resolution, evaluation, explanation, and refutation. Credits: 5
English provides students with the basic research foundations and skills to prepare them for the demands of academic and professional writing. Students in this course will learn and practice the strategies and processes that successful writers employ when researching topics and information to prepare reports and arguments. The course will culminate with a written research paper and the presentation of the student’s research for peer response. Credits: 5
This course introduces tools used by sociologists to explore and understand society. Social relationships, social structures and processes are explored. Credits: 5
Psychology is the science of behavior and mental processes. In this class, students will dive into what makes themselves and others behave the way they do. Topics covered in this class include Neuroscience, Sensation and Perception, Learning, Memory, Thinking and Intelligence, Developmental Psychology, Personality Theories and Assessment, Social Psychology, Abnormal Psychology, and Workplace Psychology. This class will be focused more on behavior as it pertains to the workplace rather than the clinical side of Psychology. Credits: 5
This course provides students with a conceptual understanding of algebra by using problem solving applications in context to real-world application. Students will integrate meaningful applications with relevant data, graphs, tables, charts, colors, and diagrams. Credits: 5
This course introduces students to the World Wide Web. Students examine the history of the web and how its development has shaped the ways people do business and advertise. Students gain an understanding for the complexity of the web and how servers, users, and databases all work, search, access information, and download simultaneously. Topics in this course may include the basics of HTTP, FTP, HTML language and tags, coding styles, links, image placement, and image maps. Students learn the importance of web page appearance and navigation. Students are introduced to the basics of initial web page planning and production, and learn key terminology applied to web page creation and implementation. Credits: 5
This course introduces students to the World Wide Web. Students examine the history of the web and how its development has shaped the ways people do business and advertise. Students gain an understanding for the complexity of the web and how servers, users, and databases all work, search, access information, and download simultaneously. Topics in this course may include the basics of HTTP, FTP, HTML language and tags, coding styles, links, image placement, and image maps. Students learn the importance of web page appearance and navigation. Students are introduced to the basics of initial web page planning and production, and learn key terminology applied to web page creation and implementation. Credits: 5
In this course, students will learn how to reproduce common web design layout patterns to quickly create websites that are easy to understand and navigate. Students learn to create more complex multi column designs to make their pages easier to read and understand. Students learn the basics of wireframing and planning as they take first steps towards building custom layouts utilizing design patterns. Students review the anatomy of web pages and examine common workflows as well as build confidence via critiquing both their peers and ready-made examples. Credits: 5
Vector graphics are ideal for simple or composite drawings that need to be device-independent, or do not need to achieve photo-realism. In this course, students learn how to use a computer software program to create and edit vector-based graphic images for use within a web page. Applying the principles of graphics design, students will create and edit images for use within a web page. Other topics may include drawing and various artistic techniques to produce visual graphics effective for the web. Credits: 5
This course introduces students to the basics of design theory as it relates to web design. Students gain an understanding of the effective use of design elements such as points, lines, colors, shapes, & space to create examples that emulate current web design trends. Students are introduced to building common layouts using design elements to create intentional visual hierarchies using visual weight and basic design principles. Students work with wireframes to create custom prototypes of web pages and other design solutions and learn to incorporate peer critiques into their designs. Additional topics include art history, typography, color theory, and designing for different audiences. Credits: 5
In this course, students gain an understanding of the basics of responsive design techniques. Students work towards creating responsive web pages using current techniques. In addition, students are introduced to common CSS frameworks to improve the speed and accuracy of building web solutions. Students work building pages utilizing common design patterns and elements through frameworks. Topics include media queries, percentage based widths, image DPI, and modifying previously learned patterns to be responsive to different screen sizes. Credits: 5
In this course, students gain an understanding of the PHP scripting language. This server-side language is especially suited for web development and can be embedded into HTML documents. Students in this course will learn how to write programs to store and retrieve data, build arrays, work with control structures, and build contact forms. Students are introduced to sessions and cookies, custom functions, uploading files, and working with common programming elements. Credits: 5
In this course, students will learn the basics of installing and managing popular Content Management Systems (CMS). This class will explore the creation and implementation of custom themes as well as the process of managing accounts, comments, pages, posts and other common CMS tools. Students will also study techniques to craft and display blog posts and other content. Topics include writing and installing plugins using popular scripting languages such as PHP, creating custom templates, and modifying the user interface. Credits: 5
In this course students learn to create an online ecommerce solution using popular Content Management Systems (CMS). Students work with ecommerce plugins to transform their projects into websites designed for electronic sales including a means to collect orders, store customer information, work with payment gateways, and protect data. Students will learn to customize their sites for different types of businesses and products and add other common ecommerce elements. In addition students are introduced to analytics and metrics for CMS sites as well as improving search engine optimization through plugins and other methods. Credits: 5
In this course students learn the basics of the JavaScript scripting language. Students are introduced programming elements such as variables, arrays, control structures, functions, and objects. Students gain an understanding of the Document Object Model and learn ways to manipulate HTML and CSS using current best practices. Students create simple common scripts and study how JavaScript can be incorporated into modern web designs. Other topics include DOM selection and events listeners, timers and dates, plus how to plan scripts and work with errors and bugs. Credits: 5
This course introduces strategies for creating simple interactive mobile applications. Students will gain an understanding of the basic theory behind creating effective mobile applications as well as techniques for creating custom apps based on common design patterns and interfaces. Topics in this course may include native mobile applications created via Adobe AIR via Adobe Animate CC and hybrid apps created via HTML/CSS & JavaScript. Credits: 5
* General Education Course
Learning Goals
Upon completion of the Web Design Associate of Science degree, students should be able to:
Plan and design an effective web solution for specific client goals.
Build and customize a website to client specifications.
Suggest appropriate changes to improve the usability of a given site.
Incorporate common website components and features to an existing site.
Create and implement an online e-commerce store.
Modify a website to align with common compliance standards.
Alter the code of a web framework site to achieve a given result.
Use design theories and techniques to improve the aesthetics of an image.
Plan and design common creative for a given brand.
Code simple scripts using JavaScript.
Create and deploy effective web-based content for a given brand.
Program Length: The Web Design Associate of Science Degree program is 100 quarter credits and can be completed in two (2) years if the student attends all terms full time and consecutively.
Instructional Methods: The Web Design Associate of Science Degree program is practical application and involves intense interactive learning. All classes are lecture based with practical application laboratory and computer time for students to enhance their skills and abilities. Interactive virtual classrooms are part of the instructional process at Laurus College. Instruction may be supplemented with guest speakers in class.
Communication and Critical Thinking Skills: Students in the Web Design Associate of Science Degree program complete challenging projects and assignments by using creative problem solving skills. Students communicate ideas through written and oral presentations in various courses throughout the program.
Completion Requirements: Students wishing to obtain an Associate of Science Degree in Web Design from Laurus College need to meet all program completion requirements. Students must have completed a minimum of 100 quarter credits,
The best way to see if Laurus College is the right fit for you is to see it for yourself. You can tour our facilities by coming in to any of our campus locations, or we’re happy to set up a virtual tour with you. Book a Tour Now or Get more info.
Where You Could Be After Completing Our Program
Web Design professionals design, create, and modify web sites. This includes analyzing user needs to implement web site content, graphics, performance, and capacity, and may also involve integrating web sites with other computer applications. Web designers also convert written, graphic, audio, and video components to compatible web formats by using software designed to facilitate the creation of web and multimedia content.
Individuals with Web Design training may find employment in a wide range of interesting and rewarding positions, including:
Web Designer
Web Developer
Front End Developer
Graphic Designer
Desktop Publisher
UI Designer
Social Media Coordinator
Digital Marketing Specialist
and more!
The Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) system is used by Federal statistical agencies to classify workers into occupational categories for the purpose of collecting, calculating, or disseminating data. The Web Design Associate of Science Degree Program offered at Laurus College can help prepare graduates for a variety of careers that include, but are not limited to the list of careers that may be listed under the following SOC codes (for more information on a particular SOC code, visit www.onetonline.org):
SOC List
Teach or instruct vocational or occupational subjects at the postsecondary level (but at less than the baccalaureate) to students who have graduated or left high school. Includes correspondence school, industrial, and commercial instructors; and adult education teachers and instructors who prepare persons to operate industrial machinery and equipment and transportation and communications equipment. Teaching may take place in public or private schools whose primary business is education or in a school associated with an organization whose primary business is other than education.
Formulate design concepts and presentation approaches for visual communications media, such as print, broadcasting, and advertising. Direct workers engaged in art work or layout design.
Create special effects, animation, or other visual images using film, video, computers, or other electronic tools and media for use in products or creations, such as computer games, movies, music videos, and commercials.
Design or create graphics to meet specific commercial or promotional needs, such as packaging, displays, or logos. May use a variety of mediums to achieve artistic or decorative effects.
Plan, direct, or coordinate advertising policies and programs or produce collateral materials, such as posters, contests, coupons, or giveaways, to create extra interest in the purchase of a product or service for a department, an entire organization, or on an account basis.
Conduct retail activities of businesses operating exclusively online. May perform duties such as preparing business strategies, buying merchandise, managing inventory, implementing marketing activities, fulfilling and shipping online orders, and balancing financial records.
Create, modify, and test the code, forms, and script that allow computer applications to run. Work from specifications drawn up by software developers or other individuals. May assist software developers by analyzing user needs and designing software solutions. May develop and write computer programs to store, locate, and retrieve specific documents, data, and information.
Design, create, and modify Web sites. Analyze user needs to implement Web site content, graphics, performance, and capacity. May integrate Web sites with other computer applications. May convert written, graphic, audio, and video components to compatible Web formats by using software designed to facilitate the creation of Web and multimedia content.
Manage web environment design, deployment, development and maintenance activities. Perform testing and quality assurance of web sites and web applications.
Employ search marketing tactics to increase visibility and engagement with content, products, or services in Internet-enabled devices or interfaces. Examine search query behaviors on general or specialty search engines or other Internet-based content. Analyze research, data, or technology to understand user intent and measure outcomes for ongoing optimization.
Format typescript and graphic elements using computer software to produce publication-ready material.
With so many professional opportunities available to people with the right qualifications, Laurus can prepare you for a career that will take you to that next level in life.
You already have a life. We appreciate that!
We offer online Associate Degree programs – and let you keep your day job while you learn. You can participate in live classes from the comfort of your home!
If you’re juggling work and a family, you’re busy. Our unique learning model gives you greater freedom and flexibility to learn on your own schedule.
That means you’re in control of your learning experience. All you have to do is get the ball rolling. And pursuing training with Laurus for a career in web design, with all our dedicated support from Day 1 till you land that dream job, is a smart choice.
If you’re ready to make use of your creative skills and technical savvy to move up in life and create a brighter future with a rewarding career, Laurus College is your school.
With a program led by industry professionals, Laurus helps motivated people get the skills, experience, and ongoing support to pursue successful careers.
The Laurus Advantage
Practical, Career-Focused Training that prepares you for an in-demand career.
Supportive Learning Environment where instructors care about your success.
Flexible Scheduling Options that include both day and evening classes.
Laptop Included – Students attending classes in an Associate Degree program are given the opportunity to receive a laptop computer loaded with all of the software needed to complete their program.
Job Search Assistance through our Career Services Department, including resume & portfolio creation, interview preparation and live workshops.
Is a Professional Career as Web/Graphic Designer or Developer Right for You? Get More Info…
If you’d like to know more about the careers available to grads of our Information Web Design program and explore whether Laurus is right for you, fill out the form on this page to receive more information.
For immediate questions, call 805-267-1690
* Program length when completed in normal time.
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