How long does it take to get a web design certificate online?

Online web design certificates can vary in length. Some can be completed in one semester, while others may take a full year. For instance, Bismarck State College offers a one-year web page development and design certificate. The development specialist certificate from St. Petersburg College is an 18-credit program that you can complete in as little as two semesters. Prior college credits may count toward your certificate, but this varies by program.

Is web design a good career?

In an increasingly digital world, web development continues to be in demand. In the next decade, jobs for web designers and developers are projected to grow 16% — much faster than average — according to the BLS.

Can you make $100,000 as a web developer?

Earning $100,000 a year as a web developer is possible, but your salary can vary significantly based on your location, educational background, and prior experience. According to the BLS, Washington-based web developers earned an average of $135,490 in 2022, while those in New York earned an average of $81,200.

Best Online Web Design and Development Certificate Programs of 2024

Q: Is a web design and development certificate program hard?

Web design and development certificates vary in difficulty, length, coursework, and workload. Different certificates will pose different challenges, and how hard you find a program depends on your background and any unique program requirements or course offerings.

Want to get into the field of web design fast? Here are the best online web developer certification and certificate programs.

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Updated April 10, 2024

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A certificate in web design and development can help you break into the tech field. This credential can qualify you for an entry-level role as a front-end developer, UX designer, or full-stack developer.

You might be drawn to online certificate programs if you’re looking for a less expensive option than a four-year degree. You also might need a flexible program or one with a shorter time commitment.

Here, we rank the best online web design certificate programs of 2024.

Popular Online Web Development and Tech Programs

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In this Article

Top Online Web Design and Development Certificate Programs

Atlantic Technical College

Coconut Creek, FL2 yearCampus + Online

N/A

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

N/A

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

N/A

Acceptance Rate

Online Enrollment

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

N/A

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

N/A

Retention Rate

62%

Students Enrolled

2,790

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

N/A

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

N/A

Atlantic Technical College

Coconut Creek, FL2 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

N/A

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

N/A

Acceptance Rate

N/A

Online Enrollment

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

N/A

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

N/A

Retention Rate

62%

Students Enrolled

2,790

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Cerro Coso Community College

Ridgecrest, CA2 yearCampus + Online

$1,380

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$9,330

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

N/A

Acceptance Rate

80%

Online Enrollment

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

N/A

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

N/A

Retention Rate

63%

Students Enrolled

4,862

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$1,380

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$9,330

Cerro Coso Community College

Ridgecrest, CA2 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$1,380

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$9,330

Acceptance Rate

N/A

Online Enrollment

80%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

N/A

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

N/A

Retention Rate

63%

Students Enrolled

4,862

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Champlain College

Burlington, VT2 yearCampus + Online

$42,564

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$42,564

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

56%

Acceptance Rate

54%

Online Enrollment

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$14,310

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$14,310

Retention Rate

76%

Students Enrolled

2,406

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$42,564

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$42,564

Champlain College

Burlington, VT2 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$42,564

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$42,564

Acceptance Rate

56%

Online Enrollment

54%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$14,310

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$14,310

Retention Rate

76%

Students Enrolled

2,406

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

Colorado State University-Global Campus

Aurora, CO4 yearOnline

$8,400

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$8,400

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

96%

Acceptance Rate

N/A

Online Enrollment

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$9,000

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$9,000

Retention Rate

35%

Students Enrolled

10,844

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$8,400

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$8,400

Colorado State University-Global Campus

Aurora, CO4 yearOnline

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$8,400

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$8,400

Acceptance Rate

96%

Online Enrollment

N/A

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$9,000

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$9,000

Retention Rate

35%

Students Enrolled

10,844

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Dakota State University

Madison, SD4 yearCampus + Online

$7,616

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$10,718

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

80%

Acceptance Rate

75%

Online Enrollment

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$5,999

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$11,199

Retention Rate

75%

Students Enrolled

3,251

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$7,616

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$10,718

Dakota State University

Madison, SD4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$7,616

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$10,718

Acceptance Rate

80%

Online Enrollment

75%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$5,999

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$11,199

Retention Rate

75%

Students Enrolled

3,251

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Eastern Iowa Community College District

Davenport, IA2 yearCampus + Online

$4,396

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$5,904

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

N/A

Acceptance Rate

44%

Online Enrollment

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

N/A

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

N/A

Retention Rate

55%

Students Enrolled

7,460

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$4,396

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$5,904

Eastern Iowa Community College District

Davenport, IA2 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$4,396

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$5,904

Acceptance Rate

N/A

Online Enrollment

44%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

N/A

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

N/A

Retention Rate

55%

Students Enrolled

7,460

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Harrisburg Area Community College

Harrisburg, PA2 yearCampus + Online

$6,798

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$6,798

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

90%

Acceptance Rate

52%

Online Enrollment

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

N/A

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

N/A

Retention Rate

56%

Students Enrolled

14,023

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$6,798

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$6,798

Harrisburg Area Community College

Harrisburg, PA2 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$6,798

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$6,798

Acceptance Rate

90%

Online Enrollment

52%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

N/A

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

N/A

Retention Rate

56%

Students Enrolled

14,023

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Heartland Community College

Normal, IL2 yearCampus + Online

$9,660

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$14,490

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

100%

Acceptance Rate

58%

Online Enrollment

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

N/A

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

N/A

Retention Rate

69%

Students Enrolled

4,697

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$9,660

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$14,490

Heartland Community College

Normal, IL2 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$9,660

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$14,490

Acceptance Rate

100%

Online Enrollment

58%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

N/A

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

N/A

Retention Rate

69%

Students Enrolled

4,697

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Ivy Tech Community College

Indianapolis, IN2 yearCampus + Online

$4,487

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$8,777

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

N/A

Acceptance Rate

33%

Online Enrollment

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

N/A

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

N/A

Retention Rate

46%

Students Enrolled

86,100

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$4,487

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$8,777

Ivy Tech Community College

Indianapolis, IN2 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$4,487

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$8,777

Acceptance Rate

N/A

Online Enrollment

33%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

N/A

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

N/A

Retention Rate

46%

Students Enrolled

86,100

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

#10

Lewis-Clark State College

Lewiston, ID4 yearCampus + Online

$6,982

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$20,238

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

100%

Acceptance Rate

51%

Online Enrollment

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$4,500

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$9,000

Retention Rate

63%

Students Enrolled

3,710

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$6,982

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$20,238

Lewis-Clark State College

Lewiston, ID4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$6,982

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$20,238

Acceptance Rate

100%

Online Enrollment

51%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$4,500

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$9,000

Retention Rate

63%

Students Enrolled

3,710

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

What You’ll Learn in a Web Design Certificate Program

In a web design certificate program, you’ll learn coding and programming languages, how to user experience (UX) optimization, graphic design elements, and website functionality.

Courses you may take include the following:

Database Design and Structured Query Language: In this course, you’ll learn how to create a functioning relational database and use a structured query language (SQL) to interact with a database.
Web Application Development: You’ll learn how to design, build, test, and deploy web apps.
JavaScript: JavaScript is a programming language that can make a website interactive. It’s used on almost all websites in the world. In this class, you’ll learn how to create the code to animate images and make more dynamic pages.
Web Design and Usability: In this course, you’ll learn how to design a functional website for static and interactive pages with user experience in mind.

Jobs With an Online Web Developer Certification or Certificate

Web developer positions are in high demand, with opportunities in UX design, back-end development, and front-end development.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects the web development and design field will grow 16% in the next decade — much faster than other fields.

Advertising and public relations, computing systems design, and software publishing have the highest employment for web developers, according to the BLS. Other industries like aerospace and peripheral manufacturing are among the most lucrative roles for web designers and developers.

While a certificate can help you get an entry-level position, a bachelor’s or master’s degree in web development or a related field can help you advance into senior roles and earn a higher salary.

Popular Web Development Certificate Jobs
Job	Average Annual Salary
Back-End Developers	$96,960 (Mar. 2024)
Digital Designers	$61,765 (Mar. 2024
Front-End Developers	$83,000 (Jan. 2024)
Web Developers	$64,570 (Mar. 2024)
UX Designers	$78,000 (Jan. 2024)
Full-Stack Developers	$75,060 (Mar. 2023)

Source: Payscale

Check Out Top Online Web Development Degrees

Best Online Associate in Web Development Programs

Best Online Bachelors in Web Development Programs

Best Online Masters in Web Development Programs

Cost of an Online Web Design Certificate

An online web development certificate can take anywhere from one semester to a year. How much you spend depends on the school’s cost per credit and the number of credits in the program.

For example, the web development specialist certificate at Daytona State College requires 35 credits and costs $82 per credit for in-state students. This comes out to about $2,870 in total tuition costs.

In comparison, Riverland Community College‘s web design certificate program requires 29 credits at $236 per credit — this adds up to almost $6,850 in total tuition costs.

One factor to consider when determining cost is whether you qualify as an in-state or out-of-state student or whether you pay an online rate regardless of location. Research potential schools’ websites to determine what best fits your budget.

Is an Online Web Development Certificate Worth It?

Pros of Online Web Design Certificates

Online certificates can help you enter the workforce sooner.
Certificate programs tend to be shorter and more affordable than degree programs.
You can focus on gaining the most practical skills needed for your field.
Some certificate programs offer more specializations in specific kinds of web design.

Cons of Online Web Design Certificates

Many jobs require or prefer a bachelor’s degree at a minimum.
In-person programs often offer unique networking opportunities that aren’t accessible online.
According to the BLS, bachelor’s degree holders earned around $26,000 more in 2022 than those with only some college but no degree.
You may find it harder to connect with your peers and faculty online vs. in person.

Frequently Asked Questions About Web Developer Certification and Certificates

Yes, you can get a web developer job with a certificate. However, some jobs may require at least a bachelor’s degree. A four-year degree can make you a more competitive candidate for employers, so be sure to weigh the pros and cons of a web development certificate.

Note: The insights on this page — excluding school descriptions — were reviewed by an independent third party compensated for their time by BestColleges. Page last reviewed March 4, 2024.