Best Mobile Development Programs in Texas 2025

Texas offers 30 bachelor's-level mobile development programs. The top schools for undergraduate study are Texas A & M University-College Station, Southern Methodist University, Texas State University. These programs prepare students for entry-level positions paying approximately $80,577 in the Texas market.

A bachelor's in mobile development typically requires 120-128 credit hours and takes 4 years to complete. For national rankings, see our Best Mobile Development Bachelor's Programs guide.

For graduate study, Texas offers 12 master's-level mobile development programs. Leading institutions include Texas A & M University-College Station, Lamar University, University of Houston-Clear Lake. A master's degree can boost earning potential by 15-25%, with senior roles in Texas reaching $149,643 or more.

For budget-conscious students, the most affordable mobile development programs in Texas are at Austin Community College District ($2,010/year), Tarleton State University ($4,416/year), Texas A&M University-San Antonio ($4,969/year). These programs offer strong ROI given Texas's competitive tech salaries.

At Austin Community College District, a 4-year degree costs approximately $8,040 in tuition alone. With entry-level salaries around $80,577, graduates can typically recoup their investment within 0.2 years.

Texas has emerged as the second-largest tech employment hub in the United States, with over 1.3 million technology workers and 25% projected job growth through 2032 (BLS). The state's mobile development sector benefits from major corporate headquarters including Apple's $1 billion Austin campus, Google's expanding presence, and hundreds of venture-funded startups.

Mobile app development specifically shows exceptional growth in Texas markets. Austin ranks as the #4 city nationally for mobile developer salaries at $89,500 median (Glassdoor), while Houston and Dallas markets offer strong opportunities in fintech, healthcare apps, and enterprise mobility solutions. The state's business-friendly environment, with no corporate or personal income tax, allows developers to maximize their earning potential.

Texas universities have responded to industry demand by developing comprehensive mobile development degree curricula that emphasize both iOS and Android platforms. Students gain experience with Swift, Kotlin, React Native, and Flutter frameworks while working on real client projects. Many programs partner directly with local tech companies for capstone projects and internships.

Texas mobile development programs fall into three distinct tiers based on selectivity, resources, and career outcomes. Tier 1 programs like UT Austin and Rice University offer the most comprehensive curricula with extensive industry partnerships, while maintaining highly competitive admission standards. These programs typically require SAT scores above 1400 and strong mathematics backgrounds.

Mid-tier programs including University of Houston, UT Dallas, and Texas A&M provide excellent value propositions with strong regional employer connections. These universities often have more accessible admission requirements while still maintaining robust computer science degree curricula that include mobile development specializations. Students benefit from lower tuition costs and strong job placement rates within Texas markets.

The key differentiators among Texas programs include internship placement rates, industry mentorship programs, and access to cutting-edge development tools. Top programs provide students with the latest iOS and Android development environments, while also offering emerging technology tracks in areas like AR/VR development and IoT mobile applications. Many programs now integrate artificial intelligence coursework to prepare students for AI-enhanced mobile applications.

Admission requirements vary significantly across Texas mobile development programs, with top-tier universities maintaining highly selective standards while regional schools offer more accessible entry points. UT Austin's computer science program requires a minimum SAT score of 1350 (or ACT 29), strong performance in calculus and physics, and demonstrated programming experience through coursework or personal projects.

Most Texas universities require completion of specific prerequisite courses before admission to upper-division mobile development coursework. Common requirements include Calculus I and II, Discrete Mathematics, and at least one programming course in languages like Java, Python, or C++. Students interested in mobile development should also consider taking courses in data structures and algorithms, which form the foundation for efficient mobile app development.

• High school GPA of 3.5+ for competitive programs
• SAT scores ranging from 1200-1400 depending on university tier
• Completion of 4 years of mathematics through pre-calculus or calculus
• Previous programming experience strongly recommended
• Portfolio of coding projects or mobile apps (for some programs)
• Letters of recommendation from STEM teachers or industry professionals

Several Texas universities offer alternative admission pathways for students who may not meet traditional requirements but demonstrate strong potential in technology. These include summer bridge programs, community college transfer agreements, and conditional admission with supplemental coursework. Students should research software engineering degree options as alternative pathways that often include mobile development coursework.