Looking for the best web design schools in Montana? You’re in the right place. This guide highlights the top programs across the state, detailing what each school offers. From quick certifications to full degrees, you’ll find the right fit for your career goals.
- Montana offers a diverse range of web design programs, from two-year associate degrees to four-year bachelor’s degrees, including noteworthy options at Montana State University and the American Graphics Institute.
- Great Falls College, Miles Community College, and Flathead Valley Community College provide specialized associate degrees in web design, emphasizing hands-on learning, internships, and a blend of technical and creative skills.
- Montana web design programs, including those at Montana Tech and the University of Montana, focus on practical application, portfolio building, and small class sizes, with comprehensive career services offering high job placement rates and career support.
Explore Web Design Programs at Montana Colleges
Montana’s educational landscape offers a rich tapestry of web design programs, catering to various learning styles and career goals. From two-year associate degrees to four-year bachelor’s programs, aspiring web designers have a wealth of options to choose from. These programs are designed to equip students with the skills necessary to thrive in the ever-evolving digital world.
Montana State University is a noteworthy institution, offering a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Graphic Design. This program provides a solid foundation in design principles while incorporating web-specific courses, preparing students for the multifaceted nature of modern web design. The BFA program emphasizes creativity, technical proficiency, and critical thinking skills essential for success in the field.
The American Graphics Institute provides a Web Design Certificate program for Montana students who are looking for a more specialized and intensive path. This program is tailored for individuals looking to quickly gain professional web design skills. With a curriculum that covers web design principles, modern tools, and fundamental coding skills, students can expect a comprehensive learning experience. The program’s small class sizes, limited to 10 students per class, ensure personalized attention and ample opportunities for hands-on learning.
Great Falls College – Department of Information Technology
Great Falls College is a luminary for Montana’s aspiring web designers. The college offers a robust Associate of Applied Science program in web design, providing students with a solid foundation in both technical and creative aspects of the field. What sets this program apart is its seamless integration with the Montana State University System, allowing students to easily transfer credits towards a four-year degree if they choose to further their education.
Great Falls College offers a comprehensive and industry-relevant curriculum. Students dive deep into programming languages such as:
- HTML
- CSS
- Java
- JavaScript
while also gaining valuable knowledge in web standards and network maintenance. This balanced approach ensures that graduates are well-equipped to handle the diverse challenges of modern web design. The program’s emphasis on hands-on experience is evident in the well-equipped campus labs, where students can put their theoretical knowledge into practice.
The mandatory internship or capstone project is a significant feature of the Great Falls College program. This real-world experience is a game-changer for students, providing them with practical skills, industry connections, and a significant boost to their resumes. The college’s dedicated advisors and internship fairs make it easy for students to find placements that align with their career goals. Moreover, the program boasts a faculty of highly qualified professors, many of whom hold advanced degrees in design and computer science, bringing a wealth of practical experience to the classroom.
Miles Community College – Innovative Web Design Courses
A blend of traditional education and advanced web design courses is provided by Miles Community College. The college provides multiple pathways for students, including:
- Associate of Arts (A.A.) degree in web design
- Associate of Science (A.S.) degree in web design
- Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree in web design
This variety allows students to choose a program that best aligns with their career aspirations and learning preferences.
The A.A.S. Information Technology – Graphic & Web Design program at Miles Community College is particularly noteworthy. This two-year, 60-credit program dives deep into web programming languages, including:
- XHTML
- XML
- CSS
- JavaScript
- jQuery
This program is designed to prepare students with a solid understanding of graphic editing software, operating systems, and file formats, essential skills for any web designer.
Miles Community College distinguishes itself by providing:
- A traditional on-campus experience
- Advanced web design courses
- Courses taught by a mix of doctoral professors and industry professionals, many of whom are based in Miles City or other parts of Montana
This combination of academic rigor and real-world expertise ensures that students receive a well-rounded education that prepares them for the demands of the web design industry.
Flathead Valley Community College – Associate of Applied Science in Web Design
Flathead Valley Community College (FVCC) provides a comprehensive Associate of Applied Science degree in web design that equips students with a robust foundation in technical and creative aspects of the field. The program is structured to build skills progressively, with the second year focusing intensively on web design and development. This approach allows students to gain a broad understanding of design principles before diving into the specifics of web technologies.
The emphasis on core competencies, crucial for any successful web designer, is a strength of FVCC’s program. Students engage in courses covering photography, design, drawing, and video editing. These foundational skills are complemented by courses in graphic design methodologies, including the design process, output production, and presentation techniques. This holistic approach ensures that graduates are well-rounded professionals capable of handling diverse design challenges.
A key feature of the Web Technology Program at FVCC is the extensive training in industry-standard Adobe software. Students gain proficiency in tools like:
- Illustrator
- Photoshop
- Dreamweaver
- InDesign
- Premiere
This software expertise is crucial for creating visually appealing and functional websites. As part of their coursework, students create both digital and print portfolios, showcasing their knowledge, techniques, and creativity. The program also includes at least one internship, providing students with valuable real-world experience and industry connections. This combination of technical skills, creative development, and practical experience prepares FVCC graduates to design and develop professional websites, setting them up for success in the competitive web design industry.
Montana Tech – Web Development and Administration A.A.S.
The flexibility and comprehensive approach to web design education are distinguishing features of Montana Tech’s Web Development and Administration A.A.S. program. The program offers students the convenience of flexible start dates, allowing them to begin their studies in either the fall or spring semester. This adaptability makes it easier for students to align their education with their personal and professional schedules, a crucial factor for many aspiring web designers who may be balancing work or other commitments.
The blended learning approach at Montana Tech’s program offers:
- A unique aspect of combining online and in-person coursework
- A flexible learning environment that caters to different learning styles and preferences
- The structure and face-to-face interaction of traditional classroom settings
- The convenience of online learning
This hybrid model provides students with the best of both worlds.
Graduates of the Web Development and Administration A.A.S. program are well-prepared for entry-level positions in the field, with potential roles including:
- graphic designer
- web content manager
- web designer
- web developer
- web server administrator
In addition, the credits obtained from this program are transferable to other academic pursuits, including the Computer Networks and Cybersecurity AAS and the Cybersecurity and Network Administration BS degrees. This provides flexibility for further education and career advancement. This pathway provides students with the opportunity to continue their education and specialize in related fields, enhancing their career prospects in the ever-evolving tech industry.
University of Montana – Comprehensive Web Design Training
A robust Web Design Certificate program that gives students a comprehensive understanding of web design principles and practices is offered by The University of Montana. The program is structured around three core courses that cover the essential aspects of web design: creative coding, front-end development, and asset creation. This triad of courses ensures that students gain a well-rounded skill set, preparing them for the multifaceted challenges of professional web design.
In the Web Design and Programming course, students delve into the fundamental technologies that power the modern web. They learn HTML for structuring content, CSS for styling, JavaScript for interactivity, and explore web graphics to create visually appealing designs. The Web Application Development class introduces students to modern web and software development principles and practices, providing a solid foundation for building dynamic web applications. For those looking to push their skills further, the Advanced Web Application Development course covers advanced topics such as cloud deployment, database migrations, custom front-end interfaces, and web systems debugging. Aspiring web developers will find these courses invaluable in honing their craft.
The University of Montana’s program is distinguished by:
- Its focus on practical application and portfolio building
- Throughout the course, students work on web design projects that culminate in an online portfolio, showcasing their newly acquired skills to potential employers
- The program also offers flexibility, allowing students to choose a fourth course to deepen their knowledge in either creative coding, front-end development, or asset creation
- This customization enables students to tailor their learning experience to their specific interests and career goals.
By the end of the program, graduates have a comprehensive understanding of:
- How the web functions
- How to develop websites and web pages
- Various web design methodologies
- User interface design, including usability concepts, user-centered design, prototyping, and evaluation methods
This holistic approach ensures that University of Montana graduates are well-prepared to tackle the diverse challenges of the web design industry.
Career Services for Web Design Students
The comprehensive career support provided to students in web design programs in Montana includes:
- Dedicated career services to help students launch their careers in the competitive web design industry
- Access to experienced career counselors who offer personalized guidance on job search strategies, interview preparation, and effective ways to present their experience to potential employers
- Individualized approach to ensure that each student is well-prepared to navigate the job market with confidence
This standout feature of web design programs in Montana recognizes the importance of bridging the gap between education and employment.
The career services offered go beyond basic job search assistance. Students receive valuable insights into crafting compelling resumes and optimizing their LinkedIn profiles, essential tools in today’s digital job market. Career counselors also provide guidance on salary expectations and negotiation tactics, empowering students to advocate for fair compensation in their future roles. Perhaps most impressively, the programs boast an impressive 83% job placement rate for participants from the previous year, a testament to the effectiveness of their career services. This high success rate is achieved through a combination of targeted job outreach strategies and personalized application assistance, helping students find and secure positions that align with their skills and career aspirations.
Key Skills and Technologies Covered
To meet the demands of the rapidly evolving digital landscape, web design programs in Montana equip students with a comprehensive skill set. At the core of these programs is a focus on essential programming languages and tools that form the backbone of modern web development. Students dive deep into HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, the fundamental trio of web technologies. But the learning doesn’t stop there. Programs also cover advanced languages and frameworks such as C#, Java, Python, jQuery, Bootstrap, React, and Spring Boot, providing students with a versatile toolkit to tackle diverse web development challenges.
Beyond coding, these programs emphasize the importance of design principles and methodologies. Students learn about:
- Iterative and waterfall design approaches, gaining insight into different project management styles used in the industry
- Web animations and motion graphics
- Various tools for creating and editing graphics in both film and digital formats
This blend of technical and creative advanced skills ensures that graduates are well-rounded professionals capable of handling both the functional and aesthetic aspects of web design.
A focus on ethical responsibilities in graphic and web design is an essential component of these programs. Students are taught to consider the broader implications of their work, including accessibility, user privacy, and the social impact of their designs. This ethical grounding, combined with technical expertise, prepares students to become responsible and innovative web designers. Whether it’s mastering the latest front-end frameworks or understanding the principles of user-centered design, Montana’s web design programs provide a comprehensive education that prepares students for the multifaceted challenges of the modern web industry.
Online vs. In-Person Learning Options
Given today’s dynamic educational landscape, students have the flexibility to choose between online and in-person learning options in Montana’s web design programs. This adaptability caters to diverse learning preferences and life circumstances, ensuring that quality education is accessible to a wide range of students. The hybrid model, which combines elements of both online and in-person learning, has become increasingly popular, allowing students to benefit from the best of both worlds.
Online classes provide the ultimate flexibility, enabling students to learn from the comfort of their homes or offices anywhere in Montana with a broadband internet connection. This option is particularly beneficial for those balancing work, family commitments, or living in remote areas. On the other hand, in-person classes offer the traditional campus experience and may provide better networking opportunities with peers and instructors. Regardless of the chosen format, both online and in-person classes are led by live instructors, ensuring real-time interaction and support.
A key advantage of both learning formats is:
- Emphasis on small class sizes, with a limit of 10 participants per class. This ensures personalized attention and ample opportunities for interaction, whether virtual or face-to-face.
- Significant hands-on work, allowing students to gain practical experience in web design.
- Opportunity for students to retake any course in the Web Design Certificate program at no additional cost for one year, regardless of the delivery format.
This flexibility and commitment to student success demonstrate the programs’ dedication to producing well-prepared, confident web design professionals.
Alumni Success Stories
The achievements of its alumni best illustrate the success of Montana’s web design programs. Graduates from institutions like Montana Code School are making significant strides in the tech sector, securing positions with notable companies such as Workiva and Elixiter. These success stories not only validate the quality of education provided but also highlight the diverse career paths available to web design graduates in Montana.
Take, for example, Ben Rechtfertig, a Bozeman attorney who attended Montana Code School in 2016. His journey led him to a career shift, landing a position at the digital marketing company Elixiter. Similarly, Kevin Grastorf transitioned from seasonal hospitality work to pursuing a tech career after his time at Montana Code School. These stories of career transformation demonstrate the power of web design education in opening new professional avenues.
The practical nature of these programs is further exemplified by the achievements of Olesia Thoms and Ali Morgan, who built a social media app during their time at Montana Code School. This hands-on project not only showcased their newly acquired skills but also provided them with a tangible portfolio piece to present to potential employers.