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Web Design Diploma Program

With a clear focus on design, typography, effective navigation and layout for the web, this program will emulate client/designer situations and prepare you for the world of web design. The use of valid XHTML & CSS and the separation of content from presentation is stressed strongly throughout. This program is very project-oriented, and you will have a strong portfolio of websites when completed.

Dreamweaver is the industry-standard WYSIWYG website development software. Along with the knowledge of Photoshop, XHTML, Flash, CSS and CSS-based layouts, and the strong design aesthetic this program stresses, you will have the skills to conceive and execute complete websites, both complex and simple.

Testimonial: I am currently working for a company designing/updating their web pages. I am in negotiation with another company to redesign his web site and to relocate his page on another hosting service. It did not take me long to find this work and what is good is the fact that it is in my field. - Dominique Schwartz, Graduate

An entry level program which covers a complete web-Standards-compliant program with a focus on best practices in XHTML, CSS and design principles. You will learn how to manage corporate websites and design, maintain and redesign personal websites. To graduate from this program you must show that you have mastered the essential usability concepts such as accessibility, copywriting, and user testing, by creating a solid portfolio website showcasing your original work as created throughout the program.



Career Prospects

You could be an on-site webdesigner for any company with a website, or a full-time web designer for a graphic design company. You could team up with a programming partner and be the design half of a web application business. You could become a freelancer in your spare time or even do it full time, and work from home, choosing clients and working only when you want to.

Find a niche and be the go-to web designer in your area for for rock bands, or scrapbookers, or accountants, or yoga trainers. You could train to update the website of the company you work for. Or you could simply create and maintain your own website for your own business selling widgets and services.

Salary Expectations

salaryEntry-level web designers earn an average of US $44,000.

After a few years of experience, that could be as high as US $65,000, and

A senior web producer's salary can be as high as US $80,000.

[salary source: AIGA Aquent Survey of Design Salaries]

Career Guidance Program

jobsCD-ED is committed to helping you find employment in the field of your choice. In fact, we’ll start before you even begin as a student! If you call us today, your personal admissions representative will research the job market for this career in your city, and help you decide if this program is the right path for your future.

After graduation, we’ll help you find an interview with your prospective employer in the job market. And of course, your new up-to-date skills will put you at the top of any interviewer’s list!

An example of one of the digital classroom videos available in the Web Design program. Note: New CS5 videos are available in 2009.

What You GetWhat You Get

If you follow our registered course outline and put in the required hours, we guarantee your success. Below are some of the ways we ensure that you will graduate successfully.

 

Unlimited Instructor Support

instructor supportYou will have unlimited one-on-one instructor support via email, chat, online classroom webinars and toll-free phone calls throughout your entire program - and beyond. Our instructors have industry experience and can help you understand how to conquer the job market before you go out into it.

You're never a number at CD-ED - our instructors and guidance counselor will take a personal interest in your progress and will be in touch with you constantly throughout the year, making sure everything is going well with your program and whatever of your home life you wish to share.

Learning Materials Included

what you getUnlike traditional classrooms, you don't need to go out and buy your own textbooks. As part of your tuition, when you become a student you will have all textbooks and registered software shipped directly to your door. A full set of instructions and tutorials will be included, along with access to your customized online learning management system.

We include a “How to Study At Home” learning package with your materials, and along with our exclusive Student Tracking System it will help you schedule your time to ensure a successful student experience.

Equipment Options

iconLaptopcomputerYou have the option of a brand-new desktop PC, laptop PC, or Mac Mini on loan to facilitate your education. A computer is simply a tool, and we make sure you have the best tools available, running smoothly to allow you to learn under optimal conditions. And, as a graduation gift, the computer you choose will be yours to keep on the successful completion of your program. NOTE: Accepting computer equipment from CD-ED is optional – not mandatory.

iconGraphic Design students also receive a Wacom graphics tablet to allow them precise and artistic control over their designs.

More info about What You Get »

Program Time Table

Duration: 52 weeks, 1040 hours (Based on a 20-hour work week)

Weeks
# of Weeks
Hours / Week
Total Hours
Subject
1-3 3 20 60 COC 101 & COM 101 Computer Concepts & Basic Communication
4-5 2 20 40 COC 102 Windows
6-7 2 20 40 COC 103 Internet Basics
8-13 6 20 120 GRA 101 Adobe Photoshop CS5
14-16 3 20 60 GRA 102 Introduction to Design
17-22 6 20 120 HTM 101 XHTML 101
23-28 6 20 120 WEB 103 Adobe Dreamweaver CS5
29-34 6 20 100 CSS 101: Introduction
35-39 5 20 100 CSS 201: Advanced
40-48 9 20 180 WEB 104 Adobe Flash CS5
49-52 5 20 100 WEB 105 Directed Project: Portfolio

Module Summaries

decorative_imageCOC 101 & COM 101 Computer Concepts & Basic Communication

Review basic English structures and learn proper professional communication skills. Then, learn key terminology and technology associated with computers.

 

decorative_imageCOC 102 Windows

Learn the latest Windows operating system, including using the desktop, managing files and folders, and using the Windows Help & Support.

NOTE: Mac option available.

 

decorative_imageCOC 103 Internet Basics

Provides a step-by-step introduction to all aspects of the Internet. Topics covered include browsers, searching techniques, and email.

NOTE: Mac option available.

 

decorative_imageGRA 101 Adobe Photoshop CS5

Photoshop is a powerful imaging tool that allows subtle or dramatic manipulation of imagery and photographs to be used in any design of any type. You’ll learn the basics of this software including layers, masks and photo restoration & repair. Hands-on practical projects ensure your comfort level with this vital software.

 

GRA 102 3ds maxIntroduction to Design

Learn the principles, issues, and uses of two-dimensional design as the basis of the rest of your program. Study traditional Graphic Design principles such as Grids, Form vs. Function, Gestalt, Visual Elements, Balance, Flow, Emphasis, Composition, and more.

 

HTM 101 animationXHTML 101

An introduction to using XHTML and CSS to create standards-compliant websites with straight code. Students will learn through examples the best way to produce optimized websites and XHTML code and will be given the chance each week to produce their own sites through proprietary practical assignments.

 

iconWEB 103 Adobe Dreamweaver CS5

Hands-on assignments and videos will help you learn how to use the leading WYSIWYG software along with the principles of designing for the web, including colour palettes, layout strategies, and typography on the web.

 

3ds maxCSS 101: Introduction

How to use and apply CSS. Again, best practices and clean design are the focus here in this code-based environment.

 

animationCSS 201: Advanced

This advanced CSS module is an overview of how to prototype and implement original designs through visual demonstrations of the creative possibilities using XHTML and CSS. Students will learn about Accessibility, using Micro Formats, Typographic Style, Grid-Based Design, Absolute vs. Relative Positioning, Floats, Multi-Column Layouts, and more.

 

cameraWEB 104 Adobe Flash CS5

The latest techniques for creating Flash animations and interactive files for the web.  The student will learn to manipulate images, sounds and videos, and add interactivity and dynamic content using ActionScript, Components, and Behaviors.

 

cameraWEB 105 Directed Study: Portfolio Design

A step-by-step presentation of guidelines and real-world inspiration for creating a portfolio of work, geared towards earning you employment by showing a prospective client or employer your talent and experience. You will also learn essential usability concepts such as accessibility, copywriting, and user testing.

 

student design

Portfolio website design by Rick Shank, Graduate

 

Now What?

You've seen the benefits. We've proven the value. Now you should harness the power of an education and choose a step below.

 

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