Web and User Experience (UX) program

Weber State University offers a Web and User Experience (UX) program that equips students with essential skills for careers in web development and UX design. Our program provides a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree with two specialized tracks: Full Stack Web Development and User Experience Design. Students acquire a wide range of skills, including web accessibility, information architecture, user research methods, and multimedia technologies.

Web and User Experience Degrees and Programs at Weber State University

Associate of Applied Science

Web and User Experience (AAS)

Institutional Certificate

Bachelor of Science

Emphasis Option for Bachelor of Integrated Studies

Web Development (BIS)

Minor

High School: Earn the Web Essentials Certificate of Proficiency while you are still in high school

Eligible Districts

What is web development?

Web development is the process of creating and maintaining websites and web applications, encompassing various aspects such as web design, web content development, client-side/server-side scripting, and network security configuration. It involves both front-end development (building the part of the website that users interact with) and back-end development (creating the server-side functionality, databases, and application logic). Web developers use a range of programming languages, frameworks, and tools to ensure websites are functional, responsive, and optimized for performance and user experience

What is user experience (ux) design?

User experience (UX) encompasses all aspects of a user's interaction with a product, system, or service, aiming to ensure that the interaction is efficient, enjoyable, and meets the user's needs and expectations. It involves understanding user behaviors, needs, and motivations through research and design techniques, including usability, accessibility, and overall engagement.

What will I learn in Web & User Experience at WSU?

Core Classes

Foundations of Computing
Introduction to Database Design and SQL
Client Side Programming
User Experience Design
Advanced CSS
Web Accessibility

Full Stack Web Development Emphases

Dynamic Languages for Web Development
Client-Side Frameworks
LAMP Stack Web Development

User Experience Design Emphases

User Interface Prototyping & Design
Information Architecture
Human-Computer Interaction

What does a web developer do?

A web developer is responsible for designing, coding, and modifying websites, from layout to function, ensuring they are visually appealing, web accessible and user-friendly. They handle both front-end development (user interface and experience) and back-end development (server, application, and database), ensuring websites perform well and are secure.

What does a user experience (UX) designer do?

A user experience (UX) designer is responsible for creating and enhancing web applications and mobile applications to ensure a positive and meaningful user interaction. They conduct user research to understand user needs, develop wireframes and prototypes to visualize design concepts, and perform usability testing to refine the product based on user feedback, ensuring it is intuitive, accessible, and enjoyable to use.

What are Web and User Experience jobs?

Front-End Developer: Focuses on the visual and interactive aspects of a website, using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
Back-End Developer: Works on server-side logic, databases, and application functionality, using languages such as PHP, Python, Ruby, or Java.
Full-Stack Developer: Handles both front-end and back-end development tasks, creating complete web applications.
Web Designer: Specializes in the design and layout of websites, focusing on aesthetics and user interface.
UI/UX Developer: Combines user interface (UI) design and user experience (UX) design to ensure websites are user-friendly and visually appealing.
Mobile Web Developer: Designs and develops websites optimized for mobile devices.
Content Management System (CMS) Developer: Works with platforms like WordPress, Drupal, or Joomla to build and manage website content.

What is the salary for a Web Developer and User Experience Designer?

The median salary for web and user experience (UX) designers in Utah typically falls within the range of $45,800–81,620 per year, based on data from the Utah Department of Workforce Services. This can vary depending on experience, education, and the specific region within Utah, with higher salaries in more urban areas like Salt Lake City.

Nationally, web developers and user experience designers have an average salary of approximately $80,253* per year.

*salary.com

Frequently Asked Questions

How does web & user experience work together?

Aspect	Web Design	User Experience (UX)
Usability	Creates intuitive navigation and layout	Ensures users can easily find information and complete tasks
Visual Design	Focuses on aesthetics and brand identity	Enhances engagement and creates a pleasing environment
Performance	Optimizes loading speed and functionality	Provides a smooth, frustration-free interaction
Content	Develops engaging and structured content	Keeps users informed and interested with high-quality information
Interactivity	Adds forms, buttons, and animations	Engages users and provides feedback on their actions
Accessibility	Implements accessible design practices	Ensures the site is usable by people with disabilities
Responsive Design	Adapts to different devices and screen sizes	Ensures a consistent experience across all devices
User Research	Uses personas and research to inform design	Tailors the site to meet user needs and preferences
Testing and Iteration	Continuously improves design based on feedback	Ensures the site evolves to meet changing user expectations
Emotional Design	Adds elements that surprise and delight	Creates a positive emotional connection with users

What is the difference between user experience (ux) and user interface (ui)?

User Experience (UX) and User Interface (UI) design are closely related but distinct aspects of creating a product. UX focuses on the overall feel and functionality, ensuring that the product is user-friendly, efficient, and meets the user's needs. This involves user research, prototyping, testing, and iterative improvements to enhance satisfaction and usability.

In contrast, UI design is concerned with the visual aspects and interactivity of the product, such as buttons, icons, layout, typography, and color schemes. While UX aims to create a seamless and enjoyable experience, UI focuses on making the interface aesthetically pleasing and intuitive. Both UX and UI are essential for developing successful, user-centered products.
What is the difference between the full stack web development emphases and user experience design emphases?

The Full Stack Web Development emphasis focuses on teaching students comprehensive skills in both front-end and back-end development, using the latest programming languages, frameworks, and tools to build modern, secure web applications. This program prepares students for roles such as full-stack, front-end, or back-end developers by emphasizing client-side and server-side programming, database integration, and responsive design.

In contrast, the User Experience (UX) Design emphasis centers on designing meaningful user experiences through a deep understanding of user needs and behaviors. This program covers user research methods, interface prototyping, information architecture, and web accessibility, preparing graduates for careers as UX designers or researchers who collaborate effectively with engineering teams. Both emphases include practical experience through internships and projects with community partners, but Full Stack focuses more on technical development, while UX Design emphasizes user-centered design principles