Best Web Design Classes NYC: Find Courses & Onsite Training

Learn More About NYC Web Design Courses

What is Web Design?

Web Design involves planning, arranging, and maintaining websites. Web Designers build a website’s structure and layout, and create its look and feel by using graphics, images, colors, and fonts. Designers often use apps like Photoshop or Figma to create these elements, and website design apps like Wix or WordPress to create sites. The term, web design, often pertains to front-end website design (the client-side), which includes writing markup. In addition, Web Designers optimize websites for search engine ranking and user experience. Not only are Web Designers in charge of a website’s appearance but they are also for its interface. They design websites that inform their viewers, win customers, and gain attention for a product or service. Web Designers can work alone, or as part of a team.

The first website was created in 1991, and today there are millions of different websites. In addition to this proliferation of sites, there have also been many changes to the way Web Designers work. For instance, as a growing number of people access the internet from mobile devices, there has been an increased focus on designing mobile-friendly sites. Web Designers often have coding skills, however, web design is typically focused on the aesthetic elements of a website rather than the code that makes the site work. Web Developers, not Web Designers, are often the ones who work with code and other technical elements that are not visible on the site, but are crucial to its functioning.

Knowledge of Web Design provides a versatile background that extends far beyond markup language, into a webpage’s aesthetic appeal. Web Designers don’t just consider images and their placement, but also how the information on the site is structured. Skilled Web Designers emphasize simplicity in their designs, limiting superfluous or distracting information that could possibly cause confusion or hinder functionality. They seek to create websites that are usable, accessible, relevant, and engaging.

What Can You Do with Web Design?

Web design can lead to opportunities in many different fields. Websites have become an integral part of everyday life for most people. They have many different uses such as commerce, communication, education, and entertainment. According to a recent Forbes article, almost three-quarters of all businesses maintain a website, and 28 percent of all business is now conducted online. With web design skills, you can create and edit websites, which are needed in almost every industry. The more education and experience you gain, the better your opportunities are likely to be; research shows that good web designers are in-demand because the design of a site can have a significant impact on its success. For instance, according to Forbes, a website visitor forms an opinion of the site in just.05 seconds, and will quickly leave if they don’t like the site, or can’t find what they’re looking for.

What Will I Learn in a Web Design Class?

What you learn in a web design class will depend on the specific class you enroll in, however, there are several fundamental skills that most web design classes cover. You’re likely to learn at least some basic programming language skills. While web design is typically more focused on design–compared to other areas like web development, that involve a lot of coding–you’re still likely to learn at least some coding when you learn web design. HTML, CSS, and JavaScript are the basic building blocks of most websites, and web design courses often cover these languages. You may also learn about various frameworks and libraries, which can be used to help you more efficiently create a website. Web design classes often cover digital design tools too. For instance, Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator are two popular design apps that are often used to create content for websites. You may also learn how to use a web design application like WordPress, which can be used to create an entire website. Another common tool for website creation is Figma, which can be used to design and prototype the user interface of the site. Finally, most web design classes include working on real-world projects. This is a great way to master your new web design skills, and it also gives you material to include in your portfolio.

Web Design Industries in New York City

New York City is the largest city in the United States, with opportunities in a wide range of different industries, including many that involve web design. The New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC) calls the city an “economic powerhouse.” It says, “What makes us different? It’s the diversity. The dynamism. The ambition. The connectivity. The entrepreneurial spirit. The ecosystem of innovation. The booming tech industry. The center of culture. The center of commerce. The center of everything…. These advantages create a network of opportunities that are simply unmatched.”

One industry that is seeing substantial growth in New York City is tech. According to NYCEDC, “With a mix of big established companies and over 25,000 startups, the NYC tech sector is valued at over $189 billion and explosive growth over the last decade has propelled NYC into the world’s second-largest technology hub.” It reports that the tech industry accounts for 7 percent of total jobs in the city. NYC International Business, a website that provides information about growing a business in New York City agrees that the tech scene is booming there. It says, “New York City is the fastest-growing tech hub in the United States.” It reports that the city’s tech scene supports more than 291,000 jobs and generates more than $124.7 billion. In addition, it reports that tech sector jobs have a growth rate of 18 percent over the past ten years. According to Empire State Development, a government organization that works to promote the economy of New York State, “New York State’s thriving tech community puts the state at the forefront of software development and digital media. Software and digital media jobs make up almost half of more than 500,000 total net tech jobs in New York State, and more than 24,000 firms.” Many of these jobs are in New York City.

Will I Need to Be Certified in Web Design to Get a Job?

Most web design jobs won’t require you to be certified. You will need to have web design skills and experience, but if you can prove your skills you are likely to find work, whether or not you are certified. However, at the same time, while being certified may not be required, it can definitely be beneficial. A certificate or certification shows prospective employers or clients who you have a certain level of proficiency in web design. For instance, to earn a certification, you have to pass a standardized exam, which proves that you have mastered that skill or set of skills. It can also help you stand out from other candidates who have similar skills to you. Some research shows that employers are more likely to consider candidates who are certified and that people who are certified often earn more money too. Being certified can also benefit you because a certificate of certification course will help you refresh your skills or learn new ones.

Indeed argues that in some cases, getting certified can actually be better than getting a degree. It explains, “In many situations, certifications can be better than degrees for several reasons. Certificates often match current standards better than degrees, which is especially important in fast-paced fields like information technology (IT.) Unlike degrees, where the quality can vary depending on the school you go to, certificates have a universal standard that is the same no matter where you take the course and exam. These certifications also allow you to learn exactly what you need to know for your career without the filler courses that come with degrees.” It maintains that this can both save you time and money, and prove your expertise to an employer. Indeed argues that certification can lead to higher pay and advancement opportunities, and says that some employers may even reimburse their employees for the cost of certification.

What Specific Jobs Use Web Design?

There are several career paths in New York City that rely on web design skills. Web Designers are involved with the visual and technical design of a website. In some cases, one person is responsible for an entire website, while in other cases, several team members may work on the job. Front-End Developers specialize in creating the part of the website that users see and interact with such as the overall layout and individual features like logos or links. Back-end Developers work on things that the user does not interact with but are essential to the website's function, like creating and maintaining the database. According to Payscale, which publishes salary estimates for many U.S. cities, the average salary for a New York City Web Designer is almost $66,000 yearly. Glassdoor, which also provides salary estimates, finds that a Front-end Developer in New York City earns about $97,000, and a Back-end Developer about $119,000.

Professions such as User Interface (UI) Designer, User Experience (UX) Designer, and Visual Designer all overlap with web design. A UX Designer ensures that website users have the best experience possible. Their job is to ensure that a website is intuitive and easy to use and that the experience is enjoyable for the user. A UI Designer works on the look and feel of a webpage. A Visual Designer is responsible for the aesthetics of a website and works on things such as making sure it engages users. A UX Designer earns approximately $109,000, according to Glassdoor, and a UI Designer $108,000. The average salary for a Visual Designer is $95,000.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor(the BLS) is a federal agency that publishes labor market data. It provides statistics about states and areas that employ the most Web and Digital Interface Designers. It reports that the New York City metropolitan area tops the list for employment levels in this profession, employing about 8,800 people. The annual mean wage for Web and Digital Interface Designers in New York City is about $118,000, according to the BLS. This puts it in seventh place among top-paying metropolitan areas.

Is It Worth It to Learn Web Design?

Web design is an in-demand job, so learning this skill can open the doors to many different job opportunities. According to a recent Forbes Advisor article, there are a total of 1.13 billion websites, with a new one being built every three seconds. With so many different sites out there, website design is critically important for gaining and keeping visitors, and good Web Designers are in-demand. The Forbes article states, “Nearly nine out of 10 online users won’t revisit a website if they have a negative experience on it. This shows the importance of providing a smooth and user-friendly website for users, as a bad experience could result in lost opportunities for engagement and repeat visits.”

The BLS predicts that over the next ten years, Web Developers and Digital Designers will see job growth of 16 percent, which is much faster than the average U.S. job growth rate of 3 percent. The agency says, “Employment of web developers and digital designers is projected to grow as ecommerce continues to expand. As retail firms keep increasing their online offerings, demand for these workers is expected to grow. In addition, the continued use of mobile devices to search the web is expected to generate demand for web developers and digital designers to create websites and interfaces that work on mobile devices with many different screen sizes.” This means that learning web design is likely to give you many future job options. If you’re looking to gain an edge over your competitors, you could consider boosting your resume by earning a web design certification, or learning a related skill like Figma. Many schools have flexible scheduling options designed to fit in with a busy schedule. For instance, Noble Desktop runs web design courses on evenings and weekends.

There are also several aspects of the web design job itself that many people enjoy. One is that this job can be both creative and challenging. Web Designers explain that every web design project is unique, and this means that web design involves constant innovation, creativity, and problem-solving. Many comment that because they are continually using their creativity in different ways, they rarely get bored with what they do.

Another thing that many Web Designers like about this profession is that it often allows a high level of flexibility and independence. While a Web Designer can work for a specific company, it is also relatively common to work as a freelancer in this field. According to the BLS, 13 percent of Web and Digital Interface Designers are self-employed. As a freelancer, a Web Designer has the freedom to pick whatever projects they want, work from wherever they choose, and set their own hours. For many, this makes web design a good job option.

How Long Will It Take to Learn Web Design?

The amount of time it takes to learn web design varies, and depends on several different factors including how much knowledge and experience you already have, whether or not you take a web design course, and how much time you spend developing your skills. In general, many people report that you can probably learn the basics within a matter of months but it will likely take several years to really master web design. If you already have some web design skills–such as coding or knowledge of design fundamentals–you may learn more quickly.

Enrolling in a paid class is also a great way to speed up the learning process because the information will be presented in a structured and comprehensive form, and you’ll have an experienced instructor to guide you and answer all of your questions. In contrast, when you try to teach yourself, you’re likely to spend a lot more time trying to figure things out. Another benefit of a paid class is that it can help you avoid common mistakes. Most instructors have years of experience, and they can share best practices and common pitfalls. Learning these by yourself could take years and involve a lot of time and frustration.

How Hard is It to Learn Web Design?

Learning web design can be challenging, but with dedication and practice, this subject can be mastered by almost anyone. If you feel overwhelmed by all the new concepts and skills you need to learn, it can be helpful to start small and work your way up, mastering one thing at a time, rather than trying to do it all at once. Practice is also an important part of learning web design. The more time you devote to practice, the more quickly you are likely to learn web design. Experienced Web Designers often say that to get good at what they do, many hours of practice are required.

Complimentary Skills

Design Programs

As a Web Designer, it can be beneficial to know how to use design programs for creating web content. For example, Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator can be used to create and edit photos and other visual elements to be used on the site. There are also specific web design applications, like Wix, or WordPress, that can be used to create an entire website.

Programming Languages

As a Web Designer, your primary focus is likely to be on designing a website, not coding it. However, having some knowledge of programming languages can be helpful. Many Web Designers gain at least a basic understanding of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, which are a part of the majority of websites.

Design Principles

Any type of Designer can benefit from an understanding of fundamental design principles. This means knowing things like how different elements of your design–like color or repetition–will affect viewers. A knowledge of design will allow you to create more effective designs.

Should I Learn Web Design in Person or Online?

Web design classes come in several different formats, each with specific advantages and disadvantages. In-person classes are the traditional way to learn, and some people prefer this format. With the in-person format, students receive live instruction from an instructor who can explain difficult concepts, provide immediate feedback, and easily see whether or not a student needs extra help. Many students find it easier to connect with other students in an in-person setting, which can lead to additional learning or networking opportunities. Yet another advantage of in-person learning is that it takes place in a classroom environment that is designed for learning and is likely to have minimal distractions. However, in-person learning also has disadvantages. Since students need to be physically present, they are limited to class options that they can commute to. Even if there is a suitable option nearby, commuting can be costly and time-consuming.

Students looking for more flexibility sometimes prefer to learn in a live online format. Live online classes run live and in real-time, just like in-person classes do, however, rather than being physically present in a classroom, students attend by logging on from a computer. They are still able to connect with an instructor and get help and feedback, but they can attend from any location that they want to. Students who learn live online typically have many more class options than those who learn in-person. Another potential advantage of live online learning is that students may have the opportunity to interact and network with a more diverse group of students. Yet, there are also disadvantages to this format. Students who learn online may not get access to the same resources that are available in a classroom, like computer labs. Some students also find that there are more distractions when they learn from somewhere like their home.

A third class option is the on-demand format. This has even more flexibility than a live online class. Content is pre-recorded, and students can access it from anywhere that has an internet connection. They can work through the material at their own pace, proceeding quickly or spreading it out over several months. In addition, on-demand classes are often cheaper than live classes, since there is no live instructor or classroom. The biggest downside to this format is the lack of real-time interaction. In addition, on-demand learning may require more discipline and self-motivation.

Can I Learn Web Design Free Online?

There are many different free online web design resources. These can be a great way to gain an overview of this topic, troubleshoot a particular problem, or learn a new skill. However, if you’re looking for a comprehensive web design education that will prepare you to work in this field, a paid class is usually the best option. With a paid class, an expert instructor will guide you through the course material, explaining complex concepts, and answering all of your questions. In addition, with a paid class, you’ll know that you are receiving accurate and current information. In contrast, when you utilize free online sources, you may encounter material that is out-of-date, or even inaccurate.

In-Person Web Design Classes in NYC

In-person web design classes are a great option to consider if you are a student who prefers the traditional classroom approach to learning. These courses offer a fully immersive, hands-on educational experience in which lessons are taught by industry professionals. This collaborative classroom dynamic facilitates networking opportunities with other students and helps build professional connections and friendships that extend far beyond the classroom.

Since it was founded in 1990, Noble Desktop has been providing industry-relevant education for learners at all levels. Noble’s facility is located in Midtown Manhattan, the country’s largest media, entertainment, and commercial center. Those attending in-person classes can easily reach Noble Desktop via Penn Station, Grand Central, or the NJ PATH. Students who are enrolled in web design courses have access to Noble’s state-of-the-art computer labs, software, and the necessary equipment for study. Through its diverse course offerings of certificate programs, bootcamps, and classes, Noble Desktop continues to provide students with an educational environment conducive to success.

Noble currently has several web design classes available. Its Web Design Certificate is a 90-hour program that prepares students to work with design as well as coding. Those enrolled use JavaScript, CSS, and HTML for coding, study how to create web graphics, and learn the basics of website layout and design using Sketch or Adobe XD. They also learn how to design webpage layouts in Figma, and work on a portfolio. This certificate includes eight one-on-one mentoring sessions for all students. It takes six weeks to complete and costs $4,995. Like all Noble courses, it includes the option of a free retake within one year.

For those interested in learning the whole design process for websites and apps, Noble’s UX & UI Design Certificate is for you. This 72-hour program covers the necessary training to prepare students for prototyping, user research, and testing. Those enrolled also receive guidance on how to use Sketch, Photoshop, and Illustrator to create visual designs and graphics. Tuition is $3,495 and the course takes six weeks to complete. Students get six one-on-one mentoring sessions.

Noble Desktop’s Visual Design Certificate is a rigorous, 96-hour program in which students gain a comprehensive overview of relevant design concepts. In this course, participants complete several portfolio projects that showcase the skills they’ve learned such as how to work with typography, color, and composition for graphic design, and how to use Sketch, Illustrator, and Photoshop to create designs that work on different screen sizes. This certificate includes one-on-one mentoring. It costs $3,995 and takes six weeks to complete.

Noble also runs several different shorter classes that can be useful to students wanting to pursue web design. For example, Web Development with HTML & CSS is an 18-hour class focused on coding with HTML and CSS. Students learn how to code a website from scratch, including styling content, adding background images, and making the page responsive. Tuition for this class is $925.

Pratt Continuing and Professional Studies has campuses in Brooklyn and Manhattan, and also offers online classes. Its Web Design Certificate covers a wide range of different skills including coding, UX and UI, and responsive design. Students also learn about best practices for presentation and networking, and they create a portfolio. They take four required classes: Coding I: Introduction to Web Development, Coding II: Web Development Advances, Figma for UX/UI, and Introduction to Web Design. They also choose two electives from: Branding and Digital Marketing, CAD Design, Digital Product Design, Fashion New Media, Graphic Design, Human-Centered Design, Photography and Video Production, and UX/UI Design. Tuition is $6,000.

Plexus Creative is another New York City school that offers web design training. Intro to Web Design with HTML & CSS is a one-day workshop that costs $600. Students learn essential HTML and CSS skills like syntax, creating links, working with lists, embedding media content, formatting text, and formatting graphics. They also learn about controlling color and layout, search engine optimization, and block vs. Inline tags. Plexus also offers classes in Webflow and Squarespace.

If you’re interested in UX and UI design, NYC Career Centers runs a course called UX & UI Design Certificate. There are 44 sessions in this class, and it costs $3,495. This project-based class covers fundamental concepts and best practices for UX and UI design. Students also learn how to conduct user research and testing, and how to design webpages, apps, and other digital products. In addition, they work on building a design portfolio and receive instructor feedback on their work.

If you want to learn UX and UI design, another option is a course called Learn UX/UI Design, which is offered by the Flatiron School. This course is designed to prepare students for a career in UX, UI, or digital design. Covered topics include ethical and inclusive research, foundational research, ideation and innovation, visual composition, typography and color, interaction and animation, and information architecture. In addition, students learn about designing for the web, mobile application design, product strategy, information design, and working in cross-functional teams. There are 75 class sessions in total, and tuition is $16,900.

ONLC Training Centers runs a WordPress course called WordPress Level 1. In this class, students learn how to create a website. They learn about using pages, menus, and the media library. They also learn about plugins and widgets. In addition, instructors cover themes, social media integration, and administering WordPress. This class has two sessions and costs $895.

Virtual Web Design Classes

For students who prefer the online learning environment, virtual web design classes are for you. These live online courses come with the same perks as in-person study such as hands-on, interactive training by industry professionals. All of Noble Desktop’s in-person web design classes such as the Visual Design Certificate and Web Design Certificate, are also offered in the live online format to accommodate various schedules and learning preferences. In these virtual courses, students can ask questions, receive individualized support, and opt to share their screen with the instructor without having to leave the comfort of their own home or office.

Computer Training Source, Inc. is based in Chicago and offers several different online classes that cover a variety of web design skills. This school was founded in 1991. One popular option is HTML Introduction, which covers structuring text, style sheets, and adding links and images. This one-day class costs $699. CSS Part 1 is also a one-day class, and costs $699. Students learn the essentials of CSS including building navigation and page layouts, and working with typography, colors, backgrounds, and white space.

If you’re interested in learning Dreamweaver, which is an app for building websites, you’ll find a class offered through Certstaffix Training. Adobe Dreamweaver CC Course is a three-day course and it costs $1,330. It covers HTML and CSS basics, web design basics, how to work with code, how to work with images, how to create a page layout and work with templates, publishing to the web, and designing for mobile devices. Certstaffix Training was founded in 2008 and provides computer and business skills classes in a variety of locations in both the United States and Canada.

Loyola University Chicago is based in Chicago, but also offers online classes. Its Web Design and Development Certificate is a part-time course, with synchronous online meetings held in the evenings. There are three classes: Web Design and Usability, Design for the Web, and Introduction to Web Application Development. Students participate in lectures, demonstrations, and lab time. Students also have access to an optional fourth course, where they complete a real-world web development project for a non-profit organization. The Web Design and Development Certificate takes five months to complete and tuition is $6,840.

The New School is based in New York City and was founded in 1919. It offers a Web Design Certificate, which is an online course made up of five classes. This course takes six to nine weeks to complete and costs $3,855. It is project-based. Students take Introduction to Web and Mobile, Web Design Production: JavaScript for Designers, Mobile Design Patterns and Emerging Platforms, Interactive Typography for the Web, and Design Systems. They learn about typography, animation, CSS, HTML, and JavaScript. They also get to directly interact with faculty and collaborate online with other students.

General Assembly runs a User Experience Design Bootcamp in a live online format. The course is designed to get students job-ready. It covers UX fundamentals, UI fundamentals, design iteration and development, working with a product team, UX in the real-world, and UX career planning. There are also 22 hours of optional post-course content that covers CSS, HTML, and JavaScript. This bootcamp has a total of 60 sessions. Tuition is $16,450.

Another online course option is Fundamentals of Web Development. This class runs through Future Media Concepts, which was founded in 1994 and headquartered in New York City. There are three class sessions, and tuition is $1,795. Students learn to code with HTML and CSS. They also learn about text and link styles, background images, centered page layout, forms, and CSS-based navigation. In addition, there is instruction on uploading files via FTP. This course is designed for anyone who plans to build or manage a website.

High School Web Design Classes in NYC

For teenagers in New York City looking to get a jump-start on learning about web design, summer web Design classes for high school students are available through NextGen Bootcamp. NextGen is Noble Desktop’s youth training division. One popular option is the UX & UI Design Summer Program, which is a 25-hour course that covers UX and UI skills, including Figma. Tuition is $1,499. NextGen is located in Midtown Manhattan and shares facilities with Noble Desktop. Those who are interested in enrolling can either study in New York City or live online.

Corporate & Onsite Web Design Classes in NYC

Learning web design doesn’t just open professional doors, it also provides upward career mobility for those already working within New York City’s tech industry. Noble Desktop offers onsite and corporate web design training so that employees at your office or company can receive the necessary guidance and skills for professional advancement. Several options are available depending on your employees’ preferences and needs. Instruction is available at Noble’s offices in Manhattan for those in the city. Noble’s instructors can also provide training at your own office or workplace, or virtual training via platforms like WebEx or Zoom. In addition, Noble also has vouchers available for purchase for open enrollment courses, which provide a convenient alternative so that employees can choose which time and learning environment most suits their needs. If you are interested in finding out more about the various web design training options available for those at your workplace, don’t hesitate to contact Noble Desktop for additional information, as well as details about how to enroll.

Janelle Davis

Janelle Davis has spent over a decade crafting content that breaks down technical subjects for various audiences. With a Master's in Literacy Education from SUNY Oswego, she combines educational expertise with clear writing. Through her work at Noble Desktop, she has explained course materials covering programming concepts and design principles. Her experience includes developing content on Python programming, Building Information Modeling (BIM), artificial intelligence, software engineering, CAD systems, and data analysis. Janelle quickly grasps technical topics through thorough research, then transforms specialized information into content that connects with both technical and non-technical readers.

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Key Insights

Learn More About NYC Web Design Courses

What is Web Design?

What Can You Do with Web Design?

What Will I Learn in a Web Design Class?

Web Design Industries in New York City

Will I Need to Be Certified in Web Design to Get a Job?

What Specific Jobs Use Web Design?

Is It Worth It to Learn Web Design?

How Long Will It Take to Learn Web Design?

How Hard is It to Learn Web Design?

Complimentary Skills

Design Programs

Programming Languages

Design Principles

Should I Learn Web Design in Person or Online?

Can I Learn Web Design Free Online?

In-Person Web Design Classes in NYC

Virtual Web Design Classes

High School Web Design Classes in NYC

Corporate & Onsite Web Design Classes in NYC

NYC Web Design Corporate & Onsite Training Noble Desktop

Web Design Training Locations in or Near NYC

NYC Careers & Salaries Related to Web Design

Related Classes

NYC Web Design
Corporate & Onsite Training