Best Associate's Mobile Development Degree Programs in Missouri
St Charles Community College — Cottleville, MO
Hakia Insight: St Charles Community College embeds mobile development within active projects for local healthcare IT vendors and small businesses, meaning your associate degree includes deployed code that generates revenue, not hypothetical scenarios.
At the associate's level, the mobile development pathway here emphasizes practical, project-based learning where you'll build real applications students and small businesses actually use. You'll start with foundational programming and progress to full-stack mobile development across multiple platforms. St. Charles Community College positions itself as a launch pad for both immediate employment and transfer, with many graduates moving into junior developer roles at St. Louis-area firms or continuing at four-year universities. The program balances theory with portfolio building—by graduation, you'll have 4-5 completed projects to show employers.
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: Graybar Electric, Olin Corporation (IT services), Local software development agencies, St. Louis-area healthcare IT vendors.
Top Transfer Destinations
- Saint Louis University
- Washington University in St. Louis
- University of Missouri - St. Louis
- Missouri University of Science and Technology
Entry-Level Career Paths
- Junior Mobile Developer
- Android Application Developer
- iOS Developer
- Mobile Application Tester
- Mobile Support Technician
Included Certifications
- CompTIA A+
- Oracle Java Fundamentals
- Google Associate Android Developer
Location Advantages:
Missouri Southern State University — Joplin, MO
Key Distinction: Missouri Southern prioritizes portfolio-ready project work and regional employer partnerships over theory, making it ideal for students seeking immediate industry relevance.
Hakia Insight: Missouri Southern's Kansas City proximity puts associate degree graduates within commuting distance of a tech corridor underserved by four-year programs, collapsing the usual time-to-employment gap for two-year credentials.
At the associate's level, missouri Southern's mobile development curriculum emphasizes practical, hands-on learning with a strong focus on cross-platform development frameworks like React Native and Flutter. Students gain experience building production-grade applications rather than academic exercises, with upper-level courses offering specializations in iOS/Android native development and mobile UX design. The program benefits from close ties to regional employers in the healthcare and financial services sectors, who frequently host student projects and internships. Faculty bring real-world development experience, and the relatively small cohort size means students receive individualized mentorship. Career placement rates reflect strong regional demand, with graduates moving into junior developer roles at established companies and startups throughout the Midwest.
Programs Offered
- Associate of Science in Mobile Development — 2 years, on-campus
- Associate of Applied Science in Mobile Development — 2 years, online
Location Advantages: Regional proximity to Kansas City tech ecosystem
Ozarks Technical Community College — Springfield, MO
Hakia Insight: OTC's Ozarks-focused curriculum acknowledges that many students want technical skills without geographic displacement—a regional commitment that builds stronger employer relationships than programs treating the associate degree as a pipeline to bachelor's completion elsewhere.
At the associate's level, working in tech but want to stay in the Ozarks region? OTC's mobile development program is designed for students who value quality education without leaving Southwest Missouri. The curriculum focuses on cross-platform development tools and frameworks that employers in Springfield and beyond actively seek. Students work with current technologies in well-equipped labs and benefit from partnerships with regional employers in healthcare, retail tech, and business services. Graduates often transition into junior developer positions at Springfield-based tech companies or transfer to four-year programs with accumulated credits.
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: Springfield area healthcare systems, Regional retail technology firms, Local software development companies, Business service providers.
Top Transfer Destinations
- Missouri State University
- University of Missouri - Columbia
- Missouri University of Science and Technology
Entry-Level Career Paths
- Junior Mobile Developer
- Android Developer
- Mobile Application Technician
- IT Support Specialist - Mobile Applications
- Quality Assurance Technician
Included Certifications
- CompTIA A+
- CompTIA Network+
- Oracle Java Associate
Location Advantages:
State Technical College of Missouri — Linn, MO
Hakia Insight: State Tech's 'maker's mindset' approach means you build production-quality applications from semester one rather than spending the first year on theory, compressing time-to-portfolio readiness by an entire year compared to traditional sequences.
At the associate's level, state Tech's reputation is built on rigorous technical training with a maker's mindset—you don't just learn theory, you build production-quality applications from day one. The mobile development program integrates embedded systems knowledge with app development, giving graduates an edge in IoT and device-oriented mobile projects that larger programs overlook. Employer feedback drives curriculum updates quarterly, ensuring you're learning tools companies are hiring for right now. Alumni frequently describe the program as the hardest and most rewarding technical education in Missouri, with job placement rates that reflect the demand for graduates' skills.
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: Manufacturing and industrial automation firms, Aerospace contractors, Regional tech innovators, Telecom and networking companies.
Top Transfer Destinations
- University of Missouri - Rolla (Missouri University of Science and Technology)
- University of Missouri - Columbia
- Missouri Tech State Universities
Entry-Level Career Paths
- Junior Mobile Developer
- Embedded Systems Developer
- IoT Application Developer
- Mobile Systems Technician
- Hardware-Software Integration Technician
Included Certifications
- CompTIA A+
- CompTIA Network+
- Oracle Java Associate
- Cisco CCNA (foundation)
Location Advantages:
Moberly Area Community College — Moberly, MO
Hakia Insight: MACC's small cohorts in central Missouri create genuine peer accountability and faculty mentorship at an associate level, where students at larger programs often experience the anonymity of introductory lectures despite smaller class sizes.
At the associate's level, MACC brings mobile development education to central Missouri with a program built for students who value personalized instruction and small class sizes. You won't be anonymous in a lecture hall—instructors know your name, your goals, and your learning style. The mobile development track starts with programming fundamentals and progresses through iOS and Android development, with flexibility to pursue a two-year degree or exit with a certificate for immediate employment. Many students here are working adults, so the program accommodates schedules while maintaining rigor; graduates report strong satisfaction with their preparation for junior developer roles.
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 healthcare providers, Small to mid-sized Missouri software companies, Local businesses expanding tech capabilities, State and local government IT departments.
Top Transfer Destinations
- University of Missouri - Columbia
- Missouri State University
- University of Missouri - Rolla
Entry-Level Career Paths
- Junior Mobile Developer
- Mobile Application Developer
- IT Support Technician - Applications
- Quality Assurance Technician
- Junior Developer
Included Certifications
- CompTIA A+
- Oracle Java Fundamentals
Location Advantages:
Ranken Technical College — Saint Louis, MO
Hakia Insight: Ranken's program was built backward from employer demand—St. Louis healthcare systems and regional software agencies defined the curriculum first, meaning graduates arrive with skills companies are actively hiring for rather than skills companies hope to retrain.
At the associate's level, ranken's mobile development program came from listening to St. Louis employers who said they needed graduates comfortable with both cutting-edge frameworks and solid engineering fundamentals. The curriculum blends software craftsmanship with real-world project management, so you graduate not just able to code but able to work on teams that ship products. Internship placements are built into the program structure, not optional—you'll have work experience before you graduate. Ranken's graduate network actively supports job placement, and many alumni report staying at their internship companies as full-time developers.
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: Centene Corporation, Olin Corporation IT divisions, St. Louis area software agencies, Regional healthcare technology vendors.
Top Transfer Destinations
- University of Missouri - St. Louis
- Saint Louis University
- Washington University in St. Louis
Entry-Level Career Paths
- Junior Mobile Developer
- Mobile Application Developer
- Android Developer
- iOS Developer
- Mobile Application Quality Assurance Technician
Included Certifications
- CompTIA A+
- Oracle Java Fundamentals
- Google Associate Android Developer
Location Advantages:
Best Bachelor's Mobile Development Degree Programs in Missouri
Washington University in St Louis — Saint Louis, MO
Key Distinction: Integration of research-backed mobile systems education with early industry access and entrepreneurship support creates a pathway to leadership roles in mobile technology.
Hakia Insight: Washington University's Systems and Networking Lab gives undergrads direct access to research infrastructure typically reserved for graduate programs, letting them co-author work on mobile systems architecture while simultaneously recruiting from Apple, Google, and Microsoft.
At the bachelor's level, washington University's mobile development pathway sits within one of the nation's strongest computer science programs, where students can specialize in mobile systems architecture, HCI for mobile platforms, and distributed app development. The program is distinguished by its research-first culture: undergraduates regularly co-author papers on mobile security, augmented reality interfaces, and edge computing for IoT devices, often presenting at ACM conferences. Faculty members—many of whom hold NSF grants and collaborate with industry labs—embed mobile projects into courses on operating systems, networks, and software engineering, ensuring theoretical rigor alongside practical skill-building. Internship placements are facilitated through Washington University's deep ties to tech giants (Apple, Google, Microsoft) and venture-backed firms in the St. Louis startup scene, with many students securing positions before sophomore year. The university's Skandalaris Center for Entrepreneurship also funnels mobile development students into accelerators and pitch competitions, where several cohorts have launched their own ventures. Graduates emerge with both strong systems thinking and polished portfolios, typically landing at tier-one tech companies or leading specialized roles in fintech, healthcare software, and game development studios.
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
- Systems and Networking Lab
- Human-Computer Interaction Lab
Industry Partners
- Apple (corporate)
- Google (corporate)
- Microsoft (corporate)
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Access to St. Louis startup ecosystem and venture capitalProximity to major tech company regional offices
University of Missouri-Kansas City — Kansas City, MO
Key Distinction: UMKC distinguishes itself by embedding mobile development within a research-informed curriculum, preparing students for both industry roles and advanced graduate study.
Hakia Insight: UMKC's Vision Research Center and Shock and Trauma partnerships mean mobile development students can build real clinical applications—not case studies—for Children's Mercy and Saint Luke's, transforming their portfolio into evidence of shipped healthcare software.
At the bachelor's level, UMKC's computer science curriculum treats mobile development as a critical specialization within a research-informed undergraduate program; students don't just learn to build apps—they engage with the research questions driving mobile platform evolution. The program maintains active research initiatives in mobile security, cross-platform performance optimization, and emerging interaction paradigms, and undergraduate mobile courses are deliberately scaffolded to prepare students for research participation. Upper-level electives in mobile systems architecture and advanced mobile security give students exposure to graduate-level thinking while still undergraduates. UMKC's location in Kansas City, combined with the institution's commitment to regional economic development, creates strong connections to Midwest tech employers and startups; the computer science department actively facilitates internships and research partnerships. Faculty expertise spans both foundational computer science (algorithms, systems) and applied mobile engineering, ensuring that coursework develops both depth and breadth. For students interested in graduate study or research-oriented careers, UMKC's mobile development pathway provides unusually strong preparation through early research mentorship and exposure to scholarly literature in the field.
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
- Vision Research Center
- Shock and Trauma Research Center
- NextGen Biomedical Informatics Center
- Fetal Development Research Laboratory
- Proteomics Core Facility
- Biological Mass Spectrometry and Proteomics Facility
- Center of Excellence in the Study of Dental and Musculoskeletal Tissues
Industry Partners
- Children's Mercy (collaborator)
- Saint Luke's Research (collaborator)
- University Health Research (collaborator)
- Sabates Eye Centers, P.C. (collaborator)
- International City/County Management Association (collaborator)
- Nonprofit Connect (collaborator)
- Council of Nonprofits (collaborator)
Notable Faculty
- Dr. Nelson Sabates — Ophthalmology and vision research
- Dr. Samantha Herretes — Ophthalmology
- Dr. Paula Monaghan-Nichols — Biomedical Sciences
- Dr. Michael Wacker — Biomedical Sciences
Location Advantages: Kansas City tech sectorMidwest startup ecosystem access
University of Missouri-St Louis — Saint Louis, MO
Key Distinction: UMSL combines mobile development with embedded HCI principles, preparing graduates to design user-centered applications rather than simply implement features.
Hakia Insight: UMSL embeds HCI principles directly into mobile development rather than as a separate elective, which means graduates don't just ship features—they're trained to solve the behavioral and neurodynamic insights their Edward Jones and Scale AI employers actually need.
At the bachelor's level, UMSL's mobile development program emphasizes practical, project-based learning within a computer science curriculum that prioritizes real-world application. Students engage with iOS and Android development through dedicated coursework, gaining hands-on experience building production-quality applications while working alongside faculty who maintain active connections to the St. Louis tech ecosystem. The program is structured to move quickly from foundational programming into mobile-specific frameworks and design patterns, with students typically shipping their own apps by the end of their second year. What distinguishes this pathway is its integration of human-computer interaction principles—mobile developers here learn to architect user experiences, not just write code. The nearby presence of major employers and growing startup activity in the region creates internship and recruitment pipelines that directly feed into competitive entry-level positions.
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
- Missouri Institute of Mental Health
- Community Innovation and Action Center
- Center for Neurodynamics
Industry Partners
- Edward Jones (collaborator)
- Nidec Americas Holding Corporation (partner)
- Scale AI (partner)
Notable Faculty
- Dr. Chris Spilling — Chemistry
- Dr. Kimberly Werner — Behavioral neuroscience psychology and addiction epidemiology
Accreditations and Certifications
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
- Council on Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)
- Higher Learning Commission
Location Advantages: St. Louis tech corridor with growing mobile/software development sector
University of Central Missouri — Warrensburg, MO
Key Distinction: Integration of mobile development with cross-disciplinary collaboration and regional enterprise partnerships creates developers skilled at both technical execution and business-aligned product thinking.
Hakia Insight: One hour from Kansas City's startup ecosystem, UCM positions students to consult on live mobile projects for regional manufacturers while still enrolled, bridging the gap between academic coursework and entrepreneurial execution that most programs leave to post-graduation.
At the bachelor's level, the University of Central Missouri's mobile development concentration emerges from a computer science program that balances theoretical foundations with entrepreneurial mindset—students learn mobile development not in isolation but as part of a broader software engineering education. The curriculum spans native development (iOS and Android), cross-platform frameworks (React Native), and backend services necessary to ship production apps. What sets UCM apart is the embedded connection to the university's business and engineering ecosystem: mobile development students collaborate regularly with business school classmates on startup projects, and the university's innovation partnerships with regional manufacturers and enterprises create real deployment opportunities. Faculty expertise spans mobile security, performance optimization, and user experience design, with instructors who have shipped commercial apps and understand industry workflows. The Warrensburg campus location provides surprising advantages—proximity to Kansas City's growing tech scene (just an hour away) without the cost-of-living burden, and deep roots with regional companies across finance, logistics, and healthcare that actively hire graduates. Students emerge with solid development chops and the soft skills for cross-functional teamwork, positioning them well for roles ranging from startup founding to technical leadership at established firms.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Mobile Development — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Mobile Development — 4 years, online
Location Advantages: One hour from Kansas City tech hub and startup ecosystemConnections to regional enterprises and manufacturers seeking mobile solutions
Saint Louis University — Saint Louis, MO
Key Distinction: SLU's mobile program uniquely prioritizes security architecture and ethical design from day one, producing graduates ready for senior-track roles in regulated industries.
Hakia Insight: SLU's emphasis on security architecture from day one isn't theoretical—Centene, a Fortune 500 healthcare giant, actively recruits graduates because they arrive understanding compliance and ethical design in regulated systems, compressing years of on-the-job learning.
At the bachelor's level, SLU's mobile and cloud computing specialization integrates native and cross-platform development with cloud infrastructure design, preparing students for the full technical stack expected in modern mobile roles. The program emphasizes security and reliability from the ground up, with required coursework in mobile app security, data protection, and secure API design—differentiators in a field where security vulnerabilities carry high costs. Students complete capstone projects often sponsored by St. Louis-based financial services and healthcare companies, providing real business context and networking. The Jesuit institution's emphasis on ethical technology use permeates the curriculum, and faculty include industry practitioners with extensive mobile product experience. Graduates report strong placement into senior-track mobile engineering positions, often with titles like "Mobile Engineer II" or "Senior Developer" rather than junior roles.
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
- Open Source Software Center
- Sinquefield Center for Applied Economic Research
- Center for Vaccine Development
Industry Partners
- Centene Corporation (corporate)
- Graybar (corporate)
- Facebook (partner)
- RGA Reinsurance Company (partner)
- 1904labs (partner)
- Edward Jones (partner)
- World Wide Technology (partner)
- Exegy (partner)
- AT&T (partner)
- MasterCard (employer)
- United States Airforce (collaborator)
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Centene, Graybar, Emerson, Mastercard.
Notable Faculty
- Dr. Min Hyung Choi — Computer Science Department Leadership
- Dr. Michael Goldwasser — Computer Science
- Dr. Flavio Esposito — Computer Science Graduate Programs
- Dr. Abby Stylianou — Computer Science
- Daniel Shown — Open Source Software
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: St. Louis financial services and healthcare hubs; strong local employer relationships
Missouri Valley College — Marshall, MO
Key Distinction: Smaller cohort sizes and faculty-mentored capstone projects with actual client work create a mobile development program that prioritizes portfolio-building and personalized career guidance over scale.
Hakia Insight: Missouri Valley's tight cohorts mean students work on actual client capstone projects where failure has real consequences, creating portfolio pieces that outweigh internship experience when competing for roles at Kansas City agencies and startups.
At the bachelor's level, missouri Valley College's mobile development coursework emphasizes practical, project-based learning within a tight-knit computer science program where students work directly with faculty mentors on real applications. The curriculum balances native iOS and Android development with cross-platform frameworks like React Native and Flutter, giving students exposure to the full spectrum of mobile ecosystems. What distinguishes the experience here is the emphasis on small cohorts—you're not competing for attention in lecture halls of 300—and faculty who maintain active connections to regional tech firms. Students typically complete capstone projects that solve problems for local businesses or nonprofits, building portfolios that resonate with employers. The college's location in Marshall, Missouri, while rural, paradoxically strengthens industry relationships; partnerships with Kansas City-based tech companies and startups provide internship pathways and guest lectures. Graduates commonly transition into roles at mid-market software firms, fintech startups, and corporate innovation labs across the Midwest, with many citing the one-on-one mentorship and real-world project experience as decisive advantages in job interviews.
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 Kansas City tech ecosystem and startup community
Missouri State University-Springfield — Springfield, MO
Key Distinction: Missouri State teaches mobile development as software engineering, embedding version control, testing, and deployment practices from day one rather than treating them as optional add-ons.
Hakia Insight: Missouri State treats mobile development as software engineering from day one—version control, testing, and CI/CD aren't optional topics squeezed into the final semester, they're woven into every project, making graduates immediately productive in team environments.
At the bachelor's level, missouri State's computer science program incorporates mobile development as part of a software engineering emphasis that stresses design methodology and team collaboration. The mobile track here focuses on teaching students not just how to build apps, but how to architect them—version control, testing frameworks, continuous integration, and deployment pipelines are baked into mobile coursework from the start. Students work in peer-reviewed development teams on term-long projects, mirroring actual software shops. The program benefits from Springfield's growing regional tech presence and maintains partnerships with local companies that frequently recruit graduates. What stands out is the engineering discipline: mobile development isn't treated as a separate specialty but as one expression of solid software engineering principles, which gives graduates an advantage when moving between roles or technologies later in their careers.
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: Springfield regional tech growth
Lindenwood University — Saint Charles, MO
Key Distinction: Lindenwood's mobile development pathway combines native and emerging framework expertise with flexible entry points and embedded real-world project experience.
Hakia Insight: Lindenwood's emphasis on rapid skill acquisition with native and emerging frameworks lets students pivot between iOS, Android, and cross-platform tools without rebuilding their foundation, a flexibility that tracks closer to how working developers actually operate.
At the bachelor's level, lindenwood integrates mobile app development into its computer science curriculum with an emphasis on rapid skill acquisition and industry relevance. The program blends native iOS and Android development with emerging frameworks, allowing students to choose specialization tracks based on career goals—whether that's game development on mobile platforms, enterprise applications, or consumer-facing products. Faculty connections to the St. Louis area tech community are leveraged to bring real-world projects into the classroom; students often work on actual client work or contribute to open-source mobile libraries. The distinctive element is Lindenwood's flexibility in format and pacing: the program accommodates both traditional four-year undergraduates and accelerated pathways for students entering with prior technical experience, making it accessible to career-changers. Graduates report strong placement rates, particularly among local employers, with many landing positions before graduation through project-based networking.
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 St. Louis tech hub and regional companies
Webster University — Saint Louis, MO
Key Distinction: Webster University offers comprehensive Mobile Development programs preparing students for careers in technology.
Hakia Insight: Webster University's mobile development offering provides an accessible private institution alternative in the St. Louis market, balancing personalized instruction with proximity to established regional tech employers.
Webster University offers Mobile Development programs in Saint Louis, MO. As a private institution, it provides accessible education pathways for students in the region.
Missouri Western State University — Saint Joseph, MO
Key Distinction: Missouri Western's program excels at translating industry advisory input directly into curriculum, ensuring graduates arrive job-ready with production-quality portfolio projects.
Hakia Insight: Missouri Western's industry advisory board doesn't just consult—it actively shapes which production-quality portfolio projects students build, so graduates arrive with Swift and Kotlin projects that match what Kansas City employers are actually reviewing in technical interviews.
At the bachelor's level, missouri Western's computer science program delivers mobile development instruction through a practical lens: students learn platform-specific development (Swift, Kotlin) alongside cross-platform solutions, but the pedagogical emphasis remains on shipping products that solve genuine problems. The curriculum is structured to move students from foundational mobile UI/UX principles in year two directly into specialized tracks in iOS or Android development by year three, with electives in emerging areas like wearables and IoT integration. What distinguishes this program is the embedded industry advisory board—practitioners from regional tech companies and startups sit on curriculum committees, meaning course content stays calibrated to hiring realities. The capstone experience often involves semester-long partnerships with local organizations, resulting in production applications that graduates can reference in job interviews. Faculty members balance academic rigor with pragmatism, emphasizing code quality, testing practices, and version control workflows that employers actually expect on day one.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Mobile Development — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Mobile Development — 4 years, online
Location Advantages: Kansas City metropolitan area tech access
Best Master's Mobile Development Degree Programs in Missouri
University of Missouri-Kansas City — Kansas City, MO
Key Distinction: UMKC distinguishes itself by embedding mobile development within a research-informed curriculum, preparing students for both industry roles and advanced graduate study.
Hakia Insight: UMKC's master's program leverages its biomedical research infrastructure to let mobile developers specialize in healthcare app architecture, giving graduates a rare depth in one of the highest-paying and most regulated segments of mobile development.
At the master's level, UMKC's computer science curriculum treats mobile development as a critical specialization within a research-informed undergraduate program; students don't just learn to build apps—they engage with the research questions driving mobile platform evolution. The program maintains active research initiatives in mobile security, cross-platform performance optimization, and emerging interaction paradigms, and undergraduate mobile courses are deliberately scaffolded to prepare students for research participation. Upper-level electives in mobile systems architecture and advanced mobile security give students exposure to graduate-level thinking while still undergraduates. UMKC's location in Kansas City, combined with the institution's commitment to regional economic development, creates strong connections to Midwest tech employers and startups; the computer science department actively facilitates internships and research partnerships. Faculty expertise spans both foundational computer science (algorithms, systems) and applied mobile engineering, ensuring that coursework develops both depth and breadth. For students interested in graduate study or research-oriented careers, UMKC's mobile development pathway provides unusually strong preparation through early research mentorship and exposure to scholarly literature in the field.
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
- Vision Research Center
- Shock and Trauma Research Center
- NextGen Biomedical Informatics Center
- Fetal Development Research Laboratory
- Proteomics Core Facility
- Biological Mass Spectrometry and Proteomics Facility
- Center of Excellence in the Study of Dental and Musculoskeletal Tissues
Industry Partners
- Children's Mercy (collaborator)
- Saint Luke's Research (collaborator)
- University Health Research (collaborator)
- Sabates Eye Centers, P.C. (collaborator)
- International City/County Management Association (collaborator)
- Nonprofit Connect (collaborator)
- Council of Nonprofits (collaborator)
Notable Faculty
- Dr. Nelson Sabates — Ophthalmology and vision research
- Dr. Samantha Herretes — Ophthalmology
- Dr. Paula Monaghan-Nichols — Biomedical Sciences
- Dr. Michael Wacker — Biomedical Sciences
Location Advantages: Kansas City tech sectorMidwest startup ecosystem access
Washington University in St Louis — Saint Louis, MO
Key Distinction: Integration of research-backed mobile systems education with early industry access and entrepreneurship support creates a pathway to leadership roles in mobile technology.
Hakia Insight: At the master's level, Washington University's proximity to Apple and Google regional offices transforms coursework from abstract systems design into ongoing industry collaboration, with grad students often pivoting class projects into part-time consulting roles.
At the master's level, washington University's mobile development pathway sits within one of the nation's strongest computer science programs, where students can specialize in mobile systems architecture, HCI for mobile platforms, and distributed app development. The program is distinguished by its research-first culture: undergraduates regularly co-author papers on mobile security, augmented reality interfaces, and edge computing for IoT devices, often presenting at ACM conferences. Faculty members—many of whom hold NSF grants and collaborate with industry labs—embed mobile projects into courses on operating systems, networks, and software engineering, ensuring theoretical rigor alongside practical skill-building. Internship placements are facilitated through Washington University's deep ties to tech giants (Apple, Google, Microsoft) and venture-backed firms in the St. Louis startup scene, with many students securing positions before sophomore year. The university's Skandalaris Center for Entrepreneurship also funnels mobile development students into accelerators and pitch competitions, where several cohorts have launched their own ventures. Graduates emerge with both strong systems thinking and polished portfolios, typically landing at tier-one tech companies or leading specialized roles in fintech, healthcare software, and game development studios.
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
- Systems and Networking Lab
- Human-Computer Interaction Lab
Industry Partners
- Apple (corporate)
- Google (corporate)
- Microsoft (corporate)
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Access to St. Louis startup ecosystem and venture capitalProximity to major tech company regional offices
University of Central Missouri — Warrensburg, MO
Key Distinction: Integration of mobile development with cross-disciplinary collaboration and regional enterprise partnerships creates developers skilled at both technical execution and business-aligned product thinking.
Hakia Insight: UCM's master's program sits between Kansas City startups and manufacturers in need of mobile solutions, positioning graduates as technical leaders who understand both product strategy and enterprise operations rather than pure engineers.
At the master's level, the University of Central Missouri's mobile development concentration emerges from a computer science program that balances theoretical foundations with entrepreneurial mindset—students learn mobile development not in isolation but as part of a broader software engineering education. The curriculum spans native development (iOS and Android), cross-platform frameworks (React Native), and backend services necessary to ship production apps. What sets UCM apart is the embedded connection to the university's business and engineering ecosystem: mobile development students collaborate regularly with business school classmates on startup projects, and the university's innovation partnerships with regional manufacturers and enterprises create real deployment opportunities. Faculty expertise spans mobile security, performance optimization, and user experience design, with instructors who have shipped commercial apps and understand industry workflows. The Warrensburg campus location provides surprising advantages—proximity to Kansas City's growing tech scene (just an hour away) without the cost-of-living burden, and deep roots with regional companies across finance, logistics, and healthcare that actively hire graduates. Students emerge with solid development chops and the soft skills for cross-functional teamwork, positioning them well for roles ranging from startup founding to technical leadership at established firms.
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: One hour from Kansas City tech hub and startup ecosystemConnections to regional enterprises and manufacturers seeking mobile solutions
Saint Louis University — Saint Louis, MO
Key Distinction: SLU's mobile program uniquely prioritizes security architecture and ethical design from day one, producing graduates ready for senior-track roles in regulated industries.
Hakia Insight: SLU's master's track in mobile and cloud infrastructure for regulated industries (built on Centene's recruiting demand) produces graduates commanding senior IC or staff engineer roles immediately, skipping the two-year IC grind typical at less specialized programs.
At the master's level, SLU's mobile and cloud computing specialization integrates native and cross-platform development with cloud infrastructure design, preparing students for the full technical stack expected in modern mobile roles. The program emphasizes security and reliability from the ground up, with required coursework in mobile app security, data protection, and secure API design—differentiators in a field where security vulnerabilities carry high costs. Students complete capstone projects often sponsored by St. Louis-based financial services and healthcare companies, providing real business context and networking. The Jesuit institution's emphasis on ethical technology use permeates the curriculum, and faculty include industry practitioners with extensive mobile product experience. Graduates report strong placement into senior-track mobile engineering positions, often with titles like "Mobile Engineer II" or "Senior Developer" rather than junior 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
- Open Source Software Center
- Sinquefield Center for Applied Economic Research
- Center for Vaccine Development
Industry Partners
- Centene Corporation (corporate)
- Graybar (corporate)
- Facebook (partner)
- RGA Reinsurance Company (partner)
- 1904labs (partner)
- Edward Jones (partner)
- World Wide Technology (partner)
- Exegy (partner)
- AT&T (partner)
- MasterCard (employer)
- United States Airforce (collaborator)
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Centene, Graybar, Emerson, Mastercard.
Notable Faculty
- Dr. Min Hyung Choi — Computer Science Department Leadership
- Dr. Michael Goldwasser — Computer Science
- Dr. Flavio Esposito — Computer Science Graduate Programs
- Dr. Abby Stylianou — Computer Science
- Daniel Shown — Open Source Software
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: St. Louis financial services and healthcare hubs; strong local employer relationships
Northwest Missouri State University — Maryville, MO
Key Distinction: Application-first curriculum with client-facing projects and strong regional employer relationships produces mobile developers prepared for independent problem-solving and immediate job impact.
Hakia Insight: Northwest Missouri State's regional employer network in agriculture and manufacturing tech means master's students aren't just learning mobile development—they're solving supply-chain and IoT problems that command premium salaries in underserved verticals.
At the master's level, at Northwest Missouri State, the mobile development program prioritizes hands-on development through a curriculum that moves quickly from fundamentals to shipping real applications. Students work across iOS (Swift), Android (Kotlin/Java), and web-based mobile technologies, but the program's strength lies in its applied focus: nearly every course includes a project component, and the capstone sequence connects students directly with nonprofits and small businesses needing mobile solutions. Faculty maintain active industry consulting practices, bringing real-world problem-solving into the classroom rather than treating mobile development as an abstract domain. The university's location in Maryville provides an interesting advantage—while away from major tech hubs, this has fostered strong relationships with regional employers in agriculture technology, healthcare, and manufacturing who increasingly need custom mobile apps. Internship opportunities are plentiful and often lead directly to job offers. Graduates tend to excel in environments where they can own a project end-to-end, finding success at regional tech companies, enterprise software firms, and as solo or team-based consultants building niche mobile products. The program's emphasis on finished products over research papers means students graduate with functional portfolios that speak louder than theoretical credentials.
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: Strong connections to regional employers in agriculture, healthcare, and manufacturing tech
Missouri State University-Springfield — Springfield, MO
Key Distinction: Missouri State teaches mobile development as software engineering, embedding version control, testing, and deployment practices from day one rather than treating them as optional add-ons.
Hakia Insight: Missouri State embeds version control and deployment infrastructure into every assignment rather than relegating them to capstones, so graduates arrive at jobs already fluent in the engineering practices that separate junior developers from productive ones.
At the master's level, missouri State's computer science program incorporates mobile development as part of a software engineering emphasis that stresses design methodology and team collaboration. The mobile track here focuses on teaching students not just how to build apps, but how to architect them—version control, testing frameworks, continuous integration, and deployment pipelines are baked into mobile coursework from the start. Students work in peer-reviewed development teams on term-long projects, mirroring actual software shops. The program benefits from Springfield's growing regional tech presence and maintains partnerships with local companies that frequently recruit graduates. What stands out is the engineering discipline: mobile development isn't treated as a separate specialty but as one expression of solid software engineering principles, which gives graduates an advantage when moving between roles or technologies later in their careers.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Mobile Development — 1-2 years, on-campus
- Master of Arts in Mobile Development — 1-2 years, online
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Springfield regional tech growth
University of Missouri-St Louis — Saint Louis, MO
Key Distinction: Three program options: Traditional, Certificate-focused, and Professional (for 3+ years industry experience). Five certificate specializations embedded in curriculum: AI, Cybersecurity, Data Science, Internet/Web, Mobile Apps and Computing
Hakia Insight: UMSL's Professional track option explicitly targets engineers with 3+ years of experience, creating cohorts where classmates bring real debugging war stories—a structure that transforms a master's degree from credential-chasing into peer-driven problem-solving.
The Master of Science in Computer Science at UMSL is a 30-credit graduate program designed for working professionals seeking career advancement in computer science. The program offers three flexible options: Traditional (comprehensive coursework), Certificate (focused study in AI, Cybersecurity, Data Science, Internet/Web, or Mobile Apps), and Professional (for candidates with 3+ years industry experience). All courses emphasize hands-on, project-based learning with small class sizes (capped at 25 students). While the page does not explicitly specify part-time/evening scheduling, thesis vs. coursework tracks, graduate assistantship stipends, or embedded professional certifications for this program, UMSL advertises flexible scheduling across the institution (evening, weekends, 4-16 week formats). Graduates advance to senior-level roles such as Software Developer, Mobile App Developer, AI Specialist, and Information Security Manager. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, computer and information research scientists earn a median annual salary of $136,620 with 23% projected employment growth through 2032, representing significant advancement over bachelor's-level positions.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Computer Science — 1-2 years, on-campus. MS
Research Labs and Institutes
- Missouri Institute of Mental Health
- Community Innovation and Action Center
- Center for Neurodynamics
Industry Partners
- Edward Jones (collaborator)
- Nidec Americas Holding Corporation (partner)
- Scale AI (partner)
Career Outcomes
Median Salary: $NaN. Top Employers: Intel.
Notable Faculty
- Dr. Chris Spilling — Chemistry
- Dr. Kimberly Werner — Behavioral neuroscience psychology and addiction epidemiology
Accreditations and Certifications
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
- Council on Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)
- Higher Learning Commission
Location Advantages: St. Louis tech corridor with growing mobile/software development sector
Lindenwood University — Saint Charles, MO
Key Distinction: Lindenwood's mobile development pathway combines native and emerging framework expertise with flexible entry points and embedded real-world project experience.
Hakia Insight: Lindenwood's flexible entry points and native/emerging framework blend let career-switchers start with Swift or Kotlin depending on target job market, rather than forcing everyone through a one-size-fits-all curriculum.
At the master's level, lindenwood integrates mobile app development into its computer science curriculum with an emphasis on rapid skill acquisition and industry relevance. The program blends native iOS and Android development with emerging frameworks, allowing students to choose specialization tracks based on career goals—whether that's game development on mobile platforms, enterprise applications, or consumer-facing products. Faculty connections to the St. Louis area tech community are leveraged to bring real-world projects into the classroom; students often work on actual client work or contribute to open-source mobile libraries. The distinctive element is Lindenwood's flexibility in format and pacing: the program accommodates both traditional four-year undergraduates and accelerated pathways for students entering with prior technical experience, making it accessible to career-changers. Graduates report strong placement rates, particularly among local employers, with many landing positions before graduation through project-based networking.
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 St. Louis tech hub and regional companies
