25 Best Master’s in Web Design Online 2018

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In this article, we list the 25 best online master's in web design or closely related programs.

Web designers, software engineers, and developers work with computers in a wide range of settings. These highly specialized degrees lead to jobs in industries like advertising, education, public relations, publishing, technical services, and self-employment. To secure higher paying jobs in the web design field, a graduate degree is often required. Today, you don't have to give up your day job and valuable work experience to return to school and earn a master's degree. Online options are available.

Featured Programs

Ranking Web Design Online Master's Programs

We reviewed over 50 accredited colleges and universities listed by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) College Navigator that offered online master's in web design, web development, software engineering/development, or closely related programs with courses in computer-related design. Most of our selections offer rankings with major publications like U.S. News and World Report. We selected 25 programs and listed them in order of affordability based on the in-state graduate tuition rates published by NCES College Navigator.

Below are the resulting selections for our 25 best online master's in web design programs listed in order of affordability.

#25 – Boston University

Online Master's in Software Development

Boston, Massachusetts

Website

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $49,886

Boston University is a top-ranked and accredited institution that offers graduate studies in software engineering that may appeal to those interested in online master's in web design programs. This 32-credit program may be completed entirely online in just 16-24 months. Courses cover a wide range of computer and software design topics, including advanced Java programming, data structures and algorithms, information systems analysis and design, and software design and patterns. Admission to the program requires a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution. Boston University is ranked with all major publications like Forbes magazine, The Princeton Review, and U.S. News and World Report. In fact, U.S. News ranks the school as the 39th best national university. The online graduate computer programs are ranked #4 in the country.

#24 – Brandeis University

Online Master's in Software Engineering

Waltham, Massachusetts

Website

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $48,595

Interested in an online master's in web design? Brandeis University has a software engineering program that offers courses applicable to web design and software design and development. Courses are delivered online for busy and working students. Some of the classes required include object-oriented design with UML, release control and continuous integration and delivery, software development methodologies, software engineering studio, and software testing techniques. Admission to the program requires a bachelor's degree with experience in computer science, IT, or a related discipline. Brandeis is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as a top national university. Also, the school is recognized as being the 30th best value institution in the country.

#23 – University of Denver

Online Master's in Web Design and Development

Denver, Colorado

Website

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $45,591

University of Denver's online master's in web development and design is a 48-credit hour program that offers ten-week terms and can be completed quickly and without attending traditional on-campus classes. These online courses include advanced website design and management, enterprise architecture, ICT business foundations, ICT technical foundations, web enabled information systems, and website design and management. Classes are taught by the same university professors who instruct on campus. Admission to the program is competitive, but no GRE or GMAT scores are required. University of Denver is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the 86th best national university in the country. Also, the online graduate computer programs have received rankings and recognition from major publications like U.S. News and World Report.

#22 – Harvard University

Online Master's in Digital Media Design

Cambridge, Massachusetts

Website

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $44,384

One of the top-ranked web design online master's programs on our list is the digital media design degree from Harvard University. Admission to this top program requires one computational design course and two digital media design courses, as well as an undergraduate degree. While the program is considered online, an on-campus requirement must be met by taking one course or completing an intensive weekend at the Harvard campus. Online courses include dynamic web applications, fundamentals of website development, introduction to web programming using JavaScript, and software testing and test-driven development. Harvard is a top ranked national institution. In fact, U.S. News and World Report ranks the school #2 out of best national universities and #1 for best value schools.

#21 – Carnegie Mellon University

Online Master's in Information Technology – Software Engineering Management

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Website

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $42,597

One alternative to an online web design degree from one of the top institutions in the country, Carnegie Mellon University, is the online software engineering program. Carnegie Mellon offers an accelerated distance learning option for one of its most popular online computer-related programs. Admission requires an earned bachelor's degree from an accredited institution, three letters of recommendation, a current resume, and unofficial GRE scores. Classes are delivered online and include deciding what to design, managing software development, models of software systems, and software development studio. Carnegie Mellon is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the 24th best nationally ranked institution and 45th best value school.

#20 – University of Southern California

Online Master's in Computer Science

Los Angeles, California

Website

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $42,305

Offering a more broad foundation to computers than an online master's in web design, University of Southern California has an online master's in computer science that provides classes in software engineering, design, and information technology. All classes are delivered online and taught by the same USC professors who instruct on campus. Full- and part-time enrollment options are available. The full-time student earns a degree in 1 ½ to 2 years while the part-time student earns a degree in 2 ½ to 3 ½ years. Some of the classes offered include advanced operating systems, analysis of algorithms, computer vision, database systems and design, software architecture, and software design. USC is ranked by all major publications. In fact, U.S. News and World Report ranks the school as the 23rd best national university and 56th best value school. The online graduate computer programs are ranked #1 in the country.

#19 – Stevens Institute of Technology

Online Master's in Software Engineering

Hoboken, New Jersey

Website

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $34,514

Stevens Institute of Technology's software engineering degree is an alternative to an online master's in web development program. This degree can be completed through flexible learning options, either on campus or through highly interactive e-learning methods. Full time and part time enrollment options are also available. Coursework includes agile methods for software development, cost estimation and measurement, fundamentals of software engineering, and software architecture and component-based design. Stevens is ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report as the 71st best national university. Also, the online graduate computer programs are ranked #15 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.

#18 – Drexel University

Online Master's in Software Engineering – Computer Science

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Website

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $33,024

An alternative type of online web design degree is a master's in software engineering from Drexel University. This accredited online master's software engineering program is designed to offer students the education required to succeed in various computer and software design roles. Classes are delivered online and include dependable software systems, fundamentals of computer hardware, fundamentals of computer networks, requirements engineering and management, software design, and software project management. A computer science track is also available with four additional areas of focus. Drexel is ranked by major publications, including U.S. News and World Report as a top national university and best value school. Also, the online graduate computer programs are ranked #11 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.

#17 – Illinois Institute of Technology

Online Master's in Web Design and Application Development

Chicago, Illinois

Website

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $29,062

Illinois Institute of Technology offers a web design online master's program that emphasizes design and application development. Live and online classes make the program flexible and convenient for busy and working students. Popular courses include advanced software development, human and computer interaction, internet technologies and web design, open source programming, and research and usability testing. Admission to the program requires transcripts, test scores, and an earned bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university. Illinois Institute of Technology is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as a top national university and 36th best value school in the country.

#16 – Pennsylvania State University

Online Master's in Software Engineering

University Park, Pennsylvania

Website

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $20,216

One alternative to an online master's in web design is a master's in software engineering that offers classes in design and development like the one at Pennsylvania State University. This top-ranked program offers online courses that are taught by the same university professors who instruct on campus. These courses include database design concepts, enterprise integration, pattern-oriented design, requirements engineering, software systems architecture, software system design, and software testing. Admission to the program does not require official GRE scores, but students must have a letter of reference. Penn State is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the 50th best national university and 14th top public school in the country.

#15 – Southern New Hampshire University

Online Master's in Information Technology – Web Design

Manchester, New Hampshire

Website

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $18,810

Southern New Hampshire University's online master's in web design is an affordable degree that requires no GMAT or GRE for admission. Online classes are designed to offer flexibility for working students who cannot attend traditional on-campus classes. Courses are taught by university professors and include advanced information technology, information technology project and team management, interface design for websites, object-oriented application development, technical communication, and website construction. Southern New Hampshire is ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report as the 101st best regional university in the North and the #1 most innovative school in the country.

#14 – Mercer University

Online Master's in Software Engineering and Software Systems

Macon, Georgia

Website

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $15,857

For those interested in software design and development, an online web design degree may not be as valuable as an online master's in software engineering like the program offered by Mercer University. This online program helps prepare students with the skills and understanding needed to succeed in software development, design, and engineering roles. Courses can be taken online and are taught by the same experienced professors who instruct on campus. These courses include agile software development, object-oriented programming, and software development. Mercer is ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report as the 135th best national university and 24th best value school. Also, several of the school's graduate programs have earned top rankings.

#13 – Washington State University

Online Master's in Software Engineering

Pullman, Washington

Website

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $12,753

Washington State University offers an online master's in software engineering that may appeal to those interested in an online master's in web design. This program can be completed online with classes taught by the same professors who instruct on the Pullman campus. Full-time and part-time enrollment options are available, which adds to the flexibility of the program. Online courses include software design and architecture, software maintenance, software requirements, software quality, and software testing. A BS degree in computer science or a closely related major is required for acceptance into the program. WSU is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the 143rd best national university in the country.

#12 – University of Florida

Online Master's in Web Design

Gainesville, Florida

Website

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $12,737

University of Florida's online web design degree program is one of the most affordable on our list. The 37-credit hour master's can be completed entirely online by taking classes taught by university professors. Courses include advanced web topics, digital media layout and design, strategic communication – ethics and concepts, web design principles, and web interactivity and engagement. Admission to the program requires a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university and a GPA of 3.0 or better. GRE scores and three letters of recommendation are also required for admission. U.S. News and World Report ranks University of Florida as the 50th best national university and 14th top public school in the country.

#11 – Colorado Technical University

Online Master's in Computer Science – Software Engineering

Colorado Springs, Colorado

Website

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $12,439

While Colorado Technical University does not offer an online master's in web development, the school does have an online master's in computer science with a concentration in software engineering. This program offers many of the classes found in web design and development programs. Some of the online courses include computer systems architecture, design and analysis of algorithms, software design, software requirements engineering, and software systems engineering process. A total of 48 credits are required for degree completion. Colorado Tech is ranked and accredited. In fact, U.S. News and World Report ranks the school as one of the best regional universities in the West. Also, the online graduate computer programs are ranked #38 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.

#10 – Arizona State University

Online Master's in Software Engineering

Tempe, Arizona

Website

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $11,506

Arizona State University offers an online master's in software engineering that may appeal to individuals interested in online master's in web design programs. The program is offered through the well-known Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering and offers a total of ten classes that may be completed entirely online. These courses include information assurance and security, quality management, software engineering principles and concepts, and software verification and validation. Classes are taught by the same university professors who instruct on campus. In fact, the online program mirrors its on-campus counterpart. Admission to the program is competitive and requires official transcripts and a strong GPA of at least 3.00, but does not require GRE scores. ASU is ranked as a top national institution by U.S. News and World Report.

#9 – Regis University

Online Master's in Software Engineering

Denver, Colorado

Website

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $11,250

Software engineering and design programs often offer many of the courses found in web design online master's programs like the one at Regis University. This online software engineering program is ideal for working students interested in software and web development. Classes are delivered online and taught by the university's on-campus professors. Some of the courses offered include graphics programming, IT research methods, object-oriented software engineering, web framework, web mobile frameworks, web software development, and web visualization frameworks. U.S. News and World Report ranks Regis as the 23rd best regional university in the West in the most recent edition of Best Colleges. The online graduate computer programs have also earned recognition.

#8 – Kansas State University

Online Master's in Software Engineering

Manhattan, Kansas

Website

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $10,532

Kansas State University does not have an online master's in web development but does offer a closely related software engineering program. The online master's in software engineering is a 33-credit hour program that includes courses like computer graphics, data mining and information retrieval, distributed systems, real time systems, security systems, and web-based systems. Electives can be tailored toward web design and development or other areas of interest. Admission to the program requires an earned bachelor's degree in computer science or closely related major and an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or better. GRE scores are not required. Kansas State is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as a top national institution, and several online graduate programs, including computers, have earned recognition.

#7 – West Virginia University

Online Master's in Software Engineering

Morgantown, West Virginia

Website

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $9,000

Interested in an online web design degree? West Virginia University offers an online master's in software engineering with courses that may be tailored toward areas of specialization like web development, design, or other computer related disciplines. Admission to the program requires a bachelor's degree in computer science or closely related discipline, an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or better, and satisfactory scores on the quantitative component of the GRE. Courses are delivered entirely online and include object-oriented design, software analysis and design, software evolution, software project management, and strategies for managing software projects. West Virginia University is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as a top national university and best public school. Also, the online computer graduate programs are ranked #10 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.

#6 – University of Maryland University College

Online Master's in Information Technology – Software Engineering

Adelphi, Maryland

Website

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $8,514

One of the most affordable types of web design online master's programs on our list is the online master's in IT and software engineering at University of Maryland University College. This completely online graduate degree consists of 36 credits and coursework that includes computer system architecture and software design and development. Courses are taught by university professors and include advanced software design and implementation, computer systems architecture, modern software methodologies, software design and implementation, and usability engineering. University of Maryland is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as a top regional university in the North.

#5 – University of Houston

Online Master's in Software Engineering

Houston, Texas

Website

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $8,434

An accredited online master's in web design or software engineering can provide the computer science background necessary to secure jobs in a wide range of industries. University of Houston offers a master's in software engineering that can be completed in 15 to 24 months depending on the part-time or full-time schedule. Classes are delivered online and taught by the same professors who instruct on campus. These courses include gaming software development with service-oriented architecture, personal software process, risk management, software design patterns, and software project management. University of Houston is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as a top national university and public school.

#4 – California State University

Online Master's in Instructional Design and Technology

Fullerton, California

Website

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $7,826

California State University offers a type of online master's in web design that emphasizes instructional design and technology. This degree requires 30 credits of approved graduate courses that cover a wide range of design topics focusing on technology in education. Courses include foundations of instructional design and web authoring tools, research practices in instructional design and technology, and systems approaches to web and multimedia design and development. A practicum or final project is also required. California State is ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report as a top national institution. Also, several of the school's online graduate programs have received rankings.

#3 – Texas Tech University

Online Master's in Software Engineering

Lubbock, Texas

Website

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $7,525

Software engineering or web design online master's programs like the one offered by Texas Tech University can help prepare students for careers as software engineers and web designers. Texas Tech offers an online master's in software engineering degree that consists of 36 credit hours that can be completed entirely online. Admission can be competitive and requires a bachelor's in computer science or related discipline and adequate GRE test scores. Online courses include distributed systems, software modeling and architecture, software project management, and software verification and validation. Electives can be tailored to suit the student's career goals and personal interests. Texas Tech is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the 176th best national university and 93rd top public school. Also, the online graduate computer programs are ranked #6 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.

#2 – East Carolina University

Online Master's in Software Engineering

Greenville, North Carolina

Website

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $7,288

One alternative to an online master's in web development is the affordable online master's in software engineering from East Carolina University. This program is offered both on-campus and online with classes taught by the same professors. Three available concentrations provide an opportunity for students to tailor their degree toward career goals and interests. These concentrations include software design and development, software project management and quality assurance, and software testing. Admission to the program requires an earned bachelor's from an accredited college or university and satisfactory GRE or MAT scores, along with letters of recommendation. East Carolina is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as a top public school and best national university.

#1 – North Dakota State University

Online Master's in Software Engineering

Fargo, North Dakota

Website

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $6,532

North Dakota State University is our #1 pick for most affordable online master's in web design or related degree program. The school offers a master's in software engineering that may be completed online by taking flexible courses taught by university professors. Required courses and electives can be tailored toward personal interests and career goals like web development and design. These classes include software design, software planning and estimation, software requirements definition and analysis, and software testing and debugging. Admission to the program requires a bachelor's in computer science or related major and an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or better. North Dakota State is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the 188th best national university and 101st top public school in the country.

This concludes our list of the 25 best online master's in web design degree programs.