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Web Development

Relevant Coursework:

  • CSCE 1030 - Computer Science I

  • CSCE 1040 - Computer Science II

  • CSCE 2100 - Foundations of Computing

  • CSCE 3110 - Web Programming

  • CSCE 3550 - Foundations of Cybersecurity (especially relevant for Web Security Analyst roles)

  • CSCE 3220 - Human Computer Interfaces

Recommended Electives:

  • Database Systems: Learn about databases and SQL for storing and retrieving web data.

  • UI/UX Design: Understand how to create user-friendly web interfaces and enhance user experience.

  • Software Engineering: Gain insights into software development practices, testing, and project management.

Median Total Comp: (will be updated with resources)

  • Web Developer: $55,000 - $70,000 annually

  • UI/UX Designer: $50,000 - $65,000 annually

  • Web Security Analyst: $60,000 - $75,000 annually

  • E-commerce Developer: $55,000 - $70,000 annually

  • Content Management System (CMS) Developer: $50,000 - $65,000 annually

Top Tech Companies:
Google, Apple, Microsoft, Amazon, Facebook (Meta), IBM, Oracle, Intel, Cisco, Adobe

Web Developer

HTML (Hypertext Markup Language):

  • Understand the structure of web pages.

  • Know various HTML tags and their purposes.

  • Create semantic HTML for better accessibility and SEO.

CSS (Cascading Style Sheets):

  • Mastery of CSS for styling web pages.

  • Knowledge of CSS preprocessors like Sass or LESS.

  • Responsive design principles for creating layouts that work on different devices.

JavaScript:

  • Core understanding of JavaScript programming language.

  • Knowledge of DOM (Document Object Model) manipulation.

  • Ability to work with asynchronous operations using callbacks, promises, and async/await.

  • Understanding of ES6+ features.

Front-End Frameworks/Libraries:

  • Familiarity with popular front-end frameworks like React, Angular, or Vue.js.

  • Knowledge of state management (Redux for React, Vuex for Vue, etc.).

  • Experience with component-based architecture.

Version Control/Git:

  • Proficiency in using Git for version control.

  • Understanding of branching, merging, and pull requests.

Responsive Web Design:

  • Ability to create responsive layouts using media queries.

  • Understanding of mobile-first design principles.

Web Performance Optimization:

  • Techniques for optimizing website speed and performance.

  • Lazy loading, code splitting, and other performance best practices.

Cross-Browser Compatibility:

  • Ensuring web applications work consistently across different browsers.

  • Knowledge of browser developer tools for debugging.

Web Accessibility:

  • Designing and developing websites that are accessible to users with disabilities.

  • Understanding of WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines).

Build Tools and Task Runners:

  • Familiarity with build tools like Webpack or Parcel.

  • Task runners like npm scripts for automation.

Back-End Development:

  • Proficiency in at least one back-end programming language (e.g., Node.js, Python, Ruby, PHP).

  • Understanding of server-side frameworks (e.g., Express.js, Django, Ruby on Rails, Laravel).

Database Management:

  • Knowledge of database systems (e.g., MySQL, PostgreSQL, MongoDB).

  • Understanding of database design and optimization.

RESTful APIs and AJAX:

  • Understanding of how to make API calls using AJAX or Fetch API.

  • Integration of data from external APIs into web applications.

Command Line/Shell:

  • Basic command line navigation and execution of commands.

  • Familiarity with basic shell scripting.

Testing:

  • Writing unit tests using testing frameworks (e.g., Jest for JavaScript).

  • Debugging skills and knowledge of testing methodologies.

Web Security:

  • Awareness of common web security threats (e.g., Cross-Site Scripting, SQL Injection).

  • Implementation of secure coding practices.

Continuous Learning:

  • Staying updated with the latest web development trends, tools, and best practices.​

UI/UX Designer

Design Principles:

  • Understanding fundamental design principles, including layout, typography, color theory, and hierarchy.

  • Applying principles like proximity, alignment, repetition, and contrast in design.

User-Centered Design (UCD):

  • Embracing a user-centric approach to design.

  • Conducting user research, personas, and empathy mapping to understand user needs and behaviors.

Wireframing and Prototyping:

  • Creating wireframes to represent the basic structure and layout of a user interface.

  • Developing interactive prototypes to visualize user flows and interactions.

User Flow and Information Architecture:

  • Designing logical and intuitive user flows within applications or websites.

  • Defining information architecture to organize content and navigation.

UI Design Tools:

  • Proficiency in design tools such as Adobe XD, Sketch, Figma, or InVision.

  • Using these tools to create high-fidelity mockups and prototypes.

Visual Design:

  • Creating visually appealing designs that align with brand guidelines.

  • Selecting appropriate color schemes, typography, and imagery.

Responsive Design:

  • Designing interfaces that adapt to various screen sizes and devices.

  • Understanding the principles of responsive web design.

Interaction Design:

  • Designing and defining user interactions and microinteractions.

  • Knowledge of motion design and animation for enhancing user experience.

Usability Testing:

  • Conducting usability tests to gather feedback on designs.

  • Iterating based on user testing results.

Accessibility Design:

  • Ensuring designs are accessible to users with disabilities.

  • Adhering to WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) standards.

Design Thinking:

  • Applying design thinking methodologies for problem-solving.

  • Empathizing, defining, ideating, prototyping, and testing in the design process.

Communication Skills:

  • Effectively communicating design ideas to cross-functional teams.

  • Presenting and justifying design decisions.

Collaboration:

  • Collaborating with developers, product managers, and other stakeholders.

  • Incorporating feedback and iterating designs based on input.

UX Writing:

  • Crafting clear and concise user interface text.

  • Ensuring consistency in tone and messaging.

Knowledge of Platforms:

  • Understanding platform-specific design guidelines (e.g., Material Design for Android, Human Interface Guidelines for iOS).

Stay Updated with Design Trends:

  • Keeping up with current design trends and industry best practices.

  • Attending design conferences, workshops, and networking with other designers.

Portfolio Building:

  • Creating a strong portfolio showcasing diverse projects and design process.

  • Highlighting problem-solving skills and the impact of designs on user experie

Web Security Analyst

Web Application Security Fundamentals:

  • Understanding common web application vulnerabilities, such as Cross-Site Scripting (XSS), Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF), SQL Injection, etc.

  • Knowledge of OWASP (Open Web Application Security Project) Top Ten vulnerabilities.

HTTP Protocol:

  • In-depth understanding of the HTTP and HTTPS protocols.

  • Knowledge of secure communication over the web.

Web Security Standards:

  • Familiarity with web security standards and best practices.

  • Awareness of security-related HTTP headers (e.g., Content Security Policy, Strict-Transport-Security).

Secure Coding Practices:

  • Awareness of secure coding practices to prevent common vulnerabilities.

  • Code review skills to identify security flaws in web applications.

Web Application Firewalls (WAF):

  • Understanding and configuring Web Application Firewalls.

  • Recognizing and mitigating web application attacks using WAFs.

Cryptography:

  • Knowledge of cryptographic concepts and algorithms.

  • Understanding secure key management and encryption practices.

Network Security:

  • Understanding network security principles and protocols.

  • Configuring and analyzing network security controls.

Security Assessment and Testing:

  • Performing security assessments, penetration testing, and vulnerability scanning.

  • Utilizing tools like OWASP ZAP, Burp Suite, or Nessus.

Incident Response:

  • Developing and implementing incident response plans.

  • Identifying and responding to security incidents.

Secure Development Lifecycle (SDLC):

  • Integrating security into the software development lifecycle.

  • Conducting security reviews at different stages of development.

Authentication and Authorization:

  • Ensuring secure authentication and authorization mechanisms.

  • Implementing multi-factor authentication and session management.

Threat Modeling:

  • Identifying and assessing potential security threats.

  • Creating threat models to guide security measures.

Security Policies and Compliance:

  • Developing and enforcing security policies.

  • Ensuring compliance with relevant regulations (e.g., GDPR, HIPAA).

Web Security Tools:

  • Familiarity with security tools for monitoring and analysis (e.g., SIEM systems, IDS/IPS).

  • Knowledge of web application scanning tools.

Reverse Engineering:

  • Understanding reverse engineering techniques to analyze and identify vulnerabilities.

  • Recognizing malicious code patterns.

Continuous Learning:

  • Keeping up with the latest web security threats and countermeasures.

  • Pursuing relevant certifications (e.g., Certified Information Systems Security Professional - CISSP, Certified Ethical Hacker - CEH).

Collaboration and Communication:

  • Collaborating with development and IT teams to implement security measures.

  • Communicating effectively with stakeholders regarding security risks and solutions.

E-commerce Developer

Front-End Development:

  • Proficiency in HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.

  • Experience with front-end frameworks/libraries (e.g., React, Angular, or Vue.js).

  • Responsive web design principles for optimal user experience across devices.

Back-End Development:

  • Mastery of a server-side programming language (e.g., Node.js, Python, PHP, Ruby).

  • Understanding of back-end frameworks (e.g., Express.js, Django, Laravel).

E-commerce Platforms:

  • Familiarity with popular e-commerce platforms: Magento, WooCommerce (for WordPress), Shopify, BigCommerce, PrestaShop, OpenCart.

Payment Gateways:

  • Integration of payment gateways (e.g., PayPal, Stripe, Square).

  • Understanding of PCI DSS (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard) compliance.

Database Management:

  • Knowledge of database systems (e.g., MySQL, PostgreSQL).

  • Design and optimization of databases for efficient e-commerce transactions.

Shopping Cart Functionality:

  • Implementation of shopping cart features for product selection and checkout.

  • Handling order processing and inventory management.

Security Best Practices:

  • Awareness of security threats in e-commerce.

  • Implementation of secure coding practices to protect user data.

API Integration:

  • Integration with third-party APIs for services like shipping, inventory management, and CRM.

  • User Authentication and Authorization:

  • Secure user authentication and authorization mechanisms.

  • Implementation of user account management features.

Web Security for E-commerce:

  • Understanding of web security practices specific to e-commerce (e.g., HTTPS, secure sessions).

  • Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments.

E-commerce Analytics:

  • Integration of analytics tools for tracking user behavior and sales performance.

  • Utilization of data for optimization and decision-making.

Responsive Design for E-commerce:

  • Ensuring a seamless user experience on various devices.

  • Mobile optimization for e-commerce websites.

Content Management System (CMS):

  • Familiarity with CMS platforms (e.g., WordPress) for content updates and management.

Performance Optimization:

  • Techniques for optimizing website speed and performance.

  • Image optimization and content delivery network (CDN) integration.

Cross-Browser Compatibility:

  • Ensuring compatibility with various web browsers.

Compliance and Legal Considerations:

  • Understanding legal requirements for e-commerce (e.g., GDPR compliance, consumer protection laws).

  • Compliance with tax regulations and online retail standards.

Continuous Learning:

  • Staying updated with the latest e-commerce trends, technologies, and best practices.

Content Management System (CMS) Developer

Web Development Basics:

  • Proficiency in HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.

  • Understanding of front-end frameworks/libraries (e.g., React, Angular, or Vue.js).

Back-End Development:

  • Mastery of a server-side programming language (e.g., PHP, Python, Node.js).

  • Knowledge of back-end frameworks (e.g., Laravel, Django, Express.js).

Database Management:

  • Understanding and working with database systems (e.g., MySQL, PostgreSQL).

  • Database design and optimization for efficient CMS data management.

CMS Platforms:

  • Expertise in popular CMS platforms, such as WordPress, Drupal, Joomla, Magento (for e-commerce), Contentful (headless CMS).

CMS Theming and Templating:

  • Creating and customizing themes/templates for CMS platforms.

  • Knowledge of template engines and theming languages (e.g., Twig, Smarty).

Plugin/Extension Development:

  • Developing custom plugins or extensions to extend CMS functionality.

  • Utilizing CMS-specific APIs and hooks.

Custom Module Development:

  • Building custom modules or components for CMS platforms.

  • Integration with other systems and third-party APIs.

Content Modeling:

  • Defining and implementing content models in the CMS.

  • Structuring content types, taxonomies, and relationships.

User Authentication and Authorization:

  • Implementing secure user authentication and authorization mechanisms.

  • Managing user roles and permissions within the CMS.

API Integration:

  • Integrating the CMS with third-party APIs for additional functionality.

  • Consuming and providing data through RESTful or GraphQL APIs.

Multilingual Support:

  • Implementing multilingual support for content in the CMS.

  • Handling localization and internationalization.

CMS Security Best Practices:

  • Understanding security threats specific to CMS platforms.

  • Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments.

Custom Workflows and Automation:

  • Designing and implementing custom workflows for content creation and approval.

  • Automation of routine tasks within the CMS.

Performance Optimization:

  • Optimizing CMS performance for speed and efficiency.

  • Caching strategies and content delivery network (CDN) integration.

Responsive Design:

  • Ensuring a responsive user interface for CMS administration and content display.

Version Control/Git:

  • Proficiency in using version control systems (e.g., Git) for code management.

Continuous Learning:

  • Staying updated with the latest CMS features, updates, and best practices.

  • Exploring new CMS technologies and trends.

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