Web Design Programs in Lakewood, Colorado
Getting a Web Design Bachelor’s Degree in Lakewood, Colorado
Pursuing a Web Design Bachelor’s Degree in Lakewood, Colorado opens the door to a dynamic career blending artistic expression with technical skill. A Web Design Bachelor’s Degree prepares students with a curriculum that covers digital design principles, coding frameworks, UX/UI design, and more. Various educational paths are available, ranging from Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) and Bachelor of Arts (BA) programs to Bachelor of Science (BS) degrees that integrate computer science fundamentals.
For prospective students, it is important to understand that a high-quality Web Design curriculum will emphasize proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, modern web development frameworks, and real-world internship or client-based projects. The program design may differ from one institution to another, so comparing the details of each course and admission requirement is essential.
About Lakewood, Colorado
Lakewood is a suburban city located within Jefferson County and is part of the Denver Metro Area. Known for its diverse neighborhoods and close proximity to major urban centers, Lakewood provides convenient access to both artistic communities and large employers. For more information about the city and its services, visit the official City of Lakewood website.
Web Design Bachelor’s Degree Programs in Lakewood, Colorado
While Lakewood itself may not host a large number of dedicated Web Design Bachelor’s Degree programs, several distinguished institutions in the surrounding area offer excellent options. Below is a list of three top programs available to Lakewood residents:
Rocky Mountain College of Art + Design (RMCAD)
- Degree Offered: Online BFA in Graphic Design
- Program Highlights: This program focuses on visual composition, branding, and UX/UI design with real-world client projects. It also includes rigorous portfolio reviews for scholarship eligibility.
- Address: 3001 Wazee St, Denver, CO 80204 (LoDo neighborhood) – approximately 8 miles from Lakewood
- Website: https://www.rmcad.edu
The Art Institute of Colorado
- Degree Offered: BA in Graphic & Web Design
- Program Highlights: The curriculum combines solid graphic design theory with hands-on web development, and it features internship opportunities designed to build professional experience. The program requires a competency exam in Macintosh operations.
- Address: Located in Denver’s Capitol Hill area – approximately 10 miles from Lakewood
- Website: https://www.artinstitutes.edu/
Western Colorado University
- Degree Offered: BS in Web Design & Development – Computer Science
- Program Highlights: This degree integrates coding skills (including Python) with web development frameworks and design principles to create data-driven design solutions.
- Address: 200 University Ave, Gunnison, CO 81230 – approximately 230 miles from Lakewood
- Website: https://www.western.edu
Web Design Employment Opportunities in Lakewood, Colorado
Lakewood residents interested in a career in web design can find a range of opportunities with both local and nearby employers. Major tech companies, design agencies, and digital innovators in the greater Denver Metro Area continually seek talented web designers. Consider these notable employers:
Lockheed Martin
- Overview: A global leader in aerospace, defense, and technology innovation, Lockheed Martin hires web designers to help enhance digital interfaces and communications.
- Address: 1000 Lockheed Way, Littleton, CO 80125 (Littleton – approximately 5 miles from Lakewood)
- Website: https://www.lockheedmartin.com
Arrow Electronics
- Overview: A major global provider of products, services, and solutions to industrial and commercial users of electronic components and enterprise computing solutions, Arrow Electronics offers opportunities for web designers in digital marketing and online tool development.
- Address: 1 Arrow Drive, Centennial, CO 80155 (Centennial – approximately 10 miles from Lakewood)
- Website: https://www.arrow.com
Digital Renaissance
- Overview: A local digital agency specializing in modern web development and digital branding, Digital Renaissance caters to a diverse range of clients and creative projects.
- Address: 2509 W 6th Ave, Lakewood, CO 80215 (Rosemere neighborhood in Lakewood)
- Website: https://digitalrenaissance.uvic.ca/
Additionally, prospective web designers can explore broader employment data and job prospects by visiting the Bureau of Labor Statistics job outlook page for Web Developers and Digital Designers.
Prerequisites for Web Design Bachelor’s Degree Programs
Most Web Design Bachelor’s Degree programs require applicants to possess a high school diploma or GED. Additionally, students are often asked to submit a portfolio of creative work, especially for BFA programs. Prerequisite courses in design software and introductory web development may also be necessary. Specific program requirements include:
- General Requirements: High school diploma/GED, basic coursework in design and technology.
- Program-Specific Criteria:
- Portfolio submissions (for BFA programs such as those at RMCAD).
- Competency exams (for programs like The Art Institute of Colorado, which requires a Macintosh operations exam).
Web Design Industry Certifications
To enhance their credentials, web design students and graduates are encouraged to pursue industry-recognized certifications. Notable certifications include:
- Adobe Certified Expert (ACE): Validates proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite applications.
- Google UX Design Certification: Demonstrates expertise in user experience design methodologies.
These certifications can be an asset when applying for positions or advancing within the industry.
Web Design Bachelor’s Degree Requirements and Resources for Lakewood, Jefferson County, Colorado
State-specific educational policies are overseen by the Colorado Department of Higher Education (CDHE), which monitors program approvals and accreditation. Prospective students should consult CDHE for the latest guidelines and regulations:
- Colorado Department of Higher Education (CDHE):
- Website: https://cdhe.colorado.gov/
- Contact: (303) 866-2723
Available degree options in Colorado include:
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Graphic Design offered at RMCAD, which emphasizes visual composition and practical design projects.
- Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Graphic & Web Design provided by The Art Institute of Colorado, known for integrating graphic design theory and web development with internship experiences.
- Bachelor of Science (BS) in Web Design & Development – Computer Science at Western Colorado University, which uniquely combines coding (Python) and design courses.
The curriculum in these programs commonly requires mastery of Adobe Creative Suite, expertise in web development frameworks, and specialization in areas like front-end development, digital illustration, and motion design. Accreditation by bodies such as the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD) and regional accrediting agencies ensures quality and credit transferability.
Professional organizations, such as the American Institute of Graphic Design (AIGA), offer additional support, networking opportunities, and professional development resources for web design professionals.
Get Started Today
Prospective students interested in a dynamic and hands-on career in web design are encouraged to take the next step. With a variety of reputable programs and a robust curriculum that covers everything from technical development to design theory, pursuing a Web Design Bachelor’s Degree in the Lakewood area is a strategic move for creative professionals. Contact your preferred school today through the forms on their official websites and begin your journey toward a rewarding career in web design.