Unlock Your Career Potential
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See Courses & Program Info
View a complete list of program courses, program-specific and general education requirements, and more.
This program requires a total of 120 credits.
- 30 Required Major Credits: Review the required major courses outlined below or view the recommended course sequence to progress through this program.
- 41 General Education Credits: Review the options available to fulfill the 41 credits of general education coursework requirements for bachelor's degrees.
- 49 Minor & Elective Credits: Review a list of available academic minors or see the course catalog or Schedule of Classes to help you select elective courses.
Required Major Courses
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If you’re not looking to get started on a bachelor’s degree but are still interested in obtaining an official credential in this subject area, consider pursing an 18-credit undergraduate certificate in web design, digital design, or augmented and virtual reality design.
These certificates are designed to help you gain concentrated experience in a singular focus area while not starting on the general education courses needed for a bachelor's degree. And because these programs are embedded in the bachelor’s degree program, you may be eligible to apply up to 18 credits toward this program’s major requirements.
If you’re majoring in a different subject area but are still interested in web design, digital design, or augmented or virtual reality, consider our 15-credit minor in web & digital design.
Develop Career-Relevant Skills in Web Design & Graphic Design
As virtual reality and AI grow more prevalent in the business world, employers are looking for professionals who have the necessary knowledge to master these new technologies. The skills you learn in this program are therefore universal and can help give you a leg up in the market. Graduates of this degree program may develop important skills in web design, web development, graphic design, project management, digital product creation, computer programming, and problem-solving. Our program directors refresh and update the curriculum regularly, with a focus on helping students achieve the following:
600%
3D Skills Increase
The demand for 3D animation skills has increased more than 600% compared to the rest of the job market in the last decade.
Source: Lightcast | “Visualizing the Future: Demand for 3D Graphics and Real-Time 3D Skills” | May 2019
16%
Job Growth
The demand for web developers and web designers is projected to grow 16 percent from 2022 to 2032, much faster than the average for all occupations.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics | “Occupational Outlook Handbook: Web Developers & Digital Designers” | Last Reviewed: April 15, 2024
$500B
Market Size
The extended reality (XR) market is projected to increase to $519.5 billion by 2032, owing in part to a faster than average compounded annual growth rate.
Source: Market.Us | “Extended Reality Market Surges Towards USD 519.5 Billion by 2032" | February 13, 2024
8%
Job Growth
The demand for special effects artists and animators is projected to grow 8 percent from 2022 to 2032, faster than the average for all occupations.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics | “Occupational Outlook Handbook: Special Effects Artists & Animators” | Last Reviewed: April 15, 2024
Practice Real-World Skills in Your Web & Digital Design Courses
Throughout your curriculum, your instructors will assign hands-on coursework that may help you prioritize in-demand, real-world skills and career-focused experience. In past courses, students have been able to complete the following course projects:
- Develop a detailed project management plan for the development of a multi-page company website that is responsive and secure.
- Plan, lay out, and publish a print-based or electronic document, for deployment in print or electronic formats.
- Create an engaging and interactive digital product that can be deployed via computer, web, mobile device, or virtual reality headset.
Explore UMGC Web & Digital Design Insights
Gain insight from our faculty and staff and delve deeper into a range of topics, including the metaverse, hands-on virtual learning, and transfer credit opportunities.
FAQs
Get answers to questions that current and prospective students are asking about program admission, credibility, student organizations, and more.
This 120-credit web design program covers topics like web design, web development, graphic design, virtual and augmented reality, electronic publishing, motion graphics, web-based multimedia, animation, and more. The program may help students prepare for work in a wide range of industries, at corporations, nonprofits, and government organizations, and in the private sector. Potential job titles include extended reality (XR) designer, special effects artist, web developer, animator, web designer, and graphic designer.
In this 120-credit program, you can take courses throughout the year. You can take courses in this program throughout the year. How long it will take you to complete your degree depends on your goals, transfer credits, and course load each semester. You may also be able to benefit from one or more of UMGC’s fast paths to credit, including credit for prior learning and credit for military education and training, which can help you earn your degree faster.
We offer a low in-state rate for Maryland residents and a reduced tuition rate for military servicemembers and their spouses and dependent children. In addition, we're proud to offer scholarships for those who qualify and an interest-free monthly payment plan that allows you to spread your tuition payments out. Plus, we've replaced most textbooks with no-cost digital materials, eliminating one more cost of education and making your degree even more affordable.
You do not need a specific educational background in web design, graphic design, or web development or specific experience as a web designer, graphic designer, or web developer to apply for this program. As long as you meet our undergraduate admission requirements, you can enroll in this program.
Computing Club
The Computing Club provides a dynamic environment where members can work collaboratively, share innovative ideas, enhance their career-readiness, and gain marketable experience in their respective fields. It is available to graduate or undergraduate students, alumni, faculty, and staff members. Students and alumni can join the Computing Club group on CareerQuest.
I'm a huge advocate for UMGC just because the school changed my life. I never thought college was really an option for me. Now I'm graduating with a 4.0 GPA.
Christina B., BS in Digital Media and Web Technology Sykesville, MD