Website Designer
Certificate
Curriculum code 1434
Course Requirements                    Information Management Systems Web site

This certificate is designed for the computer user who has strong skills in Microsoft Windows navigation and computer application packages. Students who are interested in beginning a career in Web site design and who not possess these prerequisite skills should meet with the department chair or coordinator to plan appropriate course selections. This program prepares students for positions as Website designers.

Nature of work: Web site designers create, review and maintain visually-pleasing pages for Web sites. Persons who are most successful in this field are those who are able to meld technology and creativity in the formation of these pages, work closely with other designers, writers and photographers, are organized, able to meet production schedules, and can work efficiently in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment. Designers use tools such as Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator, Microsoft FrontPage Macromedia Dreamweaver and Flash, NetObjects Fusion, and Flash. In addition, a designer must be well versed in HTML, DHTML, and XML.

Nature of Work—This program is designed to qualify your as an entry-level Web designer. Web designers must be able to work effectively with others, must be flexible and creative, must be self-motivated time managers, and must be able to apply Web site creation languages and software tools appropriate to each new project. Designers use tools such as Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator. Microsoft FrontPage, Macromedia Dreamweaver, Flash, ColdFusion, and Fireworks. In addition, a designer must be well versed in HTML, DHTML, XHTML, and XML.

Related Job Titles—Junior Web site designer and Web site design assistant.

Employment Outlook—Based on the fact that Web sites exist in virtually all companies, schools, businesses and organizations, employment in this field is expected to be excellent. In addition, the development of new Web sites, along with continuous re-designing of Web sites, means job growth will continue to occur. Those who have formal training can expect to fare well with employment opportunities that range from large, major corporations to smaller businesses, and not-for-profit entities such as educational institutions, civic groups and community organizations. Flexible working conditions also include opportunities to be part of a company’s payroll, serve in the capacity as an independent consultant, work for an agency contracted by a company, or work from home. Varying factors, such as type of employer and location, affect actual salaries. According to www.salary.com, nationally Web site designers are earning between $30,771 and $99,580. This same site reports that locally, pay for Web site designers ranges from $50,311 to $90,309.

For job and internship listings and job search assistance, contact the Job Placement Center for Contemporary Technology, T904 at (708) 974-5737. www.morainevalley.edu/jpc.