Web Design Programs in Newport News, Virginia
Getting a Web Design Bachelor’s Degree in Newport News, Virginia
A Web Design Bachelor’s Degree equips students with the skills needed to create user-friendly and aesthetically appealing websites. This guide outlines various educational paths available locally, including specialized programs blending art and technology. Prospective students will learn about degree options, curriculum focus areas such as UX/UI, front-end development, and visual design, along with available learning formats including on-campus, online, and hybrid models.
About Newport News
Newport News, Virginia, is a historic port city known for its rich cultural heritage and thriving maritime economy. Home to numerous museums, parks, and neighborhoods such as Hilton Village and the City Center area, Newport News offers a stimulating environment for creative professionals. For more detailed information about the city, visit the official website: City of Newport News.
Web Design Bachelor’s Degree Programs in Newport News, Virginia
Local institutions offer diverse Web Design programs that integrate art and technological expertise. Below is a list of three schools servicing Newport News, including institutions in the immediate area and a nearby program:
ECPI University (Newport News)
- Program: Bachelor of Science in Web Design & Development
- Focus: UX/UI design, front-end development, and visual design
- Format: Campus, online, or hybrid options
- Admission Requirements: Application fee of $50, high school diploma or GED; no SAT/ACT scores required
- Curriculum Highlights: Core courses in HTML/CSS, JavaScript, Responsive Web Design, and User Experience (UX) Design; includes a capstone project and portfolio development
- Accreditation: Accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
- Address & Neighborhood: (For detailed address information, please refer to the official website) – located in the Hilton Village area
- Website: ECPI University Web Design & Development
Christopher Newport University (Newport News)
- Program: Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Studio Art with a Concentration in Graphic Design
- Focus: A combination of traditional art foundations with digital design skills
- Admission Requirements: Minimum GPA of 3.0; SAT/ACT scores required (middle 50% ranges: 1080–1250 SAT; 21–27 ACT)
- Curriculum Highlights: Courses include Graphic Design Principles, Digital Imaging, and Web Design; provides internship opportunities with local design firms
- Accreditation: Accredited by SACSCOC
- Address & Neighborhood: 5807 University Drive, Newport News, VA; situated within the main campus in an academic-centered neighborhood
- Website: Christopher Newport University
Old Dominion University (Norfolk, VA – approximately 20 miles from Newport News)
- Program: While primarily known for a range of technology and design programs, ODU offers courses that complement web design studies, including interactive media and digital design formats
- Admission Requirements: Refer to individual program pages for specific details
- Curriculum Highlights: Programs designed to foster digital innovation and interactive media skills
- Address & Neighborhood: 5115 Hampton Blvd, Norfolk, VA; located near the Larchmont neighborhood
- Website: Old Dominion University
Web Design Employment Opportunities in Newport News
Newport News is home to several organizations that seek skilled web designers for digitally driven roles. These companies provide career opportunities in various sectors such as defense, healthcare, and public services:
Huntington Ingalls Industries
A leading shipbuilding and defense technology company headquartered in Newport News. They offer career opportunities in digital design and web development, contributing to their corporate communication and IT departments.- Neighborhood: Located in the City Center area
- Website (Careers): Huntington Ingalls Industries Careers
Virginia Peninsula Health System
A prominent healthcare organization offering services across the region and employing digital design professionals for marketing and online engagement.- Neighborhood: Centrally located in Newport News
- Website: Virginia Peninsula Health System
Newport News Public Schools
Beyond managing K-12 education, this organization often requires web design expertise for their digital initiatives, including website management and online communication strategies.- Neighborhood: Based in central Newport News
- Website: Newport News City Public Schools
For further insights into job prospects in this field, visit the Bureau of Labor Statistics job outlook page for Web Developers and Digital Designers.
Prerequisites for Web Design Bachelor’s Degree Programs
Typically, applicants to Web Design Bachelor’s Degree programs need to meet several academic and application requirements:
- Educational Background: A high school diploma or GED is essential.
- Academic Standards: Some programs, like the one at Christopher Newport University, require a minimum GPA of 3.0.
- Standardized Testing: While ECPI University does not require SAT/ACT scores, others may mandate them.
- Portfolio Submissions: Demonstrations of creative work through portfolio submissions are common, especially in art-centered programs.
Web Design Industry Certifications
Enhancing one’s credentials with industry certifications is highly recommended. Relevant certifications include:
- Adobe Certified Expert (ACE): Validates proficiency in Adobe design software.
- Google Mobile Web Specialist: Demonstrates expertise in mobile web development.
- Certified Web Developer: Offered by various recognized institutions, these certifications further attest to technical competence.
Get Started Today
Embarking on a Web Design Bachelor’s Degree journey opens up diverse opportunities in the creative and technology sectors. Prospective students are encouraged to explore the various programs, assess the curriculum details and admission requirements, and reach out to schools through the available contact forms on their websites. Taking the next step now can lead to a rewarding career in web design.
Educational Regulatory Bodies and Resources
For those seeking additional guidance or needing to verify program standards, the following regulatory bodies and resources are available:
Official City Educational Regulatory Bodies
- Agency: Newport News City Public Schools
- Purpose: Oversees K-12 and adult education programs
- Website: Newport News City Public Schools
- Contact: 757-591-4500
Official County Educational Regulatory Bodies
- Agency: Newport News City Public Schools (serving both city and county-level education)
- Website: Newport News City Public Schools
- Contact: 757-591-4500
Official State Educational Regulatory Bodies
- Agency: Virginia Department of Education
- Purpose: Oversees state-wide education standards and higher education
- Website: Virginia Department of Education
- Contact: 804-225-2025
Federal Education Oversight Agencies
- Agency: U.S. Department of Education
- Purpose: Governs federal education policies and funding
- Website: U.S. Department of Education
Additional Professional and Career Resources
Professional Organizations:
- AIGA (American Institute of Graphic Design)
- Website: AIGA
- Benefits: Offers networking opportunities, design competitions, and career resources.
- AIGA (American Institute of Graphic Design)
Educational Resources:
- ECPI University Career Services: Provides free career support to enrolled students.
- Website: ECPI University Career Services
- ECPI University Career Services: Provides free career support to enrolled students.
Career Information in Virginia:
- Job Titles: Common positions include Web Designer, UX/UI Designer, and Front-End Developer.
- Salary Ranges: Entry-level positions typically range from $45,000 to $60,000 annually, while experienced professionals may earn between $70,000 and $100,000.