Web Development Master’s Degrees: Best Programs, Jobs, and Salaries

If you are intrigued by software development, web design, web programming, and operating systems, then a career in web development might be for you. Those interested in landing a senior tech development position might want to read our list detailing the top on-campus and online web development master’s degrees to help you kickstart your career.

What Is Web Development?

Web development refers to the front end development, design, and maintenance of a webpage or a website. Web developers use languages such as JavaScript, Python,

HTML

, Ruby, and CSS to create a well functioning and user friendly web page. They also work with web designers and UX/UI designers to create an aesthetically pleasing and efficient website.

What Is a Web Development Master’s Degree?

A web development master’s degree is a two-year graduate degree that covers web programming, web design, UX/UI principles, software development, and computer systems. Depending on your degree specialization you can also learn software engineering, database design, information security, and computer science.

A master’s degree program provides students with a more in-depth and advanced understanding than an undergraduate degree. Earning this advanced degree can help you qualify for upper-level career opportunities.

Web Development Master’s Degree Requirements

The requirements for a web development master’s degree program will vary depending on the university, but they all require a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in computer science, software development, or other relevant fields.

You are also expected to meet the university’s GPA requirement and might be asked to provide letters of recommendation. If your program includes a thesis track, you will need to get your thesis approved to graduate.

How Much Does a Web Development Master’s Degree Cost?

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, the

average cost of a master’s degree between 2018 to 2019

was $19,314. Tuition will vary based on the program you choose and whether it is online or in-person.

Web Development Master’s Degree Financing Options: How to Pay for Your Web Development Degree

There are several financing options for your web development master’s degree including scholarships, employer sponsorship, and private loans. Make sure you consult with a representative from your chosen university to find out about available options that suit your needs.

Best Web Development Master’s Degree Programs and Schools: Overview

Best Colleges for Web Development: Top Web Development Master’s Degree Programs

The list below describes some of the top web development master’s degrees in the US. Different schools have different specializations within the field, so you should choose the program that best suits your location, curriculum, financial, and career preferences.

Master of Science in Computer Science (Arts, Media, and Engineering)

| Arizona State University

This computer science master’s degree opens up several career options in software development, information systems, and IT project management fields. After graduation, you could

become a network engineer

, operating systems analyst, or full stack developer depending on your career goals.

Master of Science in Computer Information Systems, Web Application Development Concentration

| Boston University Metropolitan College

This advanced information technology and web development degree will help you secure employment in software application and development professions. You will learn MongoDB, application development, client-side and server-side development, full stack development, and design principles.

Master of Science in Computer Science

| Fordham University

Fordham University is a New York-based private university that offers graduate and undergraduate education programs in law, computer science, business, and healthcare. This computer science degree will help you master analytical skills, technical skills, and soft skills needed in the IT industry.

You will learn web programming, cloud computing, big data programming, software design, data analytics, and financial programming. You also have concentration options in artificial intelligence, data analytics, and network and systems.

Master of Professional Development in Web and Mobile Applications Development

| Fort Hays State University

Fort Hays State University offers on-campus and online programs in several subject areas including economics, biomedical science, user interface design, and software applications development. This master’s degree covers front end development, database design, cyberspace law, informatics research, and database programming.

Master of Science in Computer Science

| New York University

New York University offers both online and on-campus programs and degrees in business, computer science, and data science. This graduate degree covers software engineering, common programming languages, vulnerability testing, artificial intelligence, and computer networking.

Master of Arts in Web and Multimedia

| Touro College

Touro College is a private university that offers associate degree, bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, and doctoral degree programs in a wide range of subject areas including computer science, education, business, and journalism.

This graduate program focuses on graphic design software, 2D and 3D animation, and web development. You will learn instructional design, database design, mobile application development, UX/UI design principles, and visual design.

Master of Science in Computer Science

| University of Central Florida

University of Central Florida is a public research school that offers full-time students a variety of graduate and undergraduate programs in engineering, information technology, economics, and healthcare.

This graduate degree will provide you with practical skills to enter fields including computer network architecture, software design, and data algorithm creation. You will learn design for websites, computing systems, database management systems, network security, and system programming.

Master of Science in Information and Communications with a Concentration in Web Design and Development

| University of Denver

This web design and development graduate degree aims to help students start careers as backend web developers, front end web developers, and web designers. You will learn UX principles, enterprise architecture, web-enabled information systems, and usability design.

Master of Science in Computer Science (Engineering)

| University of Florida

University of Florida is a top-ranking public school with great biomedical engineering, journalism, and business management programs. This advanced information technology and computer science degree covers human-centered computing, artificial intelligence, software engineering, and computer networking.

Master of Science in Computer Science

| West Virginia University

West Virginia University is a public institution that is best known for its mechanical engineering, journalism, and computer science programs. This computer science degree can help you become a front end developer, backend developer, software engineer, web designer, or information technology analyst.

Best Online Web Development Master’s Degree Programs and Schools: Overview

Best Colleges for Web Development: Top Online Web Development Master’s Degree Programs

You might prefer to learn on a more flexible schedule and from the comfort of your home if you wish to study and work at the same time or are unable to commute to classes. Below is a list of some of the best online web development master’s degree programs.

Master of Science in Computer Information Systems

| Bellevue University

This computer information systems degree covers current technologies in computer systems and networks. Online students will learn IT principles, systems analysis, project management, Java, C#, applied statistics, and software development. It also covers cloud computing, database design, server-side development, and computer forensics.

Master of Science in User-Centered Design

| Brandeis University

Brandeis University offers programs in computer science, education, and business. This user-centered design degree can help you

become a UX researcher

, web developer, graphic designer, or visual designer. It covers information architecture, user interface design, web development technologies, responsive design, research methods, and design prototyping.

Master of Science in Software Engineering

| California State University Fullerton

This online master degree in software engineering covers software management, system maintenance, software validation, and software engineering ethics. This master’s degree prepares students for careers as software engineers and software process managers in industry and government agencies.

Master of Science in Computer Science

| East Carolina University

This computer science degree can help you secure jobs in data science, artificial intelligence, and information technology. You will learn programming, machine learning, software design, database management, information security, data mining, and software engineering.

Master of Liberal Arts in Digital Media Design

| Harvard University

This Harvard Extension School graduate degree will help you land a lucrative position in web development and design. It covers web programming, game design, backend development, mobile application design, web design, and digital photography.

Master of Science in Software Development

| Liberty University

Liberty University offers over 600 undergraduate and graduate programs in marketing, psychology, computer science, business, and communication. This online master’s in software development covers IT systems development, statistical analysis, software engineering, database design, software design, and software development.

Master of Business Administration in Web Development

| Lynn University

Lynn University is a private school that offers programs in healthcare technology, business administration, mathematics, and humanities. This web development degree will teach you advanced skills in business management and front end programming. You will learn business modeling, JavaScript, managerial accounting, full stack web development, and Ruby on Rails.

Master of Science in Software Development

| Maryville University

Maryville University offers over 90 online and in-person degrees in mathematics, business studies, software engineering, education, and journalism. This online master’s degree covers programming, data structures, user interface design, applied DevOps, database principles, Agile systems analysis, and software development.

Master of Science in Information Technology

| Southern New Hampshire University

This information technology graduate program offers several concentrations in data analytics, healthcare informatics, software development, web design, and information security. You can enroll in the web design concentration, which covers interface design, operating systems, and web construction, to pursue a web development career.

Master of Science in Information Systems Technology

| Wilmington University

Wilmington University is a private school based in Delaware. This information systems technology degree will help you enter information assurance, web design, and tech project management careers. Its web design concentration covers JavaScript, web programming, web design integration, database design, and advanced animation.

What’s the Average Web Development Master’s Degree Salary?

According to PayScale the

average salary of a web development master’s degree

holder is $70,000. This compensation rate will vary depending on your job role, location, industry experience, and company.

Top Web Development Master’s Degree Jobs and Salaries: Overview

Best Web Development Master’s Degree Jobs Explained

Software Developer

A software developer is responsible for the design, development, maintenance, and upgrades of a computer’s software system. Job duties include writing software code, conducting software tests, and implementing software solutions. You can get a senior software developer job with a web development and computer science master’s degree.

Software Engineer

• 
  Average Salary:
  
  $99,729
• 
  Job Outlook:
  
  22%*
• 
  Number of Jobs:
  
  1,847,900
• 
  Highest-Paying States:
  
  Washington, California, New York

Similar to software developers, software engineers are also responsible for maintaining, designing, and developing software systems. However, this job focuses more on information system infrastructure and functionality. Depending on their industry these professionals work to create efficient business applications, game software, and operating systems.

UX Designer

• 
  Average Salary:
  
  $98,816
• 
  Job Outlook:
  
  13%**
• 
  Number of Jobs:
  
  199,400
• 
  Highest-Paying States:
  
  Washington, California, Georgia

UX designers, or user experience designers, are responsible for creating a user-friendly front end design based on user data analysis. Their job includes analyzing user behaviors, conducting usability testing, and developing web prototypes. They work with web developers, product designers, and business managers to execute a user and business-friendly design.

User Experience Researcher

• 
  Average Salary:
  
  $95,085
• 
  Job Outlook:
  
  
  22%
  
• 
  Number of Jobs:
  
  740,900
• 
  Highest-Paying States:
  
  Washington, New Jersey, Delaware

User experience researchers focus on the research and analysis aspects of UX design. They conduct target customer interviews and surveys to gain extensive product feedback and help the development and design team deliver a user-friendly product. You need to master research, analytical, UX/UI design, and interpersonal communication skills to succeed in this position.

Application Developer

• 
  Average Salary:
  
  $93,825
• 
  Job Outlook:
  
  22%*
• 
  Number of Jobs:
  
  1,847,900
• 
  Highest-Paying States:
  
  Washington, California, New York

Application developers are responsible for coding and designing software and mobile applications. Depending on your career goals you can work as an iOS developer, Android developer, or software application developer. Some job duties include monitoring application performance, implementing software upgrades, and maintaining application software.

Computer Programmer

The job of a computer programmer combines software development, software engineering, application development, and web design duties. They are responsible for developing, designing, maintaining, and upgrading software systems and applications.

Web Software Developer

• 
  Average Salary:
  
  $80,669
• 
  Job Outlook:
  
  13%**
• 
  Number of Jobs:
  
  199,400
• 
  Highest-Paying States:
  
  Washington, California, Georgia

A web software developer focuses on building software programs for websites and web pages. Their job includes the development and design of a computer software web application. They also conduct software performance monitoring to enhance a program’s functionality and usability.

Web Developer

A web developer is a front end website and internet browser developer who uses UX/UI design, JavaScript, HTML, CSS, and product development concepts to build an optimal website. This job requires you to master responsive design, software testing, SEO, and UX/UI principles for success.

Digital Designer

• 
  Average Salary:
  
  $64,357
• 
  Job Outlook:
  
  13%**
• 
  Number of Jobs:
  
  199,400
• 
  Highest-Paying States:
  
  Washington, California, Georgia

A digital designer is a web product designer who uses graphic design and UX/UI design to create an aesthetically pleasing online page. They work with web designers, web developers, and product marketers to design web content that works well with all online platforms including social media, emails, and webpages.

Senior Search Engine Optimization Specialist

• 
  Average Salary:
  
  $62,220
• 
  Job Outlook:
  
  
  10%
  
• 
  Number of Jobs:
  
  316,800
• 
  Highest-Paying States:
  
  New York, New Jersey, Colorado

A senior search engine optimization or SEO specialist is responsible for strategizing and implementing SEO techniques to increase a website’s search engine ranking. They conduct competitor keyword analysis and SEO data analysis to improve their SEO strategies. They also advise on digital marketing strategies to increase the visibility of online content.

*BLS categorizes this profession under software developers and software quality assurance analysts and testers

**BLS categorizes this profession under web developers and digital designers

Web Development Bootcamp vs Web Development Master’s  Degree: Which Is Better?

Your career goals and learning preferences will determine whether a web development bootcamp or a web development master’s degree is best for you. A coding bootcamp offers skills training and career placement services to get you ready for an entry-level tech-based job in a short period of time.

Benefits of a Web Development Master’s Degree

• 
  High average salary.
  
  A master’s degree in web development qualifies you for senior positions in the tech field that offer lucrative salaries.
• 
  Qualifies you for senior tech jobs.
  
  Depending on your web development master’s specialization, you can apply for several senior tech jobs. They include information systems analyst, senior software developer, software design manager, and software engineer.
• 
  Wide range of specialization.
  
  Depending on your career goals you can specialize in a wide range of subject areas along with your web development degree including computer science, software engineering, information technology, database design, and software development.
• 
  Doctoral degree route.
  
  A master’s degree can help you further your education by getting a doctoral degree and build a research or postsecondary educational career.
• 
  Highly recognized.
  
  Although web development junior positions do not require a master’s degree, having this highly recognized tech degree will increase your chances of landing any job you apply for.

Benefits of a Web Development Bootcamp

• 
  Less time commitment.
  
  A web development bootcamp will get you job-ready within a few weeks to a few months.
• 
  Affordable.
  
  Web development bootcamps offer a more affordable education compared to a master’s or bachelor’s degree program at a traditional university.
• 
  Recognized bootcamps.
  
  Several recognized and respected institutions, including Flatiron School, Thinkful, and General Assembly, offer web development and
  
  web design bootcamps
  
  .
• 
  Career services.
  
  Bootcamps offer plenty of career placement services including interview prep, resume and portfolio critique, and networking opportunities.
• 
  Several financing options.
  
  Bootcamps offer several financing options including income share agreement loans, scholarships, upfront payment discounts, installments, and private loans.

Should You Get a Master’s Degree in Web Development?

Yes, you should get a master’s degree in web development if you want to directly qualify for a managerial or senior tech and software development position. This degree can help you land several sought-after jobs in information systems management, software development, and database design.

Web Development Master’s Degree FAQ