- 1.Our top-ranked mobile development programs are Carnegie Mellon University, Purdue University-Main Campus, and DePaul University—selected based on graduation rates, program size, and career outcomes.
- 2.Best value: Green River College offers mobile development degrees at just $4,074/year with a 99% graduation rate.
- 3.93 accredited mobile development programs available nationwide, with options at every degree level from associate's to doctoral.
Source: BLS OEWS 2024, Stack Overflow Survey 2024
Best Mobile Development Programs - Top 10
These are the best mobile development programs in the United States based on our comprehensive methodology that considers graduation rates, program size, institutional reputation, and career outcomes. Rankings are updated annually using data from IPEDS and BLS.
Best Mobile Development Programs - Top 10
Carnegie Mellon University
Doctoral: Very High Research (R1)
CMU ranks #1 in the nation for mobile/web applications and is the birthplace of artificial intelligence, giving students access to the researchers and labs that invented many foundational technologies powering modern mobile devices.
Program Overview
Carnegie Mellon University does not offer a standalone Mobile Development program, but rather integrates mobile development into several world-class computing programs. The Information Systems program, a joint offering between Heinz College and Dietrich College, provides strong technical foundations including Application Design and Development coursework, while the School of Computer Science ranks #1 nationally in mobile/web applications according to recent rankings. Students can pursue mobile development through the Computer Science program's software systems electives, Human-Computer Interaction specializations, or through the Information Systems program's technology-focused curriculum that emphasizes real-world system solutions.
What sets CMU apart is its pioneering role in computing innovation - the university created the world's first AI program, first machine learning department, and first robotics PhD program. Students have access to cutting-edge research labs like the Human-Computer Interaction Institute and can work with faculty who literally invented many of the technologies powering today's mobile applications. The flexible curriculum allows students to combine mobile development skills with AI, robotics, or cybersecurity through interdisciplinary coursework.
Degree Programs
Research Labs & Institutes
User interface design, mobile interaction, and accessibility research
Software architecture, mobile security, and development methodologies
Mobile robotics platforms and embedded systems development
Location Advantages
- •Pittsburgh's growing tech ecosystem
- •Access to Carnegie Mellon's extensive research facilities
- •Strong connections to both East Coast tech hubs and Silicon Valley
Industry Partners
Career Outcomes
Major software firms, Technology startups, Large corporations, Consulting companies
Admissions
Purdue University-Main Campus
Doctoral: Very High Research (R1)
Purdue integrates Google Career Certificates directly into its technology degree programs and operates one of the largest networks of university research centers with 135+ institutes, including cutting-edge facilities like the Birck Nanotechnology Center.
Program Overview
Based on the available sources, Purdue University's mobile development capabilities span across multiple technology programs rather than a single dedicated mobile development program. The university offers comprehensive Information Technology programs through both its main campus and Purdue Global, with degrees in Applied Computer Science, Cloud Computing, and Cybersecurity that encompass mobile technologies. Purdue's Information Technology offerings include Bachelor of Science, Master of Science, and Associate of Applied Science degrees, with ExcelTrack options for accelerated completion. The programs integrate Google Career Certificates in IT Support, UX Design, and Project Management, providing students with industry-recognized credentials alongside their degrees. Purdue Global specifically targets working adults with 100% online options and frequent start dates, while the main campus provides traditional on-campus experiences with access to world-class research facilities.
Purdue's technology education is enhanced by its extensive research infrastructure, including the Birck Nanotechnology Center and over 135 university-approved institutes and centers focused on emerging technologies. The university's commitment to practical, skills-based learning is evident through partnerships with major technology companies and integration of industry certifications directly into degree pathways.
Degree Programs
Research Labs & Institutes
Nanotechnology research with cleanroom facilities and specialized laboratories for advanced computing
Location Advantages
- •West Lafayette campus with access to 135+ research institutes
- •Discovery Park District with state-of-the-art technology facilities
- •Purdue Polytechnic Statewide locations for regional access
Industry Partners
Career Outcomes
Certifications & Designations
Admissions
DePaul University
Doctoral: High Research (R2)
DePaul's computing programs are uniquely positioned in Chicago's Loop Campus technology district, where many CDM faculty serve as active industry consultants and working professionals, providing students direct connections to Chicago's tech ecosystem.
Program Overview
DePaul University offers mobile development education primarily through its broader Computer Science and Software Engineering programs housed within the Jarvis College of Computing and Digital Media (CDM) in Chicago's Loop Campus. While there isn't a standalone "Mobile Development" degree, students can pursue mobile systems education through the B.S. in Computer Science program, which includes coursework in mobile systems, game development, and software architecture. The MS in Software Engineering provides advanced training in software development methodologies with concentrations in AI in Software Engineering, Real-Time Software and Game Systems, and Software Development & Architecture. The college benefits from its downtown Chicago location in the heart of the city's technology district, providing direct access to industry partnerships and internships. Faculty members are often working professionals and industry consultants, bringing real-world experience into the classroom.
Degree Programs
Research Labs & Institutes
Data mining, predictive analytics, machine learning applications in business intelligence and healthcare
Visual computing applications in medical field research led by Professor Daniela Stan Raicu
Technology innovation and university-corporate partnerships, directed by Associate Professor Yele Adelakun
Location Advantages
- •Chicago Loop Campus in heart of technology and business districts
- •Access to 75+ clinical and industry partnership sites
- •Strong alumni network with nearly 3,000 graduates in Chicago area
Industry Partners
Career Outcomes
Certifications & Designations
Admissions
Texas A & M University-College Station
Doctoral: Very High Research (R1)
19 mobile development graduates annually
Marist College
Masters: Larger Programs
31 mobile development graduates annually
Rowan University
Doctoral: High Research (R2)
Rowan's BA in Computing and Informatics is specifically engineered to produce industry-ready programmers and IT professionals without the theoretical computer science burden, featuring hands-on Advanced Programming Workshops and a semester-long capstone that simulates the complete systems development lifecycle.
University of Houston
Doctoral: Very High Research (R1)
University of Houston does not currently offer a dedicated Mobile Development program, though students can access mobile-relevant coursework through highly ranked business and engineering programs.
Clemson University
Doctoral: Very High Research (R1)
19 mobile development graduates annually
Western Governors University
Masters: Larger Programs
WGU pioneered competency-based online education in 1997, allowing students to accelerate through coursework by demonstrating mastery rather than seat time, with 98% of employers saying WGU graduates meet or exceed expectations.
University of Miami
Doctoral: Very High Research (R1)
3 mobile development graduates annually
Our rankings methodology weighs program strength (25%), graduation rate (20%), career outcomes (15%), institutional quality (12%), industry recognition (10%), selectivity (10%), and data transparency (8%). Learn more about our methodology →
Who Should Study Mobile Development?
Mobile development is ideal for students who enjoy creating user-facing applications, have interest in design and user experience, and want to see immediate results from their code. You should be comfortable with programming fundamentals and willing to learn multiple platforms and frameworks.
- Creative problem solvers who enjoy building interactive, visual applications
- Design-minded developers interested in user experience and interface design
- Tech enthusiasts who want to create apps people use daily
- Students comfortable with rapid technology changes and continuous learning
- Career-focused individuals seeking high-demand, well-compensated positions
Consider mobile development if you're excited by the prospect of seeing your apps in app stores, enjoy working on projects with immediate visual feedback, and are interested in the intersection of technology and human behavior.
Mobile Development Degree Levels Compared
Mobile development education is available through various degree levels and specialized programs, each suited to different career goals and timelines.
Mobile Development Programs by Degree Level
2-year programs for career entry or transfer to bachelor's programs
Top-ranked undergraduate programs nationwide
Top graduate programs for specialization and advancement
Flexible online programs for working professionals
Best Mobile Development Programs - Bachelor's
A bachelor's degree in mobile development is the standard credential for entry-level positions. These 4-year programs provide comprehensive training and hands-on experience.
Best Mobile Development Programs - Top 3 Bachelor's
Purdue University-Main Campus
181 graduates, 83% grad rate, Score: 78.3
Texas A & M University-College Station
86 graduates, 84% grad rate, Score: 67.7
Rowan University
117 graduates, 97% grad rate, Score: 63.9
4. University of Houston (Houston, TX) - Score: 63.8, Tuition: $8,685
5. Western Governors University (Salt Lake City, UT) - Score: 62.8, Tuition: $7,710
6. DePaul University (Chicago, IL) - Score: 61.7, Tuition: $43,379
7. University of Miami (Coral Gables, FL) - Score: 58.9, Tuition: $58,104
8. Southern New Hampshire University (Manchester, NH) - Score: 58.7, Tuition: $15,450
9. Rhode Island School of Design (Providence, RI) - Score: 57.9, Tuition: $58,690
10. Farmingdale State College (Farmingdale, NY) - Score: 57.1, Tuition: $7,070
Best Mobile Development Programs - Master's
A master's degree in mobile development prepares students for senior and specialized roles. These 1-2 year programs offer advanced expertise and leadership training.
Best Mobile Development Programs - Top 3 Master's
Carnegie Mellon University
91 graduates, 98% grad rate, Score: 99.9
Purdue University-Main Campus
30 graduates, 83% grad rate, Score: 76.5
DePaul University
106 graduates, 86% grad rate, Score: 74.1
4. Texas A & M University-College Station (College Station, TX) - Score: 67.9, Tuition: $9,003
5. Marist College (Poughkeepsie, NY) - Score: 64.8, Tuition: $45,330
6. Clemson University (Clemson, SC) - Score: 63.1, Tuition: $14,038
7. Rhode Island School of Design (Providence, RI) - Score: 58.3, Tuition: $58,690
8. University of Michigan-Dearborn (Dearborn, MI) - Score: 56.2, Tuition: $14,544
9. Maharishi International University (Fairfield, IA) - Score: 50.8, Tuition: $16,000
10. University of Detroit Mercy (Detroit, MI) - Score: 49.3, Tuition: $32,300
Best Mobile Development Programs - Online
Online mobile development programs offer flexibility for working professionals. Top accredited programs provide the same curriculum quality as on-campus alternatives.
Best Mobile Development Programs - Top 3 Online
Carnegie Mellon University
91 graduates, 98% grad rate, Score: 99.9
Purdue University-Main Campus
181 graduates, 83% grad rate, Score: 78.3
Western Governors University
661 graduates, N/A% grad rate, Score: 67.8
4. Texas A & M University-College Station (College Station, TX) - Score: 67.7, Tuition: $9,003
5. Marist College (Poughkeepsie, NY) - Score: 64.8, Tuition: $45,330
6. Rowan University (Glassboro, NJ) - Score: 63.9, Tuition: $11,250
7. University of Houston (Houston, TX) - Score: 63.8, Tuition: $8,685
8. Southern New Hampshire University (Manchester, NH) - Score: 63.7, Tuition: $15,450
9. Clemson University (Clemson, SC) - Score: 63.1, Tuition: $14,038
10. DePaul University (Chicago, IL) - Score: 61.7, Tuition: $43,379
Best Mobile Development Programs - Associate's
An associate's degree in mobile development provides a 2-year pathway into the field. These programs are ideal for career starters or those planning to transfer to a 4-year program.
Best Mobile Development Programs - Top 3 Associate's
Valencia College
117 graduates, 86% grad rate, Score: 60.9
Santa Monica College
38 graduates, 95% grad rate, Score: 58.5
Bellevue College
32 graduates, 96% grad rate, Score: 57.5
4. Green River College (Auburn, WA) - Score: 56.0, Tuition: $4,074
5. MiraCosta College (Oceanside, CA) - Score: 55.9, Tuition: $1,104
6. Pierce College District (Lakewood, WA) - Score: 55.6, Tuition: $4,074
7. Columbia Basin College (Pasco, WA) - Score: 54.2, Tuition: $5,514
8. Palm Beach State College (Lake Worth, FL) - Score: 53.8, Tuition: $3,030
9. State College of Florida-Manatee-Sarasota (Bradenton, FL) - Score: 53.7, Tuition: $2,365
10. Dallas College (Dallas, TX) - Score: 53.2, Tuition: $4,050
Best Mobile Development Programs - Graduate
Graduate programs in mobile development (PhD and doctoral degrees) prepare students for research, academic, and senior leadership positions.
Best Mobile Development Programs - Top 3 Graduate
University of California-Berkeley
46 graduates, 96% grad rate, Score: 95.5
Carnegie Mellon University
23 graduates, 98% grad rate, Score: 88.7
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
68 graduates, N/A% grad rate, Score: 88.4
4. University of Southern California (Los Angeles, CA) - Score: 85.7, Tuition: $66,640
5. University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (Champaign, IL) - Score: 83.8, Tuition: $14,768
6. Stanford University (Stanford, CA) - Score: 82.8, Tuition: $61,731
7. Princeton University (Princeton, NJ) - Score: 82.6, Tuition: $59,710
8. Cornell University (Ithaca, NY) - Score: 81.8, Tuition: $65,204
9. University of California-San Diego (La Jolla, CA) - Score: 79.2, Tuition: $11,834
10. Purdue University-Main Campus (West Lafayette, IN) - Score: 78.6, Tuition: $9,718
Most Affordable Mobile Development Programs
Looking for quality mobile development education without the hefty price tag? These programs offer the best value—balancing tuition costs with strong academic outcomes and career prospects. Our Value Score factors in graduation rates, program strength, and institutional quality relative to cost.
Top 5 Most Affordable Mobile Development Programs
| Rank | Institution | Location | Tuition | Value Score | Grad Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Green River College | Auburn, WA | $4,074 | 107.0 | 99% |
| 2 | University of North Carolina Wilmington | Wilmington, NC | $4,443 | 105.2 | 79% |
| 3 | North Carolina A & T State University | Greensboro, NC | $3,540 | 103.8 | 84% |
| 4 | Brigham Young University-Idaho | Rexburg, ID | $4,656 | 90.6 | — |
| 5 | Caribbean University-Bayamon | Bayamon, PR | $4,742 | 88.6 | 70% |
Mobile Development Career Outcomes
Mobile development offers strong career prospects with median salaries of $105,590 and 22% projected job growth through 2032. The field spans from startup environments to major tech companies, with opportunities in consumer apps, enterprise solutions, and emerging technologies like AR/VR. For detailed compensation analysis, see our software engineer salary guide.
Career Paths
Mobile App Developer
SOC 15-1252Design and develop mobile applications for iOS, Android, or cross-platform using native or hybrid frameworks.
iOS Developer
SOC 15-1252Specialize in native iOS development using Swift, Objective-C, and Apple's development ecosystem.
Android Developer
SOC 15-1252Focus on native Android development using Java, Kotlin, and Google's Android SDK and tools.
Full-Stack Mobile Developer
SOC 15-1252Develop complete mobile solutions including frontend apps, backend APIs, and cloud infrastructure.
Mobile UI/UX Developer
SOC 15-1255Combine development skills with design expertise to create intuitive mobile user experiences.
Mobile Development Curriculum Overview
Mobile development programs typically combine programming fundamentals, software engineering principles, mobile-specific technologies, and user experience design. Coursework progresses from basic programming to advanced mobile architectures and deployment strategies.
- Programming Foundations: Java, Swift, Kotlin, JavaScript, object-oriented design
- Mobile Platforms: iOS SDK, Android SDK, platform-specific development tools
- Cross-Platform Development: React Native, Flutter, Xamarin, Progressive Web Apps
- User Interface Design: Mobile UI/UX principles, responsive design, accessibility
- Backend Integration: RESTful APIs, database connectivity, cloud services
- Advanced Topics: Performance optimization, security, app store deployment, analytics
Many programs include capstone projects where students build and deploy complete mobile applications, internship opportunities with app development companies, and portfolio development for job market preparation.
Mobile Development Programs by State
Arizona
California
Colorado
Florida
Georgia
Illinois
Massachusetts
Michigan
New York
North Carolina
Ohio
Pennsylvania
Texas
Virginia
Washington
Connecticut
Indiana
Maryland
Minnesota
Missouri
New Jersey
Oregon
Tennessee
Utah
Wisconsin
Mobile Development vs Related Fields
Mobile development is platform-specific in ways that web development isn't. iOS and Android have different languages (Swift vs Kotlin), design patterns, app store requirements, and user expectations. Many mobile developers specialize in one platform.
The app store ecosystem creates unique constraints—apps must meet platform guidelines, handle offline scenarios gracefully, respect battery and data usage, and compete for user attention in crowded marketplaces.
Cross-platform frameworks (React Native, Flutter) have blurred the line between mobile and web development. If you're unsure about mobile, starting with web development and expanding to mobile provides more flexibility than the reverse.
Which Should You Choose?
- You're specifically passionate about mobile apps and user experiences
- You enjoy working with visual, interactive interfaces
- You want to specialize in a high-demand, growing field
- You're interested in both technical and design aspects
- You want broader foundations covering all areas of computing
- You prefer flexibility to specialize later in your career
- You're interested in algorithms, theory, and systems
- You want maximum career options across tech roles
- You want to focus on software development methodology
- You're interested in large-scale software systems
- You prefer engineering processes over specific platforms
- You want to work on enterprise or web applications
- You prefer browser-based applications over mobile apps
- You're interested in full-stack web development
- You want to work with web technologies and frameworks
- You prefer desktop/web user interfaces
Is a Mobile Development Degree Worth It?
For students specifically interested in mobile app development, yes. The combination of strong salaries ($105,590 median), robust job growth (22% through 2032), and the ubiquity of mobile devices makes mobile development a solid career choice.
When it's worth it: You're passionate about mobile user experiences, enjoy rapid technology changes, and want to work on applications people use daily. The field offers creativity, technical challenges, and the satisfaction of seeing your work in app stores.
Consider alternatives if: You're uncertain about mobile vs web development (broader computer science degree might be better), you want maximum career flexibility, or you're primarily interested in backend systems rather than user interfaces.
Many successful mobile developers combine formal education with continuous learning through bootcamps, online courses, and platform-specific certifications to stay current with rapidly evolving mobile technologies.
Alternative Paths to Mobile Development
Several pathways lead to mobile development careers, each with different timelines, costs, and depth of coverage
- Software Engineering Bootcamps — Fast-track programs often including mobile development modules
- Computer Science Degree — Broader foundation with mobile development electives or concentration
- Self-Taught Development Path — Online resources, tutorials, and portfolio building
- AWS Certifications — Cloud skills valuable for mobile backend development
- Technical Interview Prep — Essential skills for landing mobile developer positions
Many professionals combine approaches—starting with online tutorials or bootcamps, then adding formal education for advancement. Platform-specific paths include Apple's Swift Student Challenge, Google's Android Developer training, and cross-platform framework certifications.
Mobile Development Degree FAQ
Based on 485 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OES 2024, NSA CAE Database
Number of mobile development graduates from IPEDS 2023, indicating program resources and faculty depth
6-year completion rate from IPEDS 2023, measuring student success
State-level salary data from BLS OES 2024 for relevant occupations
Carnegie Classification with bonus for R1 research universities
NSA/DHS CAE-CD designation for cybersecurity programs, ABET accreditation for engineering
Admission rate from IPEDS 2023 (lower = more selective)
Completeness of reported metrics to IPEDS
Related Resources
Taylor Rupe
Full-Stack Developer (B.S. Computer Science, B.A. Psychology)
Taylor combines formal training in computer science with a background in human behavior to evaluate complex search, AI, and data-driven topics. His technical review ensures each article reflects current best practices in semantic search, AI systems, and web technology.