Best Web Development Master's Programs 2026

Best Web Development Programs - Top 10 Master's — Complete Program Data

1. #1. New York University

   Location: New York, NY | Type: Private | Tuition: $60,438/year | Score: 100.0

   What makes New York University stand out: NYU leverages its prime Manhattan location to provide students with real-time exposure to industry trends and innovations, with faculty who are active practitioners at top NYC organizations, creating an immersive tech education experience in the world's business capital.

   Hakia Insight: New York University's Music and Audio Research Laboratory (MARL) and Applied Interactive Multimedia Laboratory position students at the forefront of web development research.

   Program Overview: New York University offers web development education primarily through its Tandon School of Engineering's M.S. in Computer Science program, which provides significant curriculum flexibility to tailor degrees toward web technologies, interactive media, and software engineering. Students can shape their studies around areas like web search technology, game engineering, and interactive data visualization while gaining a solid foundation in computer science fundamentals. The program is highly adaptive, allowing both full-time completion in 1-2 years and part-time study extending to 3+ years for working professionals. NYU's School of Professional Studies also offers technology-focused master's programs that complement web development skills, emphasizing practical, hands-on experience in the heart of New York City. With faculty who are industry experts and innovators at top organizations, students gain real-world insights and access to cutting-edge trends. The university's location in NYC provides unparalleled access to the world's business capital, where students can tap into the dynamic energy of the tech industry while building professional networks.

   Degree Programs: M.S. in Computer Science (1-2 years)

   Research Labs: Music and Audio Research Laboratory (MARL) - Audio technology and interactive media research; Applied Interactive Multimedia Laboratory - Haptic interfaces and Human-Computer Interaction; Center for Data Science - Data visualization and analytics

   Career Outcomes: | Common Roles: Applications Programming, Software Engineering, Game Design and Programming, Web Development, Interactive Data Visualization

   Notable Faculty: Yi-Jen Chiang (Associate Professor and Director of MS Program); Edward Wong (Associate Professor and Program Admissions Chair)

   Admissions: GPA: No minimum GPA requirement stated, superior undergraduate record expected

2. #2. Carnegie Mellon University

   Location: Pittsburgh, PA | Type: Private | Tuition: $62,260/year | Graduation Rate: 98% | Score: 98.1

   What makes Carnegie Mellon University stand out: CMU's Plaid Parliament of Pwning hacking team has won a record nine DEF CON Capture-the-Flag championships in 13 years, while CyLab operates as the largest university-based security and privacy institute with triple NSA Center of Academic Excellence designations.

   Hakia Insight: Carnegie Mellon University's partnerships with Facebook/Meta and Netflix translate research into real-world experience — a key differentiator for hiring managers.

   Program Overview: Carnegie Mellon University operates one of the nation's most comprehensive cybersecurity ecosystems through its Information Networking Institute and the renowned CyLab Security and Privacy Institute. The flagship Master of Science in Information Security (MSIS) is a two-year technical program that combines rigorous coursework in security principles with hands-on research opportunities. Students can choose from specialized tracks including Cyber Forensics and Incident Response (CyFir) and Cyber Operations certificates, with part-time options available for working professionals. What sets CMU apart is its integration across multiple colleges - students can pursue cybersecurity through the College of Engineering, Heinz College's policy-focused MSISPM program, or newer offerings like the AI Engineering - Information Security degree. The university's CyLab comprises 40 core faculty and over 120 affiliated researchers, making it one of the largest university-based security research centers globally. Pittsburgh's emerging tech scene, with major expansions by Google, Uber, Disney, and Facebook, provides students with unprecedented access to both traditional defense contractors and cutting-edge tech companies.

   Degree Programs: Master of Science in Information Security (MSIS) (2 years); Master of Science in Information Security Policy and Management (MSISPM) (16-21 months); Master of Science in Privacy Engineering (MS-PE) (12-16 months); Pittsburgh-Silicon Valley Bicoastal Programs (MSIT-IS, MSMITE) (varies)

   Research Labs: CyLab Security and Privacy Institute - University-wide security and privacy institute coordinating research across all departments; CyLab Usable Privacy and Security Lab - Privacy policies and human factors in security; CyLab Biometrics Center - Facial recognition and biometric security systems

   Industry Partners: Facebook/Meta, Netflix, Microsoft, NSA, Google, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation

   Career Outcomes: | Top Employers: Accenture, Amazon, Apple, Boeing, Booz Allen Hamilton, Deloitte, FBI, Goldman Sachs, Google, NSA, PwC, U.S. Department of Defense, U.S. Department of Homeland Security | Common Roles: Security Engineer, Information Security Analyst, Privacy Engineer, Cybersecurity Manager

   Notable Faculty: David Brumley (Software security research); Yuan Tian (Software security research); Lorrie Cranor (Usable privacy and security); Alessandro Acquisti (Privacy research); Taha Khan (Cybercrime, usable security, online censorship)

   Admissions:

   Accreditations: NSA Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense (CAE-CD), NSA Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Operations (CAE-Cyber Ops), NSA Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Research (CAE-R)

3. #3. Harvard University

   Location: Cambridge, MA | Type: Private | Tuition: $54,269/year | Score: 91.4

   What makes Harvard University stand out: Harvard's UX design education spans three schools with unique approaches: performance-based admission at Extension School where you earn your way in through coursework, research-focused Design Studies with collaborative advanced projects, and the interdisciplinary Design Engineering program that uniquely combines Harvard's design and engineering schools to tackle global challenges.

   Hakia Insight: Harvard University's Healthy Places Lab creates a direct research-to-career pipeline with Real-world industry partners, bridging academic research and industry practice.

   Program Overview: Harvard offers multiple pathways into UX and digital design through three distinct programs housed in different schools. The Digital Media Design Master's program at Harvard Extension School provides a flexible, performance-based admission path leading to a Master of Liberal Arts (ALM) degree, with 11 of 12 courses available online and just one weekend or 3-week summer requirement on campus. For those seeking a more research-intensive approach, the Graduate School of Design offers the Master in Design Studies (MDes), a four-semester program with no studios that emphasizes collaborative advanced research across four domains: Ecologies, Narratives, Publics, and Mediums. The most interdisciplinary option is the Master in Design Engineering (MDE), a joint program between the Graduate School of Design and the Paulson School of Engineering that combines creative design thinking with analytical engineering to address complex global challenges. What sets Harvard apart is its unique performance-based admissions model for the Extension program, where students 'earn their way in' by completing coursework that counts toward the degree, and the collaborative nature of the MDE program that brings together Harvard's design and engineering powerhouses. The Extension program particularly stands out for working professionals, with faculty receiving 4.5 out of 5 ratings and 96% of recent graduates recommending the program.

   Degree Programs: Master of Liberal Arts (ALM) in Digital Media Design (2-5 years); Master in Design Studies (MDes) (2 years); Master in Design Engineering (MDE) (1.5-2 years)

   Research Labs: Harvard Center for Green Buildings and Cities - Sustainable design and environmental research; Healthy Places Lab - Design for health and wellbeing; Just City Lab - Equitable urban design and social justice

   Industry Partners: Real-world industry partners

   Career Outcomes: Placement Rate: 96% of Extension graduates would recommend the program | Top Employers: Google, ADP, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Deloitte, Hewlett Packard, Liberty Mutual | Common Roles: UX Developer, Vice President Product Design, Senior Digital Product Manager, Associate Creative Director, Front End Developer, Marketing Manager

   Notable Faculty: Alexandra Seckar-Bandow (Video production and digital media); Athir Mahmud (Digital media consulting); Bakhtiar Mikhak (Media technology and innovation)

   Admissions: GPA: Undergraduate degree required for all programs | Acceptance Rate: Performance-based admission for Extension program

4. #4. University of Central Florida

   Location: Orlando, FL | Type: Public | Tuition: $4,478/year | Graduation Rate: 93% | Score: 90.8

   What makes University of Central Florida stand out: UCF Hack@UCF won 3 back-to-back National Collegiate Cyber Defense Competition championships. Students intern at companies in Central Florida Research Park and downtown Orlando.

   Hakia Insight: University of Central Florida's CECS Research Centers creates a direct research-to-career pipeline with Central Florida Research Park, bridging academic research and industry practice.

   Program Overview: University of Central Florida offers BS in Information Technology through the College of Engineering and Computer Science. Students work to drive business efficiency through innovative IT solutions, maintaining systems and improving business processes.

   Degree Programs: BS Information Technology (4 years)

   Research Labs: CECS Research Centers - IT and cybersecurity research

   Industry Partners: Central Florida Research Park

   Career Outcomes: | Top Employers: L3Harris Technologies, Siemens, HD Supply, Lockheed Martin | Common Roles: IT Specialist, Systems Administrator, Cybersecurity Analyst

   Admissions: | Acceptance Rate: 41%

5. #5. University of Georgia

   Location: Athens, GA | Type: Public | Tuition: $9,790/year | Graduation Rate: 95% | Score: 87.5

   What makes University of Georgia stand out: UGA's approach to web development education integrates business leadership and emerging media expertise rather than offering a traditional computer science track, positioning graduates uniquely for entrepreneurial and strategic technology roles.

   Hakia Insight: Access to Atlanta tech corridor

   Program Overview: The University of Georgia does not offer a dedicated Web Development program, but provides several technology-focused degrees that encompass web development skills through related disciplines. The Terry College of Business offers an online Master of Business and Technology degree designed to reinforce IT skill sets and complement them with project management and leadership expertise. Additionally, the Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication houses an online Master of Arts in Emerging Media program that focuses on interactive digital media, encompassing design, development, digital storytelling, social strategy, data analytics, brand identity, user research, product ideation, and project management. These programs serve students seeking to combine technical development skills with business acumen or digital media expertise. While UGA's School of Computing produces strong Computer Science graduates who often pursue web development careers - with Class of 2024 graduates working at major tech companies like Google, Amazon, and Meta in software engineering roles - there is no standalone web development curriculum. The university's strength lies in its comprehensive technology education through established departments, with the Terry College ranking as the #1 Public BBA program according to Niche and featuring 9 programs ranked among the top 10 public business schools.

   Degree Programs: Master of Business and Technology (Not specified); Master of Arts in Emerging Media (Not specified)

   Career Outcomes: Placement Rate: 95% within 3 months of graduation | Top Employers: Google, Amazon, Meta, Capital One, Deloitte | Common Roles: Software Engineer, Software Developer, Web Developer, Product Owner

   Admissions:

6. #6. The New School

   Location: New York, NY | Type: Private | Tuition: $54,995/year | Score: 87.0

   What makes The New School stand out: Parsons School of Design is the #1 ranked art and design school in the United States, located in Greenwich Village where students learn from industry leaders while having direct access to New York City's thriving tech and creative industries.

   Hakia Insight: Greenwich Village location in heart of NYC tech and creative scene

   Program Overview: The New School offers web development education primarily through its Parsons School of Design, which has been ranked the #1 art and design school in the United States according to QS World University Rankings 2025. The program is delivered through the Design and Technology (BFA) undergraduate track and the Design and Technology (MFA) graduate program. Students work in Greenwich Village, New York City, learning from world-renowned practitioners who lead their industries. The curriculum emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration, allowing students to take classes across The New School's five colleges to create personalized academic paths. With a 10:1 student-to-faculty ratio and over 30 equipment stations, labs, shops, and studios, students gain hands-on experience in a dynamic urban environment that serves as a global center of art, design, and business.

   Degree Programs: BFA Design and Technology (4 years); MFA Design and Technology (2 years)

   Research Labs: Making Center - Hands-on creation and fabrication spaces for interdisciplinary projects

   Career Outcomes: Placement Rate: Career preparation begins first day on campus | Top Employers: Google Creative Lab | Common Roles: Web Developer, Creative Technologist, Digital Designer

   Notable Faculty: undefined (World-renowned artists, scholars, and practitioners who lead their industries and academic fields)

   Admissions:

7. #7. DePaul University

   Location: Chicago, IL | Type: Private | Tuition: $43,379/year | Graduation Rate: 86% | Score: 85.9

   What makes DePaul University stand out: DePaul's Computer Science program uniquely bridges academic rigor with Chicago's thriving tech ecosystem, where many faculty members serve as active industry professionals and consultants, offering students direct access to thought leaders and change-makers in the field.

   Hakia Insight: DePaul University graduates earn $800,002,024, driven by the program's industry connections and hands-on web development curriculum.

   Program Overview: DePaul University's Computer Science program operates through the Jarvis College of Computing and Digital Media (CDM), strategically positioned in Chicago's Loop Campus within the heart of the city's technology and business districts. The Bachelor of Science in Computer Science provides comprehensive training in computing foundations, data storage, and information processing, with specialized concentrations in Game Systems and Software Development. Students master programming and software development while exploring cutting-edge areas including robotics, computer vision, intelligent systems, gaming, data mining, and mobile systems. The program uniquely offers an online degree completion option where students can complete their third- and fourth-year courses entirely online, providing flexibility for working professionals. The graduate Master of Science program allows specialization across seven distinct areas: Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Database Systems, Game and Real-Time Systems, Human-Computer Interaction, Software and Systems Development, or Software Engineering. Faculty members actively work as industry professionals and consultants, bringing real-world expertise directly into the classroom. The program also offers a distinctive combined Bachelor's + Master's pathway, allowing students to complete 12 graduate credit hours while still undergraduates, accelerating their path to advanced study.

   Degree Programs: BS in Computer Science (4 years); MS in Computer Science (2 years); Combined BS+MS in Computer Science (5 years total)

   Research Labs: DePaul Center for Data Science - Data mining, predictive analytics, machine learning applications in healthcare, business intelligence, and social computing; Medical Informatics (MedIX) Laboratory - Visual computing applications in medical field research led by Professor Daniela Stan Raicu; Innovation Development (iD) Lab - Technology innovation partnerships between university and corporate entities, directed by Associate Professor Yele Adelakun

   Industry Partners: Sinai Chicago, Home Depot, NSLE, Inc.

   Career Outcomes: Placement Rate: 89% of undergraduate Computer Science graduates employed, continuing education, or not seeking employment within 6 months of graduation | Top Employers: Amazon, Google, Microsoft, PayPal, TransUnion | Common Roles: Applications development, Computer engineering, Software architecture, Software engineering, Database administration, Programming

   Notable Faculty: Casey Bennett (AI in healthcare, wearable technology, clinical decision support); Daniela Stan Raicu (Medical imaging, computer vision, biomedical informatics); Oliver Alonzo (Human-computer interaction, accessibility research); Bamshad Mobasher (Data mining, web analytics, intelligent agents)

   Admissions:

   Accreditations: STEM-designated program

8. #8. Purdue University-Main Campus

   Location: West Lafayette, IN | Type: Public | Tuition: $9,718/year | Graduation Rate: 83% | Score: 82.1

   What makes Purdue University-Main Campus stand out: Purdue holds dual NSA designations as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education (CAE-CD) across multiple programs and maintains ABET accreditation for its cybersecurity programs, while offering the unique flexibility of studying cybersecurity across three distinct educational pathways within the same university system.

   Hakia Insight: Purdue University-Main Campus's partnerships with West Monroe and Crowe LLP translate research into real-world experience — a key differentiator for hiring managers.

   Program Overview: Purdue University's cybersecurity education spans multiple colleges and formats, creating one of the most comprehensive cybersecurity ecosystems in higher education. The flagship undergraduate Cybersecurity major through Purdue Polytechnic's School of Applied and Creative Computing offers hands-on experience in specialized labs like the Cybersecurity & Forensics Lab and Cyber Security and Networking Lab. Students master everything from cryptographic techniques and digital forensics to cyber criminology and incident response management. For graduate study, the Computer Science department offers a Professional Master's Degree in Information and Cybersecurity designed specifically for IT professionals seeking to advance into technical cybersecurity roles, while Purdue Global provides a fully online Master of Science in Cybersecurity Management for working professionals. The undergraduate program is available on both the West Lafayette campus with its traditional university environment and the Indianapolis campus, which leverages Indiana's capital city for expanded internship and industry connections with employers like West Monroe, Crowe LLP, and Deloitte.

   Degree Programs: Cybersecurity (Undergraduate Major) (4 years); MS in Cybersecurity and Trusted Systems (2 years); Professional Master's in Information and Cybersecurity (2 years); MS in Cybersecurity Management (2 years)

   Research Labs: Cybersecurity & Forensics Lab - Digital forensics and cybersecurity investigations; Cyber Security and Networking Lab - Network security and infrastructure protection

   Industry Partners: West Monroe, Crowe LLP, Deloitte, Cisco, American Express

   Career Outcomes: | Top Employers: West Monroe, Crowe LLP, Deloitte, Cisco, American Express | Common Roles: Digital Security Consultant, Systems Security Engineer, IT Security Operator, Security Consultant

   Notable Faculty: Dawn Laux (Technology and cybersecurity education); Dr. Kate (Cyber criminology)

   Admissions:

   Accreditations: NSA CAE-CD (National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education), ABET Accredited

9. #9. Texas A & M University-College Station

   Location: College Station, TX | Type: Public | Tuition: $9,003/year | Graduation Rate: 84% | Score: 81.3

   What makes Texas A & M University-College Station stand out: Texas A&M Visualization is one of only a handful of programs nationwide that equally stresses both technical and artistic aspects of digital media, with an unrivaled track record in student placement at top animation studios and an intensive Summer Industry Course where students work 10 weeks under mentorship from professionals at ILM, Pixar, Disney, and Dreamworks.

   Hakia Insight: Texas A & M University-College Station's partnerships with Industrial Light & Magic and Pixar translate research into real-world experience — a key differentiator for hiring managers.

   Program Overview: Texas A&M's Master of Science in Visualization sits within the College of Performance, Visualization & Fine Arts, representing a unique fusion of art and technology that few universities offer at the graduate level. This 32-credit program integrates artistic creativity with scientific rigor, preparing students to become 'technical artists' through studio-based coursework spanning computer animation, interactive design, user experience design, virtual reality, and data visualization. Students can choose between thesis and non-thesis tracks, with the thesis option requiring 8 hours of research culminating in a public defense, while the non-thesis route focuses on a practical capstone project executed over one semester. The program typically takes two years to complete and is offered exclusively on-campus in College Station, emphasizing hands-on learning through creative application.

   Degree Programs: MS in Visualization - Thesis Track (2 years); MS in Visualization - Non-Thesis Track (2 years)

   Research Labs: Virtual Production Institute - Virtual production techniques for entertainment media, architectural visualization, manufacturing, and live performances; Institute for Applied Creativity - Interdisciplinary research at the intersection of arts and technology

   Industry Partners: Industrial Light & Magic, Pixar, Disney, Dreamworks, Rhythm & Hues, Reel FX

   Career Outcomes: | Top Employers: ILM, Pixar, Disney, Dreamworks, Rhythm & Hues, Reel FX | Common Roles: Technical Director, Look Development Artist, Game Designer, Visual Effects Artist, UI/UX Designer, Interactive Media Specialist, Producer, Project Manager

   Admissions:

10. #10. Clemson University

    Location: Clemson, SC | Type: Public | Tuition: $14,038/year | Graduation Rate: 81% | Score: 79.0

    What makes Clemson University stand out: Clemson uniquely combines computing education with specialized research in biomedical data science through a joint PhD program with the Medical University of South Carolina, while offering one of the few comprehensive Digital Production Arts programs that bridges technical computer graphics with creative applications.

    Hakia Insight: Clemson University's partnerships with CU-ICAR and Medical University of South Carolina translate research into real-world experience — a key differentiator for hiring managers.

    Program Overview: Clemson University's School of Computing offers a comprehensive suite of computer science and programming degrees through its College of Engineering, Computing and Applied Sciences. The program spans from undergraduate Computer Science degrees to advanced graduate offerings including MS and PhD programs in Computer Science, Biomedical Data Science & Informatics, Digital Production Arts, and Human-Centered Computing. The school also provides a unique Master of Applied Computing (MAC) program designed for students without CS backgrounds, featuring specialized tracks in AI/machine learning, cybersecurity, data science, human-computer interaction, software engineering, and visual computing. Students benefit from state-of-the-art facilities including the Center for Optical Materials Science and Engineering Technologies (COMSET), advanced electron microscopy facilities, and the Palmetto Cluster supercomputing infrastructure. The program offers both traditional on-campus experiences and online electrical engineering options, with strong connections to Clemson's innovation campuses including CU-ICAR in Greenville and the Dominion Energy Innovation Center in Charleston.

    Degree Programs: Bachelor of Science in Computer Science; Master of Science in Computer Science (2 years); Master of Applied Computing; PhD in Computer Science; MS in Biomedical Data Science & Informatics; MS/MFA in Digital Production Arts; PhD in Human-Centered Computing; MSCS Readiness Program (1 year); Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering

    Research Labs: Center for Optical Materials Science and Engineering Technologies (COMSET) - Advanced materials, devices, and systems for light-based technologies in a $7.5 trillion global market; Electron Microscopy Facility - High-resolution transmission and scanning electron microscopes with combined Focused Ion Beam capabilities; Institute for Biological Interfaces of Engineering (IBIOE) - Advanced biomaterials, tissue fabrication and instrumentation, tissue simulation; Palmetto Cluster - High-performance computing serving university-wide research needs

    Industry Partners: CU-ICAR, Medical University of South Carolina

    Career Outcomes: | Common Roles: Software Engineer, Research Scientist, Data Scientist, Digital Arts Specialist, Biomedical Informaticist

    Admissions:

    Accreditations: ABET Accredited programs