Web Development Degree

A friend of mine is looking for a graduate level masters degree in web development or something of the sort.

Here is the criteria:

1) Must be online
2) Must be at least NA accredited
3) Must be under 8K/year

Let me know what you guys think

He found an online program through the Art Institute of Pittsburg for around 10K per year, but would like to see if there are cheaper options.

Thanks

 

Most of the degrees that I have seen in this arena are of the Graphic Design variety.

Does your friend already work in the IT/Web Development arena? There seems to be two area's in the field to specialize in.

That is, you are a graphic designer, and work on the content and graphics of a website and more than likely use FrontPage, Dreamweaver, Sharepoint etc. to "web" your stuff. More of a user interface type person.

The other side is the more technical side who is an actual programmer. Knows HTML, CSS, JAVA, PERL, MySQL, etc, etc. Seems like you need the experience and some certifications ahead of a Masters degree.

Job outlook is poor, note that in the current issue of Network World they have an article on the decline of IT positions. The one with the biggest loss?

Web Developer: 14.48% loss of jobs. With significant double digit declines in major metrpolitan areas in the amount of jobs posted in Oct and Nov.

Perhaps your friend should look at the growing trend of H1B hiring by major corporations in the US and note that this is a dying field.

Perhaps looking into another degree area for employment, more stable employment, would be the best advice?

 

You may wish to look into the Bellevue University's Web Technologies degree.