Quick Highlights:
- Our #1 ranked school for a bachelor’s in mobile development is Florida International University, followed by Kennesaw State University.
- Bachelor’s degrees in mobile development prepare students for lucrative careers in app and software creation.
- These programs often require courses in programming, web development, and sometimes business management.
- Practical experience through internships and projects is typically part of the curriculum.
As smartphones and mobile applications continue to dominate the tech landscape, the demand for skilled mobile software developers is skyrocketing.
A Bachelor’s in Mobile Software Development offers a specialized education that equips you with the expertise needed to thrive in one of the most dynamic areas of the tech industry. Unlike general software development degrees, this program focuses specifically on mobile platforms, from programming languages like Swift and Kotlin to cross-platform frameworks such as React Native and Flutter.
With mobile applications central to nearly every industry—from entertainment and finance to healthcare and education—graduates of these programs are well-positioned to enter a fast-growing job market. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for software developers is projected to grow by 22% through 2033, much faster than the average for all occupations, driven largely by the need for mobile apps and services. Entry-level mobile developers can expect to earn $70,000–$90,000 annually, with the potential for six-figure salaries as they gain experience and work with top tech companies.
What makes this degree even more appealing is its emphasis on hands-on learning. Students not only master key mobile development tools but also gain real-world experience through internships and capstone projects, ensuring they are job-ready upon graduation. Whether you’re aiming to work as a mobile app developer, UI/UX designer, or mobile security analyst, a Bachelor’s in Mobile Software Development provides the skills, experience, and job prospects needed to excel in this rapidly evolving field.
Related (Campus):
- Best Bachelor’s in Computer Science
- Top Information Security Systems Degrees
- Best Schools for Game Design
- Best Colleges for Video Game Design
- Best Bachelor’s in AI
- Top Database Management Degree Programs
Related (Online):
Last updated: October 4, 2024
What Are the Best Bachelor’s in Mobile Development?
At CollegeRank, we strive to do our best to guide you and your family toward a fruitful academic career. The pursuit of knowledge is a noble one, and we want to help you reach your goals. We compiled this list of the best Bachelor of Mobile Development degree programs based on the following:
- Offers various learning formats for added convenience to balance personal life and academic learning,
- Provides quality curriculum for those entering a career in Mobile Development,
- Has many financial aid options to consider, such as scholarships, grants, federal aid, and loans,
- Is awarded the proper accreditation for programs designed for Mobile Development,
- Classes taught by professionals focused on developing the best undergraduate degree program in Mobile Development.
Please feel free to visit our dedicated methodology page for a step-by-step breakdown. For questions, comments, badge downloads, or data corrections, please feel free to reach out to us at editor@www.collegerank.net.
Florida International University

Our top ranking, Florida International University, is Miami’s top-tier research institution, offering bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees both on campus and 100% online through FIU online. One of these online degrees is a Bachelor of Science in information technology, which includes a concentration in mobile app development that prepares you for a plethora of careers in the IT field.
Before enrolling in the program, you will need a handful of prerequisites like Programming in Java, Introduction to Computing, and Pre-Calculus Trigonometry. You will complete ten core courses and five electives in two concentration areas, one being mobile app development. To reach 120 total credits, you will take additional elective courses based on your career interests.
One of the perks of FUI’s IT program in mobile development is that it is completely online, and you can start in the fall, spring, or summer. Applicants need to submit official high school/college transcripts and SAT/ACT scores. You can apply online in just 20-30 minutes (you can also save your application and come back to it).
Kennesaw State University

Kennesaw State University boasts many national rankings, including 2020 Best Colleges and Best Online Graduate Information Technology Programs from U.S. News & World Report. It is no surprise that Kennesaw State is also one of the 50th largest in the country, with nearly 41,000 students. You can earn a BS in informational technologies, such as mobile and web development, in flexible formats.
Accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET, this program includes core requirements, major requirements, and electives. Major requirement courses include Hardware and Software Development, Electronic Commerce, and Operating Systems Concepts and Administration. You will also complete a capstone project where you work with other students to design and implement a “real-world IT solution.”
The mobile and web development track is 12 additional credit hours, including the courses Advanced Web Development, Mobile Web Development, and Mobile and Casual Game Development. To ensure flexibility, you can earn this degree online, on campus, or in hybrid formats.
Davenport University

Davenport University’s College of Technology is one of 13 schools awarded a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education by the National Security Agency and the Department of Homeland Security. Here, you can earn an online (or on-campus) Bachelor of Science in information systems and web development and prepare for lucrative careers in the IT field.
With this program, you will gain proficiency in programming languages, finance, project management, and data analytics and graduate with “the technological skills of a developer and the mindset of a business manager.” Courses include Principles of Project Management, Mobile Application Development, and Systems Analysis and Design. You can view the course of study for the Web and Mobile Development concentration here.
Davenport is ahead of the game, and here, you will have access to state-of-the-art technology and the latest software designs. For application requirements and financial aid information, check out the admissions requirements from the school’s interactive webpage.
Fort Hays State University

Fort Hayes State University, a nationally ranked institution in Hays, Kansas, offers more than 70 undergraduate programs, including quite a few IT options. You can earn either a Bachelor of Science or Arts in information networking and telecommunications with multiple concentrations, including web and mobile application development.
As a student, you will learn how to “develop coding, design, and video and animation skills for the web and mobile devices” as well as learn “e-commerce, workflow, and Web-based database development” (FHSU program page). You will enjoy small, innovative classes, either on campus or online, internship experiences, and state-of-the-art software and technology. Both the BS and BA programs include 18 hours of informatics core classes and 15 hours of concentration requirements.
Sample courses include Front-End Web Development, Mobile Web Development, and Research Methods in Informatics. Graduates are prepared for the Certified Web Designer Apprentice (CWDSA) and Oracle Certified Associate certifications, which will enhance career prospects.
Southern Illinois University-Carbondale

A Carnegie Classification of “high research,” SIU Carbondale is a diverse school with students from all 50 states and 100+ countries. Check out the bachelor’s in information technology with a web and mobile app development concentration.
This information technology program is based on the nationally recognized ACM/IEEE IT Computing Curricula and teaches strong computing, IT, programming, networking, database, and cybersecurity skills. Along with major requirements, you will take six additional courses in web and mobile app development, such as Client-Side Web Development and Server-Side Web Development.
You can complete this bachelor’s degree either on campus or online, and either way, you will be ready for a mobile development technology career in a variety of work environments. If you have a high school GPA of 2.75, rank in the top 10% of your class, or have required ACT/SAT scores, you are guaranteed automatic admission.
Northwestern State University of Louisiana

Northwestern State University of Louisiana’s Computer Information Systems (CIS) program has been nationally recognized as an “Area of Excellence” since 1999, and its notable track record keeps it on best rankings lists, including ours. The Bachelor of Science in CIS with an application development track provides the theory and practical knowledge you need to become an expert in the IT mobile app world.
Through the CIS program, you will take curriculum and business core classes in topics such as mobile applications development, data analytics, networking, administration, and cloud computing. The web development concentration includes 24 credits in related courses such as Essentials of Network Design and Hardware, Intermediate Object-Oriented Programming, and Secure Programming Principles.
As a student at Northwestern State, you will have the opportunity to be involved in the student Association of Information Technology Professionals (AITP) at the national and regional levels, which also means attending conferences and networking.
Liberty University

A well-known private Christian university in Lynchburg, Virginia, Liberty University is notable for its flexible online education programs that originated in the mid-1980s before online learning was popular. Liberty’s Bachelor of Science in information technology: web and mobile programming is 100% online, and with eight-week courses, a convenient, flexible option.
As a student, you will take courses in design, imaging, and programming and obtain the knowledge and skills to develop “high-quality websites on mobile, tablet, and large screen browsers.” You will also study topics such as computing sciences, web architecture, database management, and, of course, IT skills.
Liberty’s IT program prepares students for careers in front-end web development, mobile web designing, user interface analysis, database administration, computer programming, and more. While Liberty is a private university, you will be surprised at the affordable tuition rates. In fact, tuition has not increased for the past six years (and counting).
Electronic textbooks are provided for all students at no extra cost, and military service members receive additional perks for attending Liberty.
Southern New Hampshire University

A private, nonprofit academic institution, Southern New Hampshire University is one of the fastest-growing schools in the country. While there are 3,000+ on-campus students, another 135,000+ students are earning degrees online, and you could be one of them. SNHU offers an online Bachelor of Science in computer science with a concentration in software engineering.
Through this program, you will gain the knowledge, skills, and experience needed to break into the field of software engineering. SNHU’s program website reports that with this concentration, students will learn how to:
- Apply user interface/user experience (UI/UX) design and development techniques
- Develop secure code
- Explore various approaches to reverse engineer code
- Explore emerging trends in systems architecture
SNHU’s software engineering bachelor’s degree is flexible, affordable, and full of opportunities. Even though the program is online, you will be able to join organizations such as the Cyber Security of Excellence, attend regional and national conferences, and develop a strong network. You can apply to SNHU throughout the year since each undergraduate term is eight weeks.
Bellevue University

Another flexible, affordable bachelor’s in computer information systems-mobile app development is from Bellevue University, a non-profit, open-access academic institution that is nationally recognized for its value. Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, Bellevue offers top-notch academics with its Real Mastery® approach, which “helps students not only learn but master the knowledge and skills employers expect.”
The bachelor’s in CIS with a mobile app development concentration follows ACM and ABET standards and includes 37 integrative general education credits, 36 major requirement credits, and 54 elective credits, totaling 127 total credits. With the emphasis on mobile app development, you will take courses like Hybrid Mobile Application Development, Web Scripting, and Intermediate C# Programming.
Bellevue not only offers flexible programs but also offers affordable ones. Bellevue believes in “removing barriers to the education you deserve,” which is why the generous credit transfer policy allows you to make the most of the credits you have already earned. You can earn credits through prior work experience, military training, and of course, past ,academics.
Franklin University

If you consider yourself technical, artistic, and love gaming, our final ranking is a fun one to check out: a Bachelor’s of Science degree in interactive media development from Franklin University.
Franklin is a large private school in Columbus, Ohio, that was designed for adult learners and continues to support those who want to reach their academic goals faster through flexible online programs.
In this program, you will study both the technical and non-technical parts of interactive media development and “combine project management expertise with solid design and technology skills.” You will take a comprehensive list of courses in business, media design, and development, as well as create a professional portfolio where you showcase your work to potential clients.
Franklin University allows you to finish its programs faster since they accept 24 credit hours of technical credit, which means career, vocational, or other experiences may count. Franklin also offers affordable tuition. In addition, you can apply online to Franklin University for free!
Mobile Software Dev Degree Specializations
A Bachelor’s in Mobile Software Development offers several paths, each with unique career opportunities. As mobile technology continues to evolve, certain specializations are particularly in demand, providing robust job prospects and competitive salaries. To identify which mobile software development degree program is best for you, we advise that you first establish which specialization track best-matches your goals.
Of course, choosing a specialization is not required, but it can help you achieve the best results after graduation. Below are the key specialization tracks and with insights into their career outlook.
Mobile Application Development (iOS & Android)
Focus: Developing native applications for mobile operating systems such as iOS (Swift) and Android (Kotlin).
Career Outlook: Mobile app developers are in high demand due to the rapid growth of mobile platforms and the continued reliance on apps for everything from business to entertainment. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the demand for software developers—which includes mobile app developers—is expected to grow by 22% through 2033, a rate much faster than the average for all occupations.
Why It’s in Demand: As the mobile ecosystem grows, companies are increasingly investing in mobile-first strategies to engage users and streamline business operations. iOS and Android development remain the core of mobile applications, making expertise in these platforms crucial for success.
Salary Insight: Mobile application developers can expect an average salary of $105,000 per year, with top-tier developers in major markets earning six-figure salaries.
Cross-Platform Mobile Development
Focus: Developing mobile applications that work across multiple platforms using tools like React Native and Flutter.
Career Outlook: Cross-platform mobile development is rapidly gaining traction because it allows companies to save time and resources by building one app that works across both iOS and Android. As mobile-first strategies grow, cross-platform frameworks are expected to continue expanding. A report from Statista shows that 42% of developers are using cross-platform tools like Flutter and React Native for their projects.
Why It’s in Demand: The demand for cross-platform development is driven by its efficiency. By enabling developers to write code once and deploy it across multiple platforms, companies can cut costs and speed up production cycles, making this specialization highly desirable.
Salary Insight: Cross-platform developers typically earn between $85,000 and $115,000 annually, depending on experience and industry, with the potential to exceed this range for developers working with leading frameworks in large companies.
UI/UX Design for Mobile Platforms
Focus: Designing user-friendly, aesthetically pleasing, and functional interfaces and experiences specifically for mobile devices.
Career Outlook: As mobile apps become increasingly complex, the need for specialized UI/UX designers focused on mobile interfaces has grown. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs in web and digital interface design are expected to grow by 13% by 2033, driven by the expanding reliance on mobile and web applications.
Why It’s in Demand: User experience is crucial for mobile app success. With millions of apps available, ensuring that an app is intuitive, visually appealing, and easy to navigate is essential. Businesses are investing heavily in user-centered design to improve app retention rates, making mobile-focused UI/UX expertise indispensable.
Salary Insight: UI/UX designers in the mobile sector earn a median salary of around $85,000–$105,000, with top professionals in larger markets reaching $120,000+.
Mobile Security and Data Protection
Focus: Ensuring the security of mobile applications, protecting sensitive data, and ensuring compliance with data privacy regulations.
Career Outlook: As mobile applications handle more sensitive data, from financial information to health records, mobile security has become a top priority. The cybersecurity field is experiencing massive growth, with a projected 35% increase in demand for cybersecurity professionals by 2031.
Why It’s in Demand: With the rise of mobile transactions, personal data sharing, and mobile health apps, there’s a growing need to secure mobile applications against threats such as data breaches and malware. A specialized focus on mobile security prepares you to address these challenges, a critical area for any mobile-focused organization.
Salary Insight: Mobile security professionals can earn between $90,000 and $130,000 annually, with top cybersecurity roles reaching $150,000 or more, especially in sectors like finance and healthcare.
Mobile Game Development
Focus: Creating interactive, entertaining mobile games for iOS and Android platforms.
Career Outlook: The mobile gaming industry has exploded in recent years. According to a report from Newzoo, the global games market will reach $159.3 billion in 2025, with a significant portion attributed to mobile games. As mobile games account for a growing share of the gaming market, the demand for skilled mobile game developers continues to rise.
Why It’s in Demand: Mobile gaming is a massive market, with millions of people playing games on their phones daily. Game developers who specialize in mobile platforms can capitalize on this growing industry. With the rise of augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) in gaming, opportunities in mobile game development are expected to expand even further.
Salary Insight: Mobile game developers can earn $70,000–$110,000 annually, with experienced developers in top studios reaching salaries over $130,000, especially in highly successful games.
Key Takeaway
Mobile software development is an expansive field with specialized tracks that are seeing growing demand across multiple industries. Whether you’re focusing on mobile app development, cross-platform tools, or mobile security, the potential for career growth is significant. These specializations not only offer high earning potential but also the opportunity to work in an industry that is constantly evolving, allowing you to stay at the forefront of technological innovation. By choosing a specialization in one of these high-impact areas, you will be equipped to meet the growing need for skilled professionals in the ever-expanding mobile world.
Frequently Asked Questions
Mobile development is a specific area of web and software development that involves designing, programming, and implementing mobile-compatible web pages and apps. A bachelor’s in mobile development can vary and may be offered as a BS in informational technologies (IT) or a related field with a concentration on mobile or web apps.
A mobile development bachelor’s is typically 120 credit hours and includes general education courses, major courses, electives, and often a capstone project, all centered around topics in business, web and mobile design, and software.
You can earn this degree either on campus, online, or in a hybrid format—the best of both worlds. Not surprisingly, most students earn a bachelor’s in mobile development online because they are already tech-savvy, and the flexibility of online learning is appealing.
While each program’s admission requirements vary, you need at least a high school diploma or GED, and it is a good idea to at least be competent in basic computer systems, programming, software and be willing to learn.
Most people who earn a bachelor’s in mobile development aim to become software developers who create apps and systems for computers and devices. These professionals can work pretty much anywhere, from computer system designing businesses to software publishers. Some may begin their own business, which is why business courses are usually a core part of a mobile development bachelor’s program.
Some graduates use a mobile development degree to become web developers. Web developers work to design and create websites for businesses or as their own businesses. While an associate degree is required to become a web developer, a bachelor’s degree provides even more skills and marketability.
Another career for mobile development majors is a computer and information systems manager. These professionals oversee information systems in a myriad of work settings, including businesses, healthcare facilities, universities, and more.
One thing is for sure: a bachelor’s in mobile development is sure to pave your way to a high salary. According to Payscale, the average mobile applications developer is $87,545 and typically ranges between $56K to $139K.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports similar salaries: Software developers earn a median salary of $130,160 annually, with the lowest ten percent earning less than $77,020 and the highest 10% earning more than $208,620. Those who work for software publishers earn the highest in the industry, with an average of $143,210 per year.
Likewise, web developers earn a median salary of $92,750 per year. Keep in mind that the BLS reports that the typical entry-level education needed for web developers is an associate degree, so armed with a bachelor’s degree in mobile development, you’re sure to earn more.
Computer and information systems managers earn an average of $169,510 per year, and these careers require at least five years of work experience. With a bachelor’s in mobile development, you’re sure to be on your way to earning a lucrative salary with room for increased earning potential.
For mobile development, degrees in Computer Science or Software Engineering are ideal—they cover programming languages, algorithms, and software development. Degrees with concentrations in Mobile App Development or courses specifically focusing on mobile technologies can provide hands-on experience and knowledge relevant to this field.
Additionally, gaining practical skills through internships, certifications, or personal projects can complement formal education for a successful career in mobile development.
Learning mobile development can be highly valuable as mobile apps are in high demand across industries. It offers rewarding career opportunities, a chance to create innovative solutions, and the flexibility to work in diverse sectors like tech, healthcare, gaming, or finance. Plus, mobile development skills are constantly sought after and can lead to a dynamic and fulfilling career!
Mobile development can be challenging but rewarding. Learning programming languages like Java or Swift and understanding mobile frameworks requires dedication and practice. With perseverance and a passion for problem-solving, mastering mobile development becomes achievable and opens doors to exciting career opportunities.
