Best Associate's Mobile Development Degree Programs in Minnesota
Minneapolis Community and Technical College — Minneapolis, MN
Hakia Insight: MCTC's location in Minneapolis gives it unusual access to Target and Best Buy's mobile development teams—students aren't just learning Android/iOS theory, they're building apps that Fortune 500 companies with massive user bases actually need.
At the associate's level, MCTC's mobile development curriculum emphasizes real-world Android and iOS application development, with strong connections to Minneapolis's thriving tech sector. Students work directly with industry partners on capstone projects, giving you portfolio pieces employers actually recognize. Graduates typically land junior developer roles or move into applied technology roles at companies headquartered in the Twin Cities. The program's strength lies in its urban location and employer relationships—you're not just learning to code, you're building connections with companies actively hiring. Many students use the degree as a 2-year launch pad before transferring to four-year institutions or jumping directly into entry-level development positions.
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: Target, Best Buy, UnitedHealth Group, 3M, Local tech startups in Minneapolis.
Top Transfer Destinations
- University of Minnesota - Twin Cities
- Minnesota State University - Mankato
- St. Cloud State University
Entry-Level Career Paths
- Junior Mobile Developer
- Android Developer Associate
- Mobile QA Tester
- Technical Support Specialist
- Application Support Analyst
Included Certifications
- CompTIA A+
- Google Associate Android Developer
- AWS Cloud Practitioner
Location Advantages:
Normandale Community College — Bloomington, MN
Hakia Insight: Normandale's articulation agreements with the University of Minnesota system eliminate the guesswork most community college students face: you know exactly which credits transfer and can plan a four-year degree before starting, turning an associate's into a genuine stepping stone rather than a gamble.
At the associate's level, what sets Normandale apart is its explicit transfer agreement pathway with University of Minnesota system schools—you can plan your first two years here knowing exactly how your credits map to a bachelor's degree. The mobile development coursework covers both Android and iOS frameworks alongside web fundamentals, preparing you for roles that increasingly blur mobile and web development. Students benefit from Normandale's location in Bloomington, putting you minutes from major corporate headquarters. If your goal is a four-year degree, this college removes the uncertainty about credit transfers and lets you save significant money before moving to a research university.
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: Target, Best Buy, Health Savings Bank, Local tech companies, Fortune 500 companies in Minneapolis metro.
Top Transfer Destinations
- University of Minnesota - Twin Cities
- Minnesota State University - Mankato
- Walden University
Entry-Level Career Paths
- Mobile Developer Associate
- Junior iOS Developer
- Android Development Support
- Technical Support Specialist
- Junior QA Automation Tester
Included Certifications
- CompTIA A+
- Google Associate Android Developer
- Microsoft Azure Fundamentals
Location Advantages:
Anoka-Ramsey Community College — Coon Rapids, MN
At the associate's level, anoka-Ramsey stands out for offering flexible evening and weekend sections in its mobile development track, designed for working adults who need to upskill without abandoning their current job. The curriculum balances practical app development with fundamentals in networking and systems that make you competitive for help desk advancement into technical support roles. With two campuses serving the northern Twin Cities metro, accessibility is built into the program design. You'll graduate with hands-on experience in current development environments while building connections in a region with growing tech employment. The evening format means you're often learning alongside professionals already working in IT, expanding your network before you finish the 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: Cargill, Health plans headquartered in Anoka area, Regional tech support centers, Local IT departments.
Top Transfer Destinations
- University of Minnesota - Twin Cities
- Minnesota State University - Mankato
- St. Cloud State University
Entry-Level Career Paths
- Mobile Developer Associate
- Junior Developer
- Technical Support Specialist
- Help Desk Technician
- Network Support Technician
Included Certifications
- CompTIA A+
- CompTIA Network+
- Google Associate Android Developer
Location Advantages:
Saint Paul College — Saint Paul, MN
Hakia Insight: Saint Paul College's production-quality app requirement before graduation is rare at the associate's level—employers can evaluate concrete work samples, not just coursework, which typically translates to faster hiring and higher starting offers.
At the associate's level, saint Paul College's mobile development program distinguishes itself through hands-on lab environments where students build production-quality apps before graduating, not theoretical exercises. The East Side location puts you in a diverse community with strong employer ties to major corporations headquartered nearby. Graduates often move into junior developer positions or use the degree as a stepping stone to four-year programs at Minnesota State system schools. The program emphasizes both technical depth and professional skills—code quality, documentation, and collaboration—because employers consistently say entry-level hires need both. You're not just learning to write code; you're learning to work like a professional developer.
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: UnitedHealth Group, 3M, Target, St. Paul-based corporations, Regional tech firms.
Top Transfer Destinations
- University of Minnesota - Twin Cities
- Minnesota State University - Mankato
- Hamline University
Entry-Level Career Paths
- Junior Mobile Developer
- Android Developer Associate
- Junior iOS Developer
- Mobile QA Tester
- Technical Support Analyst
Included Certifications
- CompTIA A+
- Google Associate Android Developer
- AWS Cloud Practitioner
Location Advantages:
North Hennepin Community College — Brooklyn Park, MN
Hakia Insight: North Hennepin's cross-platform development focus means you master frameworks like React Native or Flutter that companies prefer for cost efficiency, giving graduates a competitive edge over peers who only know platform-specific languages.
At the associate's level, north Hennepin's mobile development track integrates cross-platform development tools, meaning you learn frameworks that work across iOS and Android simultaneously—a more efficient use of your two years. The college's focus on employer partnerships means curriculum stays current as the industry shifts. Students graduate job-ready for positions at mid-market tech companies and larger corporations throughout Minnesota. The program's practical orientation means less theory, more time building actual applications. Many graduates report starting work within weeks of graduation, either in dedicated mobile roles or in positions that value the broader tech foundation the program provides.
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: Target, Best Buy, Tech startups in Twin Cities, Corporate IT departments, Regional software companies.
Top Transfer Destinations
- University of Minnesota - Twin Cities
- Minnesota State University - Mankato
- St. Cloud State University
Entry-Level Career Paths
- Junior Mobile Developer
- Cross-Platform Developer
- Mobile QA Technician
- Technical Support Specialist
- Junior Application Developer
Included Certifications
- CompTIA A+
- Google Associate Android Developer
- Microsoft Azure Fundamentals
Location Advantages:
Rochester Community and Technical College — Rochester, MN
Hakia Insight: Rochester's curriculum is literally co-designed with Mayo Clinic's IT teams—internships aren't arranged afterward, they're built into the program, creating a pipeline where healthcare IT employers actively shape what students learn.
At the associate's level, mayo Clinic's presence shapes everything about Rochester's mobile development program—the curriculum is literally informed by what Mayo's IT teams need, and internship pipelines exist before you even enroll. You're learning development practices used in one of the world's largest healthcare systems, which means your portfolio and experience stand out to employers everywhere. The program emphasizes healthcare-specific mobile applications (patient apps, clinical tools, health data integration), giving you expertise that's valuable and somewhat specialized. If you want to graduate with real-world experience in a high-stakes industry and a network of healthcare IT employers, Rochester is uniquely positioned.
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: Mayo Clinic, Health IT companies in Rochester, Medical device manufacturers, Regional healthcare organizations.
Top Transfer Destinations
- University of Minnesota - Rochester
- Minnesota State University - Mankato
- St. Cloud State University
Entry-Level Career Paths
- Junior Mobile Developer
- Healthcare Mobile App Developer
- Mobile QA Tester
- Technical Support Specialist
- Junior Application Support Analyst
Included Certifications
- CompTIA A+
- Google Associate Android Developer
- Healthcare IT certification fundamentals
Location Advantages:
Century College — White Bear Lake, MN
Hakia Insight: Century College's proximity to White Bear Lake's startup ecosystem and Fortune 500 companies creates unusual networking density for a community college, where a two-year program can generate the same industry contacts as four years elsewhere.
At the associate's level, century College's mobile development program emphasizes practical, hands-on learning designed to move students quickly from classroom to career-ready competency. The curriculum balances foundational programming concepts with platform-specific development across iOS and Android environments, ensuring graduates understand both the principles underlying mobile app creation and the tools currently shaping industry standards. What distinguishes this program is its focus on real-world project experience—students work through actual development cycles, debugging challenges, and deployment scenarios rather than purely theoretical exercises. The program leverages Century College's strong connections to Minnesota's tech community, creating pathways for internships and networking that help students build professional portfolios during their studies. Faculty bring industry experience into the classroom, offering insights into current development practices, emerging frameworks, and the practical decisions developers face when building scalable applications. The curriculum typically incorporates cross-platform development tools and responsive design principles, preparing graduates for the reality that modern mobile developers often work across multiple platforms and device sizes. Students gain proficiency with version control systems, APIs, databases, and testing methodologies—the full toolkit needed in professional development environments. Career outcomes reflect this applied approach: graduates transition into mobile developer roles, junior developer positions at tech companies, or continue into four-year programs with advanced specialization. Century College's location within Minnesota's active tech ecosystem means students encounter real market demand for mobile skills and can tap into local mentorship and employment opportunities. The program design acknowledges that mobile development constantly evolves, so curriculum flexibility allows instructors to incorporate new languages, frameworks, and methodologies as the industry shifts. For students seeking efficient, practical training in mobile app development with genuine industry connections and clear employment pathways, Century College's program delivers focused preparation without unnecessary prerequisites or distracting general education requirements that don't serve mobile development goals.
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: Tech companies in Twin Cities metro, Fortune 500 companies with Minnesota presence, Startups in White Bear Lake area, Healthcare IT firms.
Top Transfer Destinations
- University of Minnesota - Twin Cities
- Minnesota State University - Mankato
- Walden University
Entry-Level Career Paths
- Junior Mobile Developer
- Android Developer Associate
- Mobile QA Tester
- Technical Support Specialist
- Junior Application Developer
Included Certifications
- CompTIA A+
- Google Associate Android Developer
- AWS Cloud Practitioner
Location Advantages:
Dakota County Technical College — Rosemount, MN
Hakia Insight: DCTC's emphasis on agile methodology and team-based work isn't decorative: it mirrors how Target's and Best Buy's actual development teams operate, meaning graduates skip the usual 6-month 'learning how we really work' adjustment period.
At the associate's level, DCTC's mobile development program emphasizes agile development methodology and team-based project work, preparing you for the way professional teams actually function in the field. The South Minneapolis location positions you near major tech employers while keeping tuition costs low. Curriculum includes both native and cross-platform development tracks, giving you flexibility in specialization. Graduates report strong placement rates in junior developer roles across the Twin Cities metro area. The program's focus on practical teamwork rather than solo coding projects means you graduate with experience working alongside others—often the biggest gap between new graduates and professional expectations.
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: Target, Best Buy, Tech startups in Minnesota, Corporate IT departments, Regional software companies.
Top Transfer Destinations
- University of Minnesota - Twin Cities
- Minnesota State University - Mankato
- St. Cloud State University
Entry-Level Career Paths
- Junior Mobile Developer
- Junior Developer
- Mobile QA Tester
- Technical Support Specialist
- Application Support Technician
Included Certifications
- CompTIA A+
- Google Associate Android Developer
- Agile/Scrum fundamentals
Location Advantages:
Minnesota State Community and Technical College — Fergus Falls, MN
Hakia Insight: MNSCTC serves a 10-county rural region where tech job opportunities are scarce, but its curriculum explicitly supports remote hiring—students graduate positioned to work for distributed companies while staying in communities where they have roots.
At the associate's level, MNSCTC's mobile development program is built for rural and small-town Minnesota students who want tech careers without leaving the region—the college serves a 10-county area with both on-campus and online options. You'll learn current mobile development frameworks while remaining connected to your home community, with many classes available online. The program balances accessibility with rigor, producing graduates competitive for positions across Minnesota. If you value staying rooted in your community while building a tech career, or need extreme schedule flexibility, this program's distributed model is specifically designed for you. Employment outcomes include both local tech support roles and remote junior developer positions.
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 tech companies, Remote-first companies hiring from Minnesota, Local IT departments, Healthcare IT providers.
Top Transfer Destinations
- Minnesota State University - Mankato
- St. Cloud State University
- University of Minnesota - Duluth
Entry-Level Career Paths
- Junior Mobile Developer
- Technical Support Specialist
- Help Desk Technician
- Mobile QA Tester
- Application Support Technician
Included Certifications
- CompTIA A+
- CompTIA Network+
- Google Associate Android Developer
Location Advantages:
Ridgewater College — Willmar, MN
At the associate's level, ridgewater College's mobile development track reflects the needs of Central Minnesota's economy—the college partnerships with regional employers ensure curriculum stays relevant to actual hiring needs. You'll complete practical projects for real clients, building portfolio pieces that prove your competence to employers. Located between Willmar and Hutchinson with multiple campus options, Ridgewater serves students who value accessible, quality education. The program emphasizes both technical skills and professional communication, recognizing that employers want developers who can explain their work. Graduates typically land roles in technical support or junior development positions with companies throughout southern Minnesota.
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 tech companies, Local IT departments, Healthcare IT providers in central Minnesota, Manufacturing companies with IT needs.
Top Transfer Destinations
- Minnesota State University - Mankato
- St. Cloud State University
- University of Minnesota - Twin Cities
Entry-Level Career Paths
- Junior Mobile Developer
- Technical Support Specialist
- Help Desk Technician
- Mobile QA Tester
- Application Support Technician
Included Certifications
- CompTIA A+
- Google Associate Android Developer
- Microsoft Azure Fundamentals
Location Advantages:
Best Bachelor's Mobile Development Degree Programs in Minnesota
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities — Minneapolis, MN
Key Distinction: Research-intensive program integrating mobile development with cutting-edge work in security, ML deployment, and distributed systems at an R1 university.
Hakia Insight: UMN-Twin Cities positions mobile development within research-grade computer science, meaning undergraduates can contribute to security or ML deployment work that influences production systems used by millions—experience most bachelor's programs relegate to electives.
At the bachelor's level, twin Cities' mobile development education emerges from one of the nation's strongest computer science programs, where mobile engineering integrates seamlessly with research-grade coursework in distributed systems, machine learning, security, and human-computer interaction. Students benefit from world-class faculty pursuing cutting-edge research in areas directly relevant to mobile: mobile security architectures, privacy-preserving computation on edge devices, AI/ML deployment on resource-constrained platforms, and cross-device user experience. The program's strength lies in treating mobile development not as a standalone specialization but as a domain where fundamental computer science research translates to production challenges. Undergraduates access advanced electives and research opportunities; graduate students pursue theses on mobile-adjacent topics or capstones on emerging mobile platforms. Twin Cities' location in Minnesota's tech corridor—home to Target, Best Buy, UnitedHealth Group, and a thriving startup scene—creates internship and employment pathways with companies building mission-critical mobile applications at scale. For students seeking a rigorous, research-informed mobile development education with genuine career leverage, Twin Cities delivers unmatched depth and opportunity.
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
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering
Industry Partners
- Target Corporation (corporate)
- Best Buy (corporate)
- UnitedHealth Group (corporate)
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Target Corporation, Best Buy, UnitedHealth Group, 3M, Microsoft, Google.
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Twin Cities tech corridor: Target, Best Buy, UnitedHealth, 3M headquartersProximity to Fortune 500 companies with major mobile development initiativesThriving startup ecosystem and venture capital presence
Carleton College — Northfield, MN
Key Distinction: Carleton integrates mobile development within a rigorous liberal arts computer science curriculum, emphasizing both technical depth and humanistic thinking about technology's broader impact.
Hakia Insight: Carleton's insistence on algorithmic thinking and systems design before mobile specialization means graduates understand *why* their code works, not just how to build features—a foundation that separates engineers who can adapt from those who can only copy patterns.
At the bachelor's level, carleton's approach to mobile development emphasizes algorithmic thinking and systems design foundations before specialization—students master computer architecture, data structures, and algorithms in their first two years, then apply these principles to iOS and Android development in upper-level courses. This scaffolded learning model ensures students understand why certain architectural patterns work on mobile devices with constrained resources, rather than memorizing API calls. The computer science curriculum at Carleton is notably research-forward; undergraduates participate in faculty-mentored research projects exploring areas like mobile performance optimization, cross-platform code generation, and gesture recognition—work that sometimes leads to publication or presentation at conferences. The college's small size creates an unusually collaborative environment where students frequently pair-program on projects, participate in code reviews, and build on each other's work across cohorts. Carleton's location in Northfield and connections to the broader Twin Cities region provide internship and employment pathways into major tech companies.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Mobile Development — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Mobile Development — 4 years, online
Industry Partners
- Target (corporate)
- Best Buy (corporate)
Location Advantages: Access to Twin Cities tech companies (Target, Best Buy, 3M)Proximity to growing Minnesota software development ecosystem
St Olaf College — Northfield, MN
Key Distinction: St. Olaf integrates mobile development within an ethics-centered computer science curriculum, with capstone projects resulting in published, user-facing applications.
Hakia Insight: St. Olaf's capstone requirement that mobile projects result in published, user-facing applications creates a portfolio that speaks louder than course transcripts; employers can see how you translate ethical thinking into products users actually trust.
At the bachelor's level, st. Olaf's computer science program integrates mobile development within a rigorous liberal arts curriculum that treats technology as a tool for solving real human problems—an orientation that shapes how graduates approach design and user experience. The mobile development pathway draws on St. Olaf's strengths in both technical depth and humanistic inquiry, encouraging students to consider accessibility, privacy, and ethical implications alongside technical architecture. Faculty research in HCI and educational technology creates opportunities for undergraduates to contribute to projects with direct social impact—for instance, mobile applications supporting rural health education or accessibility features for underserved populations. The residential culture supports intensive collaboration; many mobile projects emerge from student-initiated research groups and senior capstones that culminate in working applications. St. Olaf's location in Minnesota provides regional tech internship opportunities, and the college's strong alumni network spans tech companies, nonprofits, and education sectors. Graduates are known for combining strong technical skills with thoughtful communication and collaborative abilities—traits that tech teams increasingly value. Career paths include mobile development roles at larger tech companies, founding startups, and pivoting into adjacent fields like product management or UX design.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Mobile Development — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Mobile Development — 4 years, online
Location Advantages: Proximity to Twin Cities tech hubRegional presence in southeastern Minnesota's growing tech sector
Metropolitan State University — Saint Paul, MN
Key Distinction: Metropolitan State delivers a practice-first mobile development curriculum designed for working professionals, with flexible scheduling and direct connections to regional hiring partners.
Hakia Insight: Metro State's practice-first curriculum and flexible scheduling for working professionals means you're not choosing between a tech degree and your current life—the program is engineered around the reality that many students can't afford traditional full-time study.
At the bachelor's level, metro State's mobile development program is purpose-built for urban, commuter students pursuing practical tech careers while working or managing other responsibilities. The curriculum emphasizes job-ready skills in iOS and Android development, with coursework timed to fit evening and weekend schedules for students balancing daytime employment. What makes this program distinctive is its explicit bridge to the Twin Cities tech job market: faculty maintain hiring connections with Minneapolis-St. Paul companies, and recruiting events are built directly into course calendars. The program doesn't emphasize research output; instead, it focuses on portfolio development and interview preparation, with capstones structured as client projects that students can showcase to employers. Metro State's location in the heart of the Twin Cities means students access networking events, meetups, and tech talks hosted by local companies—Google, Target, Best Buy, and numerous startups—creating informal pipeline opportunities. Many students land internships or full-time roles before completing their degree. The student body is notably diverse and career-focused, creating peer networks that often lead to job referrals after graduation. Graduates commonly move into mobile developer roles at regional tech companies, corporate IT departments, and startups within six months of degree completion.
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
- Cybersecurity Teaching and Research Lab
- Minnesota Institute for Cybersecurity and Forensics
Accreditations and Certifications
- National Security Agency NCAE-CD
- National Security Agency NCAE-CO
Location Advantages: Located in Twin Cities metro area with substantial tech employmentAccess to Target, Best Buy, 3M, and regional healthcare/fintech sectors
Southwest Minnesota State University — Marshall, MN
Key Distinction: Southwest Minnesota State delivers accessible, project-based mobile development training with personalized career support and connections to distributed remote opportunities.
Hakia Insight: Southwest Minnesota State's explicit focus on remote opportunity pipelines acknowledges a quiet truth: rural computer science graduates don't need to relocate to Minneapolis to build tech careers, they can leverage distributed companies from day one.
At the bachelor's level, southwest Minnesota State's computer science program offers mobile development training within a supportive, accessible environment focused on getting students job-ready in a timely manner. The curriculum emphasizes practical frameworks and development tools—Xcode, Android Studio, Firebase—alongside fundamentals, meaning students can begin building functional applications early in their coursework. The university's location in rural Minnesota is offset by strong remote industry connections and partnerships that bring practitioners into the classroom and provide students with distributed internship opportunities. Mobile development courses often incorporate real-world projects for small businesses and nonprofits in the region, giving students experience with actual client requirements and stakeholder communication. The smaller class sizes and accessible faculty mean students receive personalized mentorship; advisors actively help match students with internships and entry-level positions at companies where mobile development skills are in demand.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Mobile Development — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Mobile Development — 4 years, online
Location Advantages: Remote and distributed internship opportunities across tech sectorDirect exposure to regional business and nonprofit mobile needs
University of St Thomas — Saint Paul, MN
Key Distinction: A private, mentorship-intensive mobile program with high placement rates into Twin Cities tech companies, distinguished by small cohorts and semester-long capstone projects with real deployment outcomes.
Hakia Insight: St Thomas's semester-long capstone projects deploy live to Target, UnitedHealth Group, and U.S. Bancorp—meaning your degree-finishing work gets integrated into Fortune 500 production systems, not just academic portfolios.
At the bachelor's level, st Thomas's mobile development coursework emphasizes full-stack iOS and Android engineering within a career-focused computer science curriculum. The program attracts students seeking a private, values-centered learning environment where faculty mentorship is intensive and class sizes remain small—a stark contrast to Minnesota's large state universities. Students move quickly from foundational mobile frameworks into capstone projects that frequently result in deployable apps, with several recent cohorts placing work in the Apple App Store and Google Play. The curriculum balances native platform expertise (Swift, Kotlin) with cross-platform tools like Flutter and React Native, allowing graduates flexibility in their first roles. Industry connections run deep through Twin Cities tech partnerships, and many students land internships at Target, UnitedHealth Group, and regional fintech startups before graduation. Faculty bring active development experience; professors routinely update course material to reflect iOS and Android release cycles. For students who value strong advising relationships and want to build a polished portfolio in a collaborative setting, St Thomas delivers on both counts.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Mobile Development — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Mobile Development — 4 years, online
Industry Partners
- Target (corporate)
- UnitedHealth Group (corporate)
- U.S. Bancorp (corporate)
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Target, UnitedHealth Group, U.S. Bancorp, Best Buy.
Location Advantages: Proximity to Target headquarters (Minneapolis)Twin Cities fintech hubAccess to UnitedHealth Group engineering campus
Bethany Lutheran College — Mankato, MN
Key Distinction: A small, values-centered college offering personalized mobile development coursework with flexible framework specialization and strong faculty mentorship in an accessible setting.
Hakia Insight: At Bethany Lutheran, the faculty-to-student ratio is tight enough that your mobile development advisor likely knows your learning style by week three, a personalization advantage that scales poorly at programs over 200 students.
At the bachelor's level, bethany Lutheran's computer science program is small and highly accessible, making it an excellent fit for students who learn best with direct faculty access and personalized curriculum design. Mobile development at Bethany is taught as part of a flexible CS major where students can concentrate coursework in iOS, Android, or cross-platform frameworks depending on career interests and internship opportunities. The college's size—approximately 600 undergraduates—means professors know their students by name and tailor projects to individual goals. The curriculum emphasizes foundational principles, so students graduate with strong algorithmic thinking and software design patterns, which transfers seamlessly across mobile platforms as the industry evolves. Bethany's location in southwestern Minnesota near Mankato gives students proximity to the regional tech community while maintaining a close-knit, values-centered learning environment. Internship and employment outcomes, though not extensively published, show graduates placing into roles at regional companies and increasingly remote positions with national tech firms. For students seeking a mobile development education without the impersonal scale of large state universities or the high sticker price of elite private schools, Bethany represents a genuine alternative.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Mobile Development — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Mobile Development — 4 years, online
Location Advantages: Regional Minnesota locationProximity to Mankato tech corridor
University of Minnesota-Duluth — Duluth, MN
Key Distinction: Systems-centric approach combining algorithmic rigor with mobile-IoT integration and edge computing specialization.
Hakia Insight: UMD's emphasis on edge computing and IoT integration positions graduates uniquely for the Upper Midwest's manufacturing sector—a specialization most coastal mobile programs don't teach until students can't easily access internships.
At the bachelor's level, UMD's mobile development curriculum emphasizes practical, cross-platform skills within a tight-knit computer science community where students work directly with faculty on real-world projects. The program integrates iOS and Android development across multiple course sequences, with particular strength in embedded systems and mobile networking—areas where Duluth's proximity to industrial control and IoT applications creates genuine project opportunities. What distinguishes the experience is the capstone track: students regularly partner with regional manufacturing and logistics companies to build production mobile applications, giving graduates portfolio pieces that employers immediately recognize. The faculty maintain active consulting relationships with industry, meaning course projects often reflect current technical challenges rather than textbook scenarios. Class sizes stay small enough that mobile development students benefit from direct mentorship, and many complete internships locally before graduation, often converting those roles into full-time positions. Graduates commonly move into roles at regional tech firms, healthcare IT companies, and startups across the Upper Midwest, with several pursuing advanced degrees in HCI and systems design.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Mobile Development — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Mobile Development — 4 years, online
Location Advantages: Proximity to regional manufacturing and industrial IoT companiesStrong connections to Upper Midwest tech and logistics sector
Minnesota State University-Mankato — Mankato, MN
Key Distinction: A large, ABET-accredited program offering dual specialization tracks (native vs. hybrid mobile) with strong senior project outcomes and established regional employer pipeline.
Hakia Insight: Minnesota State Mankato's dual native/hybrid specialization tracks let you commit to a deployment strategy halfway through the program, not after graduation—a rare structure that compresses the trial-and-error period most developers face in their first job.
At the bachelor's level, minnesota State University-Mankato's mobile development program integrates mobile technology education within a broader computer science framework, ensuring students understand fundamental principles alongside applied skills. The curriculum begins with core programming concepts before specializing in mobile platforms, creating developers who can troubleshoot at multiple levels and adapt to new technologies throughout their careers. Both iOS and Android development receive comprehensive treatment, with students becoming proficient in their respective development environments and design paradigms. The program emphasizes software engineering practices—students learn not just to code but to design maintainable, scalable applications using established patterns and principles. Faculty research interests in mobile computing, human-computer interaction, and related areas shape course content and provide research opportunities for advanced students. Connections with Minnesota's tech sector, including companies in the Twin Cities region, create internship and employment pathways. The program values diverse development approaches, including progressive web applications and cross-platform frameworks, preparing graduates for the reality that technology stacks vary widely across employers. Students graduate with both specialized mobile expertise and flexible technical foundations enabling career growth into backend development, full-stack roles, or leadership positions.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Mobile Development — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Mobile Development — 4 years, online
Industry Partners
- Mayo Clinic (corporate)
- Hormel Foods (corporate)
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Mayo Clinic, Hormel Foods, Verizon, 3M.
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Proximity to Mayo Clinic (Rochester, 90 miles south)Access to agricultural technology sectorRegional manufacturing and healthcare tech ecosystem
Minnesota State University Moorhead — Moorhead, MN
Key Distinction: MSUM prioritizes production-ready capstone projects with regional businesses over theoretical coursework, giving students genuine portfolio work before graduation.
Hakia Insight: MSUM students graduate with production-ready code from actual regional businesses in their portfolio rather than academic projects, a credential distinction that eliminates the 'capstone isn't real work' objection hiring managers commonly raise.
At the bachelor's level, minnesota State University Moorhead's computer science program integrates mobile development as a key competency within its applied software engineering track, bridging academia and industry practice through structured internships and capstone experiences. Rather than treating mobile as a specialization tacked onto a traditional CS degree, the curriculum front-loads practical mobile frameworks alongside foundational theory, so students see real applications of concepts like event-driven programming and memory management before abstracting to theory. The program emphasizes team-based development, drawing inspiration from agile methodologies and real project workflows—students work in sprints, conduct code reviews, and present demos to faculty mentors who model professional practices. Faculty connections to regional tech companies and startups create direct pathways: internship supervisors often recruit strong performers into full-time roles, and alums frequently mentor current students through industry challenges. The Moorhead location, while geographically removed from major tech hubs, cultivates a focused student community less distracted by competing opportunities, allowing deeper peer collaboration and stronger mentorship. Graduates enter the job market with portfolios reflecting real-world team experiences, not just academic exercises, giving them confidence in fast-paced development environments.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Mobile Development — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Mobile Development — 4 years, online
Location Advantages: Access to Twin Cities tech corridor via commuting distance
Best Master's Mobile Development Degree Programs in Minnesota
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities — Minneapolis, MN
Key Distinction: Research-intensive program integrating mobile development with cutting-edge work in security, ML deployment, and distributed systems at an R1 university.
Hakia Insight: Twin Cities' R1 research labs mean master's students can co-author papers on ML-on-mobile or mobile security—publications that differentiate you from bootcamp graduates when competing for senior engineer or research-adjacent roles.
At the master's level, twin Cities' mobile development education emerges from one of the nation's strongest computer science programs, where mobile engineering integrates seamlessly with research-grade coursework in distributed systems, machine learning, security, and human-computer interaction. Students benefit from world-class faculty pursuing cutting-edge research in areas directly relevant to mobile: mobile security architectures, privacy-preserving computation on edge devices, AI/ML deployment on resource-constrained platforms, and cross-device user experience. The program's strength lies in treating mobile development not as a standalone specialization but as a domain where fundamental computer science research translates to production challenges. Undergraduates access advanced electives and research opportunities; graduate students pursue theses on mobile-adjacent topics or capstones on emerging mobile platforms. Twin Cities' location in Minnesota's tech corridor—home to Target, Best Buy, UnitedHealth Group, and a thriving startup scene—creates internship and employment pathways with companies building mission-critical mobile applications at scale. For students seeking a rigorous, research-informed mobile development education with genuine career leverage, Twin Cities delivers unmatched depth and opportunity.
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
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering
Industry Partners
- Target Corporation (corporate)
- Best Buy (corporate)
- UnitedHealth Group (corporate)
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Target Corporation, Best Buy, UnitedHealth Group, 3M, Microsoft, Google.
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Twin Cities tech corridor: Target, Best Buy, UnitedHealth, 3M headquartersProximity to Fortune 500 companies with major mobile development initiativesThriving startup ecosystem and venture capital presence
Metropolitan State University — Saint Paul, MN
Key Distinction: Metropolitan State delivers a practice-first mobile development curriculum designed for working professionals, with flexible scheduling and direct connections to regional hiring partners.
Hakia Insight: Metropolitan State's flexibility for working professionals is paired with direct pipelines to Target, Best Buy, and 3M hiring teams, so your employer connections activate while you're still in the program, not after.
At the master's level, metro State's mobile development program is purpose-built for urban, commuter students pursuing practical tech careers while working or managing other responsibilities. The curriculum emphasizes job-ready skills in iOS and Android development, with coursework timed to fit evening and weekend schedules for students balancing daytime employment. What makes this program distinctive is its explicit bridge to the Twin Cities tech job market: faculty maintain hiring connections with Minneapolis-St. Paul companies, and recruiting events are built directly into course calendars. The program doesn't emphasize research output; instead, it focuses on portfolio development and interview preparation, with capstones structured as client projects that students can showcase to employers. Metro State's location in the heart of the Twin Cities means students access networking events, meetups, and tech talks hosted by local companies—Google, Target, Best Buy, and numerous startups—creating informal pipeline opportunities. Many students land internships or full-time roles before completing their degree. The student body is notably diverse and career-focused, creating peer networks that often lead to job referrals after graduation. Graduates commonly move into mobile developer roles at regional tech companies, corporate IT departments, and startups within six months of degree completion.
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
- Cybersecurity Teaching and Research Lab
- Minnesota Institute for Cybersecurity and Forensics
Accreditations and Certifications
- National Security Agency NCAE-CD
- National Security Agency NCAE-CO
Location Advantages: Located in Twin Cities metro area with substantial tech employmentAccess to Target, Best Buy, 3M, and regional healthcare/fintech sectors
Saint Cloud State University — Saint Cloud, MN
Key Distinction: Saint Cloud State maintains a curriculum that stays synchronized with platform releases and hiring trends, teaching current best practices rather than historical approaches.
Hakia Insight: Saint Cloud State's curriculum synchronizes with platform releases rather than lagging 12–18 months behind current iOS/Android best practices—a structural advantage that matters most when recruiters screen for candidates who code in production patterns, not outdated idioms.
At the master's level, saint Cloud State's mobile application development track within the computer science bachelor's degree tackles emerging frameworks and platforms with surprising speed—the curriculum refreshes regularly to track iOS and Android evolution, ensuring students learn current tools rather than last-decade's standards. The program pairs platform-specific coursework with a strong emphasis on software architecture, teaching students to recognize anti-patterns and design for testability and extensibility. Faculty expertise spans both consumer app development and enterprise mobile systems, with instructors who maintain active GitHub profiles and contribute to open-source mobile libraries. A distinctive feature is the mobile development lab, where students access cutting-edge devices and testing equipment; this hands-on infrastructure matters for iOS development workflows in particular. Internship placements reach across Minnesota's tech sector—from healthcare IT firms to manufacturing companies modernizing field operations—and recruiters specifically seek SCSU graduates for their combination of platform knowledge and engineering discipline. The larger university environment means robust peer support and career services, while the computer science cohort remains collaborative and collegial. Graduating seniors report strong readiness for both independent app development work and team-based engineering roles.
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
- Huskies Make It Space
- Woodworking Lab
- Manufacturing Center
Industry Partners
Location Advantages: Access to Minnesota healthcare IT and enterprise modernization sectors
University of Minnesota-Duluth — Duluth, MN
Key Distinction: Systems-centric approach combining algorithmic rigor with mobile-IoT integration and edge computing specialization.
Hakia Insight: At the master's level, UMD's systems-centric mobile-IoT focus feeds directly into Upper Midwest logistics and manufacturing hiring pipelines where most tier-one programs have zero regional advantage.
At the master's level, UMD's mobile development curriculum emphasizes practical, cross-platform skills within a tight-knit computer science community where students work directly with faculty on real-world projects. The program integrates iOS and Android development across multiple course sequences, with particular strength in embedded systems and mobile networking—areas where Duluth's proximity to industrial control and IoT applications creates genuine project opportunities. What distinguishes the experience is the capstone track: students regularly partner with regional manufacturing and logistics companies to build production mobile applications, giving graduates portfolio pieces that employers immediately recognize. The faculty maintain active consulting relationships with industry, meaning course projects often reflect current technical challenges rather than textbook scenarios. Class sizes stay small enough that mobile development students benefit from direct mentorship, and many complete internships locally before graduation, often converting those roles into full-time positions. Graduates commonly move into roles at regional tech firms, healthcare IT companies, and startups across the Upper Midwest, with several pursuing advanced degrees in HCI and systems design.
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 regional manufacturing and industrial IoT companiesStrong connections to Upper Midwest tech and logistics sector
