The Internet has connected the world together and the websites that are used allow individuals to access everything from information to social networking sites. The most popular websites are visually dynamic and user-friendly. This basic point for a great website has triggered very best-selling skills. Students that have a desire to design websites can enter schooling opportunities provided by vocational colleges.
Website design requires exclusive knowledge of industrial computer applications. This usually includes Adobe Dreamweaver, Flash, and others. The computer language needed to successfully take a website and make it fully functional is obtained through higher education. Students that pursue an education at the vocational level will find that available opportunities include certificate and associate degree programs. Each type of program trains students to enter the field. Typically students that have an associate’s degree have a better career outlook. This is due to the high demand for trained individuals and the level of competition that exists in the career.
Programs at both levels teach students to design and develop websites based on core objectives set by the industry. These objectives may include:
- Preparing images for web pages (same as the others below)
- Create standard layouts using industrial computer languages
- Developing websites
- Designing all aspects of the website, which includes graphics, navigation bars, layout, animations, advertisements, etc.
- Developing core competencies in HTML, CSS, and PHP
Inside a certificate program, that may last anywhere from a few months to a year, students work through courses that focus on software programs and design procedures. Students become proficient in all foundational areas of creating a website based on their understanding of the formats, languages, and programs used in the field. Style sheets, frames, typeface features, web standards, editing images, text graphics, movie clips, and usability tests are all courses that can make up a traditional certificate program. These courses explore visual content and site features that need to be included in website design. Some courses will break down the different components that are used for various web sites such as businesses. Certificate programs that differ in level of knowledge can be a good choice for students that have no experience or for students looking to brush up on a new computer technology.
Further education at the associate’s degree level is the typical starting point for many students that are website design beginners. The focus of a two-year associate’s degree is to give students an overall foundation in multimedia, photo software, and existing and new Internet technologies. Design principles are integrated into courses on database websites, author websites, e-commerce websites, and more. Students learn to use various file formats, compression strategies, design techniques, and media delivery formats. Further education can be gained inside traditional colleges starting at the bachelor’s degree level.
The knowledge and skill level needed to enter the website design field successfully can be gained by working through an accredited vocational college program. Full accreditation is give to educational programs that meet certain criteria and offer students the best quality education available. Agencies like the National Association of Schools of Art and Design ( ) are approved to provide full accreditation to qualifying schools. Students can enter the field by researching accredited programs that fit their educational needs.
