How to Get a Master's Degree in Web Development
The World Wide Web is growing wider every day, adding more pages, gathering a bigger audience, and extending the functionality of Web sites. Web developers make the most of the Web's virtual real estate, optimizing content for commercial transactions, communication, and information sharing. They develop technologies and design practices to enhance usability, improving the visual layout, interactivity, and management of information online.
With a master's degree in Web development, you can lead the effort to make the World Wide Web a better place to surf and interact. Earn a master's degree online or on campus, taking courses and building your Web development portfolio.
This guide helps you build a foundation for success in the graduate Web development program. Follow the steps below to focus your professional goals and find the right master's degree program. Each section includes links to resources from WorldWideLearn.com and beyond. Armed with these resources, you can build a solid game plan for your graduate education.
Guide to Master's Degrees in Web Development
Web development refers to the technical programming and production work behind an internet Web site. Web developers write the coding and markup for different Web site utilities, from single static pages to sophisticated internet applications. Some of the features Web developers can claim include secure point-of-sale systems for e-businesses, social networking platforms, animated movies, targeted advertising applications, and more.
To learn more about the field, see WorldWideLearn's Guide to College Majors in Web Development.
Professional and Academic Master's Degrees
Master's degrees in Web development reflect different professional goals. Choose among these degree types:
Master of Science
The MS in Web development is the most common graduate Web development program. The degree splits time between technical coursework and applied development projects during the second year. Courses cover advanced development technologies and techniques, with instruction in Web programming languages. A capstone project allows students to apply their training in the context of an independent Web site development project or applied internship.
Master of Business Administration
In recognition of the importance of the internet to business, some business schools have established a MBA degree with a concentration in Web development or electronic commerce. The curriculum emphasizes business training, with some elective coursework in Web development. This degree is suitable for a developer who already has a technical background, but requires expert business knowledge to either manage a Web development team or lead Web development for e-commerce. Some MBA programs feature a joint program with the BS or MS in Web development.
Master of Fine Arts
The MFA also offers an interdisciplinary take on Web development, combining technical training with Web design or visual communications. The MFA emphasizes studio practice, making this an ideal degree for a Web designer or developer who wants to develop their portfolio.
Learn more about your master's degree options at WorldWideLearn.com's The Master's Degree Explained and Master's Degrees Online.
Web Development Specializations
No matter which master's degree you choose, you'll have the opportunity to deepen your education in a specific area of Web development. Choose from these specialization areas:
- Web Application Development
- Client-Side and Server-Side Scripting
- Web Server Configuration
- Network Security
- Human-Computer Interaction
- Usability
- Analytics
- Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
- Site Architecture
- Electronic Commerce Development (including POS, integrated CMS, and other Web commerce applications)
- Hypermedia and Visualization
- Database Integration
In addition, you may pursue interdisciplinary specializations incorporating elements of Web design, animation and visual communications, marketing, database management, software engineering, or information architecture.
Career Tracks for Web Developers
A master's degree in Web development can set you up for a leadership role in the field, either as a manager or R&D expert.
Opportunities in business management include:
- Web development manager
- Electronic commerce manager
- Internet marketing manager
- Project manager
Opportunities in Web research and development include:
- Web application developer
- User interface developer
- Web programmer
Other career opportunities include expert consulting and teaching. Consultants may work as e-commerce specialists, SEO gurus, or Web security analysts. Master's level teaching opportunities exist in vocational schools, high schools, and Web development certification institutes. To become a university professor, you'll need a PhD in Web development or a related field.
Outlook for Web Development Careers
The U.S. Department of Labor foresees "strong" demand for Web developers, as businesses continue to expand their Web presence and extend the technological capacity of their Web sites. The best opportunities may be in advanced roles accessible with a graduate degree.
Resource
Management, R&D, consulting, or teaching--which path is right for you? WorldWideLearn.com's Career Pathways resource helps you explore your career options. Access career planning and assessment tools to determine the work environment and activities that suit you best.
Plan for a Master's Degree in Web Development
A master's degree in Web development offers much more than a knowledge-building experience. Besides gaining technical expertise, you'll build relationships with colleagues and expert mentors, develop a professional portfolio, pursue new directions in Web R&D, and make a name for yourself in a community of peers and potential employers. Make the most of these resources by planning your journey through the master's degree program step by step.
Step One: Find the Right Graduate Web Development Program
The perfect match between your academic interests and a department's resources puts you in line to achieve your potential as a Web development professional.
1. List Accredited Programs
Begin your quest for the right master's degree by searching for programs. You may decide to focus on a particular master's degree type and title, or expand your search to multiple degrees and related disciplines. Aliases and specializations of Web development include Web engineering, Web design and development, human-computer interaction, and e-commerce development.
Accreditation is the only baseline criterion at this early stage of your search. This quality benchmark indicates that the program meets accepted standards in Web development education. Accreditation impacts not only your educational experience, but also the value of the master's degree as an employment credential. Find approved accreditation agencies at the U.S. Department of Education site.
Resources
WorldWideLearn.com introduces you to graduate Web development programs through the Degrees by Subject search. All WorldWideLearn.com educational partners are accredited.
ABET's Computer Science Accreditation Board (CSAB) can point you to ABET-accredited programs in information technology and computer engineering. Some of these schools may offer a Web development master's degree.
2. Choose Program Format: Campus or Online Master's Degree?
Since Web development programs cater to mid-career professionals, you'll find an array of program format options to meet any schedule. Choose among:
Campus. The traditional format still works best for students that thrive on face-to-face interaction and in-person collaboration. Campus programs also offer access to advanced computing facilities, as well as the opportunity to network with faculty and peers. Campus format options include full-time day schedules as well as part-time and night or weekend courses for working adults.
Online. Digital graduate education brings the classroom online, making it easy to access any program from your home or workplace. For working professionals with established careers and homes, this geographical flexibility is essential. Online programs also feature asynchronous discussions and lectures, allowing you to earn a master's degree on your own schedule.
Hybrid. Hybrid programs aim for the best of both campus and online formats. The curriculum combines online courses with campus residencies, usually lasting a week or two per year or semester. Hybrid programs may also coordinate internships with local employers for hands-on training.
Resources
WorldWideLearn.com offers resource sections on both Online Degree Programs and Campus Education. Decide whether to earn a master's degree online or on campus, and find programs with your chosen delivery format.
The Sloan Consortium, which represents online institutions nationwide, publishes a list of online master's degrees in computers.
3. Explore Academic Programs
The core of your program research takes you into the details of the academic program. Compare key resources and determine how they match up with your Web development specialization interests and career objectives.
- Courses and Specializations
- Degree Format
- Faculty Expertise
- Computing Facilities
- Industry Relationships
- Student Support Services
- Learning Environment
It's up to you to prioritize these to reflect your unique needs. Campus facilities and a supportive student community will naturally matter more to campus residents. Career support and internship opportunities will loom large for entry-level Web development students or career changers. Use the internal compass you developed in the first section to guide your program selection.
Resources
WorldWideLearn.com offers a search tool to accelerate your initial program research. Input your search criteria into a form and the system produces links to matching master's degree programs in Web development. Add your contact information to speak directly with a school representative about the program.
School Web sites usually feature the best and most up-to-date repository of program information. Find course descriptions, program requirements, faculty biographies, links to lab facilities, and more.
Informational interviews give you a valuable inside look into your top contenders. Ask faculty, alumni, and current graduate students about their academic experience and the value of the degree on the job market. Combine these conversations with a campus visit, if possible.
4. Evaluate Program Quality
Finally, assess and compare the relative academic merit of the programs on your list. Which master's degree offers the best value for your educational investment? The answer will take into account both quality and selectivity features, including:
- Reputation. Gauge a program's reputation by asking experts in your specialty area, or consulting rankings. Influential publications include U.S. News & World Report, which publishes Fine Arts Specialty Rankings in Visual Communications/Multimedia Graduate Schools and Graphic Design.
- Admissions Data: Ask a school representative for data about the school's admissions rate, as well as average GPA and test scores of admitted students
- Career Placement Data: Find out the placement rate of program graduates. Some schools even publish a list of employers, positions, and starting salaries of recent graduates.
- Student Demographics: A diverse classroom can be an asset to you, both in terms of networking opportunities and the quality of your education. Ask about the average work experience of graduate students, country of origin, etc.
Aim for a final list of five or six programs that offer the graduate student experience you seek and admit students with your academic background.
Step Two: Apply to Graduate Web Development Programs
Application requirements for Web development programs differ slightly depending on the type of master's degree you choose. Professional master's degrees and MBAs will give more weight to work experience. MFA programs, meanwhile, are likely to emphasize the quality of your Web design and development portfolio in the admissions decision. Consult each school on your list separately to determine admissions requirements.
Steps in the application process include:
1. Completing Prerequisites
Each program sets minimum standards for graduate study. To be eligible for admission, you must complete:
- A bachelor's degree in Web development, computer science, or a related field
- Basic prerequisite courses, if your degree is in another discipline
- Standardized tests such as the GRE, GMAT (for MBA programs), and TOEFL (for international students)
- Work experience (for MBA and professional MS degrees)
- Design portfolio (for MFA degrees)
If you are missing some of the items on this list, visit WorldWideLearn.com's Education Resources Guide. You'll find test preparation advice, Web development online courses, and other resources to help you meet these requirements.
2. Prepare Application Materials
Find a link to the graduate application on the school's Web site. In addition to an information form, plan to submit the following supporting materials:
- Academic transcripts
- Letters of recommendation
- Test scores
- Personal statement of research interests
- Portfolio: DVD of Web design or development work
- Resume, if requested
Since some of these documents rely on outside sources, it's important to start your application well in advance of the deadline.
3. Finance Your Master's Degree in Web Development
The option to earn a master's degree online has brought down the cost of graduate education. It's now possible to keep your main source of income while you pursue the master's degree. At the same time, there are numerous sources of financial aid to help cover your educational expenses. Potential sources include the university, federal government programs, private donors, professional associations, and your employer.
Take these steps to secure financial aid:
- Meet with a university financial aid advisor.
- Fill out a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for access to Pell Grants, Stafford Loans, and other government aid.
- Inquire about company-sponsored tuition grants and other continuing education incentives.
- Apply for private and professional scholarships.
- Secure a low-interest student loan.
For more information, visit the WorldWideLearn.com resource page on graduate education funding.
Step Three: Build an Academic Network
The graduate experience extends well beyond the classroom. The collaborative research, idea sharing, and network building you do during graduate school is as important to your professional development as the technical Web development expertise you build. Establish your academic network now by:
- Joining Professional Associations. Web development associations include International Webmasters Association and the Web Design and Developers Association. Also look for specialized groups such as the Interaction Design Association(IxDA).
- Reading Journals and Blogs. Journals and trade publications, both print and online, keep you tapped into current research trends and thought leaders. Examples include the online Web Developer's Journal, Computerworld, and hundreds of blogs by Web design and development experts.
- Attending Networking Events and Conferences. Even if you earn a master's degree online, you can meet peers in person by attending conferences and networking events for Web developers.
By taking these steps before your graduate classes begin, you'll enter the program with the perspective and support network to make the most of the program.
Conclusion
A master's degree in Web development has the potential to transform your career. Break into the fast-paced world of internet-ready programming, or move your existing Web development career into a management role. With this strategic approach to the graduate degree, you're in a position to tap your potential as an innovator and leader in Web design and development.
Sources
- Accredited Programs Search, ABET.
- American Association of Webmasters.
- "A Proposed Curriculum for a Masters in Web Engineering," UCSC Department of Computer Science.
- Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs, U.S. Department of Education.
- Fine Arts Specialty Rankings: Multimedia/Visual Communications, U.S. News & World Report (2010).
- International Webmasters Association.
- Programs in Computers, The Sloan Consortium.
- School of Web Design and New Media: MFA Program, Academy of Art University.
- "Computer Network, Systems, and Database Administrators," Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-2011 Edition. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
- Joint Program Web Development and MBA, Franklin University.
- Web Design and Developers Association.
- Web Design and Development Specialization, DeVry University.
- Web Design and Development, University of Denver.
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