UF begins online master's degree, graduate certificate in Web design, online communication

October 18, 2011

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — The University of Florida College of Journalism and Communications will launch a fully online, distance learning Master of Arts degree in mass communication with a specialization in Web design and online communication in January 2012.

Students in the program will learn principles and advanced techniques in Internet design and strategic communication as it applies to news, commerce and entertainment media.

The college also will offer an online graduate certificate program focused on Web design beginning in January.

“This is the first of what will be several online master’s degrees and certificate programs the college offers,” said Michael Weigold, associate dean for undergraduate affairs, who is spearheading the program. “Our graduate programs in mass communication consistently rank in the top ten nationally according to U.S. News & World Report, and we believe there is a strong market of professionals who are seeking these online programs.”

The Web design and online communication master’s degree will be taught entirely online, and most courses, especially in the design sequence, will feature live student-instructor interactions in Adobe Connect. This software allows instructors and students to see and hear one another and to share creative works. The program is led by faculty members with extensive experience in the Web design industry as well as in academic and theoretical research.

“More and more working professionals see the need to earn a master’s degree or complete a certificate program to expand the breadth of their education and increase their attractiveness to employers,” Weigold said. “Many of our alumni have asked us to begin offering these online master’s degrees and certificate programs.”

Designed primarily as a part-time program for professionals working in traditional media professions, students may also enroll full time and complete the 37-credit degree in three terms, with a load of four courses per term, including a capstone project class rather than a traditional thesis. Students attending part time can choose two classes per term.

In the graduate certificate program, students will complete five courses, all focused on Web design.

Courses offered in the first term in January include Digital Imagery in Web Design, Web Design Principals, Digital Layout and Design, and Corporate Brand Identity.

Interested applicants can apply online at: http://www.jou.ufl.edu/distance-ed/graduate/.