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Take a moment and ask yourself: How many things have you done online today before starting to read this article? Did you browse a few other websites, buy something or enter a search term?

By now, these online activities are so commonplace, we hardly give them a second thought. But you might give a second thought to the web developers who code the sites and build the apps we use all the time. The ubiquity of digital technology means that web developers are consistently in demandand theyre only likely to be more in demand as technology becomes increasingly intertwined with our daily lives.

Even if you already have a bachelors degree in web development or a related field, you can further expand your knowledge and update your skills with additional education. A masters degree in web development will teach you the latest innovations and help qualify you for careers with higher-than-average salaries.

If this idea appeals to you, use this guide to learn about the benefits of earning an online masters in web development.

An online masters in web development expands the coding and programming skills developers use to create websites and apps. These programs build a broader understanding of the technology underlying the internet and prepare workers for senior positions in the field.

A masters degree often requires two years of full-time study, though some programs only take one year. Costs vary by program, ranging from a few thousand to tens of thousands of dollars, so research prospective schools tuition. Credit requirements typically span 30 to 45 credits.

In remote learning programs, classes are often identical to in-person courses. Asynchronous classes post lectures and assignments for students to complete on more flexible schedules, while synchronous courses use technologies like web conferencing to facilitate live virtual classroom experiences.

Often, web development degrees focus on three varieties of development:

As with tuition, admission requirements vary by school. Common application components include:

In this course, students add intermediate and advanced JavaScript to their existing HTML and CSS skills. They use all three languages to create a working client-side (in other words, public-facing) application.

Through Structured Query Language (SQL), learners create relational databases, which store data in rows and columns. Classes like this often end with a capstone where students demonstrate their skills through projects like designing and building a functioning database.

This course explores the analysis and development of information technology (IT) applications from the initial stages of needs assessment and system feasibility through systems-level testing. Students learn to make graphical models of IT project requirements.

This course teaches learners best practices and policies for web graphics creation and manipulation through applications such as Adobe Photoshop. Hands-on assignments train students to correct, manipulate and modify images. The class also covers typography, web production techniques and the use of CSS to combine images and encode them into website layouts.

This class examines best practices for various levels of software development, from the front end to the database back end, which provides a grounding in full-stack development. Cloud-based software development and its attendant security issues are another focus.

The following professionals may benefit from a web development masters degree:

There are several advantagesand potential drawbacksto earning a masters in web development online. Consider these pros and cons before making a decision.

On the positive side, the cost of an online degree is often lower. Distance learners rarely have to pay for student housing or relocate or travel for school. Plus, some schools extend in-state tuition rates to all online students, regardless of where they live. Online degrees also typically offer more flexibility through asynchronous classes.

However, some learners benefit from the more rigid structure of a classroom environment, so evaluate your self-sufficiency before committing to an online degree. Additionally, distance learning programs may not give you opportunities for networking to the same degree as in-person programs.

Whichever option you choose, confirm that any potential online program holds institutional accreditation from an agency with Council for Higher Education Accreditation or Department of Education approval. Accreditation ensures your school meets standards of academic excellence.

An online masters program in web development can deepen your expertise in the field, helping you qualify for senior-level roles where you manage projects or lead a team of developers.

You may not need a college degree to start a web developer career, but many employers prefer candidates with relevant degrees. A bachelors degree in web development is a great entry point to the field.

Read more:

Should You Earn A Masters In Web Development Online? - Forbes