Certificate in Front-End Web Development
On-Campus Online
About
The Certificate in Front-End Web Development at Fort Hays State University focuses on the skills needed to build the interactive elements of modern web applications. Students will also learn about human-computer interaction principles and user experience design, ensuring they can create user-friendly and engaging web interfaces.
Designed for both degree-seeking students and professionals looking to enhance their skill set, students can complete this certificate independently or add it to other degree tracks. With 15 credit hours of coursework, students quickly gain the knowledge and credentials needed to advance in the competitive field of web development.
Why pursue a Certificate in Front-End Web Development at Fort Hays State University?
Pursuing a Certificate in Front-End Web Development at Fort Hays State University offers students a unique blend of flexibility and comprehensive education tailored to meet the demands of the tech industry. Unlike many other programs, students can complete this certificate quickly, allowing them to gain essential skills without needing a whole degree track.
Whether you are a degree-seeking student or a professional looking to expand your skill set, this program provides a streamlined pathway to proficiency in front-end development. Furthermore, the curriculum at FHSU is highly focused on real-world applications, ensuring that students learn theoretical concepts and how to apply them in practical scenarios.
Who is this program for?
The program is accessible to degree-seeking students and working professionals, providing a flexible pathway to acquiring essential web development skills. The program is especially beneficial for:
- Aspiring web developers
- Tech professionals
- Current students
- Career changers
- UX/UI designers
Learning Outcomes
The program gives students a comprehensive set of skills essential for success in the rapidly evolving field of web development.
Develop Interactive Web Applications with Advanced Techniques
Upon completing the program, students will be able to use HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and related frameworks to create dynamic, interactive web applications. Understanding serverless technologies and how they integrate into front-end development complements these skills. A crucial outcome is the ability to build responsive and accessible websites that provide an optimal user experience across various devices.
Design and Implement User-Centered Experiences
Students will gain expertise applying human-computer interaction (HCI) principles to design intuitive, user-friendly web interfaces. The program also emphasizes understanding user behavior and planning for accessibility.
Utilize Modern Development Frameworks and Tools
The program provides in-depth knowledge of modern development tools and frameworks like React Angular and version control systems like Git. Students will learn to leverage these tools to streamline development, improve code quality, and collaborate effectively in team-based projects.
Create a Professional Portfolio Showcasing Web Development Projects
Throughout the program, students will complete a series of projects that result in a professional portfolio. The portfolio will be a critical tool for graduates seeking employment, showcasing their practical experience and technical skills.
Real-World Applications
Every course in the program incorporates hands-on projects that simulate real-world challenges, enabling students to build a portfolio of work that demonstrates their capabilities to potential employers. In addition to hands-on projects, students learn to use industry-standard tools and frameworks, such as React and Angular, popular professional web development programs.
By completing the program, students will have developed several fully functional web applications, giving them the confidence and experience needed to excel professionally.
Stay Ahead of the Curve
The program continuously updates its course content to reflect current web development practices, including cutting-edge frameworks, responsive design techniques, and modern UX/UI methodologies.
Moreover, the program includes advanced coursework in human-computer interaction and user experience design, which are increasingly important in developing successful web applications. Students gain technical skills and learn to create intuitive and user-friendly web interfaces by focusing on these modern concepts.
Hands-on Activities
At Fort Hays State University, hands-on activities are a cornerstone of the Certificate in Front-End Web Development program. Each course provides students with practical experience through projects that involve real-world scenarios. From the beginning, students engage in coding exercises that require applying what they have learned in class to develop functioning web applications.
The program's emphasis on project-based learning culminates in advanced courses where students work on complex web development tasks, including creating functional and aesthetically pleasing user interfaces. These projects mimic the challenges faced by professional web developers, providing students with a realistic and comprehensive learning experience.
What You’ll Learn:
- Core front-end web development skills
- Principles of human-computer interaction
- Advanced techniques in web design and development
- Application of serverless web technologies
- How to create and manage user-friendly interfaces
How You’ll Learn:
- Hands-on coding with HTML, CSS, and JavaScript
- Real-world projects focused on web applications
- Interactive coursework on UX/UI design principles
- Access to modern development tools and frameworks
- Collaboration with peers in practical exercises
The Certificate in Front-End Web Development at FHSU offers a carefully structured curriculum that provides a solid foundation in web development's basics and advanced aspects. The program begins with introductory courses such as INF 250 Introduction to Web Development and INF 360 Programming with Python, which equip students with essential HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and Python skills.
As students progress through the program, they delve into specialized topics with courses like INF 650, Introduction to Human-Computer Interaction, and INF 651 and 655, which cover advanced front-end web development. These courses emphasize applying learned concepts through hands-on projects, allowing students to gain practical experience directly applicable to the workforce.
INF 250: Introduction to Web Development
This course provides the concepts and skills for planning, development, and deployment of web-based hypermedia systems. It covers the use of text, graphics, audio, and video in web environments and the conversion of existing systems to web environments.
INF 650: Introduction to Human-Computer Interaction
Interactive systems design presents ideas, theories, and concepts in the field of Human-Computer Interaction (HCI). More specifically, the constructs of HCI are analyzed in order to develop simpler and more efficiently designed multi/ hypermedia artifacts. This course is not, however, centered around the computer as a focus of development. The faculty and students will look at the computer as a tool but with special emphasis on the human senses and how these are affected by the computer.
INF 651: Front-End Web Development I
This course introduces concepts and practices of web development with client-side scripting languages. Students will learn the basic syntax, structure, and methods of JavaScript and how they apply to the HTML Document Object Model (DOM). This class is designed for students to learn and practice their programming skills in a creative and hands-on manner. At the end of this course, students will be able to develop interactive, front-end web applications.
Discover the full Certificate in Front-End Web Development course listing by visiting the Academic Catalog.
Fort Hays State University students who complete the Certificate in Front-End Web Development will be well-equipped to enter a variety of roles within the tech industry. The program's focus on practical, hands-on skills ensures that students are knowledgeable and capable of contributing to projects from day one.
Front-End Web Developer
As front-end web developers individually will be responsible for building and maintaining the visual aspects of websites and web applications. They will be adept at ensuring that websites are optimized for performance and accessibility, creating seamless user experiences across different devices and browsers.
UX/UI Designer
In this role, individuals will apply their human-computer interaction and user experience design knowledge to create user-centered interfaces. UX/UI designers work closely with developers to ensure that a website's visual and interactive elements align with users' needs.
Web Designer
Web designers focus on the aesthetic aspects of web development, including layout, color schemes, typography, and overall visual identity. While closely related to front-end development, this role places more emphasis on the creative process and less on coding. Graduates with a strong sense of design and technical skills in HTML and CSS are well-suited for this career.
JavaScript Developer
Specializing in JavaScript, graduates can pursue a career as JavaScript developers, where they will create dynamic and interactive web content. JavaScript developers are in high demand due to the versatility of the language and its widespread use in web development.
Web Project Manager
Students who combine their technical skills with strong organizational abilities may excel as web project managers. In this role, they will oversee web development projects, coordinating between designers, developers, and clients to ensure that projects are completed on time and meet specified requirements.
The Best Value in Higher Education Anywhere
Fort Hays State University prides itself on quality education at an affordable price. Students in this program can expect to pay approximately $2,961.90* (on-campus) or $3,859.95* (online)* per semester.
*Estimated cost based on 15 credit hours at the undergraduate resident/regional tuition rate ($197.46/credit hour) for on-campus courses, or the FHSU Online graduate tuition rate (257.33/credit hour) for online courses. Actual price may vary depending on course load and location. Tuition and Fees are subject to change as they are approved by the Kansas Board of Regents each year.
Ready for the next step?
Our faculty would be excited to talk to you about how our department programs can help you explore your interests and prepare you for a variety of rewarding careers.
Related Programs
For those interested in further expanding their knowledge or exploring complementary areas of study, we recommend the following programs:
- Certificate in Full Stack Web Development
- Bachelor of Science in Information Networking and Telecommunications
- Master of Professional Studies in Computer Networking
- Bachelor of Science in Information Networking and Telecommunications (Web and Mobile Applications)
The program will cover various industry-standard software tools, including HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and frameworks like React and Angular. Additionally, students will learn to use development environments like Visual Studio Code and tools for version control like Git.
The certificate focuses solely on front-end development, emphasizing user interface design and user experience. In contrast, the Certificate in Full Stack Development covers front-end and back-end technologies, including server-side programming, databases, and complete application lifecycle management.
Yes, this certificate complements existing degrees by providing specialized technical skills in front-end development. Whether your background is in design, business, or another field, this certificate can enhance your career by adding valuable web development expertise.
Yes, students can apply the credits earned in this certificate toward a degree in a related field, such as a Bachelor of Science in Information Networking and Telecommunications or a Master of Professional Studies in Web and Mobile Applications.
Online students receive the same support as on-campus students, including access to virtual office hours, online tutoring services, and a dedicated advisor to assist with course selection and career planning.
Department Information
FHSU’s Department of Informatics allows you to tailor your education to your interests in data, analytics, and digital media. Our dynamic program empowers you to design your own curriculum and gain cutting-edge skills that make you a leader in today’s tech-driven world. Whether you choose to study on campus or online, you’ll learn to harness the power of data and technology to solve real-world problems and shape your career path.
In a field that has rapidly evolved into one of the most in-demand job markets, the possibilities are endless. From data analytics and cybersecurity to digital media and information management, Informatics offers a vast array of high-paying, high-impact careers. At FHSU, we provide the expertise, hands-on experience, and industry connections to help you excel in a profession that didn’t exist several years ago but is now essential across every industry.
While earning your degree is your primary goal, college offers much more than just attending classes. Get involved in extracurricular activities that help you develop leadership skills, learn more about your chosen career, and make a difference in your community.
- Cybersecurity Club: The Cybersecurity Club is interested in raising awareness of advancing cybersecurity techniques and principles. This organization is open to all students with any skill set that shows an interest in topics that include but are not limited to, network security, digital forensics, penetration testing, secure coding, cryptography, and reverse engineering.
- Tiger Media Network: TMN is the student-produced news outlet at FHSU. Whether you have an interest in videography, photography, news writing, journalism, and more.
- Advanced Technology Student Organization: The Advanced Technology Student Organization (ATSO) provides a learning environment for all students wanting to learn more about the ever-changing technological world. Its members work together to help each other further their education. Our main goal is to unite students for the sharing of knowledge and the promotion of technological innovation and growth of the Organization and the University.
- Certificate
- On-Campus
- Online
