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Learn website architecture

Website architecture guides the structure and organization of a website. Learn more about what website architecture is, how to choose a learning path that works best for you, and what kinds of career options may be available to professionals with this skill set.

What is website architecture?

Website architecture is the blueprint for a website that defines how its pages and content are organized and connected, such as navigation menus, subpages, and internal links. It involves developing and implementing a technical architecture that makes it easy for users to navigate the website and quickly find the information they need — and for search engines to index the site correctly.

As a web architect, you typically design a website's overall structure and functionality and collaborate with development teams to build them.

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Choosing the right website architecture program for you

Website architecture includes problem-solving and learning technical skills like information architecture to plan and structure web content. You can enroll in online courses, degrees, or training programs that provide the necessary background in website architecture to help design and develop successful websites, which you can find more details on below.

Courses

You can learn website architecture in only a few weeks through online courses where you can study topics like web cartography, CSS fundamentals, and instructional design.

Certificates

Several online professional certificate programs are available that teach website architecture, covering topics like computer science for web programming and digital marketing fundamentals.

Executive education programs

If you're an experienced professional, you can enroll in executive education programs that focus on subjects like web design, search engine optimization (SEO), and digital marketing to help you learn about website architecture. This path is generally best for experienced professionals trying to hone certain skills, often in pursuit of a promotion or new job.

Degrees

Online degree programs in computer science, web development, or information technology (IT) can provide you with computer architecture and design knowledge for creating effective websites.

Jobs in website architecture

Understanding website architecture is highly valuable in several job paths. It can lead to potential career opportunities in web development, digital design, and software development, where you may work in various settings such as a digital agency, an in-house development team, or as a freelancer.

Developing efficient websites that offer users positive experiences can benefit many businesses. Here are a few positions that having experience in website architecture may help you qualify for, with each role's required education as well as salary data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS):

Web developer

A web developer needs to understand website architecture as a foundational blueprint for creating user-friendly and effective websites and applications.

  • Required education: Bachelor's degree in web development, computer science, software engineering, or a related field
  • Median annual salary (May 2023): $84,960
Digital designer

A digital designer should have a grasp of website architecture and know about the structure of websites to design functional and usable site layouts.

  • Required education: Bachelor's degree in digital design, web design, web development, or a related field
  • Median annual salary (May 2023): $92,750
Software developer

A software developer needs a foundational understanding of website architecture to build scalable applications that provide positive user experiences.

  • Required education: Bachelor's degree in computer science, software engineering, information technology, or a related field
  • Median annual salary (May 2023): $132,270

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    Frequently asked questions about website architecture

    Why should I learn website architecture?

    If you want to design and build well-structured websites, understanding website architecture is necessary for helping you develop technical skills in front- and back-end web development, database management, web application frameworks, and other relevant areas.

    What's the best way to learn website architecture?

    Enrolling in online degrees like computer science and courses that teach web development and programming languages can put you on the right path to learning about website architecture and digital design.

    How long does it take to learn website architecture?

    You can learn foundational skills and concepts of website architecture within a few months through online courses focusing on programming skills and software design. Alternatively, you can learn those skills and more in a few years through online bachelor's degree programs in web development or computer science, which will help you develop a more robust knowledge base and skill set.

    How hard is it to learn website architecture?

    Understanding website architecture can be challenging since you need to understand both front- and back-end development concepts, along with design principles and database management, which can be difficult for beginners. However, gaining skills such as web development basics can provide the foundational knowledge to help you learn these concepts.