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.
With the ever-growing need for information technology in our digital world, it is no surprise that a bachelor’s in mobile development is in high demand.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the software development industry’s job outlook is growing at a “much faster than average” rate of 22% from 2019-2029. Because of the increasing need for web and mobile applications, pretty much every field you can think of, including healthcare, insurance, law, and education, need software developers to create software and products.
A bachelor’s in mobile development is a smart investment move, one that will guarantee job placements and a substantial income right away. Check out our top ten bachelor’s in mobile development and begin your journey into this dynamic industry.
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What Are the Best Bachelor’s in Mobile Development?
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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. This is no surprise when you hear 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-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-mobile 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 in 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 their 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 mobile app development emphasis, you will take courses like Hybrid Mobile Application Development, Web Scripting, and Intermediate C# Programming. Bellevue not only offers flexible programs, they offer 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!
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 business. 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 $82,723 and typically ranges between $53K to $134K.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports similar salaries: Software developers earn a median salary of $124,200 annually, with the lowest ten percent earning less than $71,280 and the highest 10% earning more than $198,100. Those who work for software publishers earn the highest in the industry, with an average of $134,430 per year.
Likewise, web developers earn a median salary of $80,730 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 $164,070 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.