Ask HN: What colleges out there have good web design degrees?
17 comments
Wow, such a good question.
First things first, specific to design, almost no one cares about your degree in design. Almost everyone cares about your portfolio. Very, very few clients that I've done design work for even asked for a resume. Almost all ask for a portfolio right after the "hello".
I think if you do a real study of the best designers, you'll find that very few have a degree that has "web design" in it. A lot of the designers I know from school had a journalism/ad degree with a media concentration.
About pay - your average web designer does not make much. I do a lot of contract work for design and programming and when I quote the same rate for design as programming, clients balk at it. One prospective client said how he is paying about 20/hr to a local designer. I simply cannot compete with that and probably wasn't a best fit for his project.
Now, what do I mean? I think the designers who do pull dough transition into UX/product. Now you are no longer being hired to convert psds into html but figure out what you can do to the design to increase conversion or engagement etc. Some may argue that doing that job is no longer design. May be or may be not...it's mostly semantics.
So if you are into design, also play with the idea of learning programming(jquery?) and marketing(seth godin, ab testing etc.). The two complement design very well and make you stand out from the run of the mill designers.
Also, a warning about simply picking a program based on your hobby. My hobby was programming all through high school but I hated comp sci-related stuff in college. That says more about me - I enjoyed the freedom that came from self-learning programming on projects I enjoyed. I did not enjoy programming in a specific textbook order full of theory. Note, I do believe if you do want to pursue a serious programming career, a degree in comp sci can help you more than hurt you. But just know what you are signing up for by reading through the curriculum and talking to alums!
Similarly, most design programs would want you to develop drawing and other artistic skills that may have little to do with your interest in design. Be sure you can slog through it and not let that make you hate design(the worst case scenario).
First things first, specific to design, almost no one cares about your degree in design. Almost everyone cares about your portfolio. Very, very few clients that I've done design work for even asked for a resume. Almost all ask for a portfolio right after the "hello".
I think if you do a real study of the best designers, you'll find that very few have a degree that has "web design" in it. A lot of the designers I know from school had a journalism/ad degree with a media concentration.
About pay - your average web designer does not make much. I do a lot of contract work for design and programming and when I quote the same rate for design as programming, clients balk at it. One prospective client said how he is paying about 20/hr to a local designer. I simply cannot compete with that and probably wasn't a best fit for his project.
Now, what do I mean? I think the designers who do pull dough transition into UX/product. Now you are no longer being hired to convert psds into html but figure out what you can do to the design to increase conversion or engagement etc. Some may argue that doing that job is no longer design. May be or may be not...it's mostly semantics.
So if you are into design, also play with the idea of learning programming(jquery?) and marketing(seth godin, ab testing etc.). The two complement design very well and make you stand out from the run of the mill designers.
Also, a warning about simply picking a program based on your hobby. My hobby was programming all through high school but I hated comp sci-related stuff in college. That says more about me - I enjoyed the freedom that came from self-learning programming on projects I enjoyed. I did not enjoy programming in a specific textbook order full of theory. Note, I do believe if you do want to pursue a serious programming career, a degree in comp sci can help you more than hurt you. But just know what you are signing up for by reading through the curriculum and talking to alums!
Similarly, most design programs would want you to develop drawing and other artistic skills that may have little to do with your interest in design. Be sure you can slog through it and not let that make you hate design(the worst case scenario).
My advice: don't get a degree in web design. DO go to college and learn about something you're interested in (or just go to figure out what you're interested in!). College should not be vocational training, no matter what your parents or counselors imply. Take the time to think really hard about things that have no bearing on the 'real world'. Keep designing websites (there will be plenty of opportunities) and build a portfolio. The best people practicing what you're interested are working and sharing what they learn online - not through academic institutions.
Some of the interactive design programs out there do look pretty good (SVA, for one - though that's postgrad).
(PS - I struggled with this 10 years ago and ended up getting degrees in computer science and graphic design. Anything I learned about 'web design' was totally useless by the time I was working, and I had taught myself basically everything I used day to day. However, the fundamentals of graphic design and CS do not change.)
Some of the interactive design programs out there do look pretty good (SVA, for one - though that's postgrad).
(PS - I struggled with this 10 years ago and ended up getting degrees in computer science and graphic design. Anything I learned about 'web design' was totally useless by the time I was working, and I had taught myself basically everything I used day to day. However, the fundamentals of graphic design and CS do not change.)
I've never done a degree in web design, but in my opinion they're not at all valuable. Design is one of the very few things where your portfolio matters, not your qualifications. I mean sure a degree in design won't hinder you, but I would personally spend the time and money on building up a portfolio, unless you believe you will learn enough to justify the cost.
A degree in web design will not make or break you, web design is a skill that can't be "made" with a degree, unlike some professions.
A degree in web design will not make or break you, web design is a skill that can't be "made" with a degree, unlike some professions.
True that design cannot be "made" with a degree, but I hope by saying that you're referring to having "the eye." There is a great deal of philosophy, conceptual thinking, and larger design research that goes into successfully completing a design degree and being a good designer. Yes, you might be able to find it on your own -- but going to a good design school will really strengthen your ability to form your perspective.
If web design is a skill that can't be made with a degree then how do you learn to be good at web design?
A couple of my friends were in a similar situation as you. After a lot of research, they realized that it's not terribly important to attend a web design course per se.
Both these guys are pursuing their college degrees in arts, and using the almost inexhaustible inspiration they receive from the art world.
Both these guys are pursuing their college degrees in arts, and using the almost inexhaustible inspiration they receive from the art world.
This. I know a few people who have done this -- and have done something similar myself.
Most colleges have an Art department that offers something like Graphic Design. I would personally suggest concentrating in something like Studio Art, rather than Graphic Design specifically. You'll still pick up the same tools, but it will come from a different angle.
Also, Communications departments (and/or Journalism, specifically,) are very good at being up to date at technology; advertising relies on technology to work nowadays.
Most colleges have an Art department that offers something like Graphic Design. I would personally suggest concentrating in something like Studio Art, rather than Graphic Design specifically. You'll still pick up the same tools, but it will come from a different angle.
Also, Communications departments (and/or Journalism, specifically,) are very good at being up to date at technology; advertising relies on technology to work nowadays.
I've never even heard of such a thing as a degree in web-design, so I don't know if that's a real thing or not. I'd probably suggest focusing on design in general rather than "web" design. Maybe even things like product design. Things that you could apply in an artistic and aesthetic context to any career choice.
The technical aspect is something you can probably pick up on your own, though it's a bit more of a chore today than a decade ago when you could truly teach yourself 90% of what was out there in a few months.
Of course, this is all assuming you're talking about being the artistic guy. If you're talking about infrastructure -- from hardware planning to databases to writing the engine for sites on the back-end, I'd go for a more CS-flavored education.
I think the big problem today remains what it was ten years ago, however. And the same problem fields like the video game industry suffer. Everyone wants to get into them. That drops your marketability and power of negotiation. Unless you're a truly top-tier individual who has something to bring that almost nobody else in the industry can and you can really make a niche for yourself.
The technical aspect is something you can probably pick up on your own, though it's a bit more of a chore today than a decade ago when you could truly teach yourself 90% of what was out there in a few months.
Of course, this is all assuming you're talking about being the artistic guy. If you're talking about infrastructure -- from hardware planning to databases to writing the engine for sites on the back-end, I'd go for a more CS-flavored education.
I think the big problem today remains what it was ten years ago, however. And the same problem fields like the video game industry suffer. Everyone wants to get into them. That drops your marketability and power of negotiation. Unless you're a truly top-tier individual who has something to bring that almost nobody else in the industry can and you can really make a niche for yourself.
You should really check out some of the up and coming (and highly supported) Interactive Design degrees being developed and offered up at some of the top design schools. Interactive Design is the greater study of how both product, UX, and visual communications design all factor into the development of technologically based products. One of the ones that has been getting a lot of attention recently is the Interactive Design undergraduate major being newly offered at California College of the Arts (CCA) - great school. Some info:
About the Interaction Design Program CCA’s Interaction Design Program will prepare students to create meaningful and innovative designed experiences in the realms of work, lifestyle, and play—from computers and mobile devices to interactive physical spaces, games, and social networks.
By learning investigative research, systemic thinking, creative prototyping, and hands-on building, Interaction Design students will be prepared to succeed and lead in this exciting field. Students develop technical skills (wireframes, flows, visuals, motion) for interactive canvases such as mobile, desktop, car, game console, film, sculpture, clothes, and buildings. The possible applications extend to numerous industries, from business to entertainment, education, and health.
Program Leadership Dr. Kristian Simsarian, cofounder of the Software Experiences Practice at IDEO and adjunct professor in CCA’s Graduate Program in Design, has been tapped to chair the new program. He commented, “Surprisingly, there is not yet a consistent source for talent in this field. CCA, with its interdisciplinary environment, impressive facilities, and great location at the hub of the digital world, is the ideal place to build a world-class interaction design program. I am thrilled to be leading this effort. My passion in education is to be a guide for students to create the future from their own insightful, well-informed, and personally inspired visions.”
Silicon Valley Connections CCA’s Interaction Design Program was created with input from thinkers at Google, YouTube, Apple, Intel, Nokia, and IDEO. Such companies, as well as nonprofit organizations, will take part in vibrant exchanges with students through sponsored studios and other project-based courses. Students will also have internship opportunities, enabling them to gain professional work experience and contacts, and to define their individual pathways to their future careers.
About the Interaction Design Program CCA’s Interaction Design Program will prepare students to create meaningful and innovative designed experiences in the realms of work, lifestyle, and play—from computers and mobile devices to interactive physical spaces, games, and social networks.
By learning investigative research, systemic thinking, creative prototyping, and hands-on building, Interaction Design students will be prepared to succeed and lead in this exciting field. Students develop technical skills (wireframes, flows, visuals, motion) for interactive canvases such as mobile, desktop, car, game console, film, sculpture, clothes, and buildings. The possible applications extend to numerous industries, from business to entertainment, education, and health.
Program Leadership Dr. Kristian Simsarian, cofounder of the Software Experiences Practice at IDEO and adjunct professor in CCA’s Graduate Program in Design, has been tapped to chair the new program. He commented, “Surprisingly, there is not yet a consistent source for talent in this field. CCA, with its interdisciplinary environment, impressive facilities, and great location at the hub of the digital world, is the ideal place to build a world-class interaction design program. I am thrilled to be leading this effort. My passion in education is to be a guide for students to create the future from their own insightful, well-informed, and personally inspired visions.”
Silicon Valley Connections CCA’s Interaction Design Program was created with input from thinkers at Google, YouTube, Apple, Intel, Nokia, and IDEO. Such companies, as well as nonprofit organizations, will take part in vibrant exchanges with students through sponsored studios and other project-based courses. Students will also have internship opportunities, enabling them to gain professional work experience and contacts, and to define their individual pathways to their future careers.
There are a couple CAD schools you can choose from SCAD and MCAD are the most well known. Other art schools include RISD, Ringling and SVA. I'd also consider MICA simply because of their awesome study abroad program.
Its slightly tricky with private colleges that offer BFAs, because they may label a course as Interactive Media or Multimedia, when it really means New Media Art as opposed to strictly web design. A lot of schools offer a mix of motion graphics and graphic design as well.
Other schools you can consider are the unaccredited Art Institute, and Full Sail. I've heard nothing but bad things about the latter so I would avoid it. If your looking for strictly trade learning and no conceptual new media nonsense Ai might be good to consider. Keep in mind though that you won't be able to transfer credits earned there anywhere else.
If you aren't interested in unaccredited schools you should also check out your local community colleges offerings the credits you earn there will transfer to private art colleges if you change your mind later and find one that you like.
Before applying for schools check and see whether or not they require a portfolio, I think a lot of the private art colleges do. Your portfolio is very important in the case that one is required; at the college I attend each prospective student is rated, and accepted, based on a 5 point scale; portfolio is worth 3pts, letter of interest 1pt and SAT/ACT scores are worth 1pt.
Edit: I'm going to disagree with people who are saying that you should learn design on your own. Good graphic design needs to be taught you need to understand grids, hierarchy and be able to create intelligent systems that accurately convey your information. Unless you're actively involved in these sort of discussions where you're learning from a peer-group you won't get the kind of knowledge a design professor with an MFA can give you.
Its slightly tricky with private colleges that offer BFAs, because they may label a course as Interactive Media or Multimedia, when it really means New Media Art as opposed to strictly web design. A lot of schools offer a mix of motion graphics and graphic design as well.
Other schools you can consider are the unaccredited Art Institute, and Full Sail. I've heard nothing but bad things about the latter so I would avoid it. If your looking for strictly trade learning and no conceptual new media nonsense Ai might be good to consider. Keep in mind though that you won't be able to transfer credits earned there anywhere else.
If you aren't interested in unaccredited schools you should also check out your local community colleges offerings the credits you earn there will transfer to private art colleges if you change your mind later and find one that you like.
Before applying for schools check and see whether or not they require a portfolio, I think a lot of the private art colleges do. Your portfolio is very important in the case that one is required; at the college I attend each prospective student is rated, and accepted, based on a 5 point scale; portfolio is worth 3pts, letter of interest 1pt and SAT/ACT scores are worth 1pt.
Edit: I'm going to disagree with people who are saying that you should learn design on your own. Good graphic design needs to be taught you need to understand grids, hierarchy and be able to create intelligent systems that accurately convey your information. Unless you're actively involved in these sort of discussions where you're learning from a peer-group you won't get the kind of knowledge a design professor with an MFA can give you.
Like many others have said here, majority of the best designers I've personally had the pleasure of working with or encountering were all self-taught and had little to no formal design education. The few people I've known that did go to design school, weren't very good. Of course that's not to say that people who go to design school can't be extremely good. That's just personal observation from those I've work with (which isn't representative of designers everywhere).
Having said that, I've always been impressed with the Design School each time I've been there (don't actually know if its related to what you're looking for): http://dschool.stanford.edu/
Disclaimer: I am not a design major, my design skills are self-taught, and I'm a former Stanford student.
Having said that, I've always been impressed with the Design School each time I've been there (don't actually know if its related to what you're looking for): http://dschool.stanford.edu/
Disclaimer: I am not a design major, my design skills are self-taught, and I'm a former Stanford student.
I have the same question, except the only difference is that I'm in at a community college in Souther California right now and I will be transferring and about a year. Right now I'm on a path to go to some UC and get probably a B.A. in Computer Science. I don't want to go into programming necessarily because my passion is really design, especially web related design, UX, and web development.
I just figured Computer Science would be the best path because I find it interesting and it will open up more opportunities for me in the future. However recently I've been discouraged because of all the math I'm going to have to get through.
I'd love to hear some insight about what would be the best way to get into the field. What school is best? What major? I'd preferably like to stay in California.
I just figured Computer Science would be the best path because I find it interesting and it will open up more opportunities for me in the future. However recently I've been discouraged because of all the math I'm going to have to get through.
I'd love to hear some insight about what would be the best way to get into the field. What school is best? What major? I'd preferably like to stay in California.
I think it depends on whether you want to be more of a "design-y" designer or a "UX-y" designer.
If you want to be a "design-y" web designer, I would say go for a degree in graphic design, take as many web development courses as you can get, learn a lot of stuff online, and start building sites in your spare time (after the first few, you can probably get paid for it).
If you want to be a "UX-y" web designer, I would say get a liberal arts degree (or even a CS degree if you're feeling bold), take as many CS and web development classes as you can get, learn a lot of stuff online, and team up with a programmer buddy to start building web applications in your spare time (after the first few, you can either get paid to make them or you can get people to pay you to use them).
If you want to be a "design-y" web designer, I would say go for a degree in graphic design, take as many web development courses as you can get, learn a lot of stuff online, and start building sites in your spare time (after the first few, you can probably get paid for it).
If you want to be a "UX-y" web designer, I would say get a liberal arts degree (or even a CS degree if you're feeling bold), take as many CS and web development classes as you can get, learn a lot of stuff online, and team up with a programmer buddy to start building web applications in your spare time (after the first few, you can either get paid to make them or you can get people to pay you to use them).
http://daap.uc.edu/academics/design/bs_graphic_communication...
http://www.design.cmu.edu/
Two very good programs. They aren't "web design" programs, but will be a more well-rounded design education.
Two very good programs. They aren't "web design" programs, but will be a more well-rounded design education.
Others have already conveyed much of what I wished to repeat. Just to add to that -
Don't get a degree in web design, this is a thing that evolves and you can learn on your own. If creating illustrations has been a pain for you, go for a degree that adds on the missing slices, like a course in fine arts.
Don't get a degree in web design, this is a thing that evolves and you can learn on your own. If creating illustrations has been a pain for you, go for a degree that adds on the missing slices, like a course in fine arts.
Life University + off course some dribbble, webcreme, smashingmagazine, etc... :D
I think the closest you're going to come to a web design degree is a graphic design degree. Some art institutes (KCAI is the only one I'm familiar with) offer a web design track for graphic design majors; I'd look at individual departments and find one that suits you.
That's for design, though. If you're interested in development, information technology degrees are going to be the most substantial, although you can learn most web development on your own (it took me about 6-8 months to become comfortable enough with html/css/javascript to do freelance work, although I am taking computer science courses).
In the end, most of what you need for web development you can find online.
That's for design, though. If you're interested in development, information technology degrees are going to be the most substantial, although you can learn most web development on your own (it took me about 6-8 months to become comfortable enough with html/css/javascript to do freelance work, although I am taking computer science courses).
In the end, most of what you need for web development you can find online.
Second of all, I'm graduating high school this year and I want to continue my love of web design and pursue a web design degree. I've looked around and haven't found many schools that have a good degree. Anyone out there with experience have any tips or advice? And what is a good average salary for a web designer?