Master's in Web Development Degree Guide
Updated May 1, 2024
Edited by
Reviewed by
Credit: Kohei Hara / DigitalVision / Getty Images
A master's in web development offers advanced academic coverage of the technical tools professionals use to build, maintain, and manage websites. The discipline overlaps with master's in web design programs, which focus more on the visual and creative aspects of website construction.
Web development continues to evolve as advancing technologies create functional and creative possibilities. Yet, website structures and their user interfaces require the same balance of form and function. This interplay between enduring principles and ongoing innovation gives web development and design unique allure as tech specializations.
This page profiles master's programs in web development and web design, exploring their similarities and differences. It also features a ranked list of top programs, which you can use to aid your educational search.
Why Get a Web Development Master's Degree?
You can certainly use many free or low-cost resources to self-teach the basics of web development and design. Strongly motivated learners can even build professional-level skills this way. However, many aspiring tech professionals find that formally structured learning environments offer a more direct and reliable path.
The tech industry's booming profile and high-growth career paths have attracted many candidates. With the industry's labor market becoming saturated with job-seekers holding bachelor's degrees, however, advanced education may offer important advantages.
These benefits include:
- Skills Development:A master's in web design or development allows you to foster advanced abilities in targeted areas. Graduate programs build on the generalist foundations developed in bachelor's programs.
- Specialization Opportunities:While web development is considered a tech concentration, graduate programs offer many opportunities for more focused learning. At the master's level, advanced electives and concentrations extend beyond the front-end, back-end, and full-stack development.
- Higher Earning Potential:According to Payscale data from April 2024, a master's in web design and development offers a salary premium compared to the same degree at the bachelor's level.
What to Expect From Master's in Web Development Programs
Accredited schools offer standalone master's in web development programs and combined degrees in web design and development. Keep this in mind as you consider your options. If you have a stronger interest in one area, you may find more value in a dedicated program.
Academic requirements typically fall in the range of about 30-40 semester credits. Depending on your background and the program's structure, you may have a path to graduation in about 1-2 years.
Course types include core classes that every student in the program must complete, along with electives, which offer opportunities to pursue topics of personal interest. If you choose a specialized or concentrated program, you may have fewer available electives.
Master's programs in web development and/or web design rarely have thesis requirements. You are more likely to encounter capstone courses or portfolio presentations, which prompt you to showcase the sum of your gained knowledge.
Admission Requirements
A bachelor's in web development and/or web design makes an ideal academic background for master's programs in these disciplines. However, you may still qualify for admission if you have an unrelated undergraduate degree.
When assessing your application, graduate schools look for skills and backgrounds that predict success. You may have a path to admission with a bachelor's degree and a strong background in computer science, information technology, mathematics, or another STEM field.
Along with an institutional application, you may need to supply the following documentation:
- Academic transcripts
- Personal essay
- Letter(s) of recommendation
- A resume or CV
GMAT/GRE requirements may also apply, but many graduate schools are adopting test-optional admission policies. If you earned a high score on one of these tests, including your results may help your application.
Degree and Specialization Options
Graduate schools offer master's degrees exclusively in web development or web design, along with combined master's programs covering both disciplines. If you pursue a master's in web development, you will likely receive an MS degree. A master's in web design alone more commonly leads to an MA designation.
Many schools classify web development and design programs as specializations within broader disciplines like computer science, information technology, media, or communications. However, some programs offer concentrations.
The following comparison table offers a high-level summary of the differences between master's programs in web development and web design:
| Comparison Point | Web Development | Web Design |
|---|---|---|
| Program Focus | Technical | Creative with technical elements |
| Topics and Skills Covered |
|
|
| Available Specializations or Concentrations |
|
|
Popular Courses
The courses you will encounter in your curriculum depend on whether you pursue a master's in web development or web design. First, consider courses you may find in either degree or combined programs:
-
Programming Languages for the Web: Developers and designers must be fluent in programming languages commonly used for web applications. Examples include HTML/CSS, Python, and JavaScript. -
Principles of UX/UI: Effective websites offer a smooth, frictionless user experience. To meet these ends, you must possess a well-developed understanding of the applied UX/UI principles taught in this course. -
Capstone Project: In this class, students create self-directed web development and design projects that display their mastery of knowledge taught across the entire program.
Classes unique to a master's in web development may include:
-
Website Engineering: This course introduces the fundamentals of server-side programming for web applications. Topics may include functions, logical expressions, loops, and variables. -
Strategic Technology Management: This business-focused course teaches students to evaluate and plan for businesses' technology needs. Beyond web-based assets, learners also consider hardware, software, and data storage and processing. -
Principles of IT and Software Security: Explore essential elements of IT, software, and website cybersecurity. Learn to identify, defend against, and respond to common threats targeting internet-accessible digital assets.
Courses exclusive to a master's in web development might cover:
-
Design, Branding, and Corporate Identity: This course builds student knowledge and understanding of how design choices interact with and support online branding objectives and customer-facing corporate identity principles. -
Principles of Web Engagement: What draws users to certain websites? What tools and strategies can websites deploy to engage users and entice them to return or spend more time? This course explores and answers these central questions. -
Digital Imagery and Typography: Explore the strategic, emotional, and psychological impacts of key design elements like images, graphics, fonts, and typography.
How Much Will a Master's in Web Design or Development Cost?
The National Center for Education Statistics reported the following average annual costs in tuition and required fees for graduate schools in the 2021-22 school year:
- Overall: $20,513
- Private nonprofit colleges: $29,931
- Private for-profit colleges: $14,161
- Public colleges: $12,596
While these figures are useful for estimating costs, actual tuition rates vary according to school location, prestige, and program delivery formats.
If you need help paying for your technology degree, research computer science scholarships, grants, and other non-repayable aid sources. Federal and private loans may also help, but use them sparingly to minimize your post-graduation debt.
Jobs for Master's in Web Development Graduates
Your career options may vary, depending on whether you pursue a combined master's in web design and development or a standalone degree in one or the other. In general, web development programs lead to more technical careers, while web design graduates work in more creative capacities.
The following list profiles both technical and creative career paths, along with adjacent specializations you may qualify for with additional, targeted training or experience:
Web Developer
Web developers handle the technical tasks associated with building, managing, and maintaining websites. Some developers specialize in user-facing development, while others focus on coding-oriented tasks. Full-stack developers combine both proficiencies into a versatile professional profile.
Web Designer
Web designers select, test, and optimize the visual and logical elements of websites, including images and videos, color schemes, typefaces, navigation menus, and interactive features. While many web designers possess strong coding and programming skills, their job roles typically focus more on creativity and practical solutions.
Network Administrator
Technical web development programs build knowledge and skills that transfer well to web or network administrator roles. Computer administrators specialize in tasks like local networking and managing IT, digital, and technical assets.
Digital Marketing/Search Engine Optimization Specialist
Combining a master's in web design with professional knowledge of digital marketing or search engine optimization (SEO) offers versatility that may appeal to employers. Digital marketing specialists help businesses position their products and services in online marketplaces, while SEO professionals use applied research to improve their clients' internet visibility.
Choosing the Right Graduate Program
Beyond practical considerations like program costs and school location, other personal factors may influence your educational decision-making process. To that end, you may want to evaluate these school or program features when comparing your options:
- Program Delivery Format: While it comes with some social trade-offs, online formats make education more convenient and accessible. Schools also offer hybrid formats that blend online and face-to-face learning.
- Career Placement Services: You may benefit from schools with effective career support and job placement programs.
- Student Success Factors: Metrics like year-over-year retention rates, graduation rates, and post-graduation employment rates can offer a look into a school's effectiveness.
Before applying to any program, ensure its host institution holds accreditation from an organization recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation or the U.S. Department of Education.
Some computer science departments and programs hold specialized accreditations from organizations like ABET. These optional endorsements act as an additional indicator of program quality.
Expand your skillset with these options:
FAQ About Master's in Web Design and Web Development
What's the difference between a master's in web design and web development?
A master's in web design focuses more on the creative side of website construction, while web development emphasizes the technical end. The overlapping disciplines are closely related, though — some schools offer combined master's degrees covering design and development skills.
Is a master's in web design or development worth it?
A master's degree can help you stand out in a tech labor market with growing numbers of bachelor's-level candidates. Graduate programs also build sharply focused and advanced skills, which may deliver similar advantages. Also, professionals with master's degrees earn nearly 16% more on average than those with bachelor's degrees alone.
Should I get a master's in web development online?
If you want cost-controlled scheduling flexibility and do not mind trading off the social aspects of the traditional campus experience, then online learning might be a good option. However, you need self-discipline and strong time management skills to succeed in online programs. Perform an honest self-assessment as you think through your suitability for e-learning.
What can I do with a master's in web development degree?
A master's in web development can lead to careers in front-end, back-end, and/or full-stack development. You can also pursue roles in network administration, software development, IT management, and related computing specializations.
Page last reviewed April 18, 2024.
Recommended Reading
Take the next step toward your future.
Discover programs you’re interested in and take charge of your education.