What is a Web Developer?
A web developer is a computer programmer that specializes in the World Wide Web. A web developer creates programs and applications for the internet. If you find yourself sitting by the hours in front of your computer and can imagine yourself writing code continue reading and learn how to become a web developer.
It is a web developer that can build a website from scratch through writing code. Writing code is done through a variety of computer languages, such as C++, Java or python. Code creates computer software, programs and more. These languages often change in popularity depending on current computer technology.
A web developer knows how to build online programs and applications that can cater to your specific needs. This is why many companies hire web developers to create and maintain their websites and online presence.
These are the top skills you will need to master:
- Knowledge of programming software and graphics
- Remaining adaptable to new changes
- Keeping up with computer and technology advancements
- Building websites from the ground up
- Focusing on website functionality
Web developers typically work full-time, between 37 and 40 hours a week. Developers also typically work during regular working hours Monday through Friday. Additional hours may be needed if there is a deadline approaching.
Many web developers that want to work regular hours and have steady income choose to work with an established employer or company. While workloads can be more strict, it is considered more reliable. Some web developers choose to freelance their services and work from home.
The average web developer salary is $69,430.
Web developers need to understand all the basics of programming, which includes learning current computer languages. You may even need to learn multiple computer languages for more career advancement. Web developers know how to write code and build original software and programs.
Any person with a career based in technology, such as web development, needs to constantly be aware of changes and advancements. New technology always means changes in procedure. Take a look at the history of different codes used, for an example.
Many web developers choose to stay up to date by reading current news and articles online Other developers choose to attend conferences to network and even enroll in new education programs.
One of the main duties of a web developer is learning how to build a website from the ground up. Most clients have very specific specifications for what they want, which a developer should be able to implement.
Not only do developers create the websites, they also help maintain them. You may focus on the back-end of a website, and the functions that keep it running. Or you may work on the parts of the website that customers see and interact with.
Becoming a Web Developer
Step 1: High School Requirements
High School Courses for Web Developers
You don’t have to wait until college to learn the essential skills of web development. In fact, you can begin learning right in high school. Many high schools offer classes where you can learn concepts like code languages and website building.
Computer science
Computer science is offered by many schools and is a great foundation class. You will learn all about the practical side of computers and exactly how they work. Understanding how computers work is essential to becoming a good web developer. This class will teach you exactly why computer software and applications are so critical to technology.
Statistics
Statistics is another useful high school class. While working on website development, you will have to learn about customer and client interaction. This typically involves determining probability through website traffic figures. Using these numbers, you can enhance certain features of a website.
Graphic Design
Take a break from the numbers and consider the visual side of web development. A high school graphic design class can teach you the basics of designing a website, including what looks well together and what does not.
Formal Education Requirements
Breaking into the web development industry can be difficult to do without a bachelor’s degree, though not impossible. Still, most employers would recommend at least four years of schooling before entering the workforce.
The nice aspect of a bachelor’s degree is that you can learn everything you need to know to become a successful web developer. Learning these skills on your own can be difficult and even impossible.
Some web developers choose to continue their education through a graduate degree. A master’s degree can give a web developer the chance to put their knowledge into practice. Many courses require an advanced project, such as creating a full-fledged website.
While getting a master’s degree is optional to becoming a web developer, it is often seen as beneficial. Web developers with a graduate degree tend to make more money and advance their careers faster.
Step 2: Get an Undergraduate Degree
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science 4 years
If you plan to enter a university program for web development, you will likely need a high school diploma. In most cases, a GED is considered a workable alternative. If you have taken relevant high school glasses, much sure to talk about them in your college application.
Most programs want students to gave a GPA of 2.5 or higher, though this varies by university and program. If you are looking to boost your application, consider joining a relevant extracurricular. Many high schools offer clubs for graphic design, coding and more.
Web Development degree programs typically consist of 120 credits, or 40 classes. These classes are completed over the course of four years. You will typically start out learning basic math and science skills. These courses are designed to help you think more logically, which is an important skill as a web developer.
You can expect to take courses in coding languages, such as Java, C++ and Python. You may even have to learn more advanced graphic design techniques. You will even learn how to build and maintain top-level websites.
Curriculum:
General Education Courses (40 Credits)
- Introduction to Writing
- Workplace Learning in Writing
- Introduction to Professional Writing
- Introduction to News Writing
- Composition and Literature
- Composition and Literature
- Media and Society
- Introduction to News Writing
- Standard English Grammar
- Advanced Business Writing
- Advanced Research Writing
- Technological Transformations
- Introduction to Research
- Economics in the Information Age
- Introduction to Humanities
- Introduction to African American Studies
- All Available Options
- Introduction to Criminology
- Introduction to Criminal Justice
- Victimology
- Juvenile Delinquency
- Introduction to Women’s Studies: Women and Society
- Psychology of Criminal Behavior
- Introduction to African American Studies
- Technology in Contemporary Society
- Introduction to Biology
- Introduction to Criminal Justice
- Elements of Nutrition
- Introduction to Physical Science
- College Algebra
- Pre-Calculus
- Finite Mathematics
- Trigonometry and Analytical Geometry
- Concepts and Applications of Information Technology
- College Algebra
- Introduction to Problem Solving and Algorithm Design
- Digital Media and Society
- Accounting Information Systems
Major (60 Credits)
- Calculus I
- Introduction to Discrete Structures
- Calculus II
- Introductory Programming
- Intermediate Programming
- Computer Systems and Architecture
- Data Structures and Analysis
- Advanced Programming Languages
- Object-Oriented and Concurrent Programming
- Design and Analysis of Computer Algorithms
- Computer Graphics
- Current Trends and Projects in Computer Science
Electives 40(Credits)
- Computers and Their Applications
- Fundamentals of Information Technology
- Introduction to Programming
- Programming with C++
- Programming with Java
- Discrete Mathematics
- Foundations of Modern Computing
- Data Structures with C++
- Data Structures with Java
- Information Systems for Management
- Introduction to Web Application Development
- Advanced Java Programming
- Introduction to Business Data Communications and Networks
- Introduction to IT Project Management
- Introduction to Database Design and Implementation for Business
- Computer Architecture
- Introduction to Software Engineering
- Introduction to Web Technology and Languages
- Windows .NET Application Programming with C#
- Green Information Technology
- Internship in Computer Science
- Information Structures with Java
- Information Structures with Python
- Data Structures and Algorithms
- Computer Graphics
- Computer Networks
- Foundations of Analytics
- Quantitative Methods for Information Systems
- Data Analysis and Visualization
- Financial Informatics
- Advanced Java Programming
- Analysis of Algorithms
- Enterprise Systems
- Biomedical Sciences and Health IT
- Operating Systems
- Database Management
- Health Informatics
- Electronic Health Records
- Directed Study
- Special Topics
- Information Security
- Biometrics
The cost of a bachelor of science in computer science program is $34,080 – $147,528.
Step 3: Get a Graduate Degree (Optional)
Master of Science in Computer Science Program 2 years
If you intend to further your education, you can expect to create a large-scale project. It is very common to design your own complex website that showcases the skills you learned as a student.
Curriculum:
- Advanced Computer Architecture
- Programming Languages
- Operating Systems
- Software Engineering
- Design and Analysis of Algorithms
- Theory of Computation
- Applied Numerical Linear Algebra
- Large Scale Scientific Computation
- Computational Functional Genomics
- Computer and Information Security
- Computer Security: Intrusion Detection Based Approach
- Computer Networks
- Performance Evaluation
- Database Systems
- Wide-Area Distributed Information Systems
- Scientific Data and Workflow Management
- Artificial Intelligence
- Machine Learning & Discovery
- Information Visualization
- Automated Deduction
- Advanced Computer Graphics
- Advanced Volume Visualization
- Advanced Visualization
- Computer Aided Geometric Design
- Computer Animation
The cost of a master of science in computer science program is $23,625 – $67,500.
How Long Does it Take to Become a Web Developer and How Much Does it Cost?
Option 1 : Bachelor’s Degree
| Degree | Time | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor’s | 4 years | $34,080- $147,528 |
| Certification | – | – |
| Total | 4 years | $34,080- $147,528 |
Option 2 : Master’s Degree
| Degree | Time | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor’s | 4 years | $34,080- $147,528 |
| Master’s | 2 years to 3 years | $23,625- $67,500 |
| Certification | – | – |
| Total | 6 years to 7 years | $57,705- $215,028 |
