Bachelor of Arts in Design and Development for the WebSchools of Arts and Sciences

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Design the future

Are you inspired to express your creativity through technology? In today’s digital age, the importance of a strong online presence is essential. Whether for an individual, small business, nonprofit, or large corporation, having a dynamic website that is functional, expertly designed, and optimized for performance ensures a positive user experience. With the Bachelor of Arts in Design & Development for the Web program at Edgewood College, you will be preparing to take the instrumental role of helping businesses thrive in the digital landscape.

Our unique degree program is a collaborative effort between our liberal arts and computer information sciences department, providing you with the flexibility to customize your journey. Students can create their path in web design to match their interests and aspirations and to emphasize either the artistic (front end) or technological (back end) aspects of this vibrant and growing field.

At Edgewood College, you will also benefit from state-of-the-art computer labs equipped with industry-standard software and premium Macs, ensuring you have the tools necessary to excel in web design. Not only will you work with cutting edge technology, but our comprehensive curriculum will also empower you with fundamental design skills alongside technological proficiency, preparing you for a successful and fulfilling career in the rapidly evolving realm of web design.

Locations
Madison, WI

Formats
On-campus

Number of Credits
120

Next Start Date
January 21, 2025

Careers within Web Design and Development

$80,730

Average annual salary for Web Developers and Digital Designers

16%

Projected employment growth rate, from 2022-2032

Bureau of Labor Statistics

A bachelor’s degree in Design & Development for the Web prepares you for a variety of career paths.

Computer and Information Systems Manager
Computer Programmer
Computer Systems Analyst
Database Administrators and Architects
Graphic Designer
Web Designer
User Experience Designer

Web Design & Development Student Spotlight

Sadie Owens ‘25

Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design, Minor in Photography

“I love the small class numbers, and the connection that it brings with the faculty and other students. The time that each student gets to ask questions and better their understanding is something I appreciate as well. I love Edgewood for the friends and connections it’s made me, that will last a lifetime.”

Featured Courses in Art

Art 470 Web Design

An introduction to web design with an emphasis on understanding the underlying relationship between HTML, CSS and the production of clean, responsive, efficient, engaging, well-designed sites.

Art 471 User Experience Design

This course addresses basic principles of user experience design. Students will learn to design from user requirements, objectively evaluate the usability of physical and digital products, test designs to verify successes or uncover design flaws, and present their product to a variety of stakeholders. Students predominantly work in teams to conceptualize, research, test, and develop an app to a high-quality prototype. No coding required. Students outside the design programs are welcome, design experience not required.

Computer Science 480 Advanced Web Development Strategies

This course is designed to give students the opportunity to enhance and enrich their skills in web programming and covers various current advanced web development techniques. Students will learn to develop mobile-friendly responsive web applications that use three-tier architecture, session management, object-oriented techniques, and advanced database interactions. Topics may include, but are not limited to: HTML5, CSS3, JavaScript, JQuery, Bootstrap, AJAX, JSON, XML and PHP. Students will work both independently and as a class through units of instruction in order to develop a variety of web development skills. Upon completion, they will be able to design and develop database driven web applications according to industry standards.

Explore All Courses For This Program

Web Design & Development Experiences

A wide variety of non-profit groups offer students the opportunity to utilize their web design and development skills in service to the Greater Madison area. Students will also prepare a professional-quality portfolio for their senior presentation, which they can use when applying for work in the field.

Faculty Spotlights

Atreyee Sinha

Associate Professor | Chair of the CIS Department

ASinha@edgewood.edu

Brad Knutson

Adjunct Instructor, Web Design, Division of the Arts

bknutson@edgewood.edu

Maribeth Fleischmann

Adjunct Instructor, Graphic Design, Division of the Arts

mfleischmann@edgewood.edu

Alexander Anderson

Lecturer | Computer & Information Science Department

avanderson@edgewood.edu

Sarah Stolte, Ph.D.

Sr. Lecturer, Art History

SStolte@edgewood.edu

View All Faculty

Innovative Major Combines Web Coding and Design

Edgewood College is one of only a few schools in the Midwest offering this major, which combines web coding and programming with design and creative expression. Learning how to code and design simultaneously is valuable because it enables a holistic understanding of how functionality and aesthetics integrate in digital projects. This dual skill set enhances creativity, allows for more efficient problem-solving, and improves communication between developers and designers. By mastering both, individuals can create user-friendly, visually appealing, and technically sound products, leading to more innovative and effective solutions in the tech industry.

A Creative Haven for students

The Stream is Edgewood College’s visual and theatre arts center. This dramatic industrial structure is home to the art and theatre art programs, Diane Ballweg Theatre, and Edgewood College Gallery. Within The Stream is a dedicated specialized laboratory-learning classroom for Art Education. Located on the southwest corner of campus, the building overlooks the surrounding woods and Lake Wingra.

The College received Gold LEED certification for the building, which makes it the second LEED-certified building on campus. Edgewood College became the first college or university in Wisconsin for exemplary environmental performance (2006).

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Frequently Asked Questions About Web Design and Development

Are there opportunities for hands-on experience or internships within the field?

There are opportunities for hands-on experiences and internships throughout your time at Edgewood and during your Senior Capstone course. This course is intended to provide students with an opportunity to manager a project in support of community partner.

How do you adapt curriculum to ensure it remains relevant with the rapid advancements in technology?

By searching out learning opportunities within the field such as user group memberships, professional training, and professional presentations. Our instructors leverage their experiences in the field and connections to professionals to stay current and present students with relevant knowledge.

What kind of project or portfolio will I build during my time in this program to showcase my skills to potential employers?

During your courses, you will develop and design web pages and a phone application. These projects will demonstrate your ability to conceptualize, design, and implement a functional and user-friendly application, highlighting your skills in coding, user experience design, and project management.

Can I combine this degree with other disciplines or interests, such as graphic design or marketing?

Absolutely! Graphic design aligns well with web design in many ways and will offer students a better understanding of design concepts that can be used when building web pages. Both programs use similar software and hardware and share many theories and principles of design.