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Students compete in a Cybersecurity Capture the Flag event on February 10, 2024 in Mackinac Hall.

Web Design and Development

Bachelor of Applied Science (B.A.S.)

Undergraduate Major

Allendale • Face to face, Online • Variable Credits

Web design and development is the process of creating and maintaining visually appealing and functional websites.

Overview

This program is designed for individuals who have completed or are nearing the completion of an applied associate degree and wish to advance their education. It builds on existing technical skills while incorporating artistic knowledge essential for web design. Students will gain expertise in front-end web development, including markup languages, programming, and web standards, positioning them for success in numerous roles in the industry.

Core courses include 2-D Design, graphic design basics, computer science, internet media and programming, databases, usability design and evaluation, web application programming, and a web design and development practicum. The curriculum is designed to offer a well-rounded skill set, combining technical proficiency with creative design principles.

Web design and development at Grand Valley State University offers flexibility and opportunity, allowing you to tailor your education with online or face-to-face classes. The program values prior work and life experiences, granting college credit for existing knowledge and skills. Emphasizing critical thinking, ethical reasoning, and effective communication, the university prepares graduates for the evolving demands of the industry, making it an ideal place to advance your career.

Admission Information

To be admitted, students need to meet Grand Valley State University’s minimum requirements for transfer student admissions and have completed or be in their last semester of an associate of applied science degree, an associate of general studies, an associate of applied arts and science degree, an associate in business degree, or similar technical applied degrees.

Visit the Admissions website for undergraduate requirements and to begin your application.

GVSU Center for Adult and Continuing Studies

gvsu.edu/learn
(616) 331-7180
[email protected]

Career Opportunities

Create, modify, and test the code and scripts that allow computer applications to run. Work from specifications drawn up by software and web developers or other individuals. May develop and write computer programs to store, locate, and retrieve specific documents, data, and information.

Top skills
  • Programming
  • Active Listening
  • Complex Problem Solving
  • Critical Thinking
  • Quality Control Analysis
Earnings statistics
Annual Earnings Percentile
$ 47,630.63 10%
$ 60,678.37 25%
$ 80,367.82 50%
$106,525.43 75%
$143,800.35 90%

Develop and implement websites, web applications, application databases, and interactive web interfaces. Evaluate code to ensure that it is properly structured, meets industry standards, and is compatible with browsers and devices. Optimize website performance, scalability, and server-side code and processes. May develop website infrastructure and integrate websites with other computer applications.

Top skills
  • Programming
  • Critical Thinking
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Operations Analysis
  • Complex Problem Solving
Earnings statistics
Annual Earnings Percentile
$ 38,453.30 10%
$ 51,808.45 25%
$ 76,840.64 50%
$106,679.78 75%
$129,010.12 90%

Manage web environment design, deployment, development and maintenance activities. Perform testing and quality assurance of web sites and web applications.

Top skills
  • Critical Thinking
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Active Listening
  • Complex Problem Solving
  • Monitoring
Earnings statistics
Annual Earnings Percentile
$ 48,847.49 10%
$ 64,895.22 25%
$ 93,489.60 50%
$123,191.40 75%
$146,616.36 90%

Research, design, develop, or test computer or computer-related equipment for commercial, industrial, military, or scientific use. May supervise the manufacturing and installation of computer or computer-related equipment and components.

Top skills
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Critical Thinking
  • Complex Problem Solving
  • Writing
  • Speaking
Earnings statistics
Annual Earnings Percentile
$ 75,431.87 10%
$ 82,110.91 25%
$114,980.58 50%
$140,688.52 75%
$177,215.68 90%

Create, modify, and test the code and scripts that allow computer applications to run. Work from specifications drawn up by software and web developers or other individuals. May develop and write computer programs to store, locate, and retrieve specific documents, data, and information.

Top skills
  • Programming
  • Active Listening
  • Complex Problem Solving
  • Critical Thinking
  • Quality Control Analysis
Earnings statistics
Annual Earnings Percentile
$ 54,219.02 10%
$ 69,743.22 25%
$ 95,659.34 50%
$128,835.04 75%
$175,348.66 90%

Develop and implement websites, web applications, application databases, and interactive web interfaces. Evaluate code to ensure that it is properly structured, meets industry standards, and is compatible with browsers and devices. Optimize website performance, scalability, and server-side code and processes. May develop website infrastructure and integrate websites with other computer applications.

Top skills
  • Programming
  • Critical Thinking
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Operations Analysis
  • Complex Problem Solving
Earnings statistics
Annual Earnings Percentile
$ 41,539.15 10%
$ 56,148.57 25%
$ 79,025.34 50%
$111,190.63 75%
$155,728.87 90%

Manage web environment design, deployment, development and maintenance activities. Perform testing and quality assurance of web sites and web applications.

Top skills
  • Critical Thinking
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Active Listening
  • Complex Problem Solving
  • Monitoring
Earnings statistics
Annual Earnings Percentile
$ 47,901.79 10%
$ 69,932.29 25%
$102,519.32 50%
$139,864.27 75%
$176,441.87 90%

Research, design, develop, or test computer or computer-related equipment for commercial, industrial, military, or scientific use. May supervise the manufacturing and installation of computer or computer-related equipment and components.

Top skills
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Critical Thinking
  • Complex Problem Solving
  • Writing
  • Speaking
Earnings statistics
Annual Earnings Percentile
$ 80,928.73 10%
$107,780.56 25%
$137,299.29 50%
$174,806.81 75%
$212,946.70 90%
106K
GVSU Alumni in Michigan
"One of the Top Public Universities in America"
- Niche.com
A "Best Bang for Your Buck"
By Washington Monthly

Get Credit for your A.A.S. and Work Experience

Grand Valley will give you up to 80 credits for your applied associates and previous work experience. The final 40 credits must be at GVSU. The Web Design and Development degree will give up to 64 credits to transfer. Schedule an appointment with our advisors for details.

Higher Learning = Higher Earnings

According to a recent Lightcast study, there were 132,000 more Michigan job opportunities available to bachelor’s degree holders than associates degree holders in 2024. The median advertised wage for these jobs was also $32,000 more annually than positions requiring associates degrees.

Speak With an Advisor

Your advisor will:

  • Explore your options.
  • Review your transcripts from all schools (If you've taken classes other than at GVSU, please bring an unofficial copy of your transcripts to your first appointment.)
  • Discuss services and supports available to you at GVSU.
  • Assist with the admissions and financial aid process.
  • Give you a personalized education plan, letting you know what you would have left to complete.

All advising appointments will be virtual or held by telephone. You can also email [email protected] or call (616) 331-7180 if you have any questions.

Make an Appointment

Request Information

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Page last modified May 12, 2025