Web Design Degree Programs in California (C-M)

California may have a large share of the nation’s agricultural output, but the Golden State also grows great minds with its various colleges, universities, and research institutions. California is also home to Silicon Valley, one of the biggest technology development hubs in the world. People come from around the globe to work at companies like Facebook and Google. Students who graduate with a degree in web design or digital media will be prime applicants for positions with great companies like these. Here are some California schools that offer degrees or certificates in web design.

Cabrillo College

Natural and Applied Sciences Division

The Natural and Applied Sciences Division offers degrees and certificates in 20 different fields. Subjects include Astronomy, Mathematics, Oceanography, Physics, Welding, and Computer Networking and System Administration. Students will benefit from solid teaching programs that emphasize the importance of professional development.

A.S. Degree in Computer Science

The Associate’s of Science in Computer Science is designed to help students gain a solid foundation in the basic principles of computing. Lower-division classes include Java, C++, and Discrete Mathematics. Students must complete 60 units in order to graduate from the program. The A.S. degree easily transfers to four-year institutions. The University of California accepts six courses from the degree course at Cabrillo College, which makes it a sound choice for many recent graduates who want their credits to carry over as they continue their education. Graduates of the program at Cabrillo College will be prepared to continue in their education or enter the workforce as highly qualified job seekers. Learning outcomes include proficiency in systems management, computer engineering, database construction and maintenance, linear algebra and more.

Accreditations

  • Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (ACCJC WASC)

Contact
Division Office, Room 701
6500 Soquel Drive
Aptos, California 95003
Phone: (831) 479-6329
Email: wagarner@cabrillo.edu
Website: https://www.cabrillo.edu/academics/computerscience/

Cerro Coso Community College

CIS and Business

The CIS and Business Department offers courses in eight different academic fields. Students can earn degrees in business administration, management, paralegal studies, and computer information systems. The degrees and certificates are designed to help students transform into high-quality professional workers who can use the knowledge gained during their degree in a business setting.

Web Professional A.S.

The Web Professional A.S. is a program designed to help students enter the workforce as self-employed technical workers or as perfect candidates for in-house positions with great companies. Students will become proficient in programming languages, web design, digital imaging and more. The degree consists of 60 credit hours, 33 of which must be in the student’s major field. Unlike other programs, this Associate’s degree is not designed for transfer students. Anyone wishing to use the credits earned in the program at Cerro Coso Community College should consult an academic advisor about the options available to them.

Web Professional Certificate

The Web Professional Certificate is a concentrated program consisting of 33 units. Students are encouraged to excel in their studies, which include subjects such as e-commerce, digital imaging with Photoshop, web design, and JavaScript. The program’s curriculum focuses on producing graduates with a solid technical knowledge that they can use in order to build their career as quickly as possible.

Learning outcomes for graduates of the Web Professional programs at Cerro Coso Community College include the ability to build open source projects, use coding and scripting, develop technical skills and more. These programs are a great choice for students looking to gain practical and technical knowledge in order to enter the workforce as quickly as possible. Parts of the programs can be completed online, which makes it easy for students to earn a degree or certification without compromising other obligations that they may have.

Accreditation

  • Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (ACCJC WASC)

Contact
CIS and Business
3000 College Heights Boulevard
Ridgecrest, California 93555
Phone: (760) 384-6172
Email: koconnor@cerrocoso.edu
Website: http://www.cerrocoso.edu/academics/cisb

Chaffey College

Digital Media Program

The Digital Media program at Chaffey College helps students explore the fields of digital media, graphic design, and web design as they decide where they want their careers to go. Students can choose from an Associate’s degree program or a professional certification program. Both are equipped to help graduates enter further education or professional training.

A.A. in Digital Media

Students who enroll in the Associate of Arts program in Digital Media will receive a great foundational education in web and graphic design, animation, and more. The coursework is designed to help them become familiar with the basic principles of computing and graphic media in order to enter the workforce or continue their schooling. By training to become proficient in technology, they can put themselves in a position where their skills are in high demand.

Digital Media Certificate

The Digital Media certificate offers students the opportunity to specialize in a number of different subjects. They can choose from animation, graphic design for print media, web design, and multimedia design for digital video and interactive media. This program is a great choice for those who are looking to alter their career focus or who want to add to their list of marketable skills.

Students who graduate from the A.A. degree program or the certification program at Chaffey College will be ready to transfer into a Bachelor’s degree program at a four-year institution as well as begin their professional career if they choose to do so. Learning outcomes include proficiency in web design, graphic and digital design, basic programming and more.

Accreditation

  • Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (ACCJC WASC)
  • Office of Private Post-Secondary Education for Veterans Benefits

Contact
Digital Media Program
5885 Haven Avenue
Rancho Cucamonga, California 91737
Phone: (909) 652-6056
Email: Mitchell.Syrop.guinn@chaffey.edu
Website: http://www.chaffey.edu/digital_media/index.shtml

College of San Mateo

Digital Media Program

The Digital Media program at the College of San Mateo encompasses a wide variety of subjects. Students can choose to study broadcast journalism, web design, graphic design and more. They can also earn Associate’s degrees or certificates in web development, television and radio broadcasting, multimedia and lighting. The program offers students state-of-the-art technology that will give them a head start either in their career or in their future education.

A.A. in Graphic Design (Digital Media)

The Associate of Arts in Graphic Design (Digital Media) helps students prepare for entry-level positions in digital media. They may also use their credits to transfer to a four-year school later on in their academic career. Coursework includes web design, typography, digital publishing and media design. A practicum course is also required in which students work with businesses and local clients in order to produce a successful design project. Students will have to complete 31 credit units in the major in order to graduate. They are also expected to compile a graduation portfolio that showcases their independent and original work.

A.S. in Web/Multimedia (Digital Media)

The Associate of Science in Web Design and Multimedia includes subjects such as web design, programming languages such as HTML5 and Java, CSS, typography, and digital animation. Students must successfully complete 26 credit units in the major with a grade of “C” or higher in order to graduate. They must also take on a practicum course where they will work with actual clients on a web design project. Their portfolio course is a capstone project that demonstrates the skills and knowledge that they have acquired over the course of their degree.

Learning outcomes for students participating in the web design and graphic design degrees at the College of San Mateo include the ability to design and maintain websites, work efficiently with clients and team members, use programming languages with a high level of proficiency and successfully engage in long term project management. They will be perfectly suited for jobs with companies of all sizes.

Accreditation

  • Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (ACCJC WASC)

Contact
College Center Building 10
1700 West Hillsdale Boulevard
San Mateo, California 94402
Phone: (650) 574-6278
Email: seuberte@smccd.edu
Website: http://collegeofsanmateo.edu/digitalmedia/

Fresno City College

Applied Technology Division

The Applied Technology Division of Fresno City College encompasses a variety of subjects. Students can enroll in programs such as welding, air conditioning, computer aided manufacturing, photography, and more. These degrees are designed so that students can either enter the workforce upon graduation or continue on to a four-year institution.

A.S. in Graphic Communications

The Associate of Science in Graphic Communications is designed to produce graduates who can provide innovative and cutting-edge digital media to large companies, small businesses, and private clients. Subjects taught in the Graphic Communications course include an introduction to Adobe Illustrator and Adobe Acrobat Professional, image capture and scanning, web page construction, desktop publishing, and multimedia. Practical labs help reinforce what is taught in classes through hands-on work. Students are expected to engage in independent media projects that showcase what they have learned over the course of the program.

Certificate of Completion in Web Design

The Web Design concentration is designed to provide proof that graduates are skilled and capable of designing and maintaining webpages, which is essential for those looking to enter the graphic design industry. Students who successfully finish the course will earn a certificate of completion. Students in this program take courses on flash animation, web page construction, macromedia freehand, and Fireworks/Dreamweaver. The course is designed for those who want to start working after graduation, but some credits may transfer to a four-year institution.

Graduates of the program at Fresno City College will be equipped with the skills they need in order to maintain a high standard of professionalism in the graphic design and web communications industries. Learning outcomes include the ability to use graphic design programs, engage in salesmanship and marketing, work in teams and engage in graphic illustration and web design.

Accreditation

  • Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (ACCJC WASC)

Contact
Applied Technology Division
1101 East University Avenue
Fresno, California 93741
Phone: (559) 442-8273
Email: Jacob.Jackson@fresnocitycollege.edu
Website: http://www.fresnocitycollege.edu/index.aspx?page=88

Grossmont College

Department of Computer Science Information Systems

The Department of Computer Science Information Systems at Grossmont College is designed to help students succeed in the fields of information technology, data networks, web development, and computer programming. The department is geared towards students who want to begin a professional career as soon as possible, though the credits earned in the program may transfer to local four-year institutions like San Diego State University.

A.S. in Computer Science and Information Systems Web Development

The Associate’s degree in Computer Science and Information Systems Web Development helps students enter the workforce into entry-level positions where they can have a positive effect on their clients and teams. Subjects taught in this course include dynamic web applications, web development fundamentals, and internet marketing. They must also complete a directed work experience course that gives them an opportunity to add to their resume and portfolio. Students must pass their major courses with a grade of “C” or higher in order to graduate. 29-30 credit units must be completed in the major, as well as three elective courses that help students diversify their interests within the field. Students are given strong support and guidance on how to look for jobs after they complete the degree program at Grossmont College.

Graduates of the A.S. degree in Computer Science at Grossmont College will be well equipped to enter the workforce or join a four-year school. Learning outcomes include the ability to use programming languages, design and maintain webpages, troubleshoot common information systems issues and more.

Accreditations

  • Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (ACCJC WASC)

Contact
CSIS Department, Grossmont College
8800 Grossmont College Drive
El Cajon, California 92020
Phone: (619) 644-7708
Email: janet.gelb@gcccd.edu
Website: http://www.grossmont.edu/csis/index.htm

Los Angeles City College

Department of Computer Science and Information Technology

The Department of Computer Science and Information Technology at Los Angeles City College offers exciting educational opportunities to students who are interested in a career in the computer industry. Students will benefit from a Computer Club and personalized support from staff members. The Department offers two A.S. degrees and several certifications that can be used to enhance a student’s resume and make them more attractive to potential employers.

A.S. in Computer Science/Information Technology

The Associate of Science in Computer Science helps students develop problem-solving methodologies that will serve them well either in the workforce or at a four-year school. Students are expected to take courses on data structures, mathematics, networking, operating systems and programming logic. In addition, they receive tuition in Oracle SQL, Hyper-text Markup Language, C++, and Java. The degree can be completed in four semesters. The Associate of Science in Information Technology prepares students for careers in software engineering, database maintenance and administration, multimedia, and computer networking. They will become proficient in programming languages as well as operating systems such as UNIX. Mathematics courses and classes in programming logic are also required. After completing the A.S. degree, students can then move on to a four-year college or university and earn a Bachelor’s degree in a related field. The credits earned at Los Angeles City College are designed to transfer easily to other institutions.

Related Resource: https://www.topwebdesignschools.org/faq/can-i-get-a-web-design-job-with-an-information-technology-degree/

A.S. in Computer Information Systems

The Associate Degree in Computer Information Systems prepares its students for bright careers in programming, webpage design and maintenance, multimedia, and database and network security. The program can be completed in four semesters, after which students can transfer into a four-year schools as juniors in a related Bachelor’s degree program.

Certification in Applications Software

The Certification in Applications Software helps produce graduates who are highly skilled in software development. They can use the knowledge they acquire in the program to help them succeed in fields such as web technology, business analysis, programming, networking, and databases. The seven required courses taught include math for programmers, programming logic, operating systems, and advanced spreadsheet applications. Electives are chosen based on the sub-field in which the student wishes to specialize. These can include operating systems, databases, and multimedia.

Certification in Programming Languages

The Certification in Programming Languages helps students gain a practical knowledge of programming and the languages used to express algorithms and design applications. Students must take courses in Visual Basic, Java, C++, mathematics for programmers, and data structures. Electives focus on web development, operating systems, and database construction and maintenance.

Skill Certificate in Web Client Technologies

The Skill Certificate in Web Client Technologies produces graduates who are proficient or highly advanced in their ability to use client-facing web technologies. Coursework includes programming in Java, Macromedia Flash, Macromedia Dreamweaver, XML programming, and hypertext markup language. Students will be able to develop interactive, user-friendly websites upon completion of the program.

Students who enroll in the degree and certificate programs in Web Design at Los Angeles City College are expected to become proficient in basic computer literacy, including operating systems and programming. Other learning outcomes include the ability to create and manage databases, use client-side technologies to design websites and install and maintain an Oracle server. Graduates of these programs will be adequately prepared to enter the workforce or continue their education at a four-year institution.

Accreditation

  • Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (ACCJC WASC)

Contact
Department of Computer Science and Information Technology
855 N. Vermont Avenue
Los Angeles, California 90027
Phone: (323) 953-4000 ext. 2810
Email: csitinformation@lacitycollege.edu
Website: http://www.lacitycollege.edu/academic/departments/csit/degrees.html

The projected job growth for web designers and developers is expected to increase faster than normal, with employment in this field expected to grow by 20 percent between 2012 and 2022. Web developers and designers will be in high demand as the need for user-friendly computer and mobile programs grows in accordance with consumer demands. Graduates of any of these programs in California will stand out in a highly competitive yet highly rewarding job market.