2023 Most Affordable Online Master's Degrees in Web Design

The University of Florida (UF) is a public institution offering an online Master of Arts in Mass Communication - Web Design and Online Communication, which totals 37 credit hours. It can take 16 months to complete with a full class load. The program covers three core areas of web design: (1) design, (2) strategic communication, and (3) code.

At UF, online students complete coursework asynchronously and synchronously on Canvas. The online master’s in web design program hones the sought-after skills students need to succeed as web designers. Sample courses include Web Design Principles, Mass Communication Theory, and Digital Imagery in Web Design. A capstone course is required for graduation. Potential career options include brand managers, web managers, and UX designers.

At the University of Missouri (Mizzou), a public institution, prospective students can pursue an online Master of Science in Learning Technologies and Design requiring 30 credit hours. Full-time students can expect to spend two years completing this degree. Typically, students take one or two courses each semester.

Mizzou facilitates asynchronous and synchronous online learning through the learning management system Canvas. Mizzou's graduate design program helps students develop the skills to create learning systems, digital media, and network applications. An internship is required and courses include Designing Games for Learning, Interaction Design, and Learning Analytics. Graduates may go on to pursue careers like game designers, instructional coordinators, and curriculum designers.

West Texas A&M University (WTAMU) is a public institution that offers an online Master of Education in Instructional Design and Technology that requires 30 credit hours. It can take full-time students two years to complete this program. This is a project-oriented graduate degree that allows students to develop their portfolios bit by bit each semester.

Online students at WTAMU complete coursework and engage with peers asynchronously and synchronously on Canvas. A master’s in instructional design and technology at WTAMU prepares students to create and facilitate innovative learning. Sample courses include Videography, Advanced Computer Productivity, and Elements of Instructional Design. Students have the option to take finals or complete an individualized project. Prospective careers include instructional designers, graphic designers, and curriculum developers.

New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) is a public institution offering an online Master of Science in Business and Information Systems - Web Systems equaling 30 credit hours. Prospective students can expect to spend two years completing this full-time program. The program offers seven specializations, like Business Decision Making and User Experience Design.

At NJIT, online students complete coursework asynchronously and synchronously on Canvas. The program combines coursework on informatics and business. Some of the program’s courses are Corporate Finance, Business Process Innovation, and System Analysis and Design. Potential career options for graduates include systems analysts, network administrators, and computer programmers.

Southern New Hampshire University Online (SNHU Online) is a private, nonprofit institution that offers an online Master of Science in Information Technology - Web Design totaling 36 credits. Students can complete the program in just 15 months. The Web Design concentration focuses on designing and developing websites, web applications, and methods.

SNHU facilitates asynchronous and synchronous online learning through the popular learning management system D2L Brightspace. This program helps students develop skills in HTML/XML, audience analysis, branding, and more. Sample courses include Website Construction, Interface Design for Websites, and Website Optimization. Prospective careers are digital marketers, web content managers, and application developers.