Web Design or Web Development?
Which degree do you go for? Definitely Computer Science and learn the programming aspect. I think you'll find that to try and learn how to code good pages on your own is a bigger challenge than learning how to design layouts, etc. Don't think of a website as just some informational pages, think of them as web applications, which can be very complex - presentation layer, business layer and database back-end. Will the market be dead? No, but it may change. There are a lot of sites out there where you can build your own site with templates, etc., but you're still restricted in how it's done. Your options are still limited. And there are a lot of businesses that don't find inside the box they offer.
Is Web Development a Good Career?
Thoughts: 1. Yes, it's a good job. We're always on the lookout for web developers. Rather, we're on the lookout for good web developers. Like any job, if you're good at it, there's a career to be had. If you're average, or not good, then you may have challenges. 2. Is an A/S as good as ... ? Well, when you go for your first job as a jr developer, 70% of your competition will have 4 year university degrees. 20% of them will have 2 year college degrees. the other 10% will have either Master's Degrees or doctorate degrees. So, you will be up against people with more education. That doesn't mean you can't beat them, it just means you need to have something to offset that - prior work experience, good marks, interview well, etc. *** edit ... having a bachelor's degree in sociology will help you - I would view it as a beneficial factor on your application. However, if I compare what you have to someone with a 4 year computer degree, you're still a step below. *** edit 2. I'm a software manager for a bunch of web developers. GIS is one field to consider, and I don't know enough to comment on it. If I knew nothing about you, and you told me that you wanted to become a web developer. My thoughts would be: - get a degree in computer science or software engineering ... ideally a 3 or 4 year degree. - however, if you don't want the full degree, the best way to compete against all those who have it is work experience. Try to find a degree, beit a 2 year degree that offers internships and co-op terms. Those are gold. You would essentially be graduating with work experience. What about a 3 year CS degree that you could do in less because you could get some credit for your first degree?
What is the best school for web development?
Observer, Web Development is somewhat of a loose term here on Yahoo and many other places. In my opinion - a Web Developer is first and foremost a programmer aka: Application Developer. Web Development is a discipline that first requires you to understand various aspects of the software development lifecycle including programming. This is not to be confused with script writing HTML, CSS and/or in most cases simple JavaScript functions. Accordingly, if you wish to be a professional web developer - consider getting yourself enrolled in a Computer Science program or Management Information Systems program with one of the Community Colleges or Universities in your area. Once you have learned the basics, moving into the web tier is a relativley easy transition as the concepts and syntax are the same. To become a seasoned veteran - you need to get a job with a company that can mentor you and show you the in's and outs of enterprise web development. The best school for web development is called the school of hard knocks and experience. They key concept and obstacle you need to over come is understanding Object Oriented design and business application development. Likewise, you will probably want to focus on one language at first whether that be Microsoft's DotNet, Java or even some of the languages specific to web development like ColdFusion or Php. If you are serious about this - I would encourage you to learn either Java or C# (DotNet C Sharp) first as those disciplines will get you the interview. Once you are well versed in one of these languages, widen your horizons by learning other technologies. When you are a web developer you will know several languages and API's including SQL, SOAP, XML to name just a few If you are more interested in creating static web pages or design, I would be looking via keywords like Web Designer or Web Graphic Designer. The salaries between Web Developer and Web Designer are considerable. Your earning potential as a software engineer / web developer will be much higher
Pursue a degree in Web Design & Development or Self Educate?
I have been designing dynamic websites utilizing HTML, CSS, Javascript (including jQuery), PHP, and MySQL for close to a decade now. I have completed five for-profit builds so far, completely solo. My full time job, however, is in the health care industry (Paramedic). I am 30 years old and live in a rural area, a good distance away from a good brick & mortar college. I have been thinking about trying to pursue a Bachelor's degree for Web Design & Development online but have only been able to find a handfull of regionally accredited, non-profit universities that offer any such degree program. And all of those are BS in Information Technology programs, not the BS in Computer Sciences that so often appear in Web Developer job listings. Everything that I know so far, which includes Object Oriented Programming and some MVC (currently working on improving on both) has been self taught. While I have extensive experience with PHP, and MySQL, I have never worked with Git, GitHub, Subversioning, Java, etc. My question - Should I go for a BS-IT anyway, even though the programs look a tad bit dated and are not BS-CS, continue down the path of self education for a few years, or just try to apply for jobs with what I have already accomplished? Or, another option, perhaps go for a BA in Graphics Design while continuing down the Web Developer self study path? Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.