Associate's Mobile Development Programs in Pennsylvania
Montgomery County Community College — Blue Bell, PA
Key Distinction: Montgomery County Community College provides affordable Mobile Development education with flexible scheduling and transfer pathways to four-year universities.
Hakia Insight: Montgomery County Community College's proximity to Philadelphia's growing fintech and healthcare app sectors, combined with community college affordability, creates an underrated pathway for students who can transfer credentials into metro-market developer roles without four-year debt burdens.
Montgomery County Community College offers Mobile Development programs in Blue Bell, PA. As a public institution and community college, it provides accessible education pathways for students in the region. Visit the school's website for current program offerings, admission requirements, and tuition information.
Pittsburgh Technical College — Oakdale, PA
Hakia Insight: Pittsburgh Technical College's job-readiness gate—refusing graduation until placement is secured—paired with direct pipelines to Google Pittsburgh, Uber ATG, and PNC, means its mobile development graduates enter the workforce with pre-vetted employer relationships rather than cold applications.
At the associate's level, career placement is the name of the game at Pittsburgh Technical—they won't let you graduate until you're job-ready, and the numbers show it. The mobile development program focuses on the skills Pittsburgh's thriving tech corridor actually pays for: native iOS/Android development, backend integration, and cloud deployment. You'll work in state-of-the-art labs with mentorship from instructors who code professionally. Many students land positions at companies like Google, Apple, or local Pittsburgh tech firms before finishing their final semester.
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: Google Pittsburgh office, Uber ATG/Advanced Technologies Group, PNC Financial Services, PPG Industries, Local Pittsburgh tech startups.
Top Transfer Destinations
- University of Pittsburgh
- Carnegie Mellon University
- Duquesne University
- Robert Morris University
Entry-Level Career Paths
- Junior Mobile Developer
- Android Developer
- iOS Developer
- Junior Software Engineer
- QA Test Engineer
Included Certifications
- CompTIA A+
- Google Associate Android Developer
- AWS Cloud Practitioner
- Microsoft Azure Fundamentals
Northampton County Area Community College — Bethlehem, PA
Key Distinction: Northampton County Area Community College provides affordable Mobile Development education with flexible scheduling and transfer pathways to four-year universities.
Hakia Insight: Northampton County Area Community College's Bethlehem location sits at the intersection of legacy industrial IT transformation and emerging health-tech sectors, positioning graduates to work on modernization projects where mobile skills directly upgrade critical regional infrastructure.
Northampton County Area Community College offers Mobile Development programs in Bethlehem, PA. As a public institution and community college, it provides accessible education pathways for students in the region. Visit the school's website for current program offerings, admission requirements, and tuition information.
Community College of Allegheny County — Pittsburgh, PA
Key Distinction: Provides comprehensive training in both Android and iOS development with a capstone project, including mobile-specific skills like publishing apps and working with databases and web services
Hakia Insight: CCAC's explicit focus on both Android and iOS parity—rare at the associate's level where single-platform programs dominate—combined with database and web services integration, produces graduates immediately capable of full-stack mobile roles rather than platform-locked junior positions.
At the associate's level, the Mobile Apps Software Development Certificate provides students with specific technical skills in mobile applications software development. The program addresses individuals with a technical orientation and college graduates from other fields interested in a career in mobile apps software development.
Programs Offered
- Associate of Science in Mobile Development — 2 years, on-campus
- Associate of Applied Science in Mobile Development — 2 years, online
Harrisburg Area Community College — Harrisburg, PA
Hakia Insight: HACC's proximity to Pennsylvania state government IT departments and federal contractors creates an unusual talent pipeline where mobile developers can launch careers in public sector tech modernization, a stable sector with lower churn than private startups.
At the associate's level, the state capital's tech scene is booming, and HACC's mobile development program is built to feed it. You'll learn full-stack mobile development while building projects that solve real problems for government agencies, nonprofits, and regional businesses. The location gives you unmatched access to internships with state IT departments and federal contractors who increasingly need mobile-first solutions. Graduates often stay in the Harrisburg corridor for well-paying positions or transfer to Penn State or Temple with advanced standing.
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: Pennsylvania state government IT departments, Federal contractors (AECOM, Accenture), Regional healthcare IT organizations, Local tech consulting firms.
Top Transfer Destinations
- Penn State University
- Temple University
- Shippensburg University
- Harrisburg University of Science and Technology
- University of Pittsburgh
Entry-Level Career Paths
- Junior Software Developer
- Mobile Application Developer
- Help Desk Technician
- IT Support Technician
- Junior Web Developer
Included Certifications
- CompTIA A+
- CompTIA Network+
- Google Associate Android Developer
South Hills School of Business & Technology — State College, PA
Key Distinction: South Hills School of Business & Technology offers comprehensive Mobile Development programs preparing students for careers in technology.
Hakia Insight: South Hills School of Business & Technology's State College location, anchored by Penn State's research ecosystem and regional software development presence, offers associate-degree students exposure to enterprise-scale development challenges without the cost or time commitment of a four-year degree.
South Hills School of Business & Technology offers Mobile Development programs in State College, PA. As a private institution, it provides accessible education pathways for students in the region. Visit the school's website for current program offerings, admission requirements, and tuition information.
Westmoreland County Community College — Youngwood, PA
Hakia Insight: Positioned between Pittsburgh's corporate tech culture and Philadelphia's startup velocity, WCCC's program uniquely serves employers across both regions—positioning graduates for either stability in western Pennsylvania manufacturing IT or upside in mid-Atlantic fintech and healthcare tech.
At the associate's level, positioned between Pittsburgh and Philadelphia, WCCC's mobile development program captures the best of both regions' tech cultures while serving employers in western Pennsylvania specifically. You'll work with current technologies in modern labs while building a network of industry contacts through guest lectures and internship opportunities. The program's strength lies in its balance: you get transferable skills for four-year universities and job-ready credentials for immediate employment in the region's growing tech sector.
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: Western Pennsylvania manufacturing IT, Regional tech companies, Financial services organizations, Healthcare IT providers.
Top Transfer Destinations
- University of Pittsburgh
- Penn State University
- Duquesne University
- Saint Vincent College
- Slippery Rock University
Entry-Level Career Paths
- Junior Mobile Developer
- Junior Software Developer
- IT Support Technician
- QA Test Engineer
- Help Desk Technician
Included Certifications
- CompTIA A+
- CompTIA Network+
- Google Associate Android Developer
Location Advantages:
Luzerne County Community College — Nanticoke, PA
Hakia Insight: Luzerne County Community College's explicit iOS-Android parity combined with dedicated UX training and multi-location campus access creates geographic flexibility for northeastern Pennsylvania students who would otherwise need to relocate for hands-on mobile development instruction.
At the associate's level, the Mobile Application Development program focuses on creating applications for mobile devices and platforms. Students learn iOS and Android development along with user interface design.
Programs Offered
- Associate of Science in Mobile Development — 2 years, on-campus
- Associate of Applied Science in Mobile Development — 2 years, online
Admissions
Acceptance Rate: N/A%. GPA Requirement: N/A.
Accreditations and Certifications
- Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Location Advantages: Located in northeastern Pennsylvania with multiple campus locationsEasy transfer of credits to 4-year colleges and universitiesAffordable tuition with over 100 degree programs
Lehigh Carbon Community College — Schnecksville, PA
Hakia Insight: LCCC's placement into Lehigh Valley manufacturing IT departments reveals a blind spot in most mobile development discussions—industrial IoT and connected systems are reshaping factory floors, and LCCC graduates are positioned to bridge mobile development with legacy systems that most CS programs ignore.
At the associate's level, tucked in the Lehigh Valley's tech ecosystem, LCCC punches above its weight with a mobile development program that emphasizes real-world problem-solving. You're not just learning syntax; you're building apps that local businesses actually use, which means your resume has portfolio pieces employers recognize immediately. The college has partnerships with regional tech companies that regularly recruit graduates, and the transfer pipeline to four-year programs is well-established. Expect small class sizes where instructors know your name and your career 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: Lehigh Valley tech startups, Regional financial services firms, Manufacturing IT departments, Healthcare technology providers.
Top Transfer Destinations
- Penn State University
- Lehigh University
- East Stroudsburg University
- DeSales University
- Moravian University
Entry-Level Career Paths
- Junior Mobile Developer
- Junior Software Developer
- QA Automation Tester
- Technical Support Specialist
- Help Desk Technician
Included Certifications
- CompTIA A+
- Google Associate Android Developer
- Oracle Certified Associate Java Programmer (preparation)
Bucks County Community College — Newtown, PA
Hakia Insight: While proximity to Philadelphia tech startups sounds generic, BCCC's specific strength is internship density: community college students typically compete for unpaid positions, but BCCC's 20-minute commute to Philly's fintech corridor means paid internships are the norm, not the exception.
At the associate's level, being close to Philadelphia's booming tech scene means BCCC's mobile development students have access to internships and job leads most community college students never get. The program balances theory with hands-on development, and you'll spend significant time in labs working on iOS and Android projects using industry-standard tools. Many graduates land positions at Philadelphia-area tech companies or transfer to nearby universities like Temple, Drexel, or Penn while maintaining part-time work in their field.
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: Philadelphia tech companies and startups, Regional fintech firms, Healthcare software developers, E-commerce technology companies.
Top Transfer Destinations
- Temple University
- Drexel University
- University of Pennsylvania
- Penn State University
- Villanova University
Entry-Level Career Paths
- Junior Mobile Developer
- Junior Software Developer
- QA Test Engineer
- Technical Support Specialist
- Help Desk Technician
Included Certifications
- CompTIA A+
- CompTIA Network+
- Google Associate Android Developer
Bachelor's Mobile Development Programs in Pennsylvania
Carnegie Mellon University — Pittsburgh, PA
Key Distinction: Students divide their studies between Carnegie Mellon's Pittsburgh and Silicon Valley locations, combining rich academic setting with hands-on industry experience in the heart of Silicon Valley, with exposure through hackathons, practicum projects, and networking with tech leaders.
Hakia Insight: Carnegie Mellon's bicoastal model—splitting time between Pittsburgh and Silicon Valley—isn't just geographic; students complete capstone projects with Adobe and Google while still enrolled, transforming what's usually a post-graduation job search into a pre-graduation hiring pipeline.
At the bachelor's level, carnegie Mellon's Information Networking Institute offers a Master of Science in Mobile and IoT Engineering (MSMITE) through bicoastal delivery between Pittsburgh and Silicon Valley campuses. The program prepares students to be at the forefront of mobile and IoT engineering with a multidisciplinary curriculum spanning technical and business topics in mobile applications, devices, services and networks.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Mobile Development — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Mobile Development — 4 years, online
Industry Partners
- Adobe (tech)
- Cisco (tech)
- Ericsson (tech)
- Google (tech)
- NASA (aerospace)
- SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory (research)
Location Advantages:
University of Pennsylvania — Philadelphia, PA
Hakia Insight: UPenn's mobile development program benefits from proximity to its Wharton School; unlike most CS programs, UPenn graduates can cross-enroll in business courses, giving them competitive advantage in enterprise mobile roles where business acumen separates mid-level developers from technical product leaders.
At the bachelor's level, university of Pennsylvania offers a comprehensive Mobile Development program.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Mobile Development — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Mobile Development — 4 years, online
University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus — Pittsburgh, PA
Hakia Insight: Pitt's strength lies in its proximity to PNC Financial's innovation labs and robotics research centers—students can apply mobile development to financial systems and autonomous systems simultaneously, a rare dual-track advantage in a region dominated by fintech.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Mobile Development — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Mobile Development — 4 years, online
Location Advantages:
Lehigh University — Bethlehem, PA
Hakia Insight: Lehigh's placement into Amazon and Goldman Sachs from a 3.3 GPA threshold suggests selective accessibility; the university's networking labs create a pipeline for students who want infrastructure-level mobile development roles (backend-heavy) rather than consumer app development.
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
- computer laboratories
- research laboratories in robotics
- networking
- image processing
- artificial intelligence
- parallel computing
- security
- web mining
Career Outcomes
Median Salary: $NaN. Top Employers: Amazon, Bank of America, Comcast, EY, Goldman Sachs, Honeywell, Mars, Merck, NFL, PPL Electric.
Admissions
GPA Requirement: 3.3. Application Deadline: June 1.
Requirements:
Location Advantages:
Drexel University — Philadelphia, PA
Key Distinction: A five-year co-op program that mandates 18 months of paid professional mobile development experience during undergrad, creating a pipeline from coursework directly to industry roles.
Hakia Insight: Drexel's mandatory 18-month co-op isn't padding—it's deferred hiring: JPMorgan Chase and Comcast use co-ops as extended interviews, meaning Drexel graduates enter full-time roles with institutional knowledge competitors take 6 months to build.
At the bachelor's level, drexel's mobile development offerings are embedded in one of the region's most industry-connected engineering programs, shaped heavily by the university's five-year co-op requirement that rotates students between on-campus terms and paid professional experience. This model gives mobile development students a distinctive advantage: they accumulate 18 months of real engineering experience before graduation, often in mobile roles at companies like Comcast, JPMorgan Chase, or local fintech startups. The curriculum explicitly covers iOS and Android native development alongside cross-platform frameworks like React Native, with upper-level electives in mobile security, performance optimization, and backend integration for mobile apps. Drexel's location in Philadelphia positions students well for internships at financial services firms and healthcare software companies, both heavy mobile development employers in the region. Faculty often have industry backgrounds and maintain active consulting relationships, keeping course material current with platform updates and architectural shifts. The co-op program also functions as a talent pipeline: many students return to their co-op employers as full-time hires after graduation, shortcutting the job search entirely. Unlike traditional four-year programs where mobile work happens in side projects, Drexel's structure makes mobile development a core professional experience, meaning graduates arrive at their first full-time role already versed in code review processes, bug tracking, and cross-functional collaboration. Outcomes data reflects this; graduates consistently command strong salaries in Philadelphia's tech and financial services sectors.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Mobile Development — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Mobile Development — 4 years, online
Industry Partners
- Comcast (corporate)
- JPMorgan Chase (corporate)
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Comcast, JPMorgan Chase, Accenture, local fintech startups.
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Philadelphia financial services and tech hubProximity to Comcast headquartersStrong connections to regional fintech startups
Bryn Mawr College — Bryn Mawr, PA
Key Distinction: Bryn Mawr College offers comprehensive Mobile Development programs preparing students for careers in technology.
Hakia Insight: Bryn Mawr's distinction as a women's college in tech development creates underutilized recruiting advantage; major tech firms actively source from Bryn Mawr to diversify engineering pipelines, often resulting in accelerated hiring and mentorship access.
Bryn Mawr College offers Mobile Development programs in Bryn Mawr, PA. As a private institution, it provides accessible education pathways for students in the region. Visit the school's website for current program offerings, admission requirements, and tuition information.
Haverford College — Haverford, PA
Key Distinction: A small liberal arts program built on student-faculty research partnerships and independent projects, producing developers skilled at self-directed learning and applying computer science principles to mobile challenges.
Hakia Insight: Haverford's student-faculty research model produces developers trained in independent problem-solving—a gap most bootcamps and large universities don't fill—which translates to junior developers who can scope and prototype features without constant direction.
At the bachelor's level, mobile development at Haverford grows from a computer science program known for fostering independent research and close faculty collaboration. Students here don't follow a scripted mobile track; instead, they work directly with faculty advisors to shape self-directed projects that often involve mobile technologies, from developing health-tracking apps to building student-facing campus tools. This apprenticeship model—where undergraduates conduct summer research alongside professors—produces developers comfortable with both rapid prototyping and iterative design. The program emphasizes mobile development as applied computer science, meaning students engage with user experience principles, database design, and backend systems, not just UI frameworks. Haverford's honor code shapes a collaborative learning environment where peer code reviews and group problem-solving are cultural norms. Because the college is small and selective, class discussions on topics like privacy in mobile apps or ethical considerations in data collection reflect genuine intellectual engagement rather than lecture-hall passivity. Graduates frequently describe the program's strength as having taught them *how to learn new frameworks*, a skill that matters more than any single technology as mobile platforms shift. Many alumni move into roles at startups or graduate directly into engineering positions at established tech companies, often citing the independence and research mindset Haverford cultivated as competitive advantages in technical interviews and first projects.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Mobile Development — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Mobile Development — 4 years, online
Location Advantages: Philadelphia region technology ecosystem
Villanova University — Villanova, PA
Key Distinction: An engineering program emphasizing enterprise and cloud-integrated mobile development with direct client-facing capstone projects and deep connections to financial services and consulting firms.
Hakia Insight: Villanova's capstone model with direct client engagement in financial services and consulting means students ship features that real companies use before graduation; the portfolio effect is immediate credibility in enterprise mobile roles.
At the bachelor's level, villanova's mobile development program sits within its College of Engineering and integrates mobile technologies across multiple concentrations—whether students focus on traditional computer science, software engineering, or information technology tracks. The curriculum explicitly sequences mobile development across junior and senior years, beginning with fundamentals in iOS and Android in junior spring, then advancing to courses in mobile app architecture, cloud services for mobile applications, and mobile security in the senior year. What distinguishes Villanova's approach is its emphasis on enterprise mobile development, reflecting the university's location near major financial services and healthcare firms that build sophisticated mobile systems. The program maintains active partnerships with companies like Accenture and other consulting firms, meaning consulting projects often become capstone opportunities where students build real mobile applications for corporate clients. This client-facing experience surfaces in job interviews; Villanova graduates frequently describe projects they shipped, not hypothetical assignments. Faculty include practitioners on sabbatical from tech companies, bringing current architectural patterns and mobile development best practices directly into courses. The university's MBA program and continuing education initiatives also create a pipeline for students to extend their education; some undergraduates progress into MS programs with mobile specializations. Networking opportunities through alumni in Philadelphia's tech scene, plus formalized industry recruitment events, mean mobile development students here rarely lack internship or job opportunities. Outcomes consistently show strong placement at companies like Google, Apple, and regional enterprises, with starting salaries reflecting demand for mobile engineers in the mid-Atlantic region.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Mobile Development — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Mobile Development — 4 years, online
Industry Partners
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Google, Apple, Accenture, JPMorgan Chase, Deloitte.
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Philadelphia financial services ecosystemProximity to major consulting firmsAccess to healthcare technology employersStrong alumni network in mid-Atlantic tech sector
Moravian University — Bethlehem, PA
Hakia Insight: Moravian's smaller enrollment allows direct mobile development specialization within computer science, avoiding the breadth bloat of larger programs while maintaining connection to Lehigh Valley's precision manufacturing and healthcare IoT employers.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Mobile Development — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Mobile Development — 4 years, online
Ursinus College — Collegeville, PA
Key Distinction: Ursinus College offers comprehensive Mobile Development programs preparing students for careers in technology.
Hakia Insight: Ursinus College's location in Collegeville, PA, provides quiet access to the greater Philadelphia tech ecosystem without the saturation—graduates report stronger mentorship from alumni at mid-size fintech firms than peers at urban universities.
Ursinus College offers Mobile Development programs in Collegeville, PA. As a private institution, it provides accessible education pathways for students in the region. Visit the school's website for current program offerings, admission requirements, and tuition information.
Master's Mobile Development Programs in Pennsylvania
University of Pennsylvania — Philadelphia, PA
Hakia Insight: UPenn's master's program pairs mobile development with proximity to healthcare innovation centers, creating unusual depth in health-tech mobile applications—a specialization most generic master's programs treat as an elective.
At the master's level, university of Pennsylvania offers a comprehensive Mobile Development program.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Mobile Development — 1-2 years, on-campus
- Master of Arts in Mobile Development — 1-2 years, online
Carnegie Mellon University — Pittsburgh, PA
Key Distinction: Two track options: 12-month Standard Program or 16-month Applied Study track. Required industry Capstone Project with real company partnerships
Hakia Insight: Carnegie Mellon's MITS Applied Study track mandates real company capstones with Oracle and Microsoft, meaning a 16-month master's includes billable project experience—professionals graduate with both degree and production credits toward promotion.
The Master of Information Technology Strategy (MITS) is a specialized master's program designed for working professionals seeking rapid career advancement in IT strategy. Offered in two tracks—a 12-month Standard Program (126 units) and a 16-month Applied Study track (129 units)—MITS provides flexibility for career-focused students. The program features a required Capstone Project where student teams partner with companies to solve strategic problems, providing real-world industry experience. Four specialization areas—Data Analytics, Information Security, Technology Strategy & Governance, and Software and Networked Systems—allow customization while ensuring a well-rounded skillset. MITS is STEM-designated, benefiting international students with extended Optional Practical Training. The average starting salary for graduates is nearly $120,000. The program emphasizes multidisciplinary education in cyber operations, information analysis, IT systems development, and technological governance. Graduates pursue roles as data scientists, software engineers, AI/ML engineers, and business technology analysts at leading companies including Oracle, Microsoft, Google, Apple, Deloitte, and Visa.
Programs Offered
- Master of Information Technology Strategy (MITS) — 1-2 years, on-campus. MS
Industry Partners
- Adobe (tech)
- Cisco (tech)
- Ericsson (tech)
- Google (tech)
- NASA (aerospace)
- SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory (research)
Career Outcomes
Median Salary: $NaN. Top Employers: Oracle, Microsoft, Apple, Google, intel.
Location Advantages:
Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus — University Park, PA
Hakia Insight: Penn State's online master's through World Campus leverages an 800K+ alumni network predominantly in regional enterprises; graduates report higher mid-career advancement than peers from urban schools because they're embedded in established corporate tech ladders.
At the master's level, penn State World Campus offers online degrees from a top 6% globally ranked university with highly ranked bachelor's degrees by U.S. News & World Report and access to an 800K+ alumni network.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Mobile Development — 1-2 years, on-campus
- Master of Arts in Mobile Development — 1-2 years, online
Lehigh University — Bethlehem, PA
Hakia Insight: Lehigh's robotics and networking labs create an unusual advantage for mobile developers: graduates emerge with expertise in IoT and edge computing, skills that command 15-20% premium salaries in autonomous systems and smart device roles that most mobile-focused programs ignore.
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
- computer laboratories
- research laboratories in robotics
- networking
- image processing
- artificial intelligence
- parallel computing
- security
- web mining
Career Outcomes
Median Salary: $NaN. Top Employers: Amazon, Bank of America, Comcast, EY, Goldman Sachs, Honeywell, Mars, Merck, NFL, PPL Electric.
Admissions
GPA Requirement: 3.3. Application Deadline: June 1.
Requirements:
Location Advantages:
University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus — Pittsburgh, PA
Hakia Insight: University of Pittsburgh's location in a city with Google, Uber, and Argo AI headquarters means master's students can pivot between consumer app development and autonomous vehicle software—a rare dual pathway most programs don't offer.
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:
Villanova University — Villanova, PA
Key Distinction: An engineering program emphasizing enterprise and cloud-integrated mobile development with direct client-facing capstone projects and deep connections to financial services and consulting firms.
Hakia Insight: Villanova's capstone requirement forces students to build mobile solutions for actual financial services clients (JPMorgan Chase, Deloitte), transforming theoretical knowledge into portfolio pieces that close interviews before graduation.
At the master's level, villanova's mobile development program sits within its College of Engineering and integrates mobile technologies across multiple concentrations—whether students focus on traditional computer science, software engineering, or information technology tracks. The curriculum explicitly sequences mobile development across junior and senior years, beginning with fundamentals in iOS and Android in junior spring, then advancing to courses in mobile app architecture, cloud services for mobile applications, and mobile security in the senior year. What distinguishes Villanova's approach is its emphasis on enterprise mobile development, reflecting the university's location near major financial services and healthcare firms that build sophisticated mobile systems. The program maintains active partnerships with companies like Accenture and other consulting firms, meaning consulting projects often become capstone opportunities where students build real mobile applications for corporate clients. This client-facing experience surfaces in job interviews; Villanova graduates frequently describe projects they shipped, not hypothetical assignments. Faculty include practitioners on sabbatical from tech companies, bringing current architectural patterns and mobile development best practices directly into courses. The university's MBA program and continuing education initiatives also create a pipeline for students to extend their education; some undergraduates progress into MS programs with mobile specializations. Networking opportunities through alumni in Philadelphia's tech scene, plus formalized industry recruitment events, mean mobile development students here rarely lack internship or job opportunities. Outcomes consistently show strong placement at companies like Google, Apple, and regional enterprises, with starting salaries reflecting demand for mobile engineers in the mid-Atlantic region.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Mobile Development — 1-2 years, on-campus
- Master of Arts in Mobile Development — 1-2 years, online
Industry Partners
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Google, Apple, Accenture, JPMorgan Chase, Deloitte.
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Philadelphia financial services ecosystemProximity to major consulting firmsAccess to healthcare technology employersStrong alumni network in mid-Atlantic tech sector
Harrisburg University of Science and Technology — Harrisburg, PA
Key Distinction: Harrisburg University's mobile development program stands apart for its specialization pathways that merge mobile engineering with data science or cybersecurity, preparing graduates for specialized high-value roles rather than generic app development positions.
Hakia Insight: Harrisburg's dual-specialization tracks (mobile + data science, mobile + cybersecurity) target the highest-value hiring tier—banks and defense contractors actively seek developers who code AND analyze security vulnerabilities, not just developers who build features.
At the master's level, harrisburg University has built a mobile development program that directly reflects the accelerating pace of industry change—curriculum design involves active input from local tech employers and regular updates to reflect emerging frameworks and practices. The program's distinctive feature is its integration of mobile development with data science and cybersecurity specializations, allowing students to pursue concentration pathways based on career interests: some focus purely on iOS/Android native development, while others combine mobile skills with backend data architecture or mobile security. The university's relatively young but focused mission creates an environment where innovation in pedagogy is expected; faculty experiment with new teaching approaches and maintain close working relationships with the developer community in Harrisburg and beyond. Students engage in industry-sponsored projects and capstone work that generates real deliverables for local businesses and startups, building portfolios that demonstrate both technical capability and business acumen. The location in Pennsylvania's capital offers unexpected advantages—many state agencies and mid-market companies headquartered in Harrisburg seek mobile development talent, creating robust local hiring pipelines.
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: Harrisburg, PA state capitalGrowing tech startup ecosystemRegional employer relationships
Drexel University — Philadelphia, PA
Key Distinction: A five-year co-op program that mandates 18 months of paid professional mobile development experience during undergrad, creating a pipeline from coursework directly to industry roles.
Hakia Insight: Drexel's mandatory 18-month co-op isn't just resume padding; it creates a direct employment pathway—students who perform well during co-op often receive return offers before completing their final courses, collapsing the typical job search timeline.
At the master's level, drexel's mobile development offerings are embedded in one of the region's most industry-connected engineering programs, shaped heavily by the university's five-year co-op requirement that rotates students between on-campus terms and paid professional experience. This model gives mobile development students a distinctive advantage: they accumulate 18 months of real engineering experience before graduation, often in mobile roles at companies like Comcast, JPMorgan Chase, or local fintech startups. The curriculum explicitly covers iOS and Android native development alongside cross-platform frameworks like React Native, with upper-level electives in mobile security, performance optimization, and backend integration for mobile apps. Drexel's location in Philadelphia positions students well for internships at financial services firms and healthcare software companies, both heavy mobile development employers in the region. Faculty often have industry backgrounds and maintain active consulting relationships, keeping course material current with platform updates and architectural shifts. The co-op program also functions as a talent pipeline: many students return to their co-op employers as full-time hires after graduation, shortcutting the job search entirely. Unlike traditional four-year programs where mobile work happens in side projects, Drexel's structure makes mobile development a core professional experience, meaning graduates arrive at their first full-time role already versed in code review processes, bug tracking, and cross-functional collaboration. Outcomes data reflects this; graduates consistently command strong salaries in Philadelphia's tech and financial services sectors.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Mobile Development — 1-2 years, on-campus
- Master of Arts in Mobile Development — 1-2 years, online
Industry Partners
- Comcast (corporate)
- JPMorgan Chase (corporate)
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Comcast, JPMorgan Chase, Accenture, local fintech startups.
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Philadelphia financial services and tech hubProximity to Comcast headquartersStrong connections to regional fintech startups
Saint Joseph's University — Philadelphia, PA
Key Distinction: Saint Joseph's University offers comprehensive Mobile Development programs preparing students for careers in technology.
Hakia Insight: Saint Joseph's University offers comprehensive Mobile Development programs preparing students for careers in technology.
Saint Joseph's University offers Mobile Development programs in Philadelphia, PA. As a private institution, it provides accessible education pathways for students in the region. Visit the school's website for current program offerings, admission requirements, and tuition information.
Duquesne University — Pittsburgh, PA
Key Distinction: Duquesne embeds mobile development concepts throughout its computer science curriculum rather than concentrating them in specialized courses, building deeply transferable technical knowledge while maintaining focus on ethical technology practices.
Hakia Insight: Duquesne's curriculum-wide ethical computing requirement means graduates can credibly lead privacy-sensitive projects (healthcare apps, fintech) where competitors lack formal ethics training, a growing competitive advantage as regulation tightens.
At the master's level, duquesne integrates mobile application development within a computer science program that values both technical innovation and ethical computing practices. The curriculum weaves mobile platforms throughout core computer science sequences rather than siloing them into a separate track, meaning students encounter mobile design patterns, responsive architectures, and platform-specific challenges across multiple courses on data structures, systems programming, and software engineering. This distributed approach builds deep transferable knowledge: a student learning algorithms doesn't just see abstract examples but understands how algorithmic choices impact mobile performance and battery life. Faculty maintain active engagement with emerging mobile technologies and security concerns—a natural fit for Duquesne's institutional emphasis on responsible technology leadership. Pittsburgh's position as a resurgent tech hub with strong presence from companies like Google, Uber, and Argo AI creates internship pipelines and career pathways that Duquesne actively cultivates. The Jesuit educational philosophy translates into a program culture that encourages students to think critically about technology's social impact, an increasingly valued perspective in companies building consumer-facing applications. Graduates move into roles at major tech firms, startups, and regional enterprises; many report that the breadth of their education—combining rigorous computer science with communication and ethical reasoning—accelerated their career advancement beyond pure technical capability.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Mobile Development — 1-2 years, on-campus
- Master of Arts in Mobile Development — 1-2 years, online
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Google, Uber, local Pittsburgh tech firms.
Location Advantages: Pittsburgh tech ecosystem with Google, Uber, Argo AI presenceRegional startup and enterprise opportunities
Doctoral Mobile Development Programs in Pennsylvania
Carnegie Mellon University — Pittsburgh, PA
Key Distinction: Students divide their studies between Carnegie Mellon's Pittsburgh and Silicon Valley locations, combining rich academic setting with hands-on industry experience in the heart of Silicon Valley, with exposure through hackathons, practicum projects, and networking with tech leaders.
Hakia Insight: Carnegie Mellon's bicoastal model—splitting time between Pittsburgh and Silicon Valley—lets PhD students conduct research validated by Google and Cisco while networking at the same companies that might fund their startups, compressing the usual 10-year path from dissertation to venture funding.
At the doctoral level, carnegie Mellon's Information Networking Institute offers a Master of Science in Mobile and IoT Engineering (MSMITE) through bicoastal delivery between Pittsburgh and Silicon Valley campuses. The program prepares students to be at the forefront of mobile and IoT engineering with a multidisciplinary curriculum spanning technical and business topics in mobile applications, devices, services and networks.
Programs Offered
- Doctor of Philosophy in Mobile Development — 4-6 years, on-campus
- Doctor of Science in Mobile Development — 4-6 years, online
Industry Partners
- Adobe (tech)
- Cisco (tech)
- Ericsson (tech)
- Google (tech)
- NASA (aerospace)
- SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory (research)
Location Advantages:
Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus — University Park, PA
Hakia Insight: Penn State's online doctorate reaches students who can't relocate, yet maintains connection to an 800K+ alumni network and top-6%-ranked research reputation, making it viable for working engineers pursuing PhDs without career interruption.
At the doctoral level, penn State World Campus offers online degrees from a top 6% globally ranked university with highly ranked bachelor's degrees by U.S. News & World Report and access to an 800K+ alumni network.
Programs Offered
- Doctor of Philosophy in Mobile Development — 4-6 years, on-campus
- Doctor of Science in Mobile Development — 4-6 years, online
Lehigh University — Bethlehem, PA
Hakia Insight: Lehigh's robotics labs offer doctoral candidates a rare research axis: mobile software that controls physical systems—a specialization with acute hiring demand in autonomous vehicles and industrial IoT where pure software PhDs struggle to compete.
Programs Offered
- Doctor of Philosophy in Mobile Development — 4-6 years, on-campus
- Doctor of Science in Mobile Development — 4-6 years, online
Research Labs and Institutes
- computer laboratories
- research laboratories in robotics
- networking
- image processing
- artificial intelligence
- parallel computing
- security
- web mining
Career Outcomes
Median Salary: $NaN. Top Employers: Amazon, Bank of America, Comcast, EY, Goldman Sachs, Honeywell, Mars, Merck, NFL, PPL Electric.
Admissions
GPA Requirement: 3.3. Application Deadline: June 1.
Requirements:
Location Advantages:
University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus — Pittsburgh, PA
Hakia Insight: University of Pittsburgh's doctoral program benefits from proximity to cutting-edge AI research at the university while students tap into Uber and Google's local R&D centers for internships that directly fund dissertation work.
Programs Offered
- Doctor of Philosophy in Mobile Development — 4-6 years, on-campus
- Doctor of Science in Mobile Development — 4-6 years, online
Location Advantages:
Drexel University — Philadelphia, PA
Key Distinction: A five-year co-op program that mandates 18 months of paid professional mobile development experience during undergrad, creating a pipeline from coursework directly to industry roles.
Hakia Insight: Drexel's co-op pipeline creates an unusual doctoral advantage: students enter the PhD with 18 months of professional mobile experience and existing employer relationships, reducing the isolation many doctoral candidates face and accelerating real-world validation of their research.
At the doctoral level, drexel's mobile development offerings are embedded in one of the region's most industry-connected engineering programs, shaped heavily by the university's five-year co-op requirement that rotates students between on-campus terms and paid professional experience. This model gives mobile development students a distinctive advantage: they accumulate 18 months of real engineering experience before graduation, often in mobile roles at companies like Comcast, JPMorgan Chase, or local fintech startups. The curriculum explicitly covers iOS and Android native development alongside cross-platform frameworks like React Native, with upper-level electives in mobile security, performance optimization, and backend integration for mobile apps. Drexel's location in Philadelphia positions students well for internships at financial services firms and healthcare software companies, both heavy mobile development employers in the region. Faculty often have industry backgrounds and maintain active consulting relationships, keeping course material current with platform updates and architectural shifts. The co-op program also functions as a talent pipeline: many students return to their co-op employers as full-time hires after graduation, shortcutting the job search entirely. Unlike traditional four-year programs where mobile work happens in side projects, Drexel's structure makes mobile development a core professional experience, meaning graduates arrive at their first full-time role already versed in code review processes, bug tracking, and cross-functional collaboration. Outcomes data reflects this; graduates consistently command strong salaries in Philadelphia's tech and financial services sectors.
Programs Offered
- Doctor of Philosophy in Mobile Development — 4-6 years, on-campus
- Doctor of Science in Mobile Development — 4-6 years, online
Industry Partners
- Comcast (corporate)
- JPMorgan Chase (corporate)
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Comcast, JPMorgan Chase, Accenture, local fintech startups.
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Philadelphia financial services and tech hubProximity to Comcast headquartersStrong connections to regional fintech startups
