Contents
Catalog Links

Web Design and Development (BS)

(Joint Major with the Communications Department)

The World Wide Web has driven a need for web designers and developers. People who understand both the art and the science of web development are particularly valued. Graduates will have a firm understanding of the principles of design as well as an understanding of the technical issues involved in the development of an active web site. Students graduating from this major will have an advantage over traditional web designers because they will have a clear understanding of the elements of web development. Likewise, the students will also have an advantage over traditional web developers because they will possess knowledge of the elements of design.

This major combines existing classes from the Communications and Computer Science programs to create a cohesive major in Web Design & Development. It seeks to draw students who are interested in integrating the two facets of web site creation rather than focusing on either the Graphic Design concentration or the Computer Science major.

Learning Outcomes

  1. Students Design and author accessible websites with semantic code.
  2. Students employ iterative design processes.
  3. Students are introduced to the core components of information architecture, usability, and user experience.
  4. Students design and develop for a variety of screens and devices.
  5. Students become proficient in the foundations of programming for the web

Program Requirements

Required Core Courses

The core classes focus on providing students with a foundation for the other steps in their major.

COMM 121Visual Communication

4
COMM 210Introduction to Graphic Design: Principles and Practice

4
CS 112Introduction to Computer Science

4

Required Courses

COMM 240Intermediate Graphic Design I: Typography

4
COMM 244Web I: Design for the World Wide Web

4
CS 113Gui and Event-Driven Programming

4
CS 321Web-Centric Programming

4

Electives

Students take three electives, not all from the same discipline (CS/COMM)

CS 227Computer Networks

4
CS 327Cybersecurity

4
CS 333Database Management Systems

4
CS 343Systems Analysis & Design

4
COMM 246Digital Imaging for Design

4
COMM 248Intermediate Graphic Design II

4
COMM 333Web II

4
COMM 340Advanced Design

4

Senior Seminar

COMM 344Senior Seminar: Storytelling

4

Independent Learning

Students may choose to take independent studies and internships from either the Communications Department or the Computer Science Program. This will depend on the nature of the independent study or internship. Students may also opt to take COMM 390: Studio 5 for their independent learning requirement.

Degree Options: With the approval of their advisors, students may choose whether to graduate with a Bachelor of Arts or of Science, depending on which discipline they have chosen the preponderance of their course work.

Please keep in mind that this is a unique integration of visual communications and computer science. As such, it will not function as simply a Communications concentration nor as a Computer Science major.