- 1.Hakia's analysis of the best mobile development bachelor's degree programs reveals that mobile Developers earn a median salary of $132,270 with 25% projected job growth through 2032 (BLS OES 2024)
- 2.Top-ranked Mobile Development programs include Purdue University-Main Campus, Texas A & M University-College Station, Rowan University based on graduation rates, program strength, and career outcomes
- 3.Best value: Purdue University-Main Campus offers mobile development education at $9,718/year with 83% graduation rate
- 4.50 accredited Mobile Development programs analyzed using IPEDS 2023 completion data
Best Mobile Development Programs - Top 10 Bachelor's
University of California-Berkeley
Berkeley Mobile Developers of Berkeley (MDB) offers comprehensive 12-week training programs in React Native, iOS, and Android development. Cubstart provides web/mobile development courses for beginners.
University of California-Berkeley Bachelor's Mobile Development Program Overview
Hakia ranks University of California-Berkeley as the #1 bachelor's in mobile development degree program.
University of California-Berkeley's undergraduate Mobile Development program graduates 994 students annually with an impressive 96% graduation rate. Research opportunities include the Berkeley Artificial Intelligence Research Lab and AMP Lab. Industry connections include partnerships with Intel, Google, Microsoft. Silicon Valley proximity
Hakia Insight: With a 11% acceptance rate, University of California-Berkeley's mobile development program is among the nation's most competitive, attracting top talent to its nationally recognized faculty.
Degree Programs
Research Labs & Institutes
Artificial intelligence and machine learning
Big data analytics and cloud computing
Human-computer interaction
Location Advantages
- •Silicon Valley proximity
- •Strong tech ecosystem
- •Major app companies nearby
Industry Partners
Career Outcomes
Apple, Google, Meta, Uber
Certifications & Designations
Admissions
University of California-Irvine
UCI Software Engineering major provides strong foundation from initial conception to design, implementation, and quality assurance. UCI Extension offers dedicated Mobile Application Development Certificate with iOS, Android, and Windows tracks.
University of California-Irvine Bachelor's Mobile Development Program Overview
Hakia ranks University of California-Irvine as the #2 bachelor's in mobile development degree program.
University of California-Irvine's undergraduate Mobile Development program graduates 519 students annually with an impressive 96% graduation rate. Research opportunities include the Institute for Genomics and Bioinformatics and Center for Machine Learning and Intelligent Systems. Industry connections include partnerships with Google, Microsoft, Amazon. Orange County tech hub
Hakia Insight: With a 21% acceptance rate, University of California-Irvine's mobile development program is among the nation's most competitive, attracting top talent to its nationally recognized faculty.
Degree Programs
Research Labs & Institutes
Computational biology and bioinformatics
Machine learning and AI research
Location Advantages
- •Orange County tech hub
- •Proximity to Los Angeles tech scene
- •Access to entertainment industry technology
- •Close to major aerospace and defense contractors
Industry Partners
Career Outcomes
Google, Microsoft, Amazon, Apple, Facebook
Certifications & Designations
Admissions
University of California-Los Angeles
UCLA CS 130 team projects have won awards for mobile app development. Faculty like Mani Srivastava specialize in embedded software, ubiquitous and mobile computing, and IoT. UCLA Extension offers iOS App Development with Swift course.
University of California-Los Angeles Bachelor's Mobile Development Program Overview
Hakia ranks University of California-Los Angeles as the #3 bachelor's in mobile development degree program.
University of California-Los Angeles's undergraduate Mobile Development program graduates 340 students annually with an impressive 92% graduation rate. Research opportunities include the Center for Vision, Cognition, Learning, and Autonomy and UCLA Computer Graphics & Vision Laboratory. Industry connections include partnerships with Google, Microsoft, Disney. LA entertainment tech
Hakia Insight: With a 9% acceptance rate, University of California-Los Angeles's mobile development program is among the nation's most competitive, attracting top talent to its nationally recognized faculty.
Degree Programs
Research Labs & Institutes
Computer vision and machine learning
Computer graphics and visualization
Location Advantages
- •LA entertainment tech
- •Strong startup scene
- •Media and gaming companies
Industry Partners
Career Outcomes
Google, Apple, Netflix, Riot Games
Certifications & Designations
Admissions
University of Washington-Seattle Campus
UW faculty like Shwetak Patel develop mobile apps for healthcare including SpiroSmart, BiliCam, and OsteoApp. Washington ranks 3rd nationwide in software engineering employment with developers averaging $145K annually.
University of Washington-Seattle Campus Bachelor's Mobile Development Program Overview
Hakia ranks University of Washington-Seattle Campus as the #4 bachelor's in mobile development degree program.
University of Washington-Seattle Campus's undergraduate Mobile Development program graduates 495 students annually with an impressive 97% graduation rate. Research opportunities include the Allen School of Computer Science & Engineering and DUB (Design, Use, Build) Group. Industry connections include partnerships with Google, Amazon, Microsoft. Seattle tech hub
Hakia Insight: Students at University of Washington-Seattle Campus benefit from active collaborations with Google and Amazon, connecting classroom learning to the workforce.
Degree Programs
Research Labs & Institutes
Mobile systems, HCI, security
Human-computer interaction and mobile interfaces
Location Advantages
- •Seattle tech hub
- •Amazon/Microsoft HQ
- •High software developer salaries
Industry Partners
Career Outcomes
Amazon, Microsoft, Google, Apple
Certifications & Designations
Admissions
University of California-San Diego
UCSD Cognitive Science Design & Interaction specialization focuses on human-computer interaction and mobile app development. Extended Studies offers .NET Development certificate with cross-platform mobile apps using .NET MAUI for iOS, Android, Windows, and macOS.
University of California-San Diego Bachelor's Mobile Development Program Overview
Hakia ranks University of California-San Diego as the #5 bachelor's in mobile development degree program.
University of California-San Diego's undergraduate Mobile Development program graduates 518 students annually with an impressive 81% graduation rate. Research opportunities include the Systems and Networking Research Group and Halıcıoğlu Data Science Institute. Industry connections include partnerships with Qualcomm, Google, Microsoft. San Diego biotech hub
Hakia Insight: With a 23% acceptance rate, University of California-San Diego's mobile development program is among the nation's most competitive, attracting top talent to its nationally recognized faculty.
Degree Programs
Research Labs & Institutes
Computer systems and networking
Data science and machine learning
Location Advantages
- •San Diego biotech hub
- •Qualcomm headquarters
- •Strong mobile industry
Industry Partners
Career Outcomes
Qualcomm, Apple, Google, Intuit
Certifications & Designations
Admissions
University of California-Santa Cruz
UCSC ranked #2 public school for engineering salaries by Wall Street Journal 2023. Silicon Valley Extension teaches Flutter, Kotlin, and Swift for mobile development. Located 30 miles from Silicon Valley with strong industry connections.
University of California-Santa Cruz Bachelor's Mobile Development Program Overview
Hakia ranks University of California-Santa Cruz as the #6 bachelor's in mobile development degree program.
University of California-Santa Cruz's undergraduate Mobile Development program graduates 658 students annually with an impressive 93% graduation rate. Research opportunities include the Center for Games and Playable Media and Storage Systems Research Center. Industry connections include partnerships with Seagate, Western Digital, Google. Silicon Valley proximity
Hakia Insight: Through ties with Seagate and Western Digital, University of California-Santa Cruz bridges the gap between academic training and industry practice.
Degree Programs
Research Labs & Institutes
Computer games and interactive media
Computer storage and file systems
Location Advantages
- •Silicon Valley proximity
- •Santa Clara satellite campus
- •Strong tech industry ties
Industry Partners
Career Outcomes
Amazon, Apple, Google, Facebook
Certifications & Designations
Admissions
University of California-Davis
UC Davis CS students developed and taught their own upper-division Android course covering 73% of global mobile devices. iPhone programming course fills within hours. Students can become iOS developers for ASUCD working on the UC Davis Mobile app.
University of California-Davis Bachelor's Mobile Development Program Overview
Hakia ranks University of California-Davis as the #7 bachelor's in mobile development degree program.
University of California-Davis's undergraduate Mobile Development program graduates 411 students annually with an impressive 91% graduation rate. Research opportunities include the Accelerated, Secure, and Energy-Efficient Computing Laboratory (ASEEC) and Graphics Hardware for General-Purpose Computation (GPGPU). Industry connections include partnerships with Sacramento and Bay Area tech. Bay Area proximity
Hakia Insight: University of California-Davis's Accelerated, Secure, and Energy-Efficient Computing Laboratory (ASEEC) creates a direct research-to-career pipeline with Sacramento and Bay Area tech, bridging academic research and industry practice.
Degree Programs
Research Labs & Institutes
Computer systems security and efficiency
GPU computing applications
Embedded systems and programmable hardware
Advanced networking systems
Quantum devices and photonics
Location Advantages
- •Bay Area proximity
- •Sacramento capital access
- •Agricultural tech innovation
Industry Partners
Career Outcomes
Apple, Google, Intel, HP
Certifications & Designations
Admissions
Columbia University in the City of New York
Columbia CS uniquely combines Ivy League academic rigor with Manhattan's tech ecosystem, offering specialized pathways like the dual MS in Journalism and Computer Science and faculty-invite-only personalized tracks that leverage the university's position as a global research hub in one of the world's major technology centers.
Columbia University in the City of New York Bachelor's Mobile Development Program Overview
Hakia ranks Columbia University in the City of New York as the #8 bachelor's in mobile development degree program.
Columbia University in the City of New York's undergraduate Mobile Development program graduates 391 students annually with an impressive 100% graduation rate. Research opportunities include the Machine Learning Research Groups and Vision and Robotics Labs. Industry connections include partnerships with Google, Amazon, Microsoft. Manhattan location providing access to diverse tech companies and startups
Hakia Insight: Through ties with Google and Amazon, Columbia University in the City of New York bridges the gap between academic training and industry practice.
Degree Programs
Research Labs & Institutes
Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning pathway research
Computer vision, graphics, interaction, and robotics research
Computer security, privacy, and cryptography
Speech and language processing research
Location Advantages
- •Manhattan location providing access to diverse tech companies and startups
- •Proximity to financial services, media, healthcare, and tech industries
- •New York City's position as a global technology and innovation hub
- •Access to Columbia's broader research ecosystem and interdisciplinary programs
Industry Partners
Career Outcomes
Certifications & Designations
Admissions
Cornell University
Cornell uniquely offers both a fully-funded research MS in Ithaca with mandatory teaching experience and a one-year industry-focused MEng at Cornell Tech in NYC, where students build actual products for real companies through the first-of-its-kind Studio curriculum.
Cornell University Bachelor's Mobile Development Program Overview
Hakia ranks Cornell University as the #9 bachelor's in mobile development degree program.
Cornell University's undergraduate Mobile Development program graduates 507 students annually with an impressive 95% graduation rate. Research opportunities include the Initiative for Cryptocurrencies & Contracts (IC3) and Digital Life Initiative (DLI). Industry connections include partnerships with IBM, Intel, Microsoft. Ithaca campus provides access to Cornell's world-class research infrastructure
Hakia Insight: Students at Cornell University benefit from active collaborations with IBM and Intel, connecting classroom learning to the workforce.
Degree Programs
Research Labs & Institutes
Blockchain science and cryptocurrency research
Ethics, policy, and quality of life in socio-technical systems
Mobile sensing systems for capturing human context and activities
Augmented reality, virtual reality, and mixed reality research
Location Advantages
- •Ithaca campus provides access to Cornell's world-class research infrastructure
- •Cornell Tech NYC location offers direct access to major tech companies and startups
- •Manhattan campus facilitates real-world industry partnerships and internships
Industry Partners
Career Outcomes
Google, Facebook, Amazon, Microsoft
Certifications & Designations
Admissions
University of Southern California
USC offers dedicated Mobile App Development minor with Android (TAC-341) and iOS (TAC-342) courses. Students build mobile apps from idea to product covering design, development, and deployment.
University of Southern California Bachelor's Mobile Development Program Overview
Hakia ranks University of Southern California as the #10 bachelor's in mobile development degree program.
University of Southern California's undergraduate Mobile Development program graduates 305 students annually with an impressive 92% graduation rate. Research opportunities include the Mobile and Environmental Media Lab and Information Sciences Institute. Industry connections include partnerships with Apple, Google, Meta. Los Angeles tech hub
Hakia Insight: With a 12% acceptance rate, University of Southern California's mobile development program is among the nation's most competitive, attracting top talent to its nationally recognized faculty.
Degree Programs
Research Labs & Institutes
Mobile sensing and ubiquitous computing
Mobile security and networking
Mobile gaming and AR/VR
Location Advantages
- •Los Angeles tech hub
- •Entertainment industry
- •Strong alumni network
Industry Partners
Career Outcomes
Google, Apple, Meta, Amazon, Microsoft
Certifications & Designations
Admissions
Best Mobile Development Programs - Top 10 Bachelor's — Complete Program Data
#1. University of California-Berkeley Bachelor's Mobile Development Program
Hakia ranks University of California-Berkeley as the #1 bachelor's in mobile development degree program. Location: Berkeley, CA | Type: Public | Tuition: $11,834/year | Graduation Rate: 96% | Score: 100.0
What makes University of California-Berkeley stand out: Berkeley Mobile Developers of Berkeley (MDB) offers comprehensive 12-week training programs in React Native, iOS, and Android development. Cubstart provides web/mobile development courses for beginners.
Hakia Insight: With a 11% acceptance rate, University of California-Berkeley's mobile development program is among the nation's most competitive, attracting top talent to its nationally recognized faculty.
Program Overview: UC Berkeley offers mobile application development courses through the School of Information (Info 152, 252) covering Web-based mobile applications, RESTful service design, and mobile platforms. The Mobile Developers of Berkeley student org provides hands-on training in React Native, iOS, and Android.
Degree Programs: BS in Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciences (4 years); MEng in Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciences (1 year); MS in Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciences (2 years); PhD in Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciences (5-7 years)
Research Labs: Berkeley Artificial Intelligence Research Lab - Artificial intelligence and machine learning; AMP Lab - Big data analytics and cloud computing; Berkeley Institute of Design - Human-computer interaction
Industry Partners: Intel, Google, Microsoft, IBM, Siemens
Career Outcomes: | Top Employers: Apple, Google, Meta, Uber | Common Roles: iOS Developer, Android Developer, Mobile Engineer
Notable Faculty: Stuart Russell (Artificial intelligence); Dawn Song (Computer security); Michael Jordan (Machine learning)
Admissions: | Acceptance Rate: 11%
Accreditations: ABET accredited
#2. University of California-Irvine Bachelor's Mobile Development Program
Hakia ranks University of California-Irvine as the #2 bachelor's in mobile development degree program. Location: Irvine, CA | Type: Public | Tuition: $11,834/year | Graduation Rate: 96% | Score: 92.4
What makes University of California-Irvine stand out: UCI Software Engineering major provides strong foundation from initial conception to design, implementation, and quality assurance. UCI Extension offers dedicated Mobile Application Development Certificate with iOS, Android, and Windows tracks.
Hakia Insight: With a 21% acceptance rate, University of California-Irvine's mobile development program is among the nation's most competitive, attracting top talent to its nationally recognized faculty.
Program Overview: UC Irvine offers BS in Software Engineering covering mobile app development through specialized courses on contemporary libraries and frameworks for mobile applications, emulators, standards, patterns, energy consumption, and screen layout.
Degree Programs: BS in Computer Science (4 years); MS in Computer Science (2 years); PhD in Computer Science (5-6 years)
Research Labs: Institute for Genomics and Bioinformatics - Computational biology and bioinformatics; Center for Machine Learning and Intelligent Systems - Machine learning and AI research
Industry Partners: Google, Microsoft, Amazon, Apple
Career Outcomes: Placement Rate: 95% | Top Employers: Google, Microsoft, Amazon, Apple, Facebook, Qualcomm, Blizzard Entertainment | Common Roles: Software Engineer, Data Scientist, Product Manager, Research Scientist, Mobile Developer
Notable Faculty: Alex Ihler (Machine learning and artificial intelligence); Padhraic Smyth (Machine learning and data mining)
Admissions: | Acceptance Rate: 21%
Accreditations: ABET accredited
#3. University of California-Los Angeles Bachelor's Mobile Development Program
Hakia ranks University of California-Los Angeles as the #3 bachelor's in mobile development degree program. Location: Los Angeles, CA | Type: Public | Tuition: $11,834/year | Graduation Rate: 92% | Score: 90.9
What makes University of California-Los Angeles stand out: UCLA CS 130 team projects have won awards for mobile app development. Faculty like Mani Srivastava specialize in embedded software, ubiquitous and mobile computing, and IoT. UCLA Extension offers iOS App Development with Swift course.
Hakia Insight: With a 9% acceptance rate, University of California-Los Angeles's mobile development program is among the nation's most competitive, attracting top talent to its nationally recognized faculty.
Program Overview: UCLA offers computer science programs with mobile development coursework through CS 130 Software Engineering. Past CS 130 team projects have included award-winning mobile apps including Üdder (iOS event scheduling), Photo Hangout (collaborative photo editing), and BitBoard (iOS/web collaborative whiteboard).
Degree Programs: BS in Computer Science (4 years); MS in Computer Science (2 years); PhD in Computer Science (5-7 years)
Research Labs: Center for Vision, Cognition, Learning, and Autonomy - Computer vision and machine learning; UCLA Computer Graphics & Vision Laboratory - Computer graphics and visualization
Industry Partners: Google, Microsoft, Disney, Amazon
Career Outcomes: | Top Employers: Google, Apple, Netflix, Riot Games | Common Roles: Mobile Developer, Software Engineer, iOS/Android Developer
Notable Faculty: Demetri Terzopoulos (Computer graphics and computer vision); Song-Chun Zhu (Computer vision and machine learning)
Admissions: | Acceptance Rate: 9%
Accreditations: ABET accredited
#4. University of Washington-Seattle Campus Bachelor's Mobile Development Program
Hakia ranks University of Washington-Seattle Campus as the #4 bachelor's in mobile development degree program. Location: Seattle, WA | Type: Public | Tuition: $11,524/year | Graduation Rate: 97% | Score: 89.5
What makes University of Washington-Seattle Campus stand out: UW faculty like Shwetak Patel develop mobile apps for healthcare including SpiroSmart, BiliCam, and OsteoApp. Washington ranks 3rd nationwide in software engineering employment with developers averaging $145K annually.
Hakia Insight: Students at University of Washington-Seattle Campus benefit from active collaborations with Google and Amazon, connecting classroom learning to the workforce.
Program Overview: UW offers BS in Computer Science & Software Engineering (CSSE) at UW Bothell stressing computer programming and people-centered software development. The Capstone requires 400 hours of real-world projects. Graduate Certificate in Software Design & Development also available.
Degree Programs: BS in Computer Science (Mobile Computing track) (4 years); MS in Computer Science (2 years)
Research Labs: Allen School of Computer Science & Engineering - Mobile systems, HCI, security; DUB (Design, Use, Build) Group - Human-computer interaction and mobile interfaces
Industry Partners: Google, Amazon, Microsoft, Apple
Career Outcomes: | Top Employers: Amazon, Microsoft, Google, Apple | Common Roles: Mobile Developer, Software Engineer, App Developer
Notable Faculty: Franziska Roesner (Mobile security and privacy); Richard Ladner (Accessibility in mobile computing)
Admissions: | Acceptance Rate: 48%
Accreditations: ABET accredited
#5. University of California-San Diego Bachelor's Mobile Development Program
Hakia ranks University of California-San Diego as the #5 bachelor's in mobile development degree program. Location: La Jolla, CA | Type: Public | Tuition: $11,834/year | Graduation Rate: 81% | Score: 88.8
What makes University of California-San Diego stand out: UCSD Cognitive Science Design & Interaction specialization focuses on human-computer interaction and mobile app development. Extended Studies offers .NET Development certificate with cross-platform mobile apps using .NET MAUI for iOS, Android, Windows, and macOS.
Hakia Insight: With a 23% acceptance rate, University of California-San Diego's mobile development program is among the nation's most competitive, attracting top talent to its nationally recognized faculty.
Program Overview: UC San Diego offers mobile development through BS in Cognitive Science (Design & Interaction specialization) for UX and mobile app development, plus Extended Studies programs in mobile application programming for iOS and Android. CSE offers software engineering research.
Degree Programs: BS in Computer Science (4 years); MS in Computer Science (2 years); PhD in Computer Science (5-7 years)
Research Labs: Systems and Networking Research Group - Computer systems and networking; Halıcıoğlu Data Science Institute - Data science and machine learning
Industry Partners: Qualcomm, Google, Microsoft, Illumina
Career Outcomes: | Top Employers: Qualcomm, Apple, Google, Intuit | Common Roles: Mobile Developer, UX Designer, iOS/Android Developer
Notable Faculty: Stefan Savage (Computer security and networking); Tajana Rosing (Computer systems and energy efficiency)
Admissions: | Acceptance Rate: 23%
Accreditations: ABET Accredited
#6. University of California-Santa Cruz Bachelor's Mobile Development Program
Hakia ranks University of California-Santa Cruz as the #6 bachelor's in mobile development degree program. Location: Santa Cruz, CA | Type: Public | Tuition: $11,834/year | Graduation Rate: 93% | Score: 87.7
What makes University of California-Santa Cruz stand out: UCSC ranked #2 public school for engineering salaries by Wall Street Journal 2023. Silicon Valley Extension teaches Flutter, Kotlin, and Swift for mobile development. Located 30 miles from Silicon Valley with strong industry connections.
Hakia Insight: Through ties with Seagate and Western Digital, University of California-Santa Cruz bridges the gap between academic training and industry practice.
Program Overview: UC Santa Cruz Baskin School of Engineering offers computer science programs with mobile development focus. UCSC Silicon Valley Extension offers dedicated Mobile Application Development specialization covering iOS, Android, Flutter, and cross-platform development.
Degree Programs: BS in Computer Science (4 years); BS in Computer Game Design (4 years); MS in Computer Science (2 years); PhD in Computer Science (5-7 years)
Research Labs: Center for Games and Playable Media - Computer games and interactive media; Storage Systems Research Center - Computer storage and file systems
Industry Partners: Seagate, Western Digital, Google
Career Outcomes: | Top Employers: Amazon, Apple, Google, Facebook | Common Roles: Mobile Developer, Software Engineer, iOS Developer
Notable Faculty: Darrell Long (Storage systems and distributed computing); Noah Wardrip-Fruin (Games and computational media)
Admissions: | Acceptance Rate: 47%
Accreditations: ABET accredited
#7. University of California-Davis Bachelor's Mobile Development Program
Hakia ranks University of California-Davis as the #7 bachelor's in mobile development degree program. Location: Davis, CA | Type: Public | Tuition: $11,834/year | Graduation Rate: 91% | Score: 87.0
What makes University of California-Davis stand out: UC Davis CS students developed and taught their own upper-division Android course covering 73% of global mobile devices. iPhone programming course fills within hours. Students can become iOS developers for ASUCD working on the UC Davis Mobile app.
Hakia Insight: University of California-Davis's Accelerated, Secure, and Energy-Efficient Computing Laboratory (ASEEC) creates a direct research-to-career pipeline with Sacramento and Bay Area tech, bridging academic research and industry practice.
Program Overview: UC Davis CS department offers mobile development courses including student-taught Android app development and popular iOS/iPhone programming classes. Students can work on the official UC Davis Mobile app as iOS developers.
Degree Programs: BS Computer Science (4 years); iOS Development Specialization (Coursera) (6 months)
Research Labs: Accelerated, Secure, and Energy-Efficient Computing Laboratory (ASEEC) - Computer systems security and efficiency; Graphics Hardware for General-Purpose Computation (GPGPU) - GPU computing applications; LEPS: Laboratory for Embedded and Programmable Systems - Embedded systems and programmable hardware; Next Generation Networking Systems Laboratory - Advanced networking systems; Quantum Nanophotonics Lab - Quantum devices and photonics
Industry Partners: Sacramento and Bay Area tech
Career Outcomes: | Top Employers: Apple, Google, Intel, HP | Common Roles: Mobile Developer, iOS Developer, Software Engineer
Admissions: | Acceptance Rate: 37%
Accreditations: ABET Accredited
#8. Columbia University in the City of New York Bachelor's Mobile Development Program
Hakia ranks Columbia University in the City of New York as the #8 bachelor's in mobile development degree program. Location: New York, NY | Type: Private | Tuition: $64,526/year | Graduation Rate: 100% | Score: 86.7
What makes Columbia University in the City of New York stand out: Columbia CS uniquely combines Ivy League academic rigor with Manhattan's tech ecosystem, offering specialized pathways like the dual MS in Journalism and Computer Science and faculty-invite-only personalized tracks that leverage the university's position as a global research hub in one of the world's major technology centers.
Hakia Insight: Through ties with Google and Amazon, Columbia University in the City of New York bridges the gap between academic training and industry practice.
Program Overview: Columbia University's Computer Science program sits at the heart of Manhattan's vibrant tech ecosystem, offering a comprehensive Master of Science degree that spans ten specialized pathways from Machine Learning to Computational Biology. The 30-credit program requires students to complete coursework at the 4000 level or above, with at least 6 points at the advanced 6000 level, while maintaining a 2.7 GPA. What sets Columbia apart is its faculty-determined pathway system that allows deep specialization in areas like Computer Security, Natural Language Processing, Vision Graphics Interaction and Robotics, and Software Systems, alongside unique offerings like the dual MS in Journalism and Computer Science. The program leverages Columbia's position in New York City to provide unparalleled industry connections and career opportunities across multiple sectors. Students can participate in state-of-the-art research within the department's specialized labs and research groups, while the Columbia Video Network (CVN) option extends access to working professionals. The department also offers an innovative MS Bridge Program and maintains strong ties to Columbia Engineering's broader research ecosystem, including partnerships with the Data Science Institute and various interdisciplinary centers.
Degree Programs: MS in Computer Science (2 years); Dual MS in Journalism and Computer Science (5 semesters); MS Bridge Program (2 years); Computer Engineering MS (2 years)
Research Labs: Machine Learning Research Groups - Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning pathway research; Vision and Robotics Labs - Computer vision, graphics, interaction, and robotics research; Security and Privacy Research Groups - Computer security, privacy, and cryptography; Natural Language Processing Labs - Speech and language processing research
Industry Partners: Google, Amazon, Microsoft, IBM, JPMorgan Chase
Career Outcomes:
Notable Faculty: Tal Malkin (Cryptography and theoretical computer science); Ansaf Salleb-Aouissi (Machine learning and data mining)
Admissions: GPA: Minimum 2.7 GPA to maintain standing
Accreditations: ABET accredited, Ivy League membership
#9. Cornell University Bachelor's Mobile Development Program
Hakia ranks Cornell University as the #9 bachelor's in mobile development degree program. Location: Ithaca, NY | Type: Private | Tuition: $65,204/year | Graduation Rate: 95% | Score: 86.6
What makes Cornell University stand out: Cornell uniquely offers both a fully-funded research MS in Ithaca with mandatory teaching experience and a one-year industry-focused MEng at Cornell Tech in NYC, where students build actual products for real companies through the first-of-its-kind Studio curriculum.
Hakia Insight: Students at Cornell University benefit from active collaborations with IBM and Intel, connecting classroom learning to the workforce.
Program Overview: Cornell University offers multiple pathways into computer science graduate education, each with distinct advantages for different career trajectories. The Master of Science in Computer Science, housed at Cornell's Ithaca campus, represents a highly selective, research-intensive program that combines advanced coursework with mandatory thesis research and teaching assistantships. This four-semester program requires 34 credit hours, including 6-12 credits of thesis research, and provides full funding through teaching assistantships for students maintaining good standing. In New York City, Cornell Tech offers a one-year Master of Engineering in Computer Science designed for immediate industry impact, featuring the innovative Studio curriculum where students build complete digital solutions for real companies in cross-disciplinary teams with business and law students. The Ithaca MS program particularly appeals to self-motivated researchers who thrive in mentoring environments, as students gain valuable teaching experience with undergraduates while conducting specialized research. Cornell Tech's Manhattan location provides direct access to NYC's tech ecosystem, with students working on innovation challenges from real companies and learning from faculty with extensive industry experience. Both programs benefit from Cornell's broader research infrastructure, including world-class facilities like the Cornell Center for Advanced Computing and specialized research groups in artificial intelligence, security and privacy, and human-computer interaction.
Degree Programs: MS in Computer Science (Ithaca) (2 years); Master of Engineering in Computer Science (Cornell Tech) (1 year); Special Master's in Computer Science (Variable)
Research Labs: Initiative for Cryptocurrencies & Contracts (IC3) - Blockchain science and cryptocurrency research; Digital Life Initiative (DLI) - Ethics, policy, and quality of life in socio-technical systems; People-Aware Computing Lab - Mobile sensing systems for capturing human context and activities; XR Collaboratory (XRC) - Augmented reality, virtual reality, and mixed reality research
Industry Partners: IBM, Intel, Microsoft, Google, Cisco Systems
Career Outcomes: Placement Rate: 90% of Cornell Tech CS graduates accept Software Developer roles | Top Employers: Google, Facebook, Amazon, Microsoft | Common Roles: Software Developer, Product Manager, Program Manager, Data Scientist, Research positions
Notable Faculty: Vitaly Shmatikov (Digital privacy, computer security, machine learning security); Yoav Artzi (Natural language processing, machine learning); Noah Snavely (Computer vision, computer graphics); Helen Nissenbaum (Ethics and policy in technology)
Admissions:
Accreditations: AI for Engineers Certificate available at Cornell Tech
#10. University of Southern California Bachelor's Mobile Development Program
Hakia ranks University of Southern California as the #10 bachelor's in mobile development degree program. Location: Los Angeles, CA | Type: Private | Tuition: $66,640/year | Graduation Rate: 92% | Score: 86.5
What makes University of Southern California stand out: USC offers dedicated Mobile App Development minor with Android (TAC-341) and iOS (TAC-342) courses. Students build mobile apps from idea to product covering design, development, and deployment.
Hakia Insight: With a 12% acceptance rate, University of Southern California's mobile development program is among the nation's most competitive, attracting top talent to its nationally recognized faculty.
Program Overview: USC Viterbi School offers Mobile Application Development minor through Technology & Applied Computing. Students design and program apps for Android and iOS, learning mobile interfaces, libraries, and user input handling. Courses include TAC-341 Android App Development and TAC-342 iOS App Development.
Degree Programs: BS Computer Science - Mobile Computing (4); BS Computer Science/Business Administration (4)
Research Labs: Mobile and Environmental Media Lab - Mobile sensing and ubiquitous computing; Information Sciences Institute - Mobile security and networking; USC Game Innovation Lab - Mobile gaming and AR/VR
Industry Partners: Apple, Google, Meta, Amazon
Career Outcomes: | Top Employers: Google, Apple, Meta, Amazon, Microsoft, Snapchat | Common Roles: Software Engineer, Mobile Developer, Product Manager, Research Scientist
Admissions: | Acceptance Rate: 12%
Accreditations: AWS Certified Developer, Google Cloud Professional, Apple iOS Development
Best Mobile Development Programs - Compare Top 5 Bachelor's
| School | Location | Type | Tuition | Grad Rate | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 University of California-Berkeley | Berkeley, CA | Public | $11,834 | 96% | 100.0/100 |
| #2 University of California-Irvine | Irvine, CA | Public | $11,834 | 96% | 92.4/100 |
| #3 University of California-Los Angeles | Los Angeles, CA | Public | $11,834 | 92% | 90.9/100 |
| #4 University of Washington-Seattle Campus | Seattle, WA | Public | $11,524 | 97% | 89.5/100 |
| #5 University of California-San Diego | La Jolla, CA | Public | $11,834 | 81% | 88.8/100 |
Online Programs
Flexibility & Lower Cost
On-Campus Programs
Networking & Experience
Online Programs
Flexibility & Lower Cost
On-Campus Programs
Networking & Experience
Top 50 Mobile Development Bachelor's Programs 2026
| Rank | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of California-Berkeley | Berkeley, CA | Public | $11,834 | 96% | — | 100 |
| 2 | University of California-Irvine | Irvine, CA | Public | $11,834 | 96% | — | 92.4 |
| 3 | University of California-Los Angeles | Los Angeles, CA | Public | $11,834 | 92% | — | 90.9 |
| 4 | University of Washington-Seattle Campus | Seattle, WA | Public | $11,524 | 97% | — | 89.5 |
| 5 | University of California-San Diego | La Jolla, CA | Public | $11,834 | 81% | — | 88.8 |
| 6 | University of California-Santa Cruz | Santa Cruz, CA | Public | $11,834 | 93% | — | 87.7 |
| 7 | University of California-Davis | Davis, CA | Public | $11,834 | 91% | — | 87 |
| 8 | Columbia University in the City of New York | New York, NY | Private | $64,526 | 100% | — | 86.7 |
| 9 | Cornell University | Ithaca, NY | Private | $65,204 | 95% | — | 86.6 |
| 10 | University of Southern California | Los Angeles, CA | Private | $66,640 | 92% | — | 86.5 |
| 11 | University of Maryland-College Park | College Park, MD | Public | $9,889 | 84% | — | 84.8 |
| 12 | University of California-Santa Barbara | Santa Barbara, CA | Public | $11,834 | 90% | — | 84.1 |
| 13 | San Diego State University | San Diego, CA | Public | $5,742 | 83% | — | 82.6 |
| 14 | University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill | Chapel Hill, NC | Public | $7,019 | 93% | — | 81.3 |
| 15 | California Institute of Technology | Pasadena, CA | Private | $60,816 | 88% | — | 80.7 |
| 16 | University of California-Riverside | Riverside, CA | Public | $11,834 | 83% | — | 80.3 |
| 17 | University of Massachusetts-Amherst | Amherst, MA | Public | $16,591 | 90% | — | 80.2 |
| 18 | Princeton University | Princeton, NJ | Private | $59,710 | 96% | — | 80.1 |
| 19 | Stony Brook University | Stony Brook, NY | Public | $7,070 | 89% | — | 78.8 |
| 20 | California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo | San Luis Obispo, CA | Public | $5,742 | 100% | — | 78.1 |
| 21 | University at Buffalo | Buffalo, NY | Public | $7,070 | 95% | — | 77.3 |
| 22 | Carnegie Mellon University | Pittsburgh, PA | Private | $62,260 | 98% | — | 77.3 |
| 23 | Tufts University | Medford, MA | Private | $66,358 | 81% | — | 77.3 |
| 24 | Vanderbilt University | Nashville, TN | Private | $61,618 | 99% | — | 76.7 |
| 25 | Stanford University | Stanford, CA | Private | $61,731 | — | — | 76.7 |
Showing 1–25 of 50
How Much Does a Mobile Development Bachelors Degree Cost?
The total cost of a bachelors's degree in Mobile Development ranges from $40,000 at public universities to over $168,000 at elite private institutions. Financial aid, scholarships, and in-state tuition significantly reduce out-of-pocket costs (IPEDS 2023-24, Research.com).
- Public University (In-State): $10,000/year × 4 years = $40,000 total
- Public University (Out-of-State): $26,000/year × 4 years = $104,000 total
- Private University: $42,000/year × 4 years = $168,000 total
- Online Programs: $14,000/year × 4 years = $56,000 total
With median starting salaries of $130,160, most graduates achieve positive ROI within 3-5 years. Financial aid recipients often pay 30-50% less than sticker price.
Leave blank to use average cost for selected program type
+907%
Net gain divided by total investment. ROI above 200% is considered excellent for education investments.
$1,677,254
Your additional lifetime earnings with this degree vs. working without one, minus the total investment.
5 years
Years until your cumulative earnings exceed total investment. Shorter programs often break even faster due to lower opportunity cost.
$133,333
Your starting salary adjusted for local cost of living. This shows real purchasing power compared to a $100K national baseline.
Why does break-even change with program type? Your "total investment" includes both tuition AND opportunity cost (foregone earnings while in school). A 4-year full-time public university (in-state) means 4 years of not earning a salary ($140,000 in opportunity cost). Shorter full-time programs may have higher tuition but lower total investment because you return to the workforce sooner.
Tuition plus opportunity cost (earnings you miss while in school)
Direct cost of the degree program
4 years × $35K/year foregone salary while studying full-time
Projected career earnings starting after graduation, with salary growth
What you'd earn working at $35K/year with 2% annual growth
Median salary for this role in your selected location (BLS 2024)
Your investment's compound annual growth rate (similar to stock market returns)
Data sources: BLS OEWS May 2024, IPEDS 2023. Calculations use median salaries, 3% discount rate, and assume salary growth declines from 6% to 2% over career. Individual results will vary. | Powered by Hakia.com
Bachelor of Arts vs Bachelor of Science in Mobile Development
| Factor | Bachelor of Arts (BA) | Bachelor of Science (BS) |
|---|---|---|
| Math Requirements | Basic statistics, logic (less common) | Calculus, Discrete Math, Statistics |
| Science Requirements | General CS courses | CS fundamentals, mobile platform architecture |
| Core Credits | Less common for mobile development | CS core with mobile focus (120 credits) |
| Liberal Arts | Design, communication | Technical writing, software engineering |
| Career Focus | Junior mobile developer roles | Mobile Developer, iOS/Android Engineer, Mobile Architect |
Source: University curriculum analysis
Mobile Development Degree Overview: What You'll Learn
Mobile development bachelor's programs prepare students for careers creating iOS and Android applications, with coursework spanning native development (Swift/Objective-C for iOS, Kotlin/Java for Android), cross-platform frameworks (React Native, Flutter), and mobile-specific design patterns. Top programs combine computer science fundamentals with hands-on mobile development experience, often featuring industry partnerships with companies like Apple, Google, and major mobile app studios.
The field offers excellent career prospects, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting 25% growth for software developers through 2032, driven largely by mobile application demand. Graduates typically pursue roles as iOS developers, Android developers, mobile app architects, or full-stack mobile engineers, with starting salaries ranging from $65,000 to $95,000 depending on location and specialization.
Related career paths include AI/ML engineering for mobile AI applications, data science for mobile analytics, and broader software engineering roles. Students interested in mobile development should also explore cloud certifications for mobile backend development and consider bootcamp alternatives for accelerated learning paths.
Getting Started: No Prior Experience Needed
A Mobile Development bachelor's degree requires no prior programming or technical experience. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, over 70% of students entering technical degree programs have no prior coding background. Programs are designed to take complete beginners to job-ready professionals over four years.
What to Expect Your First Year:
- Introduction to programming fundamentals (typically Python or Java)
- Mathematics foundations including calculus, discrete math, and linear algebra
- Computer systems basics and computational thinking
- Problem-solving methodologies and algorithmic thinking
Research from Computing Research Association shows that students who engage with tutoring services and study groups in their first year have 23% higher retention rates. Most universities offer dedicated support including office hours, peer tutoring, and programming labs. Success comes from consistent practice—not prior experience.
General Education Requirements
Bachelor's programs typically require 40-60 credit hours of general education courses alongside your Mobile Development major. These requirements, mandated by regional accreditation bodies, ensure graduates develop well-rounded communication and critical thinking skills valued by employers.
Common General Education Requirements:
- English Composition (6 credits) — Technical writing skills are essential; 89% of developers write documentation weekly (Stack Overflow Survey 2024)
- Mathematics (6-12 credits) — Calculus I & II, plus statistics for data-focused roles
- Natural Sciences (6-8 credits) — Physics is particularly relevant for hardware-adjacent specializations
- Social Sciences/Humanities (6-12 credits) — Ethics courses increasingly important given AI regulation
- Communication (3 credits) — Presentation skills for technical demos and stakeholder meetings
Pro tip: Many schools allow AP/IB credits or CLEP exams to satisfy gen-ed requirements, potentially saving $3,000-$10,000 in tuition. Check your target school's transfer credit policies before enrolling.
Campus Resources for Students
Top Mobile Development programs provide extensive support infrastructure to help students succeed. According to EDUCAUSE research, students who utilize campus resources are 34% more likely to graduate on time.
Essential Campus Resources:
- Computer Labs — 24/7 access to high-performance workstations, often with specialized software (MATLAB, AWS credits, GPU clusters)
- Career Services — Resume reviews, mock interviews, and direct recruiter connections; top programs host 50+ tech companies annually
- Tutoring Centers — Free peer tutoring for programming, math, and core courses; many offer drop-in hours
- Student Organizations — ACM chapters, hackathon teams, and Women in Computing groups provide networking and project experience
- Research Opportunities — Undergraduate research positions with faculty can lead to publications and graduate school recommendations
When evaluating programs, ask about student-to-advisor ratios. The NACADA recommends no more than 300:1 for effective academic advising, though top tech programs often achieve 150:1 or better.
Internships & Co-op Programs
Mobile Development internships offer the highest compensation of any undergraduate major, with an average hourly wage of $24.76 according to the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) 2024 Report. Top-tier companies pay significantly more—often 3-5x the average rate.
Top Employers for Mobile Development Interns:
- Google — $8,000-$10,000/month plus housing stipends at major tech hubs
- Amazon — $7,500-$9,500/month plus housing stipends at major tech hubs
- Microsoft — $7,000-$9,000/month plus housing stipends at major tech hubs
- Meta — $6,500-$8,500/month plus housing stipends at major tech hubs
- Apple — $6,000-$8,000/month plus housing stipends at major tech hubs
53% of interns receive full-time job offers from their internship employers (NACE 2024). For paid internships specifically, the conversion rate jumps to 70-75%. Most applications open August-October for the following summer—start preparing early.
For salary expectations after graduation, see our software developer salary guide.
Career Paths
Mobile Application Developer
SOC 15-1252Design and develop mobile applications for iOS and Android platforms using native languages or cross-platform frameworks
iOS Developer
SOC 15-1252Specialize in native iOS application development using Swift and Objective-C, with expertise in Apple's development ecosystem
Android Developer
SOC 15-1252Focus on Android application development using Kotlin and Java, with deep knowledge of Google's Android ecosystem
Full-Stack Mobile Developer
SOC 15-1252Develop complete mobile solutions including frontend apps, backend APIs, and cloud infrastructure integration
Mobile UX/UI Developer
SOC 15-1255Combine mobile development skills with user experience design to create intuitive and engaging mobile interfaces
Mobile DevOps Engineer
SOC 15-1252Manage mobile app deployment pipelines, continuous integration, and mobile-specific infrastructure requirements
Mobile Solutions Architect
SOC 15-1243Design high-level mobile application architectures and guide technical decisions for complex mobile projects
AR/VR Mobile Developer
SOC 15-1252Develop augmented and virtual reality applications for mobile platforms using specialized frameworks and tools
Top States for Mobile Development Education
| State | Total Programs | Median Tuition | Top Program |
|---|
Financial Aid and Funding Options for Mobile Development Degrees
The average Mobile Development bachelor's degree costs $40,000-$160,000 over four years depending on institution type. However, strategic use of financial aid can reduce out-of-pocket costs by 50-100%. According to Federal Student Aid, 85% of full-time undergraduates receive some form of financial assistance.
Federal Aid Options (Complete FAFSA by State Deadline):
- Pell Grants — Up to $7,395/year (2024-25) for students with financial need; never requires repayment
- Direct Subsidized Loans — Up to $3,500-$5,500/year; government pays interest while enrolled
- Federal Work-Study — Part-time campus jobs, often in IT departments or research labs
- TEACH Grant — $4,000/year if you commit to teaching in high-need schools post-graduation
Mobile Development-Specific Scholarships:
- Computing Research Association scholarships — $10,000-$25,000 for underrepresented students
- Corporate scholarships (Google, Microsoft, Intel) — $10,000-$50,000; many include internship guarantees
- Professional association awards (ACM, IEEE) — $1,000-$10,000 based on merit and involvement
- 529 Plan contributions — Tax-advantaged savings; some states offer deductions up to $10,000/year
Bachelor's vs Associate's vs Bootcamp
Choosing between a bachelor's degree, associate's degree, or coding bootcamp depends on your career goals, timeline, and budget. Each path offers distinct advantages for entering the Mobile Development field.
Bachelor's Degree (4 years, $40K-$160K)
- Comprehensive theoretical foundation plus hands-on skills
- Required for most senior/management positions and graduate school
- Median starting salary: $75,000 (NACE 2024)
- Best for: Students seeking long-term career growth and research opportunities
Associate's Degree (2 years, $10K-$30K)
- Faster entry into entry-level positions
- Many credits transfer to 4-year programs (2+2 pathway)
- Median starting salary: $50,000-$60,000
- Best for: Career changers or those testing interest before committing to 4 years
Coding Bootcamp (12-24 weeks, $10K-$20K)
- Intensive, job-focused training on current industry tools
- Many offer income share agreements (ISAs) or deferred tuition
- Median starting salary: $65,000-$80,000 for graduates with strong portfolios
- Best for: Career changers with self-discipline; see our Mobile Development bootcamp rankings
For a detailed ROI comparison, read our analysis: Bootcamp vs Master's Degree: Which Has Better ROI?
Preparing for Graduate School
A bachelor's in Mobile Development provides an excellent foundation for graduate study. According to the Computing Research Association, 25% of CS bachelor's graduates pursue advanced degrees within five years of graduation, with master's holders earning 20-30% more than bachelor's-only peers.
Preparing for Graduate School During Your Bachelor's:
- Maintain GPA above 3.5 — Most competitive programs require 3.3+ minimum; top-10 programs average 3.7+
- Secure research experience — 2+ semesters with faculty dramatically improves PhD admission chances
- Build faculty relationships — You will need 3 strong recommendation letters; start early
- Take graduate-level courses — Many programs allow undergrads to enroll; demonstrates readiness
- Prepare for GRE (if required) — Quantitative scores above 165 expected for top programs
Graduate Degree Options:
- Master's (1-2 years) — Career-focused; average salary boost of $15,000-$25,000; see our best Mobile Development master's programs
- PhD (4-6 years) — Research-focused; typically fully funded with $30,000-$45,000 stipend; required for professorships and research scientist roles
- Professional Master's — Industry-sponsored programs (Google, Facebook) combine coursework with company projects
Program Selection Guide: Choose Based on Your Profile
- You want the absolute best education regardless of cost
- You're targeting competitive positions at top tech companies
- You value prestige and extensive alumni networks
- You plan to pursue graduate studies or research
- You can afford $50,000+ annual tuition or qualify for substantial aid
- You want excellent education at an affordable price
- You're eligible for in-state tuition rates
- You value diversity and large student communities
- You want strong job placement without the debt burden
- You're looking for practical, industry-focused education
- You prefer smaller class sizes and more personalized attention
- You want to stay close to home or in a specific region
- You're looking for strong local industry connections
- You value affordability and want minimal student debt
- You prefer a collaborative rather than competitive environment
- You're working full-time while pursuing your degree
- You need maximum flexibility in scheduling
- You live in an area without strong local options
- You're changing careers and want accelerated learning
- You prefer self-paced learning environments
Coding Bootcamps: An Alternative to a Mobile Development Degree
Coding bootcamps offer an accelerated pathway into tech careers, typically lasting 3-6 months. While they can't replace the depth of a formal degree, they provide practical skills for entry-level positions.
What is a Coding Bootcamp?
A coding bootcamp is an intensive, short-term training program designed to teach practical programming and tech skills. Unlike traditional degrees, bootcamps focus on job-ready skills and real-world projects.
Who Bootcamps Are Best For
- Career changers looking for a fast entry into tech
- Professionals wanting to add coding skills
- Those who prefer hands-on learning over academics
- Budget-conscious learners
What People Love
Based on discussions from r/codingbootcamp, r/cscareerquestions, and r/learnprogramming
- Fast-track to employment—many graduates land jobs within 3-6 months
- Hands-on, project-based learning builds real portfolio pieces
- Career services and interview prep included in most programs
- Strong alumni networks for job referrals and mentorship
- Structured curriculum keeps you accountable and on track
Common Concerns
Honest feedback from bootcamp graduates and industry professionals
- Intense pace can be overwhelming—expect 60-80 hour weeks
- Some employers still prefer traditional CS degrees for certain roles
- Quality varies widely between programs—research carefully
- Job placement stats can be misleading—ask for CIRR audited reports
- May lack depth in computer science fundamentals like algorithms
Explore Bootcamps with Springboard
Springboard offers career-focused bootcamps with 1-on-1 mentorship from industry professionals. Their programs include a job guarantee—complete all requirements, and if you don't land a qualifying role, you may be eligible for a full tuition refund.
Programs for Mobile Development careers:
- Software Engineering Career Track
- Data Science Career Track
- Cybersecurity Career Track
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Software Engineering Career Track
+$25K avg salary increase·9 months
- Curriculum designed by Colt Steele, industry veteran
- 1-on-1 mentorship from industry professionals
- Money-back job guarantee
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Frequently Asked Questions About Mobile Development Degrees
Data Sources and Methodology
Graduation rates, enrollment data, tuition costs, and institutional characteristics
Salary data for software developers and related mobile development occupations
Technology preferences, salary trends, and mobile development market insights
Employment outcomes and earnings data for program graduates
Top Programs Analysis: What Sets Leaders Apart
The top mobile development programs distinguish themselves through comprehensive curricula covering both native and cross-platform development, strong industry partnerships, and exceptional career placement rates. Carnegie Mellon leads with its Human-Computer Interaction Institute's mobile computing research and in mobile development roles, while MIT's Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory (CSAIL) pioneered mobile app development education with MIT App Inventor.
Stanford's proximity to Silicon Valley provides unmatched internship and networking opportunities, with students regularly securing positions at Apple, Google, Meta, and leading mobile-first startups. Public institutions like UC Berkeley and Georgia Tech offer exceptional value, providing similar career outcomes at significantly lower tuition costs - particularly important given the competitive entry-level mobile development market.
Taylor Rupe
Co-founder & Editor (B.S. Computer Science, Oregon State • B.A. Psychology, University of Washington)
Taylor combines technical expertise in computer science with a deep understanding of human behavior and learning. His dual background drives Hakia's mission: leveraging technology to build authoritative educational resources that help people make better decisions about their academic and career paths.