15 Best Online Masters in Web Development Programs

The top online masters in Web Development programs are flexible and affordable degrees ideal for working professionals to advance their careers. The demand for accelerated online master’s in Web Development programs increased in the past few years. And it comes at a time when both employers and professionals are calling for a more democratic approach to education in this field.

With everyone, including businesses and government agencies, using the internet to conduct personal and professional business, it has become clear that the field needs better access to graduate degrees in the field. A Web Development master’s degree is a specialized degree focusing on developing web-based technologies and also applications. It can involve a range of courses, such as web programming, networking, multimedia authoring, database development, web marketing, and also emerging web technologies.

Methodology for Ranking Online Masters in Web Development Programs

The research necessary to complete this ranking was made possible by the National Center for Education Statistics and its publicly available College Navigator database. An initial group of schools was created after searching for online graduate degrees in Web Development and Design. The programs were all then compared to each other based on tuition fees, part-time and full-time availability, and degree plan timelines. The final schools, which are listed below, were chosen based on their in-state graduate tuition rates.

15. Illinois Institute of Technology

Degree: Information Technology and Management (M.A.S.)
Cost-per-credit: $1,712
Total Credits Required: 30 credits
Program Length: 2 years
Format: Online
School Status: Public
School Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
URL: Visit the web development Website

Illinois Institute of Technology confers an accelerated online master’s in Web Development that prepares professionals to become web designers and developers. This degree is offered entirely online, so there are no residency requirements. Online classes are through the school’s learning management system. And courses are in the traditional 16-week academic term format.

This is a fully customizable curriculum, so students can choose the majority of their coursework requirements to mirror their career ambitions. Students will complete 30 credit hours of coursework, projects, a capstone course, and also a comprehensive written exit exam. Sample online courses include Special Projects in Information Technology, Introduction to Open Source Software, and also Legal and Ethical Issues in Information Technology.

14. Penn State World Campus

Degree: Master of Software Engineering
Cost-per-credit: $1,017
Total Credits Required: 36 credits
Program Length: 2 years
Format: Online
School Status: Public
School Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
URL: Visit the web development website

Students at Penn State World Campus are offered the chance to complete an accelerated online Master’s degree in Web Development program that was designed to be earned within two years. The program is currently nationally ranked by US News and World Report. This is a 100 percent online cohort program with no residency requirements.

Classes are both asynchronous and synchronous in the traditional 16-week academic term format. Students who take two courses every term can graduate in two years. So, this part-time plan of study can fit into every working professional’s life. Students will be required to complete 36 credit hours of coursework, a capstone experience, and also comprehensive written and oral exit exams. Sample courses include Software Project Management, Web Security and Privacy, and also Software Systems Architecture.

13. Harvard Extension School

Degree: Master’s in Digital Media Design
Cost-per-credit: $1,074
Total Credits Required: 30 credits
Program Length: years
Format: Online 1 weekend or one 3-week summer course on campus
School Status: Private
School Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education
URL: Visit the web development website

The Harvard Extension School is home to a low-residency accelerated online master’s in Web Development. However, this two year degree requires students attend campus for one full term, or three courses, prior to moving into the curriculum. After completing the semester, students finish the rest of the coursework requirements through the school’s online learning management system. Courses are held synchronously in the evenings and on weekends to ensure that all students can participate in the class. This degree requires 36 credit hours of coursework, a capstone proposal, a capstone course, and also a comprehensive oral exit exam. Sample courses include Introduction to Web Programming Using JavaScript, Introduction to Programming with Python, and also Introduction to the Challenges and Opportunities of Big Data, the Internet of Things, and Cybersecurity.

12. University of Denver

Degree: Master of Science in Information and Communications Technology with a concentration in Web Design and Development
Cost-per-credit: $1,075
Total Credits Required: 48 credits
Program Length: 18 to 36 months
Format: Online
School Status: Public
School Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
URL: Visit the web development website

Students interested in completing an affordable accelerated online master’s degree in Web Development should look at the University of Denver. This school confers a program that students can complete in as little as 18 months and is entirely online. Additionally, this program is nationally ranked by U.S. News and World Report and is perfect for web professionals who are interested in advancing in their career.

As a 100 percent online program of study, students complete their classes through asynchronous and synchronous sessions that are held online. These classes are held in the traditional 16-week academic term format, so students can take three courses every term and complete the program in 18 months. This degree requires 48 credit hours of coursework, a capstone seminar, and also comprehensive written and oral exit exams. Sample courses include Web Enabled Information Systems, Website Design and Management, and also Advanced Website Design and Management.

11. Regis University

Degree: MS Software Engineering
Cost-per-credit: $896
Program Length: 2 years
Total Credits Required: 36 credits
Format: Online
School Status: Private
School Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
URL: Visit the web development website

One of the Web Development programs students can complete in just two years is at Regis University. This program is consistently nationally ranked by US News and World Report. There are no residency requirements for this entirely online program.

While this degree’s curriculum focuses on software only, it is still a great degree for professionals who want to become full-stack web developers. Students take classes through the school’s virtual portal in either asynchronous or synchronous sessions that run in eight-week terms. It is possible for a professional to complete two courses every term and finish the degree in less than two years. Students must complete 36 credit hours of coursework, a capstone or thesis, and also comprehensive written and oral exit exams. Sample courses include Web Visualization Frameworks, develop websites, Web Software Development, and also Web Mobile Frameworks.

10. Mercer University

Degree: MSE in Software Engineering
Cost-per-credit: $731
Total Credits Required: 36 credits
Program Length: 2 years
Format: Online
School Status: Private
School Accreditation: SACSCOC
URL: Visit the web development Website

Students at Mercer University can earn an accelerated online master’s in Web Development in two years. This comprehensive degree plan that focuses practical skills for web development. Additionally, it is 100 percent online and there are no residency requirements.

Students will instead take all of their asynchronous and synchronous courses through the traditional 16-week academic term format. If students take two or three courses every term, they can complete the degree in less than two years. Graduates must complete 36 credit hours of coursework, a capstone project, and also a comprehensive written exit exam. More information on program requirements and sample course offerings is available through the school’s graduate admissions office.

9. University of Florida

Degree: Master of Arts in Mass Communication with a concentration in Web Design
Cost-per-credit: $425.00
Total Credits Required: 37 credits
Program Length: 16 months
Format: Online
School Status: Public
School Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
URL: Visit the web development website

The University of Florida is home to an accelerated online master’s in Web Development program. It is ideal for professionals who are interested in working as designers and developers in the field. This is a comprehensive program that was guided by an Advisory Council of leading experts in the field to ensure that a 100 percent online program of study was possible to be completed in 16 months. This degree can be found entirely on the school’s learning management system. Courses are available both asynchronously and synchronously in the traditional 16-week academic format.

This degree requires 37 credit hours of coursework, team projects, web development skills, a capstone design project, and also comprehensive written and oral exit exams. Sample courses include Corporate and Brand Identity and also Advanced Web Programming.

8. Southern New Hampshire University

Degree: Master of Science in Information Technology with a concentration in Web Design
Cost-per-credit: $637
Total Credits Required: 36 credits
Program Length: 15 months
Format: Online
School Status: Private
School Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
URL: Visit the web development website

Students at Southern New Hampshire University have access to an accelerated online master’s in Web Development. This program focuses on the design and development of interactive websites, web applications, and also methods for driving traffic to websites. Students learn HTML/XML, scripting, embedding rich media and database connectivity, audience analysis, branding, page layout, templates, and also content organization. Sample courses include Website Construction, Interface Design for Websites, and also Website Optimization.

7. Arizona State University

Degree: Master of Science in Engineering Science in Software Engineering
Cost-per-credit: $1,021.00
Total Credits Required: 30 credits
Program Length: 15 months
Format: Online
School Status: Public
School Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
URL: Visit the web development website

Arizona State University confers an affordable accelerated online master in Web Development degree. This school offers students the chance to learn about web application development from an engineering perspective, ensuring professional skills in all areas. Industry experts designed the online curriculum with no residency requirements. So students complete all assignments using the school’s online learning management system.

Courses are both asynchronous and synchronous and are in 15-week sessions. Students who complete two courses every term will graduate in 15 months. This degree requires 30 credit hours of coursework, the Software Project, a portfolio review or an applied project, and also a comprehensive oral exit exam. Sample courses include Software Verification and Validation, Process and Quality Management, and also Software Principles and Concepts.

6. University of Maryland University College

Degree:
Cost-per-credit: $
Total Credits Required: 30 credits
Program Length: 2 years
Format: Online
School Status: Public
School Accreditation:
URL: Visit the web development website

Students at the University of Maryland University College will be offered an exceptional accelerated online Master’s in Web Development degree that can be completed in two years. Students will find that this degree is best suited for professionals who are interested in becoming web developers. The curriculum was designed by experienced professionals who have a vested interest in building an online-only option for working professionals.

Students in this program will complete all of the necessary requirements online through the school’s online learning management system; courses are delivered either asynchronously or synchronously and in the traditional 16-week academic format. Students who complete three courses every term will be able to graduate within two years; those who take a summer term can graduate within 18 months. This program requires 36 credit hours of coursework, the Software Engineering Project, and a comprehensive oral exit exam. Sample courses include Computer Systems Architecture, Modern Software Methodologies, and also Advanced Software Design and Implementation.

5. Washington State University

Degree: MS in Software Engineering
Cost-per-credit: $940
Total Credits Required: 31 credits
Program Length: 2 years
Format: Online
School Status: Public
School Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
URL: Visit the web development website

The Washington State University Global Campus offers professionals an accelerated online master’s degree that full-time students can complete in two years. This degree is offered 100 percent online and does not require any campus residencies. Students attend class online through the school’s virtual portal. Courses are held in either asynchronous or synchronous sessions that run in the traditional 16-week academic term format. Students who take three courses every term will graduate within two years without having to participate in a summer session. This degree requires 30 credit hours of coursework, operating systems, web development skills, a capstone project, and a comprehensive written and oral exit exam. Sample courses include Advanced Databases, Software Maintenance, and also Software Design and Architecture.

4. North Dakota State University

Degree: Master of Software Engineering (MSE)
Cost-per-credit: $463.73
Total Credits Required: 36 credits
Program Length: 1 year
Format: Online
School Status: Public
School Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
URL: Visit the web development website

The one-year online master’s in Web Development program at North Dakota State University is for web professionals interested in advancing in their careers as web developers. The program is entirely online with no residency requirements. Additionally, the school will accommodate students who may need to have particular aspects of projects and larger assignments altered.

All of the coursework for this degree is available through the school’s online learning management system. Courses are mostly asynchronously with some live classes required. Students complete their coursework in 12-week sessions, so full-time students can graduate in one year. This degree requires 36 credit hours of coursework, a capstone project, and also comprehensive written and oral exit exams. Sample courses include Development of Distributed Systems, Software Design, and also Software Requirements Definition and Analysis.

3. Aspen University

Degree: Master of Science in Technology and Innovation
Cost-per-credit: $373.75
Total Credits Required: 36 credits
Program Length: 18 months
Format: Online
School Status: private
School Accreditation: Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC).
URL: Visit the web development website

Aspen University offers students an accelerated online master’s in Web Development that focuses on web development. This is a great option for professionals who are interested in updating their credentials and learn more about the advanced aspects of the field. The curriculum is designed to be completed 100 percent online; there are no residency requirements. All of the courses needed for this degree are found through the school’s virtual portal. Courses are offered in synchronous evening sessions or asynchronously for the convenience of working professionals. Additionally, students who complete three courses every term will be able to graduate within two years.

This degree requires 36 credit hours of coursework, the Graduate Capstone, and two proctored written exams. Sample courses include Management of Information Systems, Operating Systems, Website Development with HTML and JavaScript, and also Perl Programming and CGI Scripting.

2. Fort Hays State University

Degree: MPS in Web and Mobile Applications Development
Cost-per-credit: $319.45
Total Credits Required: 30 credits
Program Length: Varies
Format: Online
School Status: Public
School Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
URL: Visit the web development website

The accelerated online master’s in Web Development at Fort Hays State University is perfect for professionals interested in becoming Web Developers. It was designed by working professionals in the field who have an understanding of what is required to be capable leaders in web development. Students will find that all of the coursework requirements are delivered through the school’s virtual college; courses run in asynchronous and synchronous sessions that are held in 16-week sessions. Students who complete three courses every term will graduate in less than two years.

This degree requires 30 credit hours of coursework, the Capstone in Informatics, and a comprehensive written exit exam. Sample courses include Interactive Systems Design, Intensive Web Development, and also Foundations of Information Systems Security.

1. East Carolina University

Degree: MS in Software Engineering
Cost-per-credit: $289.55
Total Credits Required: 30 credits
Program Length: 2 years
Format: Online
School Status: Public
School Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
URL: Visit the web development website

The College of Engineering and Technology at East Carolina University provides students with an accelerated online master’s in Web Development degree that can be completed in two years or less. This degree blends the traditional theories and concepts of computer science. It is entirely online with no residency requirements. Students take classes through the school’s learning management system. And courses are either asynchronous or synchronous running in 16-week sessions.

Students who apply to the program without a background in computer science or a related field will be required to take on additional coursework requirements that total up to an extra semester in the program. All other students will graduate within two years when they study part-time. This degree requires 30 credit hours of coursework, a thesis or project, and a comprehensive written and oral exit exam. Sample courses include computer information systems, Software Project Management, operating systems, and also Foundations of Software Testing.

What are the Types of Web Development Master’s Degrees?

Below are some of the types of web development degree programs.

Type of Web Development Degree	Degree Focus
Master’s in Web Development	computer programming languages
Master’s in Information Technology	advanced technical skills
Master’s in Computer Science	theory, design, and application of computer systems
Master’s in Software Engineering	software system design, development, and security
Master’s in Computer Programming	programming languages and operating systems

What Can You Expect From an Online Master’s in Web Development Program?

Most master’s in web development require 30 to 45 credits. And depending on tuition rates and financial aid, these programs can cost more than $12,000 per year. The duration of an online master’s in Web Development program typically ranges from one to two years. Although some programs might be shorter or longer depending on the program option and the student’s progress.

What Courses Do You Take in an Online Master’s in Web Development Program?

An online master’s in Web Development program can involve a variety of courses to prepare students for a career in web development. Additionally, some programs may include courses on project management and business principles related to web development, so that students can develop the skills necessary to work in the field. Below are some courses students may take in a graduate program.

Advanced JavaScript Programming
Rich Internet Application Development
Computer System Architecture
Full-Stack Development
Information Management
Database Design
Cross-Platform Mobile Application Development
Object-Oriented Programming
Web Development Foundations
User Experience Design
Software Testing and Maintenance
Network Security
Web Application Architecture
Advanced Web Design Concepts
Project Management
Data Structures and Algorithms
Data Visualization Tools
Content Management

What are the Admission Requirements for an Online Master’s in Web Development Program?

The admission requirements vary between programs. Depending on the school, some programs may require students to have previous related experience or an undergraduate degree. While other programs may allow for entry with a bachelor’s in any field. In addition to a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university, many schools require prospective students to provide some or all of the below items.

Completed application and the paid application fee.
Official transcripts with a minimum grade point average (GPA) in undergraduate coursework.
Completed prerequisite undergraduate coursework in core areas related to web development, such as computer science, coding, web design, and database management.
Resume outlining professional work experience in web development and technical and programming skills.
Letters of recommendation.
Personal statement.
GRE test scores or other standardized test scores.
Portfolio of web development projects.

What Can You Do With a Master’s in Web Development?

Web design and development is a field that is primarily concerned with the Internet and software programming. Professionals spend most of their time designing and maintaining web pages, servers, and more. They are fluent in computer science, software programming, computer architecture, front-end development, computer information systems, back-end development, design, color theory, art, typography, coding, and more.

What are the Various Disciplines of Web Design and Development?

This field has three main disciplines: visual, user experience (UX), and user interface (UI). Most of the time, professionals will focus on two disciplines. For example, a Web designer focuses on the visual design of a website as well as the interface of the site to ensure that visitors to the site can easily navigate its pages. A full-stack developer may be more focused on both user experience and user interface.

Web Content Managers

A Web Content Manager plans, develops, and manages the content on a company’s website. They work to create high-quality content that reflects the company’s branding, messaging, and also goals. Additionally, they are also responsible for ensuring that content is optimized for search engines, and that the website is organized and easy to navigate. Web Content Managers often work closely with web developers, graphic designers, and marketing teams to ensure that the website meets the company’s objectives.

Related Roles: Search Engine Optimization Specialist or SEO Specialist, Web Administrator

Digital Designers

A Digital Designer creates digital assets for multimedia and graphics projects. These may include websites, mobile apps, advertising, animation, emails, social media, video games, and also interactive displays. Some Digital Designers work on digital projects while some design print collateral.

Related Roles: Creative Director, Graphic Design, Freelance Graphic Designer, Video Game Designer, Web Designers,

Web Developers

A web developer creates websites using popular programming languages and frameworks.

Related Roles: Video Game Developer, Applications Developer

Back-End Web Developers

A back-end web developer creates the overall technical construction of a website. They create the basic framework of the site and ensure that it functions as expected. Back-end web developers also establish procedures for allowing others to add new pages to the website and meet with management to discuss major changes to the site.

Related Roles: User Experience Analyst, UX Analyst, Multimedia Programmer

Front-End Web Developers

A front-end web developer create the look of a website and its technical features. They develop the layout, integrate graphics and applications, and create other content. A variety of computer languages, such as HTML or JavaScript.

Related Roles: User Experience Designer or UX Designer

Digital Interface Designers

A digital interface designer creates the look and feel of a website including the images, color, font type and size, layout, and also the graphics. They also are responsible for the functionality, usability, and compatibility of the website or interface.

Related Roles: Technology Applications Engineer, Web Architect, Web Design Specialist, Web Designer

What is the Career Outlook as a Web Developer?

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) expects employment of web developers to grow seventeen percent (17%) over the next decade, much faster than the average for all occupations.

Demand for web developers partly comes the growing popularity of e-commerce and the demands of business to have an online presence. As more businesses seek to increase their online presence, the need for web developers will also increase. Additionally, the advent of mobile device technology and increasing use of mobile devices to access the internet means that web developers must ensure websites are accessible and properly optimized for all types of devices.

How Much Can You Earn as a Web Developer?

Web design and development professionals will find that it is difficult to pinpoint a salary range. This is because many Web designers and developers are freelancers or contractors. This means that they don’t work for one company. Instead they earn on a per project basis or charge a fee based on the services they offer.

Other factors change salary ranges too. A Web Designer who has certifications and endorsements in a variety of programmers may get a higher salary than someone with the same amount of experience but no qualifications. These professionals also tend to have side jobs to help them with their living wage but may also be related to their career.

The current median salary for Web Developers is $78,580 (BLS). Furthermore, the salary range is from $40,000 to more than $144,000. So, experienced professionals in this field can earn a high salary. The below table shows a list of occupations with job duties similar to those of web developers and digital designers.

Occupation	Salary
Computer and Information Systems Managers	$164,070 (BLS)
Web and Digital Interface Designers	$83,240 (BLS)
Web Developers and Digital Designers	$80,730 (BLS)
Computer Programmers	$97,800 (BLS)
Computer Systems Analysts	$102,240 (BLS)
Database Administrators and Architects	$112,120 (BLS)
Graphic Designers	$57,990 (BLS)

Your Career in Web Development

The Internet is no longer just a place to send email. Now everything from ordering groceries to paying bills to buying a travel package to even setting up car insurance is done right from the Web. But in order to have that available, web development professionals in this field must be hired to ensure that the web works correctly and pages are built to be as simple to use as possible.

While self-education in this space is possible, most professionals will benefit from an accelerated online Master’s in Web Design and Development which will teach them everything they need to learn about helping to build the Internet of tomorrow.

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