IT Front End Developer Associate Degree

Program Overview

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IT Front End Developer Associate Degree

Program Overview

Using websites isn’t enough for you…you want to build them. The cutting edge, up-to-date programming skills you’ll learn in Madison College’s Front End Developer associate degree program will prepare you for employment as an entry-level web developer anywhere from start-ups and agencies to national companies and tech giants.

Whether you’re looking to start, advance or change your career, this program will give you the training to help you reach your goals. No advanced skills needed—just basic computer knowledge and a passion for learning.

Front End Developer Program Goals

The Front End Developer program teaches the fundamentals of functional programming for single page applications (SPAs) through the use of HTML, CSS, JavaScript, TypeScript, Angular and React.

Real-world, Hands-on Learning

Front End Developer classes are held in lab environments, so you get hands-on experience in every class. You’ll use Madison College’s state-of-the-art online lab environment to simulate the infrastructures various industries and tech companies actually use. That same lab is available to you 24/7 from any computer. All you need is an internet connection to do your work from anywhere.

Madison College IT program students start coding on Day One.

In the first year, you’ll learn the basics of web development. In the second year, you’ll learn advanced practices as well as skills to help you prepare for your career.

Core classes teach technical skills in:

• HTML and CSS
• Single-page apps (SPAs)
• TypeScript and JavaScript
• Functional Programming
• Cloud and Serverless database
• React and Angular libraries

Final Semester Internship

In addition to coursework, you will complete an internship with one of our industry partners. If you are already working full-time, you will have the option of a project. With this real-world opportunity, upon graduation you will have not only the knowledge but also the experience to enter the workforce with the confidence that employers notice.

Flexible Course Offerings

Students in the Front End Developer program can attend full or part time.

The core classes unique to the Front End Developer program are offered only online or during the day.

Front End Developer classes are offered at our Madison Truax campus.

If you start this program in the spring semester it may take 5 semesters to complete and classes are only offered in the daytime or online.

Curriculum and Experience

First Semester

• Exploration of Information Technology (1 credit)
• IT Security Awareness (1 credit)
• Introduction to Programming Using JavaScript (3 credits)
• Website Development (3 credits)
• AI Fundamentals (1 credit)
• Introduction to Databases (3 credits)
• Written Communication (3 credits)

Second Semester

• Cloud for Developers (3 credits)
• Advanced CSS (3 credits)
• UIUX and Web Accessibility (3 credits)
• Advanced Javascript (3 credits)
• Oral/Interpersonal Communication (3 credits)

Third Semester

• Job Search Preparation (1 credit)
• Agile Practices (3 credits)
• JS Frameworks (3 credits)
• Contemporary American Society (3 credits)
• Math of Finance (3 credits)
• Elective (3 credits)

Fourth Semester

• Serverless Cloud with React (3 credits)
• Front End Development Internship (3 credits)
• Advanced Front End Development (3 credits)
• Psychology Of Human Relations (3 credits)
• Elective (3 credits)

Recommended Electives

• C# Web Development Using ASP.NET (3 credits)
• PHP Web Development with MySQL (3 credits)
• Foundations of Software Quality (3 credits)
• SQL Database Programming (3 credits)

Admission

To Apply

Earning a degree is a great way to advance your career development opportunities.

Application Dates

• Fall 2025: Application open, Application completion deadline is August 31, 2025
• Spring 2026: Application open, Application completion deadline is January 15, 2026

Admission Requirements

All materials must be submitted by the application deadline.

1. Admission Application
2. Education Completion
   • Submit official transcripts from the institutions you attended that indicate one of the following:
     • High school completion (current high school seniors may submit an in-progress transcript)
     • GED/HSED completion
     • College transcript or Madison College experience showing:
       • Completion of an associate degree or higher, or
       • At least 30 credits completed with a minimum GPA of 2.0 on a 4-point scale

Career Outcomes

Front End Developer Program Outcomes

After completing the Front End Developer program at Madison Area Technical College, you will be able to:

• Write front-end web applications using modern JavaScript frameworks.
• Code using current JavaScript.
• Write front-end applications to access “serverless” cloud based services and endpoints.
• Write SQL statements to retrieve/manipulate data and manipulate relation database structures.
• Apply UI/UX design principles to perform analysis to and build user-centric applications.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the ever-changing IT field and its job roles with emphasis on IT security as it applies to development.
• Work as an ethical and reliable team member using software collaboration tools.

Front End Developer Careers

Madison College Front End Developer associate degree graduates are ready for a range of professional positions in the field including:

• Front End Developer
• CSS/HTML Developer
• Web Software Developer
• Front End Accessibility
• Front End DevOps
• Front End Engineer
• Front End Architect

Graduate Summary

• Number of Program Graduates: 14 (2022), 12 (2023), 12 (2024)
• Number of Surveys Sent: 13 (2022), 12 (2023), 12 (2024)
• Number of Surveys Returned: 9 (2022), 10 (2023), 11 (2024)
• Percent of Surveys Returned: 69.2% (2022), 83.3% (2023), 91.7% (2024)
• Available for Employment: 9 (2022), 10 (2023), 10 (2024)
• Percent Available for Employment: 100.0% (2022), 100.0% (2023), 90.9% (2024)
• Not in Labor Market: 0 (2022), 0 (2023), 1 (2024)
• Percent Not in Labor Market: 0.0% (2022), 0.0% (2023), 9.1% (2024)

Graduate Employers

• American Family Insurance
• Colony Brands
• Dept of Transportation
• Pharmetika
• UW - Madison University Bookstore

Salary Trend

• Full Time Employment (Related Job): 4 (2022), 2 (2023), 5 (2024)
• Average Monthly Wage: $5,009 (2022), $3,302 (2023), $5,370 (2024)
• Average Hourly Wage: $29.12 (2022), $19.20 (2023), $31.22 (2024)
• Average Work Hours per Week: 40.0 (2022), 43.0 (2023), 40.0 (2024)

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

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Overview:

The IT-Front End Developer associate degree program prepares students for employment as an entry-level software developer in positions such as Front-End Engineer, JavaScript Developer, or Full-Stack Web Developer. Students develop fundamental web development skills in HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. The curriculum emphasizes JavaScript and its ecosystem rather than other programming languages like Java, PHP, and C#. Students learn to build Single Page Applications (SPAs) with JavaScript frameworks and libraries like Angular and React. They also gain experience in cloud and 'serverless' technologies.

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Objectives:

• Develop front-end web applications: Use modern JavaScript frameworks to build responsive and interactive front-end web applications.
• Code using current JavaScript: Implement best practices in JavaScript coding techniques.
• Access serverless cloud services and endpoints: Integrate cloud-based services into front-end applications for enhanced functionality and performance.
• Manipulate data and databases: Use SQL statements to retrieve and modify data in relational databases.
• Apply UI/UX design principles: Analyze and implement user-centric designs for improved user experience.
• Understand IT field and security: Gain an understanding of the evolving IT landscape and its emphasis on security in software development.
• Work as an ethical and reliable team member: Collaborate effectively in software development teams using industry-standard communication tools.

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Outline:

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Program Content:

The IT-Front End Developer program focuses on developing core competencies in front-end development technologies. Students learn to build and deploy interactive web applications using a combination of HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and modern frameworks. They also gain experience in cloud computing and data management.

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Structure:

The program consists of 4 semesters, with core classes in front-end development offered only during the day. Students may attend full or part-time, and the program can be completed in 2 years.

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Course Schedule:

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Semester 1:

• Exploration of Information Technology
• IT Security Awareness
• Introduction to Programming with JavaScript
• Website Development
• AI Fundamentals
• Introduction to Databases
• Written Communication

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Semester 2:

• Cloud for Developers
• Advanced CSS
• UIUX and Web Accessibility
• Advanced Javascript
• Oral/Interpersonal Communication

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Semester 3:

• Job Search Preparation
• Agile Practices
• JS Frameworks
• Contemporary American Society
• Math of Finance
• Elective

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Semester 4:

• Serverless Cloud with React
• Front End Development Internship
• Advanced Front End Development
• Psychology Of Human Relations
• Elective

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Assessment:

Assessment methods in the IT-Front End Developer program may include:

• Exams: Written or online tests to evaluate students' understanding of concepts and theories.
• Projects: Practical assignments that demonstrate students' ability to apply their skills in real-world scenarios.
• Presentations: Opportunities for students to showcase their work and communicate their ideas to others.
• Portfolio: A collection of students' best work that reflects their progress and achievements.

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Teaching:

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Teaching Methods:

The IT-Front End Developer program employs a combination of teaching methods to cater to diverse learning styles. These methods may include:

• Lectures: Instructor-led presentations of course material.
• Discussions: Class-based conversations to explore concepts and share insights.
• Hands-on exercises: Practical activities to reinforce learning through hands-on experience.
• Online learning: Access to online resources and interactive materials for self-paced learning.

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Faculty:

The program is taught by experienced faculty members with expertise in front-end development and software engineering. They are dedicated to providing students with a high-quality educational experience.

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Careers:

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Career Paths:

Upon completing the IT-Front End Developer program at Madison Area Technical College, graduates may pursue a range of career opportunities in the field, such as:

• Front End Developer
• CSS/HTML Developer
• Web Software Developer
• Front End Accessibility
• Front End DevOps
• Front End Engineer
• Front End Architect

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Opportunities:

Graduates of the program are prepared for entry-level positions in various industries, including:

• Software Development
• Web Design and Development
• IT Consulting
• Information Technology

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Outcomes:

Based on graduate surveys, a significant proportion of graduates find employment within the field after completing the program. They are employed in roles related to front-end development, web design, and software engineering.