Hi everyone! I was wondering if anyone knows what direction /major I should take if I'm interested in being a web designer. My current university (I'm a first-year student) doesn't exactly have a formal web design major, and the Computer Science major is more oriented toward software or hardware design. Most of what I know about web design I've learned from reading books, a couple really good websites, and experimenting on my own. I was considering a double major in Communication and Computer Science would be my best shot...any ideas?

DrippyZeo

Hey DZ,

I went through school for a Software Engineering major my second time around (first time was English Literature...). I'd highly recommend knowing the ins and outs of software engineering if you're going to be delving into webdesign these days. Especially with all the changes that have come about over the past few years.

A background in the Computer Sciences can give you a great "leg up" over a lot of people who claim to be "webdesigners." There are a LOT of terrible pages out there, and a lot of bad design is often the result of using "the wrong tools." Or, worse yet, neophyte programmers using the "sledgehammer approach" (something of which I know I've been guilty of from time to time in my older designs and programming).

For the record, it seems that most "Webdesign/Webmaster" majors offered by a lot of schools are kind of a modified graphic design degree. I'd never want to take up a major in which all the school will teach me is how to use a software package... because guaranteed by the time you graduate, the package you know will be out of date.

Anyway, I'll get down off my soapbox now :D

Regards,

Jim

What's up, :)

I'm in my freshmen year of college as well. I currently am working twords a degree in computer science (Networking Specialist) at my local comunity college. My college spocers three paths for computer science witch are as follows:

Programming - A mess of languages
Applications - Speadsheet and database management
Network Specialist - Network administration, web page design and programing, and about six programing languages.

Besides that I have a thourow understanding of PC's and happen to work in the field of PC Repair, Upgrade, and asembly (I should go and take my A+). I understand networking some what and I was planning about two years ago to study for my MCSE+I but other things have got in the way. I also am a good artist witch I think helps. I am also a very strong writer (but I cant spell).

Well what do you people think of my game plan. Do I look like I'm headed in the direction. If you know what else may help me then tell me.

Peace
Wise1