Complete WEBD-110 and WEBD-125
Explore Web Design & Development
Capitalize on the growing demand for web designers and developers with an integrated degree. Champlain's online associate degree in web design and development will familiarize you with both creative design and back-end programming, and help you hone your existing web skills or launch your career in this dynamic field.
Build Your Career Future
With an integrated approach, our online web design and development associate degree will help you build key technical skills (including knowledge of over 19 key applications, platforms, and programming languages, listed below) in addition to in-demand soft skills such as problem-solving and communication. You'll emerge prepared to build fully functional, well-designed websites that are effective, user-focused, secure, and achieve business goals. Plus, it's a solid stepping stone toward a full bachelor's degree in web design & development for those who are returning to school after time away, or embarking on their first degree.
Fast Start Formula Career Offerings
Increasing the career mobility of our students is at the center of everything we do. As an associate degree student, you get free access toFast Start Formula Career Bundle for getting noticed and getting hired, taught by Jen Morris, a leading executive career coach that partners with us to support our students in their job search journeys.
Take the next step
Academic Excellence and Recognition

Designated among the best schools with accelerated bachelor's degrees by Intelligent.com

Ranked among the Most Affordable Bachelor's in Web Development programs

Ranked among the Best Colleges For Value for Web Development Bachelor's Degrees

Consistently ranked among the Best Online Programs by US News & World Report
Move Your Web Design & Development Career Forward
Web development careers are expected to grow 13% between 2020 and 2030, much faster than the average for all occupations. The median annual salary for web developers is $77,200.*
The high demand for web design and development services across the business world means that job opportunities are available in virtually any industry, including computer systems design, creative services, finance and insurance, education, and nonprofits.
*Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), 2020; job titles: Payscale, 2020
Top Jobs: What You Can Do with an Associate Degree in Web Design and Development
- Front End Developer
- Graphic Designer
- Web Designer
- Web Developer
- UX Designer

Program Details
Learn more about Champlain's 100% online web design & development associate degree, designed for working professionals.
Champlain's online web design & development courses encompass the top skills needed by today's web professionals. Graduates of the program are required to complete the following courses.
Professional Courses (39 credits)
General Education Courses (21 credits)
- Written Communication
- Oral Communication
- Inquiry & Analysis
- Quantitative Literacy
- Scientific Literacy: Natural Sciences
- Social Sciences or Arts & Humanities
Professional Courses:
Today's high-quality digital images are as much art as they are science. In this course, students learn to use Adobe Photoshop to prepare and create images for web use. Hands-on activities develop familiarity with tools like eyedropper and quick mask, but also challenge students to create vector shapes and incorporate typography into the design of an ebook cover. Students also must create an email campaign and redesign a web site to specifications.
Websites must balance technology with aesthetics. In this course, students study web design patterns and personas, and then create a wireframe storyboard with at least four panels designed for a standard desktop view. Students use Mockups 3.
Prerequisites
Great websites are created with specific audiences in mind and are the culmination of a process that includes creating messaging and developing a strategy that maps out the best content and functionality to reach the audience and influence its behavior. In this course, students begin with a SWOT analysis and development of a mission statement, and then create a sitemap and content, before publishing a website and blog.
Prerequisites
ENGL-112
From day one, students in this course are problem solving, first in terms of algorithmic design and then as early as week two via programming in the latest version of Python, using PyCharm. Students begin by writing a program to have a conversation, having strings and numbers as input, and advance, by week seven, to building a working password saver program, capable of looking up, adding (and encrypting), and storing passwords.
From storyboard to form creation, students walk through the steps to create a basic four to five-page website to specification in this course that introduces HTML5 and CSS. Hands-on assignments reinforce skills development and best practices in design: navigation, column layout, image editing and usage, fonts and tables.
Learn the basics and more in this course on Relational Database Management Systems (RDBMS) and SQL (Structured Query Language). Students propose a final project in the first module and then work, week-by-week, to design, create, and populate the database. Then, students learn to create queries and stored procedures.
Prerequisites
CMIT-135
Students who want to build database-driven or interactive web sites benefit from this course which covers PHP and MySQL along with how to build sites that incorporate authentication and security. Each week hands-on assignments are used to reinforce concepts. Students advance from an introduction to PHP and basic syntax, to handling user input and manipulating arrays in web forms to queries.
Prerequisites
WEBD-125, CMIT-200
Hands-on learning begins in week one when students must create a Pen in CodePen before they can submit a short program written in Javascript and continues through the final project in which students produce a web application that contains specific elements. Functions, objects, and events, but also DOM (Document Object Model), AJAX (Asynchronous Javascript and XML), and JSON (Javascript Object Notation), are presented in this course.
Prerequisites
WEBD-225, CMIT-135
Complex web page designs fully utilized all the functionality provided by the browser. In this course, students complete a variety of hands-on assignments as part of a redesign of an existing site. One week they recreate a page using appropriate HTML5 tags, while in another they implement drag and drop functionality that must work when the site is displayed in the Chrome browser. Later in the course, students animate transitions and build a basic responsive version of the site.
Prerequisites
WEBD-125
This course provides students with an understanding of the many different devices and technologies, from historical to emerging, that are required to design and build networks. In a broad survey of concepts and terminology, students will learn about topology, communications, protocols, and security, and to diagram basic networks to specification.
This course, through guided research and hands-on learning experiences, provides students with an understanding of operating systems, including their core fundamental principles and how they work. Students are introduced to the three most popular operating systems for personal computers (Windows, OSX and Linux), and mobile operating systems, and learn about standard functions such as memory, process/thread, input/output, storage and device management.
This course examines web servers from the page "in" rather than website design, which is from the page "out". Students learn the differences between TCP and UDP, gain an understanding of XML, and build a use case for a course enrollment system. Hands-on labs allow students to use ping and traceroute, and create XAMPP alias directories.
Prerequisites
CMIT-130, CMIT-140
Choose One
Project Management is the formal application of knowledge, skills, tools, and techniques to project-based activities to meet organizational requirements. Project management is accomplished through the use of processes such as Initiating, Planning, Executing, Monitoring and Controlling, and Closing. Project managers can divide projects into these phases to provide better management control with appropriate links to the ongoing operations of the organization. Collectively, these phases, known as the project life cycle, form the foundation for the practice of project management and are guided by the Body of Knowledge from the Project Management Institute (PMI).
Project schedules allow managers, team members, and stakeholders to track progress, set and manage expectations, communicate, control costs, and collaborate. Tasks and deliverables can be monitored and controlled to ensure timely delivery-and if any delays do occur, project managers can easily gauge their impact and make the necessary adjustments. Central to the schedule is a detailed understanding of the project budget, and working to control costs and manage stakeholder expectations.
Prerequisites
Take MGMT-260
Written Communication
Complete these two courses, unless a specific course is required by your program:
This course introduces students to the foundational concepts needed to communicate effectively in writing for academic study and professional development. Students will be introduced to rhetorical modes and their role in the development of written communication. Students will also learn how to use the four stages of the writing process--prewriting, drafting, revising, and editing--to create written communication that meets its intended purpose for its intended audience.
This course builds on students' proficiency in the writing process and rhetorical modes to introduce the use of sources in written communication. Students will practice information literacy as they learn to determine information needs from sources, identify types of information resources, develop effective search strategies, and incorporate sources in written communication, legally and ethically. A minimum grade of C is required for this course to meet a general education requirement.
Prerequisites
Complete ENGL-100 with a minimum grade of C or better
Oral Communication
Complete this course, unless a specific course is required by your program:
This course draws on fundamental concepts of contemporary communication research to help students identify and develop strategies to become effective and versatile communicators across media and settings. Students will examine and respond to a range of interpersonal situations through the critical evaluation of the three essential components of all communication: its purpose, audience, and context. Students will leave the course with the ability to reflect on and adapt their strategies to successfully and consistently communicate for a range of purposes across diverse settings.
Inquiry & Analysis
Complete this course, unless a specific course is required by your program:
Students will learn and apply critical inquiry skills to analyze persuasive communication created by others and to develop persuasive communication/arguments of their own to solve problems in professional, civic, social, and personal contexts. Specifically, students will learn to recognize fallacies in logic; apply inductive and deductive reasoning strategies to the interpretation and development of persuasive communication; evaluate the validity of sources; and develop logically sound persuasive communication. Students will explore the roles of self-awareness, empathy, and ethics in the context of critical inquiry and the development of arguments.
Prerequisites
Complete ENGL-110.
Quantitative Literacy
Choose any one of the following, unless a specific course is required by your program:
Mathematical reasoning, when applied to everyday and professional lives, has two dimensions: logic for deterministic situations and probabilities for non-deterministic situations. This course aims to help students develop these mathematical reasoning skills.
Accurate and appropriate visual data representation is increasingly critical in today's work environments. Students will develop skills in data organization, manipulation and interpretation in a way that supports data-driven decision-making and effective communication of numerical data
Scientific Literacy: Natural Sciences
Complete any one of the following, unless a specific course is required by your program:
Introduces students to the biochemistry and physiology of nutrition and exercise. Emphasis will be placed on human body systems such as musculoskeletal, digestive, respiratory and circulatory, and their relationship to nutrition and fitness. Students will also study the biochemistry of energy conversion as it relates to exercise physiology. Laboratory sessions are designed to reinforce, by a hands-on approach, the principles discussed in lecture. Course includes two laboratory hours per week.
Students learn the biology, genetics, chemistry, and physics involved in the forensic investigation of crimes. A wide range of topics are studied including DNA, entomology, fingerprinting, trace evidence, serology (blood, saliva, and semen), blood spatter, and chemical analysis of drugs, alcohol, and other compounds. Students apply their new knowledge of forensic science through the use of case studies and laboratories. This course includes two laboratory hours per week.
Prerequisites
If you have taken FOR-110 you may not take this lab science course.
Students will develop the ability to apply scientific methods to understand the natural world, to identify scientific aspects of daily life, and to evaluate the quality of scientific information based on its source and the methods used for its generation.
Social Sciences or Arts & Humanities
Complete any one of the following courses, unless a specific course is required by your program:
With pressure and release, a window opens and closes, recording light on a sensor. The simple action captures the instinct, judgement, and skill of the person behind the lens. This class will begin a study of the art and craft of photography. Students will develop their vision and their understanding of how to achieve it. Solid skills will be learned and many doors will be opened.
A survey of the continuing change experienced in art since the 15th century. Students will examine how an image is achieved as well as the significance of the subject represented. Individual inquiry concerning the nature of art is encouraged.
Students learn to appreciate films through the critical analysis of various elements of mise-en-scene, cinematography, editing and sound. The course introduces the conventions of classical Hollywood cinema, considers the work of one major director (auteur), and surveys selected international and independent films. Students view and discuss films each week.
Students in the course will explore the cultural history of the music genre broadly referred to as rock. Students will explore the social, economic and political contexts that are influenced by and that influenced each style in the United States. By listening, watching, reflecting upon, discussing and writing, students will explore how music takes on meaning, personally, and culturally. Topics and themes include the relationships between and among gospel, country, funk, folk, disco, rap and hip hop; the role of business and technology in those relationships, and political or transgressive elements of rock music.
Students will apply communication theory and research to address the particular challenges to communicating effectively in organizations. Students will learn how to identify organizational communication problems, analyze those problems, and generate effective solutions. Students will examine the relationship between organizational structure and specific communicative practices, and how communication practices by organizational members establish, maintain, or change organizational culture. They will also learn how to anticipate communication deficiencies in organizations, and use communication as a means to facilitate organizational development and innovation.
Prerequisites
Complete COMM-130 or COM-100.
Provides a comprehensive analysis of the fundamentals of substantive criminal law. Students will learn the essential elements of crimes and the rationale underlying criminal law. The nature of jurisdiction, the criminal act, the criminal state of mind and matters affecting responsibility for criminal conduct are included.
This course focuses on the rules and procedures governing how the American criminal justice system must process individuals suspected, accused, and convicted of law violations.
This course provides students with a broad overview of the history, theory, and fundamentals of criminal investigation. Students are introduced to the basic responsibilities of investigators and protocols for report writing, evidence collection, and preparation of cases for trial. They also learn specific investigative techniques for different types of crimes, such as crimes involving violence and property, terrorism, and hate crimes, and, where appropriate, compare investigative protocols from other legal cultures.
Prerequisites
Take CRIM-120, CRIM-121.
Principles of Economics introduces the fundamental concepts of economics - the study of how people manage resources, and how they react to scarcity. This course focuses on both microeconomics (the behavior of consumers and companies) and macroeconomics (large-scale economic factors such as employment and interest rates), so that you'll gain a broad understanding of how a modern market economy functions, how decisions in business settings are informed by economics, and how economics applies to your everyday life.
Students will study important themes in the social history of the United States since the Civil War. This course allows students to expand their critical thinking skills through an examination of primary and secondary sources. Themes might include: the evolving status of women; the immigrant experience; the concept of the American dream; the paradox of freedom vs. slavery; the minority experience; the tensions between social classes. Students will be evaluated primarily on writing assignments.
Students will learn how to create conditions for successful conflict engagement, a necessary skill for any professional. The course focuses on the foundational capacities to remain calm and connected with oneself and others. In this state students can access helpful ideas and responses and be their best selves regardless of environment. Improving facility for conflict creates stronger relationships and reduces fear. By the end of the course, students will understand that disagreement and difference can become a source of personal and interpersonal growth.
Students will become familiar with arguments originating from the following schools of ethics: virtue ethics, deontology, and utilitarianism. Students will apply these ethical schools of thought to formulate arguments, practice deliberation and assess the implications of their decisions for various stakeholders in a professional context.
Prerequisites
Must have 75 completed credits or permission of Program Director.
A survey of the science of psychology, including an overview of human behavior in various areas such as physiopsychology, development, learning social psychology, personality and abnormal behavior.
A study of human groups, culture, the self, and human interaction. The course focuses on contemporary American society and the influence of culture on our actions and beliefs, with the goal of fostering critical thinking about our social environment.
This course explores the complex and evolving relationship between human beings and technology. Through a multi-disciplinary approach that draws on fields such as sociology, psychology, philosophy, and history, students will examine the ways in which technology has shaped human culture, identity, and values, as well as how humans have influenced and continue to influence the development, adoption and use of technology.
Graduates of the web design & development associate online program will demonstrate the following industry-specific skills, knowledge, and competencies:
- Employ fundamental computer theory to basic programming techniques.
- Use fundamental skills to maintain web server services required to host a website.
- Select and apply markup languages for processing, identification, and presentation of information on web pages.
- Use scripting languages and web services to transfer data and add interactive components to web pages.
- Create and manipulate web media objects using editing software.
- Incorporate aesthetics and formal concepts of layout and organization to design websites that effectively communicate using visual elements.
- AJAX (Asynchronous Javascript and XML)
- CodePen
- CSS
- DOM (Document Object Model)
- HTML5
- Javascript
- JSON (Javascript Object Notation)
- MySQL
- Photoshop
- PHP
- PyCharm
- Python
- Relational Database Management Systems (RDBMS)
- SQL (Structured Query Language)
- TCP
- UDP
- VMware
- XAMPP
- XML
Champlain College Online's web design and development faculty, led by Cybersecurity Program Chair Kathleen Hyde, MCIS, MBA, are expert practitioners in the field. Their industry expertise ensures that our web development curriculum is aligned with the needs of employers, and reflects the skills today’s web design and development professionals need for success. Classes led by our seasoned experts will give you real-world insight into the field, and create a rich community of career-focused learning.
Alumni of the Champlain College Online associate in web design and development program work in corporations, small businesses, government organizations, and nonprofits nationwide, including:
- AT&T
- Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center
- Department of Defense
- National Life Group
- Toyota
- Verizon
- VSAC
- Winston Benefits
Titles our alumni hold include:
- Business Intelligence Analyst
- Business Owner
- Configuration Analyst
- Graphic Designer
- Internet Sales
- Technician
Many students come to us seeking ways to get noticed at their current employers or to get hired in a new field. Given that, we are hyper focused on increasing the career mobility of our students and that's why we developed the Fast Start Formula Career Bundle, a suite of career offerings designed to help our students get noticed, get hired and land jobs they'll love.
Valued at over $1,000, the career bundle is offered to Champlain College Online students and includes:
- Fast Start Formula Course: The Fast Start Formula Course for getting noticed and getting hired is taught by Jen Morris, an executive career coach that we've developed a partnership with to support our students in their job search journeys. This course is online, self-paced and full of tips and tricks to land a job you'll love.
- Live Webinars: Log-on to ask your specific job search questions, get live “hot seat” coaching and gain valuable insights from leading career coach, Jen Morris.
- Landing A Job You'll Love Ebook: Download this ebook full of tips and tricks for standing out from the competition. From how to optimize your LinkedIn profile, to insider information on how recruiters work and bypassing the automated application websites, you’ll be sure to learn how to rise to the top.
Upon enrollment in a degree or certificate, your access to the Fast Start Formula Career Bundle will made available to you.
Tuition & Costs
Online Undergraduate Tuition Fall '23 - Summer '24
*Based on a 3-credit course; cost will vary if course is a different number of credits
Affordability
Cost shouldn't be a barrier to going back to school. We provide a number of options to make your online education affordable.
Meet the Program Director

Kathleen Hyde
MCIS MBA- Computer Forensics & Digital Investigations (B.S., Certificate)
- Computer Information Systems (B.S.)
- Information Security (M.S., Certificate)
- Management Information Systems (B.S.)
- Web Design & Development (A.S., B.S., Certificates)
About
Kathleen Hyde, MCIS, MBA, is the Chair of Cybersecurity Programs for Champlain College Online. She is responsible for the online cybersecurity and computer forensics and digital investigations undergraduate programs, as well as the M.S. in digital forensic science program.
As program director, Ms. Hyde maintains the cybersecurity and digital forensic programs' competitive and relevant edge, promotes the growth of the nation's cybersecurity workforce, and shares her passion for lifelong learning by teaching several online classes.
For more than 20 years, Ms. Hyde has provided consulting services in cybersecurity, data recovery, business continuity, and digital forensics to government, retail, finance, professional, and residential customers. She has also served as an instructor for Champlain's cybersecurity program and a subject-matter expert for course development for the past three years. Her areas of expertise and interest include insider threat detection, emerging threats and defenses, digital privacy and surveillance, and cybersecurity for educators.
Ms. Hyde holds both an MBA and an M.S. in Computer Information Studies from the University of Phoenix.
Why Champlain

Online Experience
"Studying at Champlain Online was a long-sought opportunity for me to get a formal and complete education in IT. I appreciated the school's virtual environment, and the small class sizes allowed better and easier interaction with the professors."
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