Web Design Programs in Portland, Oregon

Getting a Web Design Bachelor’s Degree in Portland, Oregon

Pursuing a Web Design Bachelor’s Degree in Portland, Oregon, offers creative and technical students diverse pathways into fields such as web development, UX/UI design, and digital media. A Web Design Bachelor’s Degree may be earned through several education tracks, including traditional computer science degrees with a specialization in web design, dedicated design and innovation management programs, and digital arts concentrations. With a curriculum that covers coding, visual design, human-centered design, and digital marketing, graduates are well-prepared for a competitive industry.

About Portland, Oregon

Portland, Oregon, is renowned for its rich cultural history and artistic community. The city’s official website, PortlandOregon.gov, provides extensive resources for residents and visitors. Portland is characterized by well-known neighborhoods such as the Pearl District, Alberta Arts District, and downtown, as well as local landmarks including the Portland Art Museum and Powell’s City of Books. The city’s creative energy makes it an inspiring location for pursuing advanced studies in Web Design.

Web Design Bachelor’s Degree Programs in Portland, Oregon

While Portland hosts a primary institution offering Web Design-focused courses, prospective students can also explore nearby programs to find the best fit.

  1. Portland State University

    • Address: 1825 SW Broadway, Portland, OR 97201 (Downtown)
    • Program Details: The university offers a B.S. in Computer Science that includes web design electives. The curriculum emphasizes web programming, data structures, and UX/UI design.
    • Website: Portland State University – Computer Science

  2. University of Oregon

    • Address: 1585 E 13th Ave, Eugene, OR 97403 (Eugene)
    • Distance: Approximately 110 miles from Portland.
    • Program Details: The B.A. in Digital Arts at the University of Oregon focuses on visual design and interactive media, preparing students for careers in digital and web design.
    • Website: University of Oregon

  3. Oregon State University

    • Address: 103 SW 15th Ave, Corvallis, OR 97331 (Corvallis)
    • Distance: Roughly 85 miles from Portland.
    • Program Details: Offering degrees such as the B.S. in Design and Innovation Management and a B.S. in Computer Science with a web development track, Oregon State provides a curriculum that includes human-centered design, digital marketing, and prototyping.
    • Website: Oregon State University – Design and Innovation Management

Web Design Employment Opportunities in Portland, Oregon

Portland’s dynamic tech and creative sectors offer ample employment opportunities for web designers. Major companies and agencies in and around Portland actively seek professionals with skills in web design and development.

  • Wieden+Kennedy

    • Address: 1539 NW Flanders St, Portland, OR 97209 (Pearl District)
    • Overview: As a renowned independent advertising agency, Wieden+Kennedy is known for its creative campaigns and design excellence.
    • Website: Wieden+Kennedy

  • Nike, Inc.

    • Address: One Bowerman Drive, Beaverton, OR 97005 (Near Portland)
    • Overview: Nike employs web designers to support its robust digital presence and innovative marketing strategies.
    • Website: Nike Careers

  • Intel Corporation

    • Address: 2200 NW Moore Park Dr, Hillsboro, OR 97124 (Approximately 20 miles from Portland)
    • Overview: Intel’s technology teams include web designers who focus on digital user interfaces and experience across its product lines.
    • Website: Intel Careers

For detailed career statistics and job outlook information for Web Developers and Digital Designers, visit the BLS Job Outlook Page.

Prerequisites for Web Design Bachelor’s Degree Programs

Applicants to Web Design Bachelor’s Degree programs are typically expected to have:

  • A high school diploma or GED with solid academic performance.
  • A competitive GPA, with some programs such as Oregon State University recommending a GPA between 3.2 and 3.5.
  • Submission of a portfolio that demonstrates artistic, design, and technical skills.
  • Standardized test scores (SAT/ACT), although some institutions like Portland State University and Oregon State University have adopted optional policies for 2024.
  • Foundational coursework in subjects such as mathematics, sciences, and art/design.

Web Design Industry Certifications

In addition to a bachelor’s degree, pursuing industry certifications can enhance a graduate’s credentials. Recognized certifications include:

  • Adobe Certified Expert (ACE) in Web Development – Validates advanced skills in Adobe software and web design practices.
  • Google UX Design Certificate – Demonstrates proficiency in user experience design principles and practical applications.

These certifications, among others, can significantly bolster a professional profile when competing for positions in web design and digital media.

Regulatory Bodies and Resources for Portland, Oregon

Prospective students and professionals can rely on various educational oversight agencies and resources to guide their academic pursuits:

  • Portland Public Schools (PPS)

    • Purpose: Oversees K-12 education (no direct role in higher education web design programs).
    • Website: PPS
    • Contact: (503) 916-2000

  • Multnomah County Education Service District (MCESD)

    • Purpose: Supports K-12 and special education programs; not directly involved in higher education web design initiatives.
    • Website: MCESD
    • Contact: (503) 257-1500

  • Oregon Higher Education Coordinating Commission (HECC)

    • Purpose: Regulates and funds Oregon’s public universities and community colleges.
    • Website: HECC
    • Contact: (503) 378-5690

  • U.S. Department of Education

    • Purpose: Oversees national education policies and funding.
    • Website: Department of Education
    • Relevant Resources: College Scorecard for program quality comparisons

State-Specific Degree Information

Portland area institutions and their nearby counterparts offer specialized degree options:

  • Oregon State University

    • Degrees Available: B.S. in Design and Innovation Management and B.S. in Computer Science with web development tracks.
    • Curriculum Focus: Human-centered design, digital marketing, prototyping, and courses covering JavaScript, HTML/CSS frameworks, and Adobe Creative Suite.
    • Accreditation: Accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU); the College of Business is AACSB-accredited.

  • Portland State University

    • Degrees Available: B.S. in Computer Science featuring web design electives.
    • Curriculum Focus: Web programming, data structures, and UX/UI design courses provide students with solid technical foundations.

  • University of Oregon

    • Degrees Available: B.A. in Digital Arts, emphasizing visual design and interactive media.
    • Curriculum Focus: Students explore comprehensive coursework in visual storytelling and digital content creation, preparing them for various web design roles.

Professional Organizations

Engaging with professional organizations enriches both academic and career development. An excellent resource for networking and professional growth is the American Institute of Graphic Design (AIGA), which supports design education and industry best practices.

Get Started Today

Pursuing a Web Design Bachelor’s Degree is a strategic investment in a future defined by innovation and creativity. With diverse program options, robust curricula, and promising career opportunities, the journey to becoming a skilled web design professional begins in Portland and its surrounding areas. Prospective students are encouraged to explore these programs thoroughly and contact the schools through their online forms to discuss admission, curriculum, and career prospects.