Full-time (Day): 2 terms | Part-time (Night): 4 terms

Get ready for your future in building next-generation rich media sits with the Web Development Certificate. Learn how to create the dynamic, data-driven websites and internet applications that today’s users and companies are demanding. Working with the same tools the professionals use, you’ll develop content-rich websites that use databases and programming languages to display context-sensitive web content. This intensive program focuses on client side programming with HTML, Cascading Style Sheets (CSS), and server side programming using PHP scripting and Structured Query Language (SQL) databases in deploying rich media sites using various open source content management toolsets.

Through a combination of hands-on exercises, lectures and projects, you’ll be introduced to real-world applications with emphasis on JavaScript, MySQL, XML, AJAX and object-oriented programming techniques on projects of increasing complexity. You’ll learn how to build rich Internet applications, manage social content for the web and generate a portfolio demonstrating your new skills in web platform development, integration and deployment. Upon completion—and with a substantial résumé and the latest web development programming skills— you will have the knowledge and experience to enter the workforce with confidence.

Modules

WD101 Introduction to Web Design, XHTML and CSS I

This module provides an overview of the Web and teaches the fundamentals of web design. Students will begin to create well-formed code that complies with XHTML and CSS standards. They will be introduced to the practices of information architecture and interaction design. Topics include non-linear navigation, usability, and information architecture. Review of websites currently on the Internet will be used to aid students in learning the differences between how print communicates and interacts with its audience and how the web does.

WV102 Designing with Photoshop and Fireworks

The lectures and exercises of this module help students develop basic design skills and establish a visual vocabulary that enables them to describe, analyze and discuss their work and the work of others. This module is also oriented toward an overall introduction to the tools and feature sets of Photoshop and Fireworks. Students will begin optimization of imagery for the web, review basic color principles, and develop skills for establishing prototypes.

WD103 XHTML and CSS II

Students continue their learning of XHTML and CSS and continue to practice these skills while separating content from presentation. Topics include CSS/web typography; using XHTML and CSS for page layout; fixed, liquid and elastic page layouts; floats and columns; CSS browser compatibility issues; web graphic optimization and color principles; and an introduction to accessibility.

WD104 Advanced Web Design

Students will continue learning design principles and the web design process as it pertains to professional practices. Students will be given lectures or demonstrations covering: user interfaces (UI), navigational frameworks, cross-browser compatibility, interfaces that optimize usability, accessibility, and the enhancement of browser interoperability.

WD105 Usability, Accessibility, and Information Architecture

The course will introduce students to the core principles of Information Architecture that includes organizing functionality and content into a structure that people are able to navigate intuitively. This course also discusses the relationship between information architecture and usability, in the context of real-world projects, while also introducing the concept of search engine optimization.

WD106 Web Standards Design with Dreamweaver

This module explores methodologies for designing and building complex websites with larger amount of content. Students will expand upon their knowledge of Information. Architecture and how to organize content in a user-centric way. They will learn to use Adobe Dreamweaver as one tool for managing sites and troubleshooting code. Students will discover the pros and cons of using Dreamweaver’s WYSIWYG interface (e.g., “design view”).

WD108 WordPress I

A brief overview of Content Management Systems (CMS) is presented, reasons for implementing CMS are discussed, and identifying content and what it actually means to a website owner is covered. An introduction is given to WordPress and specific CMS topics are addressed as development of a website is created in WordPress. This is the first of 2 consecutive
modules covering the same objectives, exercises, and projects.

WD109 WordPress II

The continuation of WordPress is covered. This module builds on knowledge and skills gained in the previous course as students expand and develop their command of using WordPress as as a Content Management System (CMS). This is the second of 2 consecutive modules covering the same objectives, exercises, and projects.

WD110 JavaScript I – Web Interactivity

Use your knowledge of HTML and CSS and fundamental programming concepts to make real-time changes to web page structure. Manipulate HTML elements on a web page including position, color, and even content. Create Javascript functions which perform common actions to take better control of your feature-rich applications.

WD111 JavaScript II – jQuery

The continuation of Javascript is covered while expanding upon its foundational aspects of programming. Further use of one’s knowledge of HTML, CSS and Javascript are used to make real-time changes to the web page structure. jQuery is introduced and is used to manipulate HTML elements on a web page including position, color, and even content. Create jQuery scripts which perform common actions to take better control of your feature-rich applications.

WD203 Flash I

Adobe®Flash® Professional software is an advanced authoring environment for creating rich, interactive content for digital, web, and mobile platforms. It has the capabilities of creating: interactive websites; rich media advertisements; instructional media; engaging presentations; games; and more. This module focuses on creating animated Flash movies for the Web, and integrating Flash into existing web pages; projects may include creating a web banner, making a splash page, or animating a logo/ identity.

WD206 Web Design Project

This project module allows students to apply what they have learned in the first half of the program and create an integrated website from scratch. Students will be expected to demonstrate how to work with digital images, basic navigational elements and incorporate WordPress.

WD207 Web Design Portfolio

This course offers instruction in final preparation and presentation of the individual student portfolio. Instructors will act in an advisory role to students during this module, with one-on-one and in-class reviews.

WV310 Flash II

Students take complete control of Flash with built-in object-oriented programming language, Actionscript 3. They will further develop their skills within the Flash environment in this module while mastering programming concepts.

WV311 PHP and MySQL I: Intro to MySQL

A great introduction into server-side scripting, PHP has quickly positioned itself as the de-facto standard in web development. Students apply programming knowledge to this language by completing interactive, hands-on projects which serve HTML / CSS in creative ways. Also in this module, learn how to design a relational database for use in functional websites. Design and implement a relational database using the MySQL RDBMS (Relational Database Management System) and learn how to Create, Read, Update, and Delete data.

WV312 PHP and MySQL II: Advanced Forms and Actions

As PHP is related to each one of the remaining topics in one way or another, the focus of this continuation of the previous module is to ensure a solid understanding of the technology. Topics include: Dynamically created HTML tables; Using variables in different ways; Create and use forms; Process form data; Connect to the MySQL database server with PHP; Select data out of the database; Include PHP files to dynamically generate output.

WV313 Programming Topics in PHP & MySQL

Students learn the basics of Object Oriented programming and how it applies to scalable code. This module will build a strong foundation for content management customization and AJAX.

WV314 Object Oriented PHP

Students solidify their understanding of objects by developing sites using PHP. In this module the focus will be on new ways to interact with databases, creating contact forms which post data, and creating classes based on common actions which apply to multiple places.

WV315 PHP and MySQL Security and Hacking

Security is perhaps the biggest concern when creating and developing websites. There will be discussions on the application of secure certificates on web servers, PCI Compliance, and how to avoid common security flaws in PHP code to ensure secure, reliable functionality.

WV316 Developing WordPress Plugins

Students will use their knowledge of content management and objects to now customize the popular blogging platform WordPress. Each student will create administration panel options and external website functionality through custom, PHP-based WordPress plugins.

WV317 Development Project

Students will individually execute the creation and development of a content managed website from a previously created website design. Students may find third party modules and components or develop them on the spot to satisfy goals set forth. Project Management tools will be used to ensure timely delivery of the final project.

WV318 Javascript III – jQuery

Common usability techniques that help website visitors make more informed decisions will be explored. Students use competences acquired in previous modules with a newly developed understanding of Javascript and its jQuery to create interactive websites with impressive movement and enhanced usability.

WV319 AJAX, XML, JSON and Interactivity

Implementing a server-side dynamic content delivery system within a client-side presentation of a web page rounds off the study of Javascript. Students utilize AJAX and XML data feeds to update data on a web page in real time without reloading the entire page.

WV320 Developing for Mobile Devices I

Distributed computing has long been an important piece of web development. This module is designed to give students the exposure they need to take their careers to the next level. Websites developed for browsers are reformatted using CSS to fit mobile devices more clearly. Native application development connecting to web servers are explored as well and the hello world examples are shown.

WV321 Developing for Mobile Devices II

This module is a continuation of the previous Mobile Development module. This module is designed to give students the exposure they need to take their careers to the next level. Websites developed for browsers are reformatted using jQuery and CSS to fit mobile devices more clearly.

WV322 Business of Web Development

How do websites make money? How do calls to action work? What does it cost to run a website? Some of these topics and more are explored in this module while allowing students to expand their knowledge and understanding of some of the hottest websites in existence like Amazon, LinkedIn and Facebook.

WV323 Web Services and eCommerce

This modules allows students to strengthen PHP and AJAX abilities by implementing common Web Services which build value for website visitors. API sets will be explored by combining services provided by third party entities like Freshbooks and Twitter with merchant account providers such as PayPal and Quickbooks, creating effective eCommerce web sites.

WV324 Web Development Portfolio I

This course offers instruction in final preparation and presentation of the individual student portfolio. Instructors will act in an advisory role to students during this module, with one-on-one and in-class reviews.

WV325 Web Development Portfolio II

Students continue building their portfolios. Students are encouraged to incorporate elements from the entire program into their individual portfolios.

WV990 Directed Study

This module allows students the time to focus on an independent project under the approval and guidance of a faculty member. Students will work from proposal to a completed project that pursues in greater depth topics previously studied. Final deliverables can include enhancing portfolio or a special project that aligns with each students’ interests and career goals. Alternatively, directed study students can apply this time to Practicum to allow more focus on longer term client deliverables.