Best Web Design Schools in Oklahoma: Top Programs to Jumpstart Your Career

Looking for the best web design schools in Oklahoma? Learn about top programs at Oklahoma State University, the University of Oklahoma, and Tulsa Community College. Explore their courses, practical training, and online options to find the perfect fit for your web design career.

Oklahoma offers a diverse range of web design programs, including those at Oklahoma State University, the University of Oklahoma, and Tulsa Community College, which incorporate comprehensive curricula and hands-on experience with industry-standard tools.
Specialized programs in Oklahoma target various aspects of web design such as graphic design, UI/UX design, and front-end development, helping students acquire unique skills tailored to specific roles within the industry.
The demand for web designers and developers is projected to grow significantly, buoyed by technological advancements and the widespread use of web applications across industries, leading to promising career opportunities and competitive salaries in the field.

Overview of Web Design Education in Oklahoma

Aspiring web designers will find a variety of programs in Oklahoma, which cater to diverse interests and skill levels. At Oklahoma State University, the graphic design program emphasizes understanding design principles, technical processes, and conceptual ideas across multiple media. The curriculum is designed to keep pace with the rapid technological advancements, ensuring that students are well-prepared for adaptable careers in web development and digital design. Students have 24-hour access to advanced design studios and computer labs, fostering an environment of continuous learning and creativity.

In addition, educational institutions in the state offer a range of online web design courses. For instance, Oklahoma State University-Oklahoma City provides online courses that cover essential web technologies such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. These programs include training on industry-standard tools like Adobe Animate and Photoshop, and students gain hands-on experience with modern frameworks like Bootstrap and Vue.js. This combination of technical and organizational skills equips students to manage complex design projects efficiently.

Top Colleges and Universities for Web Design

Several top-tier institutions in Oklahoma offer exceptional web design programs. Oklahoma State University, the University of Oklahoma, and Tulsa Community College stand out for their comprehensive curricula and experienced faculty. These schools provide a solid foundation in web design, covering everything from basic web development to advanced graphic design and user experience principles.

Oklahoma State University

Oklahoma State University offers a comprehensive web design program that includes courses in web development, graphic design, and user experience. The curriculum covers both front-end and back-end development techniques, ensuring students are well-versed in all aspects of web design. Courses include lessons in color theory, typography, and industry-standard tools like Adobe Animate and Photoshop, providing students with the skills needed to create visually engaging and highly functional websites.

Hands-on projects and internships with local businesses and tech companies at Oklahoma State University provide students with critical practical experience for their careers. The university also offers:

An online Web Design Professional certificate program
Covers essential topics such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript
Provides flexibility for students who prefer online learning.

University of Oklahoma

Web design is integrated into the University of Oklahoma’s Learning Experience Design and Technology program. This program emphasizes ethical design practices, equity, and inclusion, preparing students to create learning environments and user interfaces that are both effective and inclusive.

Students engage in multimedia authoring, web design, and user interface design, gaining a broad artistic and technical foundation in visual arts.

Tulsa Community College

Tulsa Community College offers a comprehensive web design course that covers HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. The course includes certificate programs that ensure proficiency in key web design and development skills.

Hands-on experience with industry-standard tools like Bootstrap and Vue.js prepares students for real-world web design challenges.

Specialized Web Design Programs

In Oklahoma, specialized web design programs cater to distinct interests in the field and equip students with unique skills and knowledge. These programs include studies in areas such as graphic design, UI/UX design, and front-end development, all designed to prepare students for cutting-edge roles in the industry.

Graphic Design Program

In Oklahoma, graphic design programs emphasize color theory, typography, and visual communication, thereby enhancing web design skills. At Oklahoma State University, the Art BFA Program requires 120 credit hours and covers courses such as Typography, Photography, Printmaking, and Drawing. The Graphic Design MFA is a three-year, sixty credit hour terminal degree with focus areas including Visual Communication, Interaction Design, and Motion Design. Students pursuing a graphic design minor can also benefit from these courses, learning to use Adobe Animate and Photoshop to create visually engaging graphics, building a robust portfolio that showcases their design skills.

The University of Oklahoma integrates web design education within its Visual Communication program, emphasizing typography, interaction design, and digital media. Tulsa Community College also offers lessons in color theory and typography, using industry-standard tools to help students develop their design skills.

User Interface and User Experience (UI/UX) Design

Comprehensive training in competitive research, design aesthetics, and accessibility testing is provided by UI/UX design programs in Oklahoma. Students learn to create professional prototypes and summary reports, ensuring their designs meet the needs of clients and end users.

The User Interface & User Experience program at Tulsa Full-Stack Web Developer School focuses on creating programs that accommodate the needs of a client and their end user.

Front-End Development Courses

Emphasizing core skills such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, front-end development courses in Oklahoma prepare students to build the visual and interactive aspects of websites. These courses often include training in responsive design to ensure websites are accessible and functional across different devices.

Oklahoma State University-Oklahoma City offers a Web Design Professional course that covers HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, helping students develop a portfolio that showcases their skills and projects.

Online Web Design Courses

Offering flexibility, online web design courses in Oklahoma accommodate students’ individual learning pace and schedules. These courses often include both recorded lectures and live sessions, providing a comprehensive learning experience.

Tulsa Community College’s online web design training includes:

Project management skills for overseeing complex web design projects
Color theory
Typography
The use of Adobe Animate and Photoshop

This ensures that students have a well-rounded skill set.

Certificate Programs

Online certificate programs in web design are designed to be completed in a shorter timeframe compared to degree programs. Oklahoma State University-Oklahoma City offers an online Web Design Professional course that covers essential web technologies like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.

Tulsa Community College offers certificate programs that include hands-on training and practical experience in web development.

Degree Programs

Compared to certificate programs, degree programs typically offer a broader curriculum and a more in-depth education. These programs offer a comprehensive education in web design, ensuring students are well-prepared for various roles in the industry.

Continuing Education

Professionals looking to maintain and enhance their skills throughout their careers will find continuing education in web design indispensable. These courses help professionals stay updated with the latest trends and technologies in the web design industry.

Career Paths and Opportunities

Web development, digital design, and software development are career paths open to graduates of web design programs in Oklahoma. They can work in various roles, including front-end and back-end development, and can find employment in industries such as publishing, management consulting, and advertising.

The increasing reliance of numerous industries on web applications drives the growing demand for web developers.

Entry-Level Positions

Web design graduates often begin their careers in roles such as junior web developer, junior software engineer, digital designer, Web Developer, Web Designer, graphic designer, and graphic designers.

Junior Web Developers often assist in website maintenance and updates, while entry-level Web Designers focus on creating visual elements and layouts for websites.

Industry Demand

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 16% growth in employment for web developers and digital designers by 2032, which is much faster than the average for all occupations. Approximately 19,000 job openings for web developers and digital designers are anticipated each year over the next decade.

As businesses seek professionals capable of delivering compelling digital experiences, the demand for skilled web designers in Oklahoma is on the rise.

Salary Expectations

As of May 2023, the median annual wage for web developers stood at $84,960.

For digital interface designers, the median annual wage was $98,540, reflecting the high demand and value placed on skilled professionals in this field.

Resources and Facilities

To facilitate their learning, web design students in Oklahoma have access to a multitude of fully-equipped computer labs and up-to-date software. Institutions provide comprehensive resources and facilities, including:

Advanced software and hardware
Visual resource centers
Design studios
Award-winning faculty

Such resources assist students in gaining practical experience in computer science and keeping abreast of the latest technologies.

Visual Resource Centers

Visual resource centers, such as the one at Oklahoma State University, provide a wide array of digital resources and curated online materials specific to web design curricula. The visual resource center includes:

Large format archival inkjet printers
Laser printer
Vinyl cutter
Mac and PC stations with Adobe CC software
Large graphic arts flatbed scanners

The VRC is partially funded by student technical fees from the College of Arts and Sciences and provides industry-standard equipment for students to use.

Design Studios

Design studios play a pivotal role in giving web design students hands-on experience in a practical environment. These studios offer state-of-the-art equipment and technologies, facilitating a real-world working environment.

The graphic design program at Oklahoma State University includes 24-hour access to design studios and computer labs, ensuring students have ample opportunity to work on personal projects and collaborations.

Award-Winning Faculty

Students in Oklahoma benefit from award-winning faculty who bring real-world experience and recognition to the classroom. Faculty members often have extensive industry connections and can provide valuable insights and mentorship, enhancing the educational experience for web design students.

The University of Central Oklahoma’s School of Design boasts faculty who are experienced professionals and masters in their trade.

Admission Requirements

A high school diploma or GED and a minimum GPA are often prerequisites for admission to web design programs in Oklahoma. Applicants may need to submit transcripts from previous educational institutions. Some programs also require letters of recommendation and a statement of purpose.

Prerequisites

Web design programs commonly require applicants to have foundational knowledge in HTML, CSS, and graphic design tools. Applicants are generally expected to have basic skills in HTML and CSS before enrolling, along with familiarity with graphic design tools such as Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator. These foundational skills are essential for successful completion of the program and enable students to hit the ground running as they delve into more advanced topics.

Application Process

Applying to web design programs typically requires submission of academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement. Prospective students need to complete an online application form and pay an application fee. Personal statements or essays allow applicants to express their passion and goals, while letters of recommendation provide insights into their capabilities and potential.

Deadlines for applications are often several months before the start of the program, so early preparation is advised.

Portfolio Submission

For many web design programs, portfolio submissions form a critical part of the application process. Applicants are often required to submit a digital portfolio showcasing their design work. The portfolio should demonstrate proficiency in both design and technical skills, including samples of HTML and CSS projects.

A well-organized portfolio website can effectively highlight an applicant’s creativity, technical ability, and range of skills, often featuring completed websites or design mockups.