Web production courses are available in various undergraduate degree and certificate programs across the U.S. Upon completion of a web production certificate or associate's degree program, a student may consider transferring to a 4-year learning institution to obtain a degree in computer information technology or digital media and prepare for advanced career opportunities in the field.
Schools with Web Production Programs
The following schools offer degree or certificate programs in web production. The tuition statistics are from the 2015-2016 school year.
| College/University | Location | Institution Type | Degrees Offered | Tuition (2018-2019)* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dakota State University | Madison, SD | 4-year, Public | Certificate | In-state: $9,276 Out-of-state: $12,249 |
| Belmont University | Nashville, TN | 4-year, Private | Bachelor's | $34,310 |
| Hawaii Pacific University | Honolulu, HI | 4-year, Private | Bachelor's | $25,980 |
| Southern New Hampshire University | Manchester, NH | 4-year, Private | Bachelor's | $31,136 |
| St. Petersburg College | Clearwater, FL | 4-year, Public | Certificate, Associate's | In-state: $2,682 Out-of-state: $9,286 |
| Grand Canyon University | Phoenix, AZ | 4-year, Private | Bachelor's | $17,050 |
| Red Rocks Community College | Lakewood, CO | 2-year, Public | Certificate, Associate's | In-state: $4,158 Out-of-state: $15,246 |
| University of Tennessee-Chattanooga | Chattanooga, TN | 4-year, Public | Bachelor's | In-state: $8,664 Out-of-state: $24,782 |
| Utah Valley University | Orem, UT | 4-year, Public | Bachelor's | In-state: $5,726 Out-of-state: $16,296 |
Sources: *NCES, School websites
College Selection Criteria
When comparing institutions for their web production programs, schools with a wide array of resources that can prepare students for web production careers at the entry and middle levels should be highly considered. Look for schools that offer the following:
- Programs that cover internet programming languages and technologies, such as JavaScript, Flash, ColdFusion and PHP programming.
- Availability of tutoring and academic support in web production.
- Schools that allow students to post portfolios of their completed projects through their websites.
- Institutions that offer job placement assistance for their graduates.
Certificate in Web Production
Certificate programs usually consist of 15-17 units and are 1-2 semesters in length. Students can learn the business of web design, internet marketing and specific programming languages. Upon completion of these programs, students may consider entering the workforce in entry-level programming and design careers.
Associate's Degree in Web Production
Associate's degree programs, such as the Associate of Science (A.S.) in Digital Media or A.S. in Web Production and Design, typically last two years and encompass a broader set of subjects. Students can develop interpersonal, technical and artistic skill sets that prepare them to transfer to a 4-year institution. Students may also create a website as part of their course studies.
Bachelor's Degree with a Web Production Specialization
Bachelor's degree programs in a variety of areas, such as communications, design, information technology, and digital media, offer specializations in web production or design. Courses commonly cover website creation, basic theory and principles of web production, site design, multimedia and web marketing.
Many schools offer programs that have concentrations in web production and design, at the certificate, associate's, and bachelor's levels. It is important for students to consider schools that offer courses in programming languages as well as schools with available job placement programs.
