When the economy is up, it's impossible to count the number of companies flocking to the Internet. When the economy is down, every inch of cyber-real estate becomes that much more precious. If you're looking for ways to weather this current downturn and potentially ride the next wave that comes along, perhaps Web design is where you should set your sights. Use this time now to develop the necessary skills required for this occupational field. Whether you graduate during a recession or during a boom, your training can help you maximize your earning potential.

What Can Web Design Training Teach You?
The bulk of your training focuses on programming. Understanding how to code and manipulate CSS, HTML, Java, AJAX, and PHP will prove vital to your career. Equally important, however, are areas such as graphic design, e-commerce, search engine optimization, and database management. In order to serve the needs of your clients or employer, you must be able to design beautiful and functional sites that meet strict search engine standards and variable consumer needs.

Your Future in Web Design
With the larger computer science and database administration industries expected to increase by 37%, it's safe to say that the future looks bright for Web designers. This projected growth is more than 3 times what most occupations can expect, and this is probably a conservative estimate. As the digital divide continues to close in many parts of the world, computer and Internet usage will continue to rise substantially. If you have the tools and training to help connect consumers with producers, your skills will always be in demand. It's never too late to begin your training, but with this current dip in the US economy, it's never too early either.

Schools are listed in alphabetical order by state then city.

American InterContinental University Online

[Online]

The Visual Communication online degree program is designed to educate and develop artistic and imaginative students for careers in the fields of commercial art and design. Emphasis is placed on the development of the thinking process and the ability to conceive creative solutions for specified design problems. Students will learn the principles, practical applications and methodologies used in completing competent and creative graphic solutions.
Programs:
Bachelor of Fine Arts in Visual Communications
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The Art Institute of Pittsburgh - Online Division

[Online]

Develop your creative potential through The Art Institute of Pittsburgh Online Division where we give you the freedom to decide when and where to attend class. Because you're always on the go, we offer education to go wherever you connect to the Internet. While we meet the demands of your busy lifestyle, our online degree and diploma programs go even further by embracing the standards of excellence long held by The Art Institute of Pittsburgh and The Art Institutes system of schools backed by an over 85-year commitment to academic excellence. Learn from the leader in online creative arts education.
Programs:
Digital Design
Graphic Design
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Westwood College

[Online]

Think you don't have time to earn the respected degree you need? Think again. Westwood College's online program gives you the flexibility to study at the times and places you choose. You'll also get the opportunity to interact with your instructors and fellow students in real time. Degree programs offered include business, criminal justice, design and technology.
Programs:
  Graphic Design and Multimedia
  Visual Communications
  Web Design & Multimedia
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