Certificate in Front-End Web Development
Hours: 15 On-Campus Online
About
The Certificate in Front-End Web Development at Fort Hays State University focuses on the skills required to create interactive elements of modern web applications. Students also study principles of human-computer interaction and user experience design, enabling them to develop user-friendly and engaging web interfaces.
Designed for degree-seeking students and professionals seeking to enhance their skill set, the certificate can be completed independently or in conjunction with other programs. With 15 credit hours of coursework, students quickly acquire the knowledge and credentials necessary 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 provides students with a flexible and comprehensive education crafted to meet the demands of the tech industry. The certificate can be completed in a short period, enabling students to acquire essential skills without committing to a full degree program.
Whether degree-seeking students or professionals aiming to enhance their skill set, this certificate offers a streamlined path to proficiency in front-end development. The curriculum emphasizes real-world applications, ensuring that students gain theoretical knowledge and practical experience.
Who is this program for?
This certificate is accessible to degree-seeking students and working professionals, providing a flexible pathway to acquiring essential web development skills. It is especially beneficial for:
- Aspiring web developers
- Tech professionals
- Current students
- Career changers
- UX/UI designers
Real-World Applications
The certificate features projects that replicate real-world challenges, enabling students to build a professional portfolio that highlights their skills for potential employers. Throughout the certificate, students gain experience using industry-standard tools and frameworks such as React and Angular. By the end of the certificate, students will have developed multiple fully functional web applications, equipping them with the confidence and practical expertise needed to excel in the field.
Stay Ahead of the Curve
Fort Hays State University regularly updates its curriculum to align with current web development trends, incorporating the latest frameworks, responsive design strategies, and modern UX/UI methodologies.
The certificate provides advanced coursework in human-computer interaction and user experience design, equipping students to create intuitive, user-centered web interfaces that are essential for developing practical and engaging web applications.
Hands-on Activities
Hands-on activities are a cornerstone of the Certificate in Front-End Web Development. Each course provides practical experience through projects inspired by real-world scenarios, enabling students to apply their knowledge from the outset to create functional web applications.
The certificate’s emphasis on project-based learning culminates in advanced courses where students take on complex development challenges, such as designing visually appealing and fully functional user interfaces. These projects mirror professional workflows, offering 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 curriculum builds a strong foundation in fundamental and advanced web development skills. It begins with introductory coursework that covers the essential languages of HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and Python.
As students advance, they explore specialized topics including human-computer interaction and advanced front-end development. The curriculum emphasizes hands-on projects, providing students with practical experience that prepares them for the workforce.
INF 250: Introduction to Web Development
This course provides the concepts and skills necessary for planning, developing, and deploying web-based hypermedia systems. It covers the use of text, graphics, audio, and video in web environments, as well as the conversion of existing systems to web-based 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 to develop simpler and more efficiently designed multi/ hypermedia artifacts. This course, however, is not centered around the computer as the focus of development. The faculty and students will view the computer as a tool, 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 to help students learn and practice their programming skills in a creative and hands-on manner. Upon completing this course, students will be able to develop interactive, front-end web applications.
Discover the full Certificate in Certificate in Front-End Web Development course listing by visiting the Academic Catalog.
Students who complete the Certificate in Front-End Web Development are well-prepared to pursue various roles in the tech industry. The certificate’s emphasis on practical, hands-on skills ensures participants are ready to contribute effectively to projects from day one.
Front-End Web Developer
Front-end web developers build and maintain the visual elements of websites and applications, ensuring optimal performance, accessibility, and a seamless user experience across various devices and browsers.
UX/UI Designer
UX/UI designers use human-computer interaction and user experience principles to create user-centered interfaces, collaborating with developers to align visual and interactive elements with user needs.
Web Designer
Web designers focus on the visual elements of websites, including layout, color, typography, and branding. While related to front-end development, this role emphasizes creativity over coding, requiring strong design skills in addition to proficiency in HTML and CSS.
JavaScript Developer
JavaScript developers create dynamic, interactive web content and are in high demand due to the language’s versatility and widespread use.
Web Project Manager
Web project managers combine technical skills with organizational skills to oversee web development projects, coordinating designers, developers, and clients to ensure the timely and successful completion.
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 $3,055.95* (on-campus) or $3,975.75* (online) per semester.
*Estimated cost based on 15 credit hours at the Undergrad resident/regional tuition rate ($203.73/credit hour) for on-campus courses, or the FHSU Online Undergrad tuition rate (265.05/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 seeking to expand their knowledge or explore related fields, the following programs are recommended:
- Certificate in Full Stack Web Development
- B.A./B.S. in Information Networking and Telecommunications (Computer Networking and Telecommunications)
- Master of Professional Studies (Computer Networking)
- B.A./B.S. in Information Networking and Telecommunications (Web and Mobile Application Development)
The Certificate in Front-End Web Development covers industry-standard tools, including HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and frameworks such as React and Angular. Students also learn to use development environments, such as Visual Studio Code, and version control systems, like Git.
This certificate focuses solely on front-end development, emphasizing user interface design and user experience. In contrast, the Certificate in Full Stack Development encompasses front-end and back-end technologies, including server-side programming, databases, and comprehensive 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 B.A./B.S. in Information Networking and Telecommunications (Computer Networking and Telecommunications) or a Master of Professional Studies (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.
Information about the Department of Informatics
The Department of Informatics at FHSU offers a flexible and forward-thinking education tailored to students' interests in data, analytics, and digital media. This dynamic program empowers students to customize their curriculum and develop cutting-edge skills essential for leadership in today’s technology-driven world. Whether studying on campus or online, students learn to leverage data and technology to solve real-world challenges and shape their own career paths.
As one of the fastest-growing and most in-demand fields, informatics opens the door to a wide range of high-impact, high-paying careers—from data analytics and cybersecurity to digital media and information management. FHSU equips students with expert instruction, hands-on learning opportunities, and strong industry connections to help them succeed in a profession that has quickly become vital across nearly every sector.
While earning a degree remains the primary focus, college life offers much more than classroom learning. Students are encouraged to participate in extracurricular activities that foster leadership skills, deepen their understanding of their chosen careers, and provide opportunities to make a positive impact in their communities.
- Cybersecurity Club: The Cybersecurity Club is dedicated to promoting awareness and understanding of evolving cybersecurity principles and techniques. Open to all students, regardless of experience or skill level, the club welcomes anyone with an interest in topics such as network security, digital forensics, penetration testing, secure coding, cryptography, reverse engineering, and more. Through hands-on activities and collaborative learning, the club provides a supportive environment for exploring the many facets of cybersecurity.
- Tiger Media Network: TMN is the student-run news outlet at FHSU, offering hands-on experience in various aspects of media production. Open to students with interests in videography, photography, news writing, journalism, and related fields, TMN provides valuable opportunities to develop practical skills while contributing to campus news and storytelling.
- Advanced Technology Student Organization: The Advanced Technology Student Organization (ATSO) offers a collaborative learning environment for students interested in exploring the ever-evolving world of technology. The organization brings together members to support one another’s educational growth while promoting innovation and technological advancement. ATSO’s primary goal is to foster knowledge-sharing and unite students in driving both the organization and FHSU's continued progress in the tech field.
- Certificate
- On-Campus
- Online
