Web Development Associate Degrees: Best Programs, Jobs, and Salaries

Learning web development will open the door to multiple career opportunities in the tech industry. You can find work as an independent developer or apply for a web development job at a company. Earning an Associate Degree in Web Development is one of the fastest routes to ensuring you land an entry-level role.

In this article, you will learn what being a web developer is all about and how you can choose the best associate degree program to suit your lifestyle. We will list both the best in-person and online schools and give you a glimpse of some of the best jobs to shoot for in the industry.

What Is Web Development?

Web development is a field of software development that deals particularly with the design of websites and web-based applications. It could be applications for the internet or web applications for a company’s intranet.

Intranet applications are meant to be used by members of organizations alone. It includes anything from single-page static applications to complex and dynamic applications.

What Is a Web Development Associate Degree?

An Associate Degree in Web Development is an undergraduate degree that prepares students for entry-level web development careers. Traditionally, associate degrees run for about two years and are offered by community colleges. Anyone who already has a high school diploma or GED can enroll in an associate degree program and use it as a stepping stone for higher education.

While studying for your associate degree, you will learn things like front end and backend web development, object-oriented programming, and web programming. You will also pick up problem-solving, critical thinking, and communication skills that will help you in your job search.

Web Development Associate Degree Requirements

To get an associate degree, you need a high school diploma or GED. Some schools also set a minimum grade point average which could range from 2.0 to 3.0. Community colleges do not traditionally set strict admissions requirements like universities in the United States. In-state residents are more likely to be admitted than out-of-state students.

How Much Does a Web Development Associate Degree Cost?

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, the average yearly tuition for an

associate degree is $4,230

. Public institutions are usually more affordable than private institutions and cost an average of $3,812 per year. Private institutions that offer associate degrees cost between $15,736 and $18,631 a year.

Web Development Associate Degree Financing Options: How to Pay for Your Web Development Degree

The best way to pay for your web development associate degree is upfront. However, not everyone can afford to pay the entire tuition at once. Other financing options include federal Pell grants, federal direct loans like FAFSA, scholarships, and private loans.

Best Associate Degree Programs and Schools: Overview

Best Colleges for Web Development: Top Web Development Associate Degree Programs

An associate degree combines educational experience and real-world experience in a two-year degree program to prepare you for a career as a front end web developer. You can also use your associate degree transfer credits to pursue higher levels of education. The list below contains details about the top 10 web development associate degrees listed in the table above.

Associate of Applied Science in Web Development and Design | Bismarck State University

This regionally accredited college is one of the largest in North Dakota. It offers a two-year, 60-credit associate degree in web page development and design. Some courses covered in the program include programming, web design theory, search engine optimization, cyber ethics, digital forensics, and desktop publishing.

Associate of Applied Science in Web Development | Brigham Young University

While Brigham Young University is a four-year university, it also offers associate degrees in subjects like web development. The program allows students to choose a concentration in business and communications, website design, or website development. For the web design and development program, you will need to take courses on web development fundamentals and programming.

Associate of Science in Web Development | Dakota State University

Dakota State University has an excellent track record with a current job placement rate of 98 percent. For the associate degree in web development, you will learn how to design and develop web applications in at least three programming languages. All projects are based on real-world context and students gain the experience they need to thrive in the field.

Associate of Applied Science in Website Design and Development | Gwinnett Technical College

This is a Georgia-based technical college that was founded in 1984, specifically for technical training. The web development program requirement is 63 credits, 48 of which come from technical subjects. Courses include computer concepts, scripting technologies, structured language queries, and IT analysis.

Associate of Applied Science in Graphics/Web Development | Grand Rapids Community College

Grand Rapids Community College is another great option for web and graphic development. Like other associate degrees, the program runs for about two years covering a total of 60 credits. Some of the courses include application security, mobile application development, desktop publishing, animation, HTML essentials, and digital imaging.

Associate of Applied Science in Computer Information Systems, Web Design and Programming Track | Hudson Valley Community College

This New York-based community college is one of the best schools in the New York school system. The AAS is offered in computer science and information technology but students can choose a web development concentration. The curriculum covers key programming concepts like XHTML & CSS, HTML5, XML & XSL, CMS w/Wordpress, JavaScript, Ajax, PHP, and MySQL.

Associate of Applied Science in Web Systems | Illinois Central College

This is currently the largest community school in East Peoria, Illinois and it has been around since 1967. The AAS has a 63 credit requirement but there are certificate programs available for those who want lower credit requirements. You will learn things like web content management, business application of social media, JavaScript development, and web server security.

Associate of Applied Studies in Computers: Web Design and Development | Iowa Western Community College

Founded in 1967, this reputable school is a great place to learn web development. The associate program teaches front-end and back-end web development. Students also learn about mobile technologies and how to develop applications for mobile devices.

Associate of Applied Science in Web Design/Development | Rio Salado College

This two-year college in Maricopa County has been around since 1978. The entire program is divided into four different terms which can be completed in two years. The curriculum includes web development technologies, computer information systems, and photoshopping with Adobe.

Associate of Applied Science in Web Development and Management | SUNY Broome Community College

SUNY Broome Community College is a New York State University that was founded about 75 years ago. The AAS program is known to be flexible because it allows students to transfer up to 30 credits from another web development program. It covers topics like visual web development, project management, electronic e-commerce, and interactive web design.

Best Online Web Development Associate Degree Programs and Schools: Overview

Best Colleges for Web Development: Top Online Web Development Associate Degree Programs

This list contains the top ten schools for an online associate degree in web development and design. These online web development programs will look just as good on your resume as an on-campus degree.

Associate of Arts in Web Development | Amridge University

This private school has been offering 100 percent online education for years. The credit requirement for the program is 64 units shared between web development courses, education courses, and social sciences. Some of the courses you will learn during the two-year program are application management, business web design, database management, and operating systems.

Associate Degree in Web Design and Development | Champlain College

Champlain College is one of the most popular community colleges for computer science-related degrees including web development. Out of the 60 credits required, 39 are professional web development courses while the rest come from other departments. Courses include Python for web development, website design, digital image design, and relational databases.

This associate degree program focuses on teaching students how to thrive as self-employed web developers. Some courses you will learn during the two-year program are digital imaging, web development, UX design, web production management, and web scripting.

Associate of Applied Science in Website Design and Development | Georgia Northwestern Technical College

This is one of the biggest community colleges in the United States and it is currently serving nine different counties. The degree requires 64 credits which include three credits from an internship at the end of the program. Some courses include open-source web application programming, mobile application development, information security fundamentals, and web animation.

This web development degree will put you on track to work as a web developer. During the two-year program, you will learn more than website development. Other classes include social media marketing and search engine optimization.

Associate in Applied Science in Computer and Web Programing | Lake Superior College

This is a Minnesota-based higher institute of learning that was founded in 1995. The college has built a solid reputation for offering several courses including web development. Courses covered during the two-year online program will give you the knowledge you need to develop websites, database systems, and other web-based applications.

Associate of Applied Science in Web Design and Development | Lewis-Clark State College

This four-year college has been around for more than 128 years and it offers some of the strongest online programs in Idaho. This program prepares students to either go for a bachelor’s degree or to start a career in web design and development. You will learn all the emerging trends in web technology, web programming, domain construction, and event-driven programming.

Associate of Applied Science in Computer Graphics and Web Design | Mohave Community College

The credit requirement at this college is between 60 or 61 obtained from technical and general education courses and real-world projects. You will learn web page design, digital media, database management, system analysis, and get a CIS internship.

Associate of Applied Science in IT Web Software Development | Nicolet College

This Wisconsin-based college has a web software program that covers everything you need to get started working in web development. Some of the subjects covered during the program are programming, database fundamentals, networking, business orientation, and Microsoft technologies.

Associate of Applied Science in Web Development  | Riverland Community College

This online associate degree takes two years to complete and will prepare you for a career in web development. Courses cover web animation, web page design, web database, and programming.

What’s the Average Web Development Associate Degree Salary?

With an associate degree in web development, you will

earn an average of $64,861

according to ZipRecruiter. Depending on where you work and your job experience, your salary could range from $23,000 to $127,500.

Top Web Development Associate Degree Jobs and Salaries: Overview

Best Web Development Associate Degree Jobs Explained

Entry-Level Python Developer

Learning Python is one of the most fundamental aspects of a web development course and you should be able to find work as an entry-level Python developer after graduating. You’d be using the Python programming language to develop software and design applications built for websites and mobile devices.

Entry-Level Backend Developer

• 
  Average Salary:
  
  $81,363
• 
  Job Outlook:
  
  22%*
• 
  Number of Jobs:
  
  1,847,900*
• 
  Highest-Paying States:
  
  Washington, California, New York*

Backend developers specialize in the server-side of development. These are the parts of the website or web applications that users don’t interact with. They play a key role in setting up features and overall functionality.

Entry-Level User Experience (UX) Designer

• 
  Average Salary
  
  : $77,108
• 
  Job Outlook:
  
  13%**
• 
  Number of Jobs:
  
  199,400**
• 
  Highest-Paying States:
  
  Washington, California, Georgia**

A user experience (UX) designer is a software developer who is responsible for ensuring that the digital product being created is accessible, enjoyable, and usable. Good user experience is what creates dynamic websites, functional websites, and interactive websites. Without a good user experience, having return visitors would be difficult.

Web Developer

A web developer is charged with the design, development, and maintenance of websites and web-based applications. They may develop software from scratch or work with other developers to launch a product.

Entry-Level Java Developer

• 
  Average Salary:
  
  $74,041
• 
  Job Outlook:
  
  22%*
• 
  Number of Jobs:
  
  1,847,900*
• 
  Highest-Paying States:
  
  Washington, California, New York*

Java is one of the most popular technologies used by companies like Google, Uber, and Airbnb. In this junior web development role, you will be charged with creating and maintaining Java applications across platforms.

Entry-Level JavaScript Developer

• 
  Average Salary:
  
  $71,191
• 
  Job Outlook:
  
  22%*
• 
  Number of Jobs:
  
  1,847,900*
• 
  Highest-Paying States:
  
  Washington, California, New York*

Since JavaScript is one of the key programming technologies used for web development, someone with an associate degree in the field can become a JavaScript developer. Just like with Python, these experts create technology using JavaScript.

Entry-Level Front End Developer

• 
  Average Salary:
  
  $62,634
• 
  Job Outlook:
  
  13%**
• 
  Number of Jobs:
  
  199,400**
• 
  Highest-Paying States:
  
  Washington, California, Georgia**

Front end developers specialize in building the client-side of web and mobile applications. They work on those parts of the application that users interact with like the graphics, visuals, and other display parts of web applications and mobile devices.

Web Designer

• 
  Average Salary:
  
  $60,202
• 
  Job Outlook:
  
  13%**
• 
  Number of Jobs:
  
  199,400**
• 
  Highest-Paying States:
  
  Washington, California, Georgia**

Web designers are software developers who focus primarily on the design of web pages. This includes the layout, text, color, theme, and other factors that influence the graphics. They are creative experts who combine their love for art with technology.

Entry-Level Full Stack Developer

• 
  Average Salary:
  
  $58,040
• 
  Job Outlook:
  
  22%*
• 
  Number of Jobs:
  
  1,847,900*
• 
  Highest-Paying States:
  
  Washington, California, New York*
  
  

Instead of specializing in either server-side or client-side development, full stack developers work on both sides. They can write an application from scratch without requiring the services of specialized developers.

Entry-Level Webmaster

• 
  Average Salary:
  
  $42,369
• 
  Job Outlook:
  
  13%**
• 
  Number of Jobs:
  
  199,400**
• 
  Highest-Paying States:
  
  Washington, California, Georgia**

Webmasters are website managers who ensure performance and functionality. They may work on things like search engine optimization, graphic design, and everything needed for one or multiple websites to thrive on search engines.

*Data based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook on Software Developers and Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers

*Data based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook on Web Developers

Web Development Bootcamp vs Web Development Degree: Which Is Better?

A web development degree is better if you have just finished high school and you are looking for a well-rounded education. If you already have a job and are looking to increase your skills or switch to the tech industry, you should consider a web development bootcamp.

Web development bootcamps are post-secondary institutions that provide industry-specific training for people who want to learn web development. They follow a rigorous curriculum and can typically be completed in three to six months. Some of the

best web development bootcamps

are Flatiron School, Thinkful, Nucamp, and Kenzie Academy.

Benefits of a Web Development Associate Degree

• 
  Comprehensive curriculum.
  
  Associate degrees provide curricula from federally accredited programs. Apart from the technical web development subjects, there are also general education, business, and psychology courses that make up the total credit requirements.
• 
  College experience.
  
  If you’ve never had college experience, getting an Associate Degree in Web Development will allow you to improve your interpersonal skills while also focusing on your academic studies.
• 
  Transferable credits
  
  . If you attend a regionally accredited college, there is a strong chance that you can transfer your credits to a bachelor’s program when you are ready to advance. You may be able to get a bachelor’s degree in two years instead of four.
• 
  Business lessons.
  
  Most associate degrees include business classes. These lessons are essential to those who want to dive into entrepreneurship after graduation.

Benefits of a Web Development Bootcamp

• 
  Accelerated learning.
  
  Most bootcamp programs last three months to one year. If you do not have the time or money to attend a degree program, bootcamps are the best learning alternative available.
• 
  Job-specific training.
  
  Bootcamps for web development will only teach web development. You will not learn any other subject that doesn’t directly influence your journey to becoming a web developer, only the skills employers need.
• 
  Career support.
  
  The best bootcamps for web development provide excellent career services to students. This support often ensures that all successful students get high-paying jobs when they graduate.
• 
  Flexible payment options.
  
  Most bootcamps offer a range of flexible payment options. This includes income share agreements, scholarships, and deferred tuition. Some bootcamps even offer free education courses and programs.

Should You Get an Associate Degree in Web Development?

Yes, you should consider getting an Associate Degree in Web Development if you are looking for a quick and reliable route to a career in tech. Associate degrees can be completed in two years online or in person. They are also considerably more affordable than bachelor’s degrees at traditional universities.

There is currently a 13 percent increase in the number of web developer jobs according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. There is also decent earning potential for web developers. If you are looking for a career path that will open doors in the job market, you should consider getting an Associate Degree in Web Development.

Web Development Associate Degree FAQ