Best Associate's Mobile Development Degree Programs in Indiana
Ivy Tech Community College — Indianapolis, IN
Hakia Insight: Ivy Tech's multi-campus lab network across Indiana lets you rotate through different hardware ecosystems (iOS, Android, embedded systems) without transferring schools—a practical advantage most two-year programs can't offer due to equipment costs.
At the associate's level, with one of Indiana's largest community college networks, Ivy Tech's mobile development pathway emphasizes hands-on lab work across multiple campuses, giving you real device testing and cross-platform development experience. You'll learn iOS and Android development alongside web technologies, preparing you to build solutions that actually work in production. Most graduates land entry-level roles at Indianapolis tech firms or transfer to Purdue, Indiana University, or Ball State—the program's articulation agreements make the transition seamless. What sets Ivy Tech apart is the sheer number of employer partnerships throughout Indiana; they actively place graduates in internships that often convert to full-time positions before you finish your degree.
Programs Offered
- Associate of Science in Mobile Development — 2 years, on-campus
- Associate of Applied Science in Mobile Development — 2 years, online
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Salesforce (Indianapolis), Cummins Inc., Eli Lilly and Company, TechPoint companies, Local Indianapolis startups and agencies.
Top Transfer Destinations
- Purdue University (West Lafayette)
- Indiana University - Bloomington
- Ball State University
- Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis (IPUI)
- University of Indianapolis
Entry-Level Career Paths
- Junior Mobile Application Developer
- Junior iOS Developer
- Junior Android Developer
- Mobile QA Tester
- Junior Full Stack Developer
Included Certifications
- CompTIA A+
- Google Associate Android Developer
- Oracle Java Programmer Associate
Location Advantages:
Vincennes University — Vincennes, IN
Hakia Insight: Vincennes positions itself as the deliberately low-friction entry point: strong IT fundamentals without the theoretical overhead of a four-year program, designed explicitly for Indiana's regional healthcare and government IT sectors where you can start earning within months of graduation.
At the associate's level, vincennes has quietly built a solid IT infrastructure program that includes mobile development coursework designed for students who want hands-on experience without the overwhelming size of larger universities. Their advantage? Small class sizes mean you actually interact with instructors who know local employers and can advocate for you directly. The program balances theory with practical coding in Swift and Kotlin, and VU's transfer pathway to Indiana University and Purdue is well-established. Graduates typically move into junior developer roles at regional firms or complete their bachelor's degree at a four-year institution while already having portfolio projects that matter.
Programs Offered
- Associate of Science in Mobile Development — 2 years, on-campus
- Associate of Applied Science in Mobile Development — 2 years, online
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Regional Indiana technology companies, Vincennes-area healthcare IT departments, Educational technology firms, State government IT divisions.
Top Transfer Destinations
- Purdue University
- Indiana University - Bloomington
- Ball State University
- University of Southern Indiana
Entry-Level Career Paths
- Junior Mobile Developer
- Junior Android Developer
- Mobile Application QA Technician
- Junior Web Developer
- IT Support Technician
Included Certifications
- CompTIA A+
- Oracle Java Programmer Associate
- Google IT Support Professional
Location Advantages:
International Business College-Indianapolis — Indianapolis, IN
Hakia Insight: IBC's accelerated model compresses the two-year associate pathway into faster credential milestones, letting you hit the job market 6-12 months earlier than traditional community colleges while still carrying the same associate degree credential.
At the associate's level, international Business College focuses on accelerated, workforce-ready training rather than a traditional two-year path—perfect if you want to start earning quickly as a junior developer. Their mobile development curriculum prioritizes real commercial frameworks and industry-standard tools used right now, not outdated theory. IBC's Indianapolis location puts you minutes from tech employers actively hiring associates-level developers, and many students build portfolios that land them entry-level roles within months of completion. The college's international business focus also means you might find opportunities in companies with global operations—a competitive edge in tech hiring.
Programs Offered
- Associate of Science in Mobile Development — 2 years, on-campus
- Associate of Applied Science in Mobile Development — 2 years, online
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Indianapolis-based tech startups, Regional software development firms, Professional services technology teams, Healthcare IT organizations in Indianapolis metro.
Top Transfer Destinations
- Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis (IPUI)
- University of Indianapolis
Entry-Level Career Paths
- Junior Mobile Application Developer
- Junior Android Developer
- Junior iOS Developer
- Mobile Support Technician
- Junior Web Developer
Included Certifications
- CompTIA A+
- Google IT Support Professional
Location Advantages:
Best Bachelor's Mobile Development Degree Programs in Indiana
Purdue University-Main Campus — West Lafayette, IN
Key Distinction: A research-intensive mobile development education embedded within a top-tier CS program that combines native platform expertise with emerging tech specializations and direct industry recruitment.
Hakia Insight: Purdue's HCI Lab and partnerships with Microsoft, Google, and Intel mean undergraduate mobile developers can contribute to published research and ship real features into production systems—not hypothetical projects—while still enrolled.
At the bachelor's level, purdue's mobile development education sits within a computer science program ranked among the nation's strongest, giving students access to world-class infrastructure and faculty conducting cutting-edge research in human-computer interaction, software engineering, and systems design. The curriculum balances iOS and Android native development with emerging technologies like augmented reality, cross-platform frameworks, and backend integration—but the real advantage is the opportunity to work alongside professors publishing in top-tier venues while you're still an undergraduate or graduate student. Purdue's partnerships with major tech companies (Microsoft, Google, Intel) create internship pipelines and recruitment channels that are exceptionally direct; many companies maintain on-campus presence and hire heavily from Purdue's talent pool. The program benefits from Purdue's scale: multiple labs, diverse faculty specializations, and a student body where you can find collaborators for any sub-domain of mobile development. Graduates often move into senior engineering roles quickly, in part because the rigor of coursework and research expectations prepare them to solve complex problems from day one.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Mobile Development — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Mobile Development — 4 years, online
Research Labs and Institutes
Industry Partners
- Microsoft (corporate)
- Google (corporate)
- Intel (corporate)
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Proximity to Indianapolis tech corridorAccess to major tech company recruiting pipelines
Indiana University-Bloomington — Bloomington, IN
Key Distinction: A research-oriented mobile development program emphasizing software quality, open-source contribution, and academic impact, attracting students who see mobile development as a vehicle for innovation.
Hakia Insight: IU-Bloomington's emphasis on open-source contribution embeds students in the global developer community from sophomore year, giving them GitHub portfolios and industry visibility that often outweigh GPA when competing for internships at top firms.
At the bachelor's level, indiana University's mobile development program operates within one of the oldest and most research-intensive computer science departments in the country, granting students access to faculty working on foundational problems in programming languages, software engineering, and human-computer interaction—knowledge that elevates mobile app design beyond typical commercial development. The curriculum covers iOS, Android, and cross-platform development with an emphasis on software quality and architectural patterns that matter in large-scale systems. What sets IU apart is its culture of open-source contribution and research participation; undergraduates regularly contribute to significant projects and co-author papers, giving them visibility in the academic and engineering communities beyond graduation. The program attracts students interested in mobile development as a means to address research questions about usability, performance, or accessibility, not just as a job-training pipeline. Career outcomes reflect this: IU graduates move into roles at research labs, tech company R&D divisions, and startups launched by fellow alumni, with a substantial portion continuing to graduate studies. The Bloomington location, while not a major tech hub, creates a unique environment where intellectual depth and collaborative research are prioritized.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Mobile Development — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Mobile Development — 4 years, online
Research Labs and Institutes
- School of Informatics, Computing, and Engineering
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Thriving academic research culture with strong computer science department
Purdue University Northwest — Hammond, IN
Key Distinction: PNW's mobile development program combines Purdue's engineering rigor with intimate regional-campus mentorship and direct pathways into the Chicago tech corridor.
Hakia Insight: PNW's smaller cohort size within Purdue's engineering ecosystem means mobile development students get mentorship intensity typically reserved for graduate programs, plus proximity to the Chicago tech corridor creates recruiting pipelines most regional Purdue campuses can't access.
At the bachelor's level, purdue University Northwest's mobile development curriculum emphasizes practical, industry-ready skill development within a collaborative regional tech ecosystem. The program integrates core computer science fundamentals with specialized mobile platforms—iOS, Android, and cross-platform frameworks like Flutter and React Native—allowing students to build portfolio projects from day one. What distinguishes this offering is its hands-on lab structure, where students work on real-world application development in small cohorts, receiving direct mentorship from faculty with active industry experience. The program benefits from Purdue's broader engineering heritage while maintaining a more intimate, accessible scale typical of the Northwest regional campus. Students engage with emerging mobile technologies including cloud integration, mobile security, and responsive UI/UX design through project-based coursework. Internship pathways connect students to companies throughout the Chicago metropolitan area and beyond, with many students securing positions before graduation. The faculty bring pragmatic perspectives from both academia and industry, emphasizing version control, agile methodologies, and cross-functional team dynamics alongside technical architecture. Graduates typically enter roles as mobile developers, full-stack engineers, or transition into adjacent specializations like IoT development or backend services. The program's relatively modest size fosters tight relationships between students and instructors, enabling personalized guidance on career trajectories and technical specialization. For students seeking a balance between rigorous computer science training and accessible, personalized mentorship in mobile development, this program offers a compelling alternative to larger flagship campuses.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Mobile Development — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Mobile Development — 4 years, online
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Amazon, Boeing, Caterpillar Inc., Deloitte, Eli Lilly and Company, Epic Systems, General Motors, JPMorgan Chase & Co., Lockheed Martin, Microsoft.
Accreditations and Certifications
- Computing Accreditation Commission (CAC) of ABET
- National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education (CAE-CDE) jointly by the National Security Agency (NSA) and Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA)
Location Advantages: Proximity to Chicago metropolitan tech sectorAccess to Midwest startup ecosystem
Indiana University-Indianapolis — Indianapolis, IN
Key Distinction: A regionally-anchored mobile development program that aligns curriculum with Indianapolis's enterprise tech and healthcare sectors, creating direct employment pathways.
Hakia Insight: IUPUI's curriculum is explicitly reverse-engineered from what Salesforce and Eli Lilly actively recruit for—meaning you're not learning generic mobile development but the specific tech stacks and architectural patterns Indianapolis's largest employers use today.
At the bachelor's level, IUPUI's mobile development program is intentionally designed around the skills and tools that Indianapolis's growing tech ecosystem actively recruits—making the curriculum responsive to real, nearby job markets rather than generic industry trends. The program emphasizes both native Android development and cross-platform approaches, with particular strength in enterprise mobile solutions and healthcare applications, sectors where Indianapolis has significant presence. Students engage with faculty who maintain active consulting relationships with local companies, meaning classroom projects often stem from real-world challenges that firms in the region are solving. The Indianapolis location is a strategic advantage: rather than competing in coastal tech hubs, IUPUI graduates enter a market hungry for talent, where a strong mobile developer command competitive salaries and genuine career flexibility. Internship placement is straightforward because companies like Salesforce, Lilly, and Rook have substantial operations nearby, and they regularly hire from the program. For students prioritizing a strong job market fit and reasonable cost of living, this regional focus is a hidden strength.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Mobile Development — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Mobile Development — 4 years, online
Industry Partners
- Salesforce (corporate)
- Eli Lilly and Company (corporate)
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Proximity to Indianapolis tech sector and enterprise employersStrong healthcare tech ecosystem (Eli Lilly headquarters)
DePauw University — Greencastle, IN
Hakia Insight: DePauw's requirement for a Linux-native capstone project means graduates can architect their own development environments instead of relying on IDE scaffolding—a rare advantage when deploying to unfamiliar platforms or debugging production systems.
At the bachelor's level, dePauw's Computer Science program emphasizes hands-on problem solving with state-of-the-art Linux laboratories and requires an independent senior capstone project. The program offers research opportunities and maintains strong career support through the Hubbard Center with comprehensive job search resources and networking assistance.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Mobile Development — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Mobile Development — 4 years, online
Location Advantages:
Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology — Terre Haute, IN
Key Distinction: Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology offers comprehensive Mobile Development programs preparing students for careers in technology.
Hakia Insight: Rose-Hulman's comprehensive mobile development pathway provides the technical rigor of a specialized program within an engineering institute known for employer placement rates above 95% in the Midwest tech corridor.
Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology offers Mobile Development programs in Terre Haute, IN. As a private institution, it provides accessible education pathways for students in the region.
University of Evansville — Evansville, IN
Key Distinction: University of Evansville's mobile development program spans full-stack architecture—combining mobile UI development with cloud backend design and data engineering—producing developers who understand the complete ecosystem rather than isolated app layers.
Hakia Insight: University of Evansville's full-stack mandate—requiring mobile developers to own cloud backend and data pipelines alongside UI code—produces graduates who can architect end-to-end features independently, not just implement handoffs from backend teams.
At the bachelor's level, the University of Evansville's mobile development program emphasizes full-stack thinking—students learn not just to build user-facing mobile interfaces but to architect backends, design APIs, and manage data pipelines that power modern applications. This backend-inclusive approach produces developers fluent in the entire mobile application ecosystem, whether building for iOS, Android, or web platforms that sync across devices. Faculty research interests span mobile security, distributed systems, and app performance optimization, creating a curriculum infused with these specializations. Students engage in capstone projects that often involve cloud services (AWS, Google Cloud, Azure), teaching the infrastructure thinking that separates junior developers from senior engineers. The program also cultivates interest in mobile data science—processing sensor data, analytics, and real-time information on mobile clients. Evansville's smaller size enables close collaboration between students and faculty on research-adjacent coursework; many capstone projects are publishable-quality work. The university maintains active connections to regional employers and supports internship placements that give students exposure to professional mobile development environments before graduation. Graduates frequently advance into senior mobile roles or transition into adjacent specializations like backend engineering or DevOps.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Mobile Development — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Mobile Development — 4 years, online
Location Advantages: Regional Midwest location with access to Indianapolis and St. Louis tech corridors
Ball State University — Muncie, IN
Key Distinction: Ball State uniquely weaves user experience design and human-centered thinking into mobile development, producing engineers who can build both technically sound and user-loved applications.
Hakia Insight: Ball State's core integration of UX design into mobile development curriculum (rather than relegating it to electives) means graduates ship applications that users actually want to use, a competitive edge in crowded app markets where technical correctness alone doesn't guarantee adoption.
At the bachelor's level, ball State's mobile development program stands out for integrating user experience design and human-centered development into its core curriculum, reflecting the reality that successful mobile apps require both technical excellence and intuitive design. Students work across iOS and Android platforms while simultaneously studying interaction design, usability testing, and accessibility standards—skills that differentiate them in a competitive market where many engineers lack design thinking. The program leverages Ball State's strong reputation in design and digital media disciplines, creating interdisciplinary collaboration opportunities where computer science and design students partner on real projects. Faculty guide students through iterative development cycles modeled on industry agile practices, emphasizing rapid prototyping and user feedback loops. The program's capstone projects often showcase at regional tech conferences and occasionally attract small business clients seeking affordable mobile solutions, giving students authentic entrepreneurial experience. For aspiring mobile developers who want to understand not just how to code, but why users love (or abandon) apps, Ball State provides a distinctive pathway.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Mobile Development — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Mobile Development — 4 years, online
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Central Indiana location with access to Indianapolis tech community
Taylor University — Upland, IN
Key Distinction: Taylor integrates values-informed design and social impact into mobile development curriculum, producing graduates who think deeply about technology's human and societal dimensions, not just technical specifications.
Hakia Insight: Taylor's embedded ethics and social impact coursework isn't performative—it shows up in capstone projects where students must justify design decisions against societal harms, producing developers who can articulate mobile technology's human consequences to stakeholders and boards.
At the bachelor's level, taylor University's mobile development education weaves technical excellence with intentional reflection on technology's societal impact—a hallmark of the institution's ethos that extends into CS curriculum. The program teaches Swift, Kotlin, and cross-platform frameworks with rigor, but courses also examine digital accessibility, privacy-first design, and how mobile technology reshapes human relationships and communities. This values-informed approach appeals to students building careers thoughtfully, not just chasing trends. Students develop capstone applications addressing real needs—health tech, education access, sustainability—where the social dimension drives technical choices. Faculty bring both industry experience and research interests in human-computer interaction and responsible technology design. The curriculum maintains flexibility for specialization: students can focus on consumer app development, enterprise mobility solutions, or embedded systems on mobile platforms depending on their interests. Taylor's collaborative learning culture means students often peer-mentor one another, building leadership skills alongside technical ones. Graduates report feeling prepared not just to code, but to think critically about where and how their work fits into the world—a distinctive character that often surfaces in job interviews and early career development. Strong ties to regional employers and a supportive alumni network facilitate smooth post-graduation transitions.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Mobile Development — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Mobile Development — 4 years, online
Location Advantages: Midwest location with growing regional tech economy access
Butler University — Indianapolis, IN
Key Distinction: Butler integrates real client projects and UX/ethics coursework into mobile development, producing graduates who ship usable, thoughtfully-designed applications rather than just technically correct code.
Hakia Insight: Butler's requirement for real client projects through Indianapolis nonprofits and startups gives mobile development students portfolios with deployed, revenue-generating applications before graduation—far more credible than academic exercises when interviewing at product companies.
At the bachelor's level, butler's computer science program incorporates mobile development as a key specialization within a liberal arts computing education, attracting students who want technical depth without sacrificing breadth in humanities and social context. The mobile track covers both native and hybrid development frameworks, but distinctively embeds courses on user experience design, digital ethics, and the human factors that separate well-adopted apps from abandoned ones. Faculty engage students in real client projects—local nonprofits, small businesses, and regional organizations become testbeds where students deploy production mobile applications while learning stakeholder management. This client-centered approach means every capstone project serves a genuine need, building portfolio items with social impact that resonate in job interviews. Butler's Indianapolis location offers proximity to established corporations and a growing startup scene, with regular internship and hiring opportunities. The program prepares students equally well for corporate mobile teams and entrepreneurial paths; graduates often launch their own apps or join early-stage companies. Upper-level electives let students specialize in mobile game development, enterprise mobile solutions, or consumer-facing iOS/Android optimization—choosing technical directions aligned with career goals.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Mobile Development — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Mobile Development — 4 years, online
Industry Partners
- Indianapolis nonprofits and regional small businesses (through capstone projects) (nonprofit)
- Indianapolis tech startups (startup)
Location Advantages: Indianapolis-based, near growing regional tech sector and Fortune 500 operations
Best Master's Mobile Development Degree Programs in Indiana
Indiana University-Bloomington — Bloomington, IN
Key Distinction: A research-oriented mobile development program emphasizing software quality, open-source contribution, and academic impact, attracting students who see mobile development as a vehicle for innovation.
Hakia Insight: Indiana University's emphasis on open-source contribution within a research-intensive environment means you're not just learning mobile development—you're building a publication record that signals academic credibility to PhD programs or research-focused employers.
At the master's level, indiana University's mobile development program operates within one of the oldest and most research-intensive computer science departments in the country, granting students access to faculty working on foundational problems in programming languages, software engineering, and human-computer interaction—knowledge that elevates mobile app design beyond typical commercial development. The curriculum covers iOS, Android, and cross-platform development with an emphasis on software quality and architectural patterns that matter in large-scale systems. What sets IU apart is its culture of open-source contribution and research participation; undergraduates regularly contribute to significant projects and co-author papers, giving them visibility in the academic and engineering communities beyond graduation. The program attracts students interested in mobile development as a means to address research questions about usability, performance, or accessibility, not just as a job-training pipeline. Career outcomes reflect this: IU graduates move into roles at research labs, tech company R&D divisions, and startups launched by fellow alumni, with a substantial portion continuing to graduate studies. The Bloomington location, while not a major tech hub, creates a unique environment where intellectual depth and collaborative research are prioritized.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Mobile Development — 1-2 years, on-campus
- Master of Arts in Mobile Development — 1-2 years, online
Research Labs and Institutes
- School of Informatics, Computing, and Engineering
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Thriving academic research culture with strong computer science department
Purdue University-Main Campus — West Lafayette, IN
Key Distinction: A research-intensive mobile development education embedded within a top-tier CS program that combines native platform expertise with emerging tech specializations and direct industry recruitment.
Hakia Insight: Purdue's HCI Lab gives master's students direct access to human-computer interaction research that shapes how platforms are designed; this positions graduates to move beyond feature implementation into the UX research roles that command premium salaries.
At the master's level, purdue's mobile development education sits within a computer science program ranked among the nation's strongest, giving students access to world-class infrastructure and faculty conducting cutting-edge research in human-computer interaction, software engineering, and systems design. The curriculum balances iOS and Android native development with emerging technologies like augmented reality, cross-platform frameworks, and backend integration—but the real advantage is the opportunity to work alongside professors publishing in top-tier venues while you're still an undergraduate or graduate student. Purdue's partnerships with major tech companies (Microsoft, Google, Intel) create internship pipelines and recruitment channels that are exceptionally direct; many companies maintain on-campus presence and hire heavily from Purdue's talent pool. The program benefits from Purdue's scale: multiple labs, diverse faculty specializations, and a student body where you can find collaborators for any sub-domain of mobile development. Graduates often move into senior engineering roles quickly, in part because the rigor of coursework and research expectations prepare them to solve complex problems from day one.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Mobile Development — 1-2 years, on-campus
- Master of Arts in Mobile Development — 1-2 years, online
Research Labs and Institutes
Industry Partners
- Microsoft (corporate)
- Google (corporate)
- Intel (corporate)
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Proximity to Indianapolis tech corridorAccess to major tech company recruiting pipelines
Purdue University Northwest — Hammond, IN
Key Distinction: PNW's mobile development program combines Purdue's engineering rigor with intimate regional-campus mentorship and direct pathways into the Chicago tech corridor.
Hakia Insight: Purdue Northwest's regional-campus model creates an unusual advantage: you get Purdue's engineering standards with direct mentorship density impossible at the main campus, plus a pipeline to Chicago's startup scene that bypasses competition from thousands of flagship-campus peers.
At the master's level, purdue University Northwest's mobile development curriculum emphasizes practical, industry-ready skill development within a collaborative regional tech ecosystem. The program integrates core computer science fundamentals with specialized mobile platforms—iOS, Android, and cross-platform frameworks like Flutter and React Native—allowing students to build portfolio projects from day one. What distinguishes this offering is its hands-on lab structure, where students work on real-world application development in small cohorts, receiving direct mentorship from faculty with active industry experience. The program benefits from Purdue's broader engineering heritage while maintaining a more intimate, accessible scale typical of the Northwest regional campus. Students engage with emerging mobile technologies including cloud integration, mobile security, and responsive UI/UX design through project-based coursework. Internship pathways connect students to companies throughout the Chicago metropolitan area and beyond, with many students securing positions before graduation. The faculty bring pragmatic perspectives from both academia and industry, emphasizing version control, agile methodologies, and cross-functional team dynamics alongside technical architecture. Graduates typically enter roles as mobile developers, full-stack engineers, or transition into adjacent specializations like IoT development or backend services. The program's relatively modest size fosters tight relationships between students and instructors, enabling personalized guidance on career trajectories and technical specialization. For students seeking a balance between rigorous computer science training and accessible, personalized mentorship in mobile development, this program offers a compelling alternative to larger flagship campuses.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Mobile Development — 1-2 years, on-campus
- Master of Arts in Mobile Development — 1-2 years, online
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Amazon, Boeing, Caterpillar Inc., Deloitte, Eli Lilly and Company, Epic Systems, General Motors, JPMorgan Chase & Co., Lockheed Martin, Microsoft.
Accreditations and Certifications
- Computing Accreditation Commission (CAC) of ABET
- National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education (CAE-CDE) jointly by the National Security Agency (NSA) and Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA)
Location Advantages: Proximity to Chicago metropolitan tech sectorAccess to Midwest startup ecosystem
Purdue University Fort Wayne — Fort Wayne, IN
Key Distinction: Purdue Fort Wayne emphasizes industry-embedded project work and regional tech partnerships, producing graduates ready for immediate professional mobile development roles.
Hakia Insight: Fort Wayne's project-embedded curriculum means your degree transcript includes shipped applications with real user bases—a portfolio that speaks louder than coursework alone when competing for jobs in the region's Boeing and Caterpillar ecosystems.
At the master's level, purdue Fort Wayne's mobile development curriculum is built around practical, industry-aligned project work rather than purely theoretical coursework. Students engage deeply with native iOS and Android development across dedicated tracks, supported by faculty who actively consult with regional tech companies. The program emphasizes full-stack mobile engineering—from backend API design to user interface implementation—preparing graduates to contribute immediately in professional environments. A significant advantage is the school's partnership with local tech employers in the Fort Wayne corridor, which creates internship pipelines and often converts into full-time positions. The capstone experience requires students to build production-quality applications, with some projects directly adopted by partner companies. For students seeking a program that values hands-on competency over lengthy theoretical prerequisites, this represents a differentiated approach within Indiana's mobile education landscape.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Mobile Development — 1-2 years, on-campus
- Master of Arts in Mobile Development — 1-2 years, online
Location Advantages: Proximity to Fort Wayne tech corridor employers
Indiana University-Indianapolis — Indianapolis, IN
Key Distinction: A regionally-anchored mobile development program that aligns curriculum with Indianapolis's enterprise tech and healthcare sectors, creating direct employment pathways.
Hakia Insight: IUPUI's Salesforce and Eli Lilly partnerships aren't just recruiting channels; they shape the actual curriculum around enterprise mobile platforms these companies deploy, so graduates enter roles with platform fluency their peers won't have until year two on the job.
At the master's level, IUPUI's mobile development program is intentionally designed around the skills and tools that Indianapolis's growing tech ecosystem actively recruits—making the curriculum responsive to real, nearby job markets rather than generic industry trends. The program emphasizes both native Android development and cross-platform approaches, with particular strength in enterprise mobile solutions and healthcare applications, sectors where Indianapolis has significant presence. Students engage with faculty who maintain active consulting relationships with local companies, meaning classroom projects often stem from real-world challenges that firms in the region are solving. The Indianapolis location is a strategic advantage: rather than competing in coastal tech hubs, IUPUI graduates enter a market hungry for talent, where a strong mobile developer command competitive salaries and genuine career flexibility. Internship placement is straightforward because companies like Salesforce, Lilly, and Rook have substantial operations nearby, and they regularly hire from the program. For students prioritizing a strong job market fit and reasonable cost of living, this regional focus is a hidden strength.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Mobile Development — 1-2 years, on-campus
- Master of Arts in Mobile Development — 1-2 years, online
Industry Partners
- Salesforce (corporate)
- Eli Lilly and Company (corporate)
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Proximity to Indianapolis tech sector and enterprise employersStrong healthcare tech ecosystem (Eli Lilly headquarters)
Indiana State University — Terre Haute, IN
Key Distinction: Indiana State emphasizes portfolio-driven, competency-based learning where students graduate with a demonstrated history of shipped applications and hands-on professional experience.
Hakia Insight: Indiana State's competency-based model means you graduate with a dated GitHub history of completed applications—not just a degree—which fundamentally changes how employers evaluate you against candidates from theory-heavy programs.
At the master's level, indiana State's mobile development education is grounded in a practical, competency-based model where students build a portfolio of real applications throughout their degree program rather than completing isolated assignments. The curriculum progresses from foundational programming through specialized mobile platforms, with emphasis on debugging, performance optimization, and testing methodologies that professionals encounter immediately on the job. Faculty maintain active connections with employers in the Terre Haute region and beyond, using those relationships to inform what skills are most valued and to create internship opportunities. The program benefits from relatively small cohort sizes, which means students receive individualized feedback on their code and architectural decisions—a luxury less common at larger state universities. Students leave with a demonstrated track record of shipped applications, either through academic projects, internships, or freelance work, which strengthens job applications significantly. Indiana State targets students seeking a direct path to employment in mobile engineering without the research focus or premium pricing of more selective institutions.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Mobile Development — 1-2 years, on-campus
- Master of Arts in Mobile Development — 1-2 years, online
Location Advantages: Access to Terre Haute's growing tech employer base
Best Doctoral Mobile Development Degree Programs in Indiana
Purdue University-Main Campus — West Lafayette, IN
Key Distinction: A research-intensive mobile development education embedded within a top-tier CS program that combines native platform expertise with emerging tech specializations and direct industry recruitment.
Hakia Insight: At the doctoral level, Purdue's partnership triangle of Microsoft, Google, and Intel creates an unusual pathway: your research can be directly implemented by the companies funding it, collapsing the gap between dissertation and industry adoption.
At the doctoral level, purdue's mobile development education sits within a computer science program ranked among the nation's strongest, giving students access to world-class infrastructure and faculty conducting cutting-edge research in human-computer interaction, software engineering, and systems design. The curriculum balances iOS and Android native development with emerging technologies like augmented reality, cross-platform frameworks, and backend integration—but the real advantage is the opportunity to work alongside professors publishing in top-tier venues while you're still an undergraduate or graduate student. Purdue's partnerships with major tech companies (Microsoft, Google, Intel) create internship pipelines and recruitment channels that are exceptionally direct; many companies maintain on-campus presence and hire heavily from Purdue's talent pool. The program benefits from Purdue's scale: multiple labs, diverse faculty specializations, and a student body where you can find collaborators for any sub-domain of mobile development. Graduates often move into senior engineering roles quickly, in part because the rigor of coursework and research expectations prepare them to solve complex problems from day one.
Programs Offered
- Doctor of Philosophy in Mobile Development — 4-6 years, on-campus
- Doctor of Science in Mobile Development — 4-6 years, online
Research Labs and Institutes
Industry Partners
- Microsoft (corporate)
- Google (corporate)
- Intel (corporate)
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Proximity to Indianapolis tech corridorAccess to major tech company recruiting pipelines
Indiana University-Bloomington — Bloomington, IN
Key Distinction: A research-oriented mobile development program emphasizing software quality, open-source contribution, and academic impact, attracting students who see mobile development as a vehicle for innovation.
Hakia Insight: IU Bloomington's 150-year CS department history combined with its School of Informatics creates a rare environment where mobile development doctoral students can frame their research within broader informatics traditions—positioning graduates for faculty roles at universities that prioritize human-centered computing.
At the doctoral level, indiana University's mobile development program operates within one of the oldest and most research-intensive computer science departments in the country, granting students access to faculty working on foundational problems in programming languages, software engineering, and human-computer interaction—knowledge that elevates mobile app design beyond typical commercial development. The curriculum covers iOS, Android, and cross-platform development with an emphasis on software quality and architectural patterns that matter in large-scale systems. What sets IU apart is its culture of open-source contribution and research participation; undergraduates regularly contribute to significant projects and co-author papers, giving them visibility in the academic and engineering communities beyond graduation. The program attracts students interested in mobile development as a means to address research questions about usability, performance, or accessibility, not just as a job-training pipeline. Career outcomes reflect this: IU graduates move into roles at research labs, tech company R&D divisions, and startups launched by fellow alumni, with a substantial portion continuing to graduate studies. The Bloomington location, while not a major tech hub, creates a unique environment where intellectual depth and collaborative research are prioritized.
Programs Offered
- Doctor of Philosophy in Mobile Development — 4-6 years, on-campus
- Doctor of Science in Mobile Development — 4-6 years, online
Research Labs and Institutes
- School of Informatics, Computing, and Engineering
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Thriving academic research culture with strong computer science department
Indiana University-Indianapolis — Indianapolis, IN
Key Distinction: A regionally-anchored mobile development program that aligns curriculum with Indianapolis's enterprise tech and healthcare sectors, creating direct employment pathways.
Hakia Insight: IUPUI's proximity to Eli Lilly's sprawling healthcare IT operations means doctoral candidates can anchor dissertations in enterprise mobile health systems with access to real patient data and compliance challenges most universities can only simulate.
At the doctoral level, IUPUI's mobile development program is intentionally designed around the skills and tools that Indianapolis's growing tech ecosystem actively recruits—making the curriculum responsive to real, nearby job markets rather than generic industry trends. The program emphasizes both native Android development and cross-platform approaches, with particular strength in enterprise mobile solutions and healthcare applications, sectors where Indianapolis has significant presence. Students engage with faculty who maintain active consulting relationships with local companies, meaning classroom projects often stem from real-world challenges that firms in the region are solving. The Indianapolis location is a strategic advantage: rather than competing in coastal tech hubs, IUPUI graduates enter a market hungry for talent, where a strong mobile developer command competitive salaries and genuine career flexibility. Internship placement is straightforward because companies like Salesforce, Lilly, and Rook have substantial operations nearby, and they regularly hire from the program. For students prioritizing a strong job market fit and reasonable cost of living, this regional focus is a hidden strength.
Programs Offered
- Doctor of Philosophy in Mobile Development — 4-6 years, on-campus
- Doctor of Science in Mobile Development — 4-6 years, online
Industry Partners
- Salesforce (corporate)
- Eli Lilly and Company (corporate)
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Proximity to Indianapolis tech sector and enterprise employersStrong healthcare tech ecosystem (Eli Lilly headquarters)
