HTML and CSS vs JavaScript: which web course first?

If you have never built a web page, start with Introduction to HTML and CSS: JavaScript works on HTML pages and their styles. Neither syllabus lists a prerequisite, and Introduction to JavaScript opens with HTML and CSS basics, so you can start there if you already know a little.

HTML gives a page its structure and content, CSS sets how it looks, and JavaScript makes it respond. In Introduction to HTML and CSS you build and style pages, including forms and responsive layouts; in Introduction to JavaScript you change the page through the DOM, check forms and handle events.

Introduction to JavaScript (Computer Science 190): ACE recommends 3 semester hours, ACE ID UPIS-0013, and NCCRS recommends 3 as well. Introduction to HTML and CSS (Computer Science 180) carries an NCCRS recommendation for 3 semester hours in Computer Science or Information Technology.

Introduction to HTML and CSS (Computer Science 180) teaches building web pages with HTML and styling them with CSS, including forms, tables, media and responsive design. Introduction to Javascript (Computer Science 190) teaches JavaScript programming for the web: syntax, functions, objects, data structures, the DOM, forms and debugging.

Introduction to HTML and CSS: NCCRS recommends 3 semester hours, lower division, in Computer Science among other subjects. Introduction to Javascript: NCCRS recommends 3 semester hours, lower division, in Computer Science among other subjects; ACE recommends 3 (ACE ID UPIS-0013).

Both are recommended in the same subjects: Computer Science or Information Technology. Your college decides which requirement each one fills.

Introduction to Javascript is longer by its syllabus. Introduction to HTML and CSS: 12 chapters and 35 instructional hours. Introduction to Javascript: 11 chapters and 68 instructional hours. Both are self-paced, so you finish as fast or as slow as you want.

Each ends with 100 multiple-choice questions; Introduction to HTML and CSS after 12 chapters, Introduction to Javascript after 11.

Database Fundamentals. In the “Build websites” order on the Computer Science courses page, it follows Introduction to Javascript. Your program may set its own order.

Its NCCRS recommendation runs five years; UPI Study renews listings as they end, and credit you have earned stays valid for 10 years.

You get one free retake if you fail it. If you pass and retake it, your first score is the one that counts. Introduction to HTML and CSS quizzes can be retaken as often as you like; the average of your first two attempts counts.

ACE and NCCRS have over 2,100 cooperating colleges that will consider accepting credits; the final decision is with the universities. Search your school in Find My College and ask your registrar which courses these would count as. It helps to name the subject: NCCRS recommends Introduction to HTML and CSS in Computer Science and Introduction to Javascript in Computer Science.