Q: Who created this program?
Q: What can I do as a web designer?
Q: What industries employ web designers?
Q: Are there websites listing web design jobs?
Q: What are the technical and non-technical skills a web designer needs to have?
Q: If I have no experience and do this program, are there entry-level jobs and what is the salary range?
Q: Is this a new certificate program?
Q: How does the program work?
Q: How do I get my certificate when I finish the courses?
Q: How did you come up with the classes in this program?
Q: Is there a minimum number of classes I need to take per quarter?
Q: Are there any prerequisites?
Q: Do you have to take classes in a specific order?
Q: What if I have an extensive experience in some of the topics taught? Can I skip or substitute classes?
Q: What if I've already taken some of the classes?
Q: Is there a formal sign-up for this certificate program?
Q: What happens if I'm close to the end of the program and a class is cancelled or not given that quarter?
Q: Are these classes software specific?
Q: Do we have to buy this software?
Q: What kinds of Computers do you use?
Q: Are additional supplies and materials required?
Q: May I re-take a class if I miss a session or want a refresher?
Q: How can I register for the classes?
Q: Who created the Web Design Certificate Program?
A: The program was created by the Computers & Technology department faculty and staff with input from industry professionals at local businesses.
Q: What can I do as a web designer?
A: The primary job responsibilities associated with web designers are:
- Creating storyboards to show others their plan for the site
- Defining the look of the site through features such as color, typeface, and layout
- Factoring in security and download speed of the designs
- Designing attractive and useful web pages
- Creating the navigational path that allows users to move around within a site
- Determining what information appears on each page
- Laying out the components of individual web pages
- Performing a usability test
In general, web designers work with others, including marketing people who define the content of the website, and graphic designers who are responsible for graphic images appearing on the site.
Q: What industries employ web designers?
A: According to the Washington State Employment Security Department, the top 15 industries that employ web designers in King County are:
- Prepackaged Software
- Computer Integrated Systems Design
- Computer Processing and Data Preparation
- Information Retrieval Services
- State Government
- Aerospace
- Online Retailers
- Telecommunications
Q: Are there websites listing web design jobs?
A: Yes, there are both industry specific and many general websites you can search for Web Design jobs. We actually recommend, before you make a training commitment, that you research many job descriptions to familiarize yourself with the types of skills employers require.
Q: What are the technical and non-technical skills a web designer needs to have?
A: Because software is used extensively and changes frequently, this list is just a guideline. Skills can vary immensely from industry to industry. For instance, a designer working on a banking application might be required to have accounting skills while a designer in the retail industry may have to know about industry regulations such as Sarbanes-Oxley. The following list provides just some of the basic common technical skills potential job seekers might find in a job posting.
Technical
- Ability to use web site creation languages and software tools
- Ability to create attractive page layouts.
Non-Technical
- Self-motivated
- Ability to learn technical concepts and tools quickly
- Attention to detail
- Able to manage time
- Able to work on one's own
- Able to resolve conflicts
- Able to work effectively with others who may want to do things differently
- Able to be flexible and change objectives
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Requires working in a seated position and looking at a computer screen for prolonged periods
Skill Maintenance Requirement
High. This technology is changing rapidly, and one must stay current to be effective. Remaining current can be accomplished by reading industry publications and books as they come out, attending conferences, and taking short courses.
Q: If I have no experience and do this program, are there entry-level jobs and what is the salary range?
After finishing this program, you'll have enough tools to pursue entry-level web designer jobs. Often you will be working with a team and learn from the best. The salary range depends on many things and we suggest you look at the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook. In addition, labor market information for King County and Washington State is available.
Q: Is this a new certificate program?
A: It's a new certificate program as of Spring 2008. Many of the classes have been part of our Continuing Education program for many years.
Q: How does the program work?
A: The Web Design Certificate will usually take up to a year on a part-time basis to complete, but it needs to be completed in no more than 24 months from the quarter when you take your first class.
Q: How do I get my certificate when I finish the courses?
A: You must retain a "Certificate of Completion" for each completed required and elective class. Once you've earned all of your certificates, make an appointment with the Computer Programs Coordinator by calling (425) 564-2893. Bring all your class certificates, have a brief exit interview, and receive your Web Design Certificate.
Q: How did you come up with the classes in this program?
A: We worked with industry professionals who helped us select classes that best represented the set of skills designers need to possess to succeed in the field. These professionals came from retail, municipal, corporate, small business and non-profit areas. Instructors were involved extensively in the inception of this curriculum.
Q: Is there a minimum number of classes I need to take per quarter?
A: The program was created with a busy student in mind. It's up to you how many classes you take in a quarter. Our only requirement is that you complete the certificate within 24 months after taking the first class.
Q: Are there any prerequisites?
A: There are no prerequisites to start in the program. These courses assume that you are familiar with using personal computers and word processing. You should be comfortable in the Windows environment and be able to use Windows to manage information on your computer. Specifically, you should be able to launch and close programs, navigate to information stored on the computer, manage files and folders, and select text prior to taking the specific Web Design computer courses. Specific courses do have prerequisites.
Q: Do you have to take classes in a specific order?
A: You can take classes in any order except where noted otherwise in class prerequisites (For example, you will need to take the XHTML Level 1 before taking XHTML Level 2). Taking the core classes in the order outlined in the About section is recommended, however, common entry points for students are Web Foundations and XHTML Level 1, neither of which have prerequisites other than knowledge of Windows.
Some electives may be taken prior to completing the required classes. Be sure to check the prerequisites for any electives prior to registering.
Q: What if I have an extensive experience in some of the topics taught? Can I skip or substitute classes?
A: Yes, on case-by-case basis and subject to approval based on work history/experience and prior education, one of the required classes might be substituted with an elective class. However, you must still complete the total number of required/substituted classes and elective classes. To request a class substitution, please fill out the Web Design Class Substitution Request Form.
Q: What if I've already taken some of the classes?
A: We'll accept any classes taken from September 2006 forward as long as you have your completion certificate.
Q: Is there an enrollment process for this certificate program?
A: There is no enrollment process. Start any time you like.
Q: What happens if I'm close to the end of the program and a class is cancelled or not given that quarter?
A: We will allow for an extension or select/approve a substitute class for you to complete the program.
Q: Are these classes software specific?
A: Some classes may use specific software (Web Graphics with Photoshop for example).
Q: Do I have to buy the software used in class?
A: You don't need to purchase the software to take your class. If you pursue a career in web design, you might need to have your own software, especially if you work as a freelancer. By taking a class at BCC, you are eligible to purchase full version software at a discounted price at our bookstore. Please note that this software is for academic use only.
Q: What kind of computers do you use in class?
A: Our classrooms are equipped with PCs with current versions of software.
Q: Are additional supplies and materials required?
A: If a book is required for your class, you'll be given the book when you arrive. We recommend you bring a USB drive to class, and paper and pencil for taking down notes.
Q: May I re-take a class if I miss a session or want a refresher?
A: Re-takes are not permitted.
Q: How can I register for the classes?
You can easily register online for classes.
