Associate's Mobile Development Programs in Washington
Lake Washington Institute of Technology — Kirkland, WA
Key Distinction: Lake Washington Institute prioritizes workforce readiness through embedded internships, industry partnerships, and agile-team-based learning—delivering immediately employable mobile developers.
Hakia Insight: Lake Washington's embedded internship model means you're building professional relationships with Microsoft and Google hiring managers while still in your second year, collapsing the typical six-month post-graduation job search into on-campus recruitment.
At the associate's level, lake Washington Institute of Technology's mobile development program is built explicitly for speed-to-employment, with a curriculum designed in partnership with regional tech employers who directly influence course content and hiring priorities. Students learn iOS and Android development using industry-standard tools, but the program's secret weapon is its emphasis on agile methodologies and team-based project work—mimicking real workplace environments so graduates hit the ground running. Internship opportunities are embedded throughout the curriculum; students often intern at the same companies that employ program graduates, creating a direct pipeline from classroom to career. The institute's location in Kirkland, between Seattle and the Eastside tech corridor (home to Microsoft, Google, and countless startups), offers unmatched access to job placements and networking. Many students complete the program and land positions within weeks of graduation, often with signing bonuses. The faculty are working professionals who bring current industry problems into the classroom, and graduates consistently report that their Lake Washington education prepared them more thoroughly for day-one work demands than four-year program peers.
Programs Offered
- Associate of Science in Mobile Development — 2 years, on-campus
- Associate of Applied Science in Mobile Development — 2 years, online
Location Advantages: Located in Kirkland between Seattle and Microsoft/Google Eastside campusesDirect proximity to tech employers with active hiring pipelinesAccess to Puget Sound region's densest concentration of tech jobs
Green River College — Auburn, WA
Key Distinction: Green River's mobile development pathway combines rapid, practical training with low cost and strong regional job placement, making it ideal for career-transition and hands-on learners.
Hakia Insight: Green River's low-cost model ($3K–$5K annually) alongside strong regional placement creates an unusual arbitrage: Seattle-area employers value demonstrable skills over pedigree, making this path to $65K+ starting salaries one of the fastest ROI routes in tech.
At the associate's level, as a community college serving the greater Seattle region, Green River has positioned its mobile development certificate and degree pathway as an accessible entry point for career-changers and high school graduates seeking rapid employment. The program spans 18–24 months and prioritizes contemporary frameworks—Swift, Kotlin, and Flutter—with labs organized around real marketplace demands rather than academic research agendas. Instruction is project-centric; students build 5–8 complete applications across the program, moving quickly from basic UI design to cross-platform deployment. Faculty come from industry backgrounds and maintain active consulting work, ensuring curriculum stays current with platform updates and hiring trends. Green River's strength lies in affordability, flexibility, and a proven pipeline into entry-level positions at regional tech companies and startups. Many students transfer to four-year institutions afterward, and others move directly into junior developer roles within 3–6 months of graduation.
Programs Offered
- Associate of Science in Mobile Development — 2 years, on-campus
- Associate of Applied Science in Mobile Development — 2 years, online
Industry Partners
- Local Seattle-area startups (startup)
Location Advantages: Close proximity to Seattle tech corridorRegional job market for entry-level mobile developers
Bellevue College — Bellevue, WA
Key Distinction: Bellevue College leverages its Eastside location and flexible scheduling to serve working students while maintaining direct connections to major regional tech employers.
Hakia Insight: Bellevue's evening and hybrid scheduling combined with Microsoft partnerships means working professionals can earn credentials without leaving their current jobs—a direct pipeline many use to transition into mobile roles at their existing employers.
At the associate's level, bellevue College's information technology programs, including mobile development pathways, thrive on the college's direct adjacency to some of the Pacific Northwest's largest tech employers—Microsoft is headquartered in nearby Redmond, and countless startups and established companies operate throughout the Eastside corridor. The mobile development curriculum at Bellevue emphasizes both iOS and Android ecosystems with flexibility to explore emerging platforms like React Native and Flutter. Students benefit from an instructor cohort many of whom consult actively in the industry and draw from recent client work to illustrate real constraints and best practices. The college excels at serving working professionals and students balancing multiple commitments; courses are offered in evening and hybrid formats alongside daytime sessions. Bellevue's transfer partnerships with four-year institutions provide a clear academic pathway for students seeking bachelor's degrees, while many certificate holders move directly into tech roles.
Programs Offered
- Associate of Science in Mobile Development — 2 years, on-campus
- Associate of Applied Science in Mobile Development — 2 years, online
Industry Partners
- Microsoft (corporate)
- Local Eastside tech companies (corporate)
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Microsoft, Amazon, Boeing, T-Mobile, Meta - Facebook, Nintendo, Costco Wholesale, AT&T, SAP Concur, F5.
Location Advantages: Direct access to Microsoft and Redmond tech ecosystemProximity to Eastside tech companies and startupsStrong regional hiring demand for mobile developers
Skagit Valley College — Mount Vernon, WA
Hakia Insight: Skagit Valley's tight cohort model and hands-on iOS/Android labs create the rare community-college advantage of peer-to-peer learning intensity typically reserved for expensive bootcamps, without the debt.
At the associate's level, if you're serious about mobile development but want to stay connected to a tight-knit learning community, Skagit Valley's program emphasizes hands-on lab work with iOS and Android frameworks while keeping class sizes manageable enough that instructors actually know your name. You'll build real applications from day one rather than spending semesters on theory, and the college's location in Skagit County positions you well for internships with growing tech companies in the Puget Sound region. Most graduates either transfer to UW Tacoma or WSU's online programs, or land junior developer roles at small-to-mid-size firms that value the practical portfolio you'll build here.
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: Local Puget Sound tech startups, Regional consulting firms.
Top Transfer Destinations
- University of Washington Tacoma
- Washington State University
- Western Washington University
Entry-Level Career Paths
- Junior Mobile Developer
- Junior iOS Developer
- Junior Android Developer
- Mobile Application Support Technician
Location Advantages:
Pierce College District — Lakewood, WA
Key Distinction: Pierce College District provides affordable Mobile Development education with flexible scheduling and transfer pathways to four-year universities.
Hakia Insight: Pierce College's explicit transfer pathways to UW and Washington State create a mathematically sound strategy: earn your associate's at half the cost, transfer as a junior with mobile fundamentals locked in, and graduate with a bachelor's degree and significantly lower total debt.
Pierce College District offers Mobile Development programs in Lakewood, WA. 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.
Tacoma Community College — Tacoma, WA
Hakia Insight: Tacoma's mandatory embedded internships mean every graduate exits with employer references and production code samples—eliminating the portfolio gap that derails many entry-level candidates from traditional programs.
At the associate's level, every student in Tacoma's mobile development program completes internships with actual employers—this isn't optional, it's baked into the curriculum—which means by graduation you've already worked alongside professionals and have references ready for your job search. The college's location gives you access to employers across the Puget Sound, and you'll learn both iOS and Android development alongside emerging frameworks that keep you competitive. Transfer pathways to UW Tacoma and other state universities are clearly mapped out, and many students find that their internship sponsor becomes their first employer, bypassing the traditional job hunt altogether.
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: Puget Sound region tech companies, Seattle-area startups and established firms, Tacoma-area software development companies.
Top Transfer Destinations
- University of Washington Tacoma
- Washington State University
- University of Washington Seattle
Entry-Level Career Paths
- Junior Mobile Developer
- Junior iOS Developer
- Junior Android Developer
- Mobile Application Support Technician
- QA Mobile Tester
Location Advantages:
Edmonds College — Lynnwood, WA
Hakia Insight: Edmonds' guest lecture model from Seattle tech firms turns your classroom into a live hiring pipeline where companies audition talent in real time, giving strong performers competitive job offers before graduation.
At the associate's level, strong partnerships with Seattle-area tech employers mean you're not just learning to code—you're building connections while you learn, with guest lectures and internship placements happening throughout your studies. Edmonds' mobile development track covers both native (iOS/Android) and cross-platform frameworks, and the college's proximity to major tech hubs means your classmates are often working part-time at real companies while studying. Graduates commonly transfer to UW Seattle or WSU, and many skip the university route entirely by landing developer roles at mid-market firms that specifically recruit from Edmonds' program.
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: Seattle-area tech companies, Puget Sound region startups, Regional software consultancies.
Top Transfer Destinations
- University of Washington Seattle
- Washington State University
- University of Washington Bothell
Entry-Level Career Paths
- Junior Mobile Developer
- Mobile Application Developer
- Junior iOS Developer
- Junior Android Developer
- Application Support Specialist
Location Advantages:
Clover Park Technical College — Lakewood, WA
Hakia Insight: Clover Park's workforce-first curriculum design—teaching what employers demand today rather than what was cutting-edge three years ago—produces graduates whose skills match open job requisitions immediately, reducing on-the-job training friction.
At the associate's level, clover Park's mobile development program takes a workforce-first approach, meaning every course is designed around what employers need right now—you won't waste time on outdated technologies or pure theory that won't appear on your first job interview. The college maintains tight connections with Puget Sound employers through advisory boards that literally dictate curriculum updates, so you're always learning what's in active demand. Many students complete the certificate and move directly into junior developer roles, though transfer options to UW Tacoma and other institutions remain available for those pursuing a four-year degree later.
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: Puget Sound region tech companies, Tacoma-area software firms, Regional startups and established software companies.
Top Transfer Destinations
- University of Washington Tacoma
- Washington State University
Entry-Level Career Paths
- Junior Mobile Developer
- Mobile Development Technician
- Junior iOS Developer
- Junior Android Developer
- Application Support Specialist
Location Advantages:
Spokane Community College — Spokane, WA
Hakia Insight: Spokane's second-year client application projects create a portfolio edge in non-coastal markets where startups and healthcare firms value shipped products over academic credentials, making graduates highly competitive for regional roles.
At the associate's level, spokane's program stands out for its focus on real-world project-based learning where you'll collaborate on actual client applications by your second year, giving you a portfolio piece that matters in interviews. The college has developed strong relationships with Spokane's growing tech scene, meaning employers know Spokane CC graduates arrive job-ready and familiar with industry workflows. You can complete your Associate degree here and transfer to Gonzaga or WSU, or step directly into junior developer roles at Spokane-based software firms, fintech companies, and healthcare tech organizations expanding in the region.
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: Spokane-based software companies, Healthcare tech firms in the Inland Northwest, Fintech startups, Regional IT consulting firms.
Top Transfer Destinations
- Washington State University
- Gonzaga University
- Eastern Washington University
Entry-Level Career Paths
- Junior Mobile Developer
- Junior Android Developer
- Junior iOS Developer
- Mobile Development Technician
- QA Mobile Tester
Location Advantages:
Renton Technical College — Renton, WA
Hakia Insight: Renton's instructor-as-practitioner model (day jobs in industry, night teaching) means your curriculum updates monthly based on what's actually breaking in production—a responsiveness traditional programs can't match.
At the associate's level, because Renton sits in the heart of Seattle's tech ecosystem, your instructors often work in industry by day and teach by night, bringing cutting-edge project examples and real hiring insights into every class—this isn't theory divorced from practice, it's the practice itself. You'll work with the same tools and frameworks used at major tech companies right now, and your network-building happens organically through guest speakers, guest instructors, and employers actively recruiting from campus. Graduates land junior developer roles quickly, though the college's strong academic pathway also supports transfer to University of Washington and other four-year institutions.
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: Seattle-area tech giants and mid-market firms, Puget Sound region startups, Bellevue and Redmond software companies, Regional fintech and healthcare tech firms.
Top Transfer Destinations
- University of Washington Seattle
- University of Washington Bothell
- Washington State University
Entry-Level Career Paths
- Junior Mobile Developer
- Junior iOS Developer
- Junior Android Developer
- Mobile Application Developer
- QA Mobile Tester
Location Advantages:
Bachelor's Mobile Development Programs in Washington
University of Washington-Seattle Campus — Seattle, WA
Key Distinction: UW's mobile development education is distinguished by its systems-first approach and direct access to faculty and facilities embedded within Seattle's tech infrastructure.
Hakia Insight: UW's Franziska Roesner and accessibility research labs give undergraduates rare access to faculty whose work directly shapes how Apple and Google build privacy and accessibility into mobile platforms—positioning you to influence industry standards, not just implement them.
At the bachelor's level, UW's mobile development coursework sits within one of the nation's premier computer science ecosystems, where students benefit from faculty actively shaping mobile platforms at companies like Google, Amazon, and Microsoft. The Allen School emphasizes systems-level thinking—students don't just build apps; they understand the underlying architecture of iOS and Android, network protocols, and performance optimization. A defining strength is the school's integration of mobile development into broader computer science concentrations, allowing students to specialize in areas like human-computer interaction, systems security, or graphics programming while maintaining mobile as a core application domain. UW's location in Seattle places students within immediate reach of major tech employers and research initiatives; internship pipelines are robust, with many students securing roles at nearby companies before graduation. The curriculum balances theoretical foundations with practical development across native and cross-platform frameworks, supported by labs where students deploy real applications and contribute to open-source mobile projects.
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
- Allen School of Computer Science & Engineering
- DUB (Design, Use, Build) Group
Industry Partners
- Google (corporate)
- Amazon (corporate)
- Microsoft (corporate)
- Apple (corporate)
Notable Faculty
- Franziska Roesner — Mobile security and privacy
- Richard Ladner — Accessibility in mobile computing
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Seattle tech hub with proximity to Google, Amazon, and Microsoft campusesDirect access to major mobile platform development communities
University of Washington-Bothell Campus — Bothell, WA
Key Distinction: UW Bothell uniquely focuses on cloud-native and distributed mobile architectures, preparing graduates for enterprise-scale mobile systems rather than isolated app development.
Hakia Insight: UW Bothell's cloud-native focus is deliberate differentiation from UW Seattle's systems approach: you're learning to architect apps that scale across distributed cloud services, a skill gap that makes Bothell graduates immediately valuable to enterprise teams where Seattle grads still think single-device.
At the bachelor's level, the UW Bothell mobile development pathway stands out for its emphasis on distributed systems and cloud-native mobile architectures, preparing students to work on apps that integrate seamlessly with backend infrastructure. The program curriculum is structured around modern development frameworks and tools used in production environments, with faculty research focused on edge computing, serverless mobile backends, and real-time data synchronization—all increasingly central to how enterprises deploy mobile applications. Students engage in a progression from foundational mobile principles through to advanced specializations in IoT integration, mobile security, and scalable architecture design. What makes Bothell's offering particularly valuable is the integration with UW's broader research ecosystem; students have access to collaborative opportunities across the entire UW system while learning in smaller cohorts. The campus location in the Seattle metropolitan area creates natural internship pipelines to major tech employers and startup accelerators. Capstone projects often involve real-world problems from regional companies, and the program explicitly connects mobile development to adjacent specializations—machine learning on mobile devices, mobile data visualization, and cloud platforms. Graduates frequently enter roles that span mobile and backend engineering, reflecting the program's integrated systems perspective.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Mobile Development — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Mobile Development — 4 years, online
Industry Partners
- Amazon (corporate)
- Microsoft (corporate)
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Amazon, Microsoft, Google.
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Seattle metropolitan area tech hub proximityDirect access to Amazon, Microsoft, and Google officesStartup and venture capital ecosystem
Seattle University — Seattle, WA
Key Distinction: Seattle University's mobile development program uniquely integrates ethics, user-centered design, and social impact into a technically rigorous computer science curriculum.
Hakia Insight: Seattle University's Human-Computer Interaction Lab, led by Andrew Toscos in mobile health, lets undergraduates embed ethics into shipped applications—not as a philosophy module, but as design constraint they test with real nonprofits in the Seattle ecosystem.
At the bachelor's level, seattle University's computer science program embeds mobile development within a liberal arts framework that emphasizes ethical technology, user-centered design, and social impact—a perspective that differentiates its approach from purely vocational or research-focused curricula. Mobile development coursework here sits alongside requirements in software engineering, UX research, and technology ethics, producing graduates who think critically about platform decisions and user privacy. The Jesuit institution actively partners with tech companies and nonprofits throughout the Pacific Northwest, creating internship and project opportunities that often address real community needs rather than purely commercial objectives. Faculty research interests span mobile security, accessibility, and human-computer interaction, giving students mentorship opportunities aligned with these specializations. Graduates often pursue roles at major tech firms—Amazon, Google, Microsoft all hire heavily from Seattle U—but also at mission-driven organizations and startups. The program's emphasis on communication and critical thinking, combined with technical depth, produces engineers who advance quickly into leadership and design-focused 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
- Human-Computer Interaction Lab
Industry Partners
- Amazon (corporate)
- Google (corporate)
- Microsoft (corporate)
- Local Seattle nonprofits (nonprofit)
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Amazon, Deloitte, DocuSign, Ernst & Young, Goldman Sachs, JP Morgan, KPMG, Nordstrom, PACCAR, Starbucks, Microsoft, Boeing, Zillow.
Notable Faculty
- Andrew Toscos — Mobile health and HCI
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Seattle tech hub with access to Amazon, Google, MicrosoftStrong nonprofit and social enterprise ecosystem for mission-driven projects
Green River College — Auburn, WA
Key Distinction: Green River's mobile development pathway combines rapid, practical training with low cost and strong regional job placement, making it ideal for career-transition and hands-on learners.
Hakia Insight: Green River's regional placement advantage stems from its proximity to Seattle's startup density; graduates enter entry-level roles faster than traditional four-year paths, then use lower debt-to-salary ratios to fund specialization later.
At the bachelor's level, as a community college serving the greater Seattle region, Green River has positioned its mobile development certificate and degree pathway as an accessible entry point for career-changers and high school graduates seeking rapid employment. The program spans 18–24 months and prioritizes contemporary frameworks—Swift, Kotlin, and Flutter—with labs organized around real marketplace demands rather than academic research agendas. Instruction is project-centric; students build 5–8 complete applications across the program, moving quickly from basic UI design to cross-platform deployment. Faculty come from industry backgrounds and maintain active consulting work, ensuring curriculum stays current with platform updates and hiring trends. Green River's strength lies in affordability, flexibility, and a proven pipeline into entry-level positions at regional tech companies and startups. Many students transfer to four-year institutions afterward, and others move directly into junior developer roles within 3–6 months of graduation.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Mobile Development — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Mobile Development — 4 years, online
Industry Partners
- Local Seattle-area startups (startup)
Location Advantages: Close proximity to Seattle tech corridorRegional job market for entry-level mobile developers
Bellevue College — Bellevue, WA
Key Distinction: Bellevue College leverages its Eastside location and flexible scheduling to serve working students while maintaining direct connections to major regional tech employers.
Hakia Insight: Bellevue College's Eastside footprint means students can intern at Microsoft Redmond while still enrolled—a geographical arbitrage that competitors in Seattle or Spokane can't replicate for rapid skill validation.
Bellevue College's information technology programs, including mobile development pathways, thrive on the college's direct adjacency to some of the Pacific Northwest's largest tech employers—Microsoft is headquartered in nearby Redmond, and countless startups and established companies operate throughout the Eastside corridor. The mobile development curriculum at Bellevue emphasizes both iOS and Android ecosystems with flexibility to explore emerging platforms like React Native and Flutter. Students benefit from an instructor cohort many of whom consult actively in the industry and draw from recent client work to illustrate real constraints and best practices. The college excels at serving working professionals and students balancing multiple commitments; courses are offered in evening and hybrid formats alongside daytime sessions. Bellevue's transfer partnerships with four-year institutions provide a clear academic pathway for students seeking bachelor's degrees, while many certificate holders move directly into tech roles.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Mobile Development — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Mobile Development — 4 years, online
Industry Partners
- Microsoft (corporate)
- Local Eastside tech companies (corporate)
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Microsoft, Amazon, Boeing, T-Mobile, Meta - Facebook, Nintendo, Costco Wholesale, AT&T, SAP Concur, F5.
Location Advantages: Direct access to Microsoft and Redmond tech ecosystemProximity to Eastside tech companies and startupsStrong regional hiring demand for mobile developers
Washington State University — Pullman, WA
Key Distinction: WSU distinguishes itself through deployed-application capstones and industry-mentored projects that give mobile development students production experience before graduation.
Hakia Insight: WSU's partnership with Avvo and Alaska Airlines goes beyond recruiting: students deploy actual production code for real companies during capstone, turning final projects into portfolio pieces that employers already know work.
At the bachelor's level, WSU's School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science has developed a mobile app development program rooted in practical, industry-aligned coursework that resonates with students seeking immediate career relevance. The program emphasizes full-stack mobile development—from backend API design to responsive front-end interfaces—using frameworks like Flutter and React Native alongside native development. What sets WSU apart is its commitment to small cohorts and mentorship; faculty maintain active consulting relationships with regional tech companies, bringing real-world project constraints into the classroom. Students engage in capstone projects that frequently become production applications, sometimes deployed and monetized through app stores. The Pullman location, while more rural than Seattle, fosters a tight-knit development community where students collaborate closely and have direct faculty access. Career outcomes reflect the applied focus: graduates land roles in startups and mid-market tech companies throughout the Pacific Northwest, often with stronger negotiating positions because they arrive with portfolios of deployed applications rather than academic exercises.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Mobile Development — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Mobile Development — 4 years, online
Research Labs and Institutes
- School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science
Industry Partners
- Avvo (startup)
- Alaska Airlines (corporate)
Notable Faculty
- Brian Sumner — Mobile development and cloud computing
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Regional proximity to Pacific Northwest tech companiesStrong connections with Spokane and Seattle tech ecosystems
Pacific Lutheran University — Tacoma, WA
Key Distinction: PLU's mobile development program uniquely integrates Christian ethical frameworks with technical training, producing developers who prioritize inclusive design and social impact alongside technical excellence.
Hakia Insight: PLU's Christian ethical framework isn't decorative—it surfaces in capstone requirements around accessibility and inclusive design, producing graduates whose portfolios visibly demonstrate social impact alongside technical chops, a differentiator in hiring.
At the bachelor's level, PLU's mobile development program emphasizes Christian values integrated with technical excellence, creating a distinctive culture where ethical design and social impact inform every project. The curriculum balances iOS and Android native development with cross-platform frameworks, allowing students to choose specialization paths based on career goals—whether that's enterprise applications, consumer apps, or specialized domains like healthcare or education technology. What sets this program apart is its integration of human-centered design principles throughout the mobile stack; students don't just build apps, they learn to design for real users with accessibility and inclusive design as core requirements rather than afterthoughts. The program benefits from PLU's location in the Pacific Northwest tech corridor, with internship partnerships that span Seattle startups and established tech companies. Faculty bring industry experience alongside academic rigor, often having worked at companies like Microsoft and Amazon before joining the university. Capstone projects frequently result in apps used by local nonprofits and community organizations, giving students portfolio pieces with genuine impact. Graduates report strong placement rates in Seattle-area tech companies, and the program's emphasis on ethical technology and social responsibility attracts employers seeking developers who think beyond the code.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Mobile Development — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Mobile Development — 4 years, online
Industry Partners
- Microsoft (corporate)
- Amazon (corporate)
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Microsoft, Amazon, T-Mobile.
Location Advantages: Proximity to Seattle tech hubAccess to Pacific Northwest startup ecosystem
Whitworth University — Spokane, WA
Key Distinction: Whitworth prioritizes software engineering fundamentals and architectural thinking in mobile development, preparing students not just to code apps but to design systems that scale.
Hakia Insight: Whitworth's emphasis on design patterns and architectural thinking from day one means graduates don't need a second job to learn how to write maintainable code; they enter junior roles already thinking in systems, not screens.
At the bachelor's level, whitworth's approach to mobile development centers on creating developers who can architect scalable, maintainable applications from day one—the program teaches design patterns and software engineering principles alongside platform-specific languages rather than treating them as separate concerns. Students engage with both native (Swift, Kotlin) and reactive frameworks (React Native, Flutter), but the real strength lies in how the curriculum scaffolds complexity: beginning with fundamentals but quickly moving into real-world challenges like offline-first architecture, real-time synchronization, and performance optimization for resource-constrained devices. The program draws on faculty expertise in distributed systems and user interface design, disciplines not always prioritized in mobile-focused curricula but essential for building production-grade applications. Capstone projects routinely involve partnerships with local businesses and startups in Spokane's growing tech scene, and many students continue working with these partners post-graduation. Whitworth's location in Eastern Washington provides access to an underserved but growing tech market, meaning graduates often find strong demand for their skills locally while also being competitive nationally. The program's emphasis on software craftsmanship—code quality, testing practices, and collaborative development—resonates particularly with students aiming for senior or leadership roles in mobile engineering.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Mobile Development — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Mobile Development — 4 years, online
Location Advantages: Growing Spokane tech ecosystemLower cost of living with strong local employer demand
Heritage University — Toppenish, WA
Key Distinction: Heritage University offers comprehensive Mobile Development programs preparing students for careers in technology.
Hakia Insight: Heritage University serves Toppenish and surrounding regions where tech talent is scarce; graduates immediately become in-demand in underserved Pacific Northwest markets, with lower competition for local opportunities.
Heritage University offers Mobile Development programs in Toppenish, WA. 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.
Central Washington University — Ellensburg, WA
Key Distinction: Central Washington's mobile development program prioritizes shipping real, market-ready applications throughout the curriculum, treating student projects as genuine portfolio pieces rather than exercises.
Hakia Insight: Central Washington flips the internship model—students ship market-ready apps during coursework, not after, so their resume lists deployments with real usage metrics, not hypotheticals.
At the bachelor's level, mobile development at Central Washington emphasizes hands-on, project-based learning where students ship real applications rather than complete assignments—the program philosophy treats every course project as a potential portfolio piece and market-ready product. This approach begins early: introductory courses involve developing simple but complete apps for real users (faculty, staff, student organizations), and by the capstone sequence, students are building sophisticated applications either for actual clients or in simulated startup environments. The curriculum covers iOS and Android development with strong coverage of backend services, cloud integration (Firebase, AWS), and the full development lifecycle from concept to App Store release. CWU's location in Ellensburg provides an interesting advantage: while far from Seattle, students benefit from direct connections to Seattle-area mentors, guest lecturers, and internship pipelines through the university's established tech networks. Faculty bring startup and industry experience, and many have founded or worked at tech companies themselves, creating a culture that encourages entrepreneurial thinking. Graduates often move directly into roles at both startups and established companies, and the program tracks employment outcomes carefully, adjusting curriculum based on what skills employers most value. For students who learn best by building and shipping real products, CWU's approach—grounded in execution rather than theory—creates a different and often more satisfying learning experience.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Mobile Development — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Mobile Development — 4 years, online
Location Advantages: Direct Seattle tech network connectionsLower cost of living
Master's Mobile Development Programs in Washington
University of Washington-Seattle Campus — Seattle, WA
Key Distinction: Thesis vs. coursework track options. Coursework option designed for industry career advancement
Hakia Insight: UW Seattle's DUB Group and Franziska Roesner's mobile security research means thesis-track students can publish peer-reviewed work on privacy issues that shape platform policy, while coursework-track students still access that research network for industry projects.
The University of Washington Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering offers a Master of Science in Electrical Engineering (MSEE) ranked #18 nationally by U.S. News & World Report. The program provides two distinct pathways: a coursework-based track designed for students seeking industry positions at higher levels, and a thesis track for those considering Ph.D. pursuit. The daytime program is highly customizable and prepares students for advanced professional practice. While the majority of master's students are self-funded, Ph.D. students receive funding through research and teaching assistantships, fellowships, and departmental support. Graduates secure positions at leading technology companies including Boeing, Microsoft, Amazon, Apple, Intel, and Honeywell. The program's location in Seattle provides proximity to prominent technology companies and a vibrant startup ecosystem, supporting career advancement and entrepreneurial opportunities.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Electrical Engineering (MSEE) — 1-2 years, on-campus. MS
Research Labs and Institutes
- Allen School of Computer Science & Engineering
- DUB (Design, Use, Build) Group
Industry Partners
- Google (corporate)
- Amazon (corporate)
- Microsoft (corporate)
- Apple (corporate)
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Boeing, Microsoft, Intel, Apple, Amazon, T-Mobile.
Notable Faculty
- Franziska Roesner — Mobile security and privacy
- Richard Ladner — Accessibility in mobile computing
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Seattle tech hub with proximity to Google, Amazon, and Microsoft campusesDirect access to major mobile platform development communities
Seattle University — Seattle, WA
Key Distinction: Seattle University's mobile development program uniquely integrates ethics, user-centered design, and social impact into a technically rigorous computer science curriculum.
Hakia Insight: Seattle University's master's program leans harder into nonprofit and social enterprise partnerships than most peer institutions, creating a specialized pipeline for developers who want to work for impact-driven companies without sacrificing salary competitiveness.
At the master's level, seattle University's computer science program embeds mobile development within a liberal arts framework that emphasizes ethical technology, user-centered design, and social impact—a perspective that differentiates its approach from purely vocational or research-focused curricula. Mobile development coursework here sits alongside requirements in software engineering, UX research, and technology ethics, producing graduates who think critically about platform decisions and user privacy. The Jesuit institution actively partners with tech companies and nonprofits throughout the Pacific Northwest, creating internship and project opportunities that often address real community needs rather than purely commercial objectives. Faculty research interests span mobile security, accessibility, and human-computer interaction, giving students mentorship opportunities aligned with these specializations. Graduates often pursue roles at major tech firms—Amazon, Google, Microsoft all hire heavily from Seattle U—but also at mission-driven organizations and startups. The program's emphasis on communication and critical thinking, combined with technical depth, produces engineers who advance quickly into leadership and design-focused 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
- Human-Computer Interaction Lab
Industry Partners
- Amazon (corporate)
- Google (corporate)
- Microsoft (corporate)
- Local Seattle nonprofits (nonprofit)
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Amazon, Deloitte, DocuSign, Ernst & Young, Goldman Sachs, JP Morgan, KPMG, Nordstrom, PACCAR, Starbucks, Microsoft, Boeing, Zillow.
Notable Faculty
- Andrew Toscos — Mobile health and HCI
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Seattle tech hub with access to Amazon, Google, MicrosoftStrong nonprofit and social enterprise ecosystem for mission-driven projects
University of Washington-Bothell Campus — Bothell, WA
Key Distinction: UW Bothell uniquely focuses on cloud-native and distributed mobile architectures, preparing graduates for enterprise-scale mobile systems rather than isolated app development.
Hakia Insight: UW Bothell's focus on cloud-native and distributed architectures, rather than isolated app development, prepares graduates for the actual architecture of modern mobile backends—a specialization most programs still treat as an elective.
At the master's level, the UW Bothell mobile development pathway stands out for its emphasis on distributed systems and cloud-native mobile architectures, preparing students to work on apps that integrate seamlessly with backend infrastructure. The program curriculum is structured around modern development frameworks and tools used in production environments, with faculty research focused on edge computing, serverless mobile backends, and real-time data synchronization—all increasingly central to how enterprises deploy mobile applications. Students engage in a progression from foundational mobile principles through to advanced specializations in IoT integration, mobile security, and scalable architecture design. What makes Bothell's offering particularly valuable is the integration with UW's broader research ecosystem; students have access to collaborative opportunities across the entire UW system while learning in smaller cohorts. The campus location in the Seattle metropolitan area creates natural internship pipelines to major tech employers and startup accelerators. Capstone projects often involve real-world problems from regional companies, and the program explicitly connects mobile development to adjacent specializations—machine learning on mobile devices, mobile data visualization, and cloud platforms. Graduates frequently enter roles that span mobile and backend engineering, reflecting the program's integrated systems perspective.
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
- Amazon (corporate)
- Microsoft (corporate)
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Amazon, Microsoft, Google.
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Seattle metropolitan area tech hub proximityDirect access to Amazon, Microsoft, and Google officesStartup and venture capital ecosystem
Washington State University — Pullman, WA
Key Distinction: WSU distinguishes itself through deployed-application capstones and industry-mentored projects that give mobile development students production experience before graduation.
Hakia Insight: WSU's industry-mentored capstones with Avvo and Alaska Airlines compress what typically takes a first job to learn; graduates ship production systems while enrolled, eliminating the 'competent but inexperienced' gap.
At the master's level, WSU's School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science has developed a mobile app development program rooted in practical, industry-aligned coursework that resonates with students seeking immediate career relevance. The program emphasizes full-stack mobile development—from backend API design to responsive front-end interfaces—using frameworks like Flutter and React Native alongside native development. What sets WSU apart is its commitment to small cohorts and mentorship; faculty maintain active consulting relationships with regional tech companies, bringing real-world project constraints into the classroom. Students engage in capstone projects that frequently become production applications, sometimes deployed and monetized through app stores. The Pullman location, while more rural than Seattle, fosters a tight-knit development community where students collaborate closely and have direct faculty access. Career outcomes reflect the applied focus: graduates land roles in startups and mid-market tech companies throughout the Pacific Northwest, often with stronger negotiating positions because they arrive with portfolios of deployed applications rather than academic exercises.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Mobile Development — 1-2 years, on-campus
- Master of Arts in Mobile Development — 1-2 years, online
Research Labs and Institutes
- School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science
Industry Partners
- Avvo (startup)
- Alaska Airlines (corporate)
Notable Faculty
- Brian Sumner — Mobile development and cloud computing
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Regional proximity to Pacific Northwest tech companiesStrong connections with Spokane and Seattle tech ecosystems
City University of Seattle — Seattle, WA
Key Distinction: City University of Seattle delivers mobile development training through flexible, asynchronous formats designed for working professionals, prioritizing rapid skill acquisition and immediate career application.
Hakia Insight: City University's asynchronous, evening-first design means career-changers earn credentials without career pause—a practical advantage for mid-career professionals that synchronous programs structurally can't match.
At the master's level, city University of Seattle serves working professionals and career-changers through a flexible, applied mobile development program designed around evening and online formats—a distinction that fundamentally shapes curriculum and pedagogy. Rather than building theory first and applications later, the program teaches mobile development as practical problem-solving, with each course organized around real-world scenarios and the assumption that students bring diverse professional backgrounds and goals. The curriculum covers foundational mobile development across platforms but emphasizes rapid skill acquisition and immediate applicability. CityU's online-first approach means sophisticated use of asynchronous learning resources, video demonstrations, and collaborative remote projects—skills themselves increasingly valuable as distributed development becomes standard in tech. The program serves Seattle's professional community directly, creating natural industry connections: instructors often work in industry concurrently, and student cohorts frequently include professionals from Microsoft, Amazon, and local startups, adding peer learning value. For developers transitioning careers, returning to education part-time, or seeking a structured path to mobile development skills, CityU's format removes barriers that traditional four-year residential programs present. Graduates typically move into roles at established tech companies or continue advancing within their current organizations. The program's strength lies not in research or cutting-edge specialization but in accessibility, flexibility, and direct job-market responsiveness.
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
- Microsoft (corporate)
- Amazon (corporate)
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Microsoft, Amazon.
Location Advantages: Seattle tech hub accessServing local professional population
University of Washington-Tacoma Campus — Tacoma, WA
Key Distinction: Thesis vs. Capstone track options: thesis for PhD pipeline consideration; capstone for practical, employer-aligned real-world problem-solving. Hybrid delivery: weekday online + Saturday in-person sessions enabling working professionals to maintain employment
Hakia Insight: UW Tacoma's hybrid Saturday in-person + weekday online model and capstone-or-thesis flexibility lets working professionals stay employed while building either immediate job skills or PhD-pipeline research experience.
The M.S. in Information Technology at UW Tacoma equips working professionals with advanced IT skills for leadership and mid-to-senior roles. The program offers 45 quarter credits with two flexible pathways: a thesis track for PhD-aspiring students emphasizing original research, and a capstone track focusing on practical, real-world solutions aligned with employer needs. Delivery is hybrid—weekday online classes plus Saturday in-person sessions—enabling part-time completion. Core coursework covers data structures, algorithms, and networking; electives span cloud computing, cybersecurity, machine learning, and IoT. The capstone option allows students to apply learning to their employer's challenges, supporting tuition reimbursement partnerships. Graduates advance into leadership, management, and strategic IT roles with significantly higher earning potential than bachelor's-degree holders, addressing the 22% projected job growth in IT over the next decade.
Programs Offered
- M.S. in Information Technology — 1-2 years, on-campus. MS
Industry Partners
- Amazon (corporate)
- Microsoft (corporate)
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Proximity to Amazon headquarters (Seattle)Access to Microsoft Puget Sound officesGrowing tech startup ecosystem in Tacoma
Saint Martin's University — Lacey, WA
Key Distinction: Saint Martin's merges rigorous computer science with Benedictine values and applied research, producing mobile developers equipped with both technical depth and ethical thinking.
Hakia Insight: Saint Martin's Benedictine ethos surfaces in applied research requirements where ethics and systems thinking aren't add-ons but prerequisites for capstone approval, producing developers who can articulate technology's societal implications in client conversations.
At the master's level, saint Martin's computer science program, grounded in Benedictine values of intellectual rigor and service, develops mobile developers who think systemically about technology's role in society. The mobile development track within the computer science major includes specialized coursework in native iOS development, Android application design, and modern cross-platform frameworks, complemented by electives in cybersecurity and human-computer interaction that sharpen graduates' competitive edge. The university's Jesuit-inspired liberal arts core ensures students graduate with communication and ethical reasoning skills—strengths that employers consistently cite as rare in technical hires. Faculty conduct applied research on mobile security and accessibility; students can participate in these projects and present at regional conferences, building professional portfolios early. Career services and industry partnerships connect students with internships at companies like Amazon Web Services and smaller Puget Sound tech firms; most graduates transition directly into mobile developer roles or graduate programs. Located in Lacey, near Olympia, Saint Martin's offers a cohesive campus experience with access to the broader Pacific Northwest tech corridor, and many graduates eventually relocate to Seattle for mid-career advancement.
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
- Amazon Web Services (corporate)
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Amazon Web Services.
Location Advantages: Proximity to Olympia state government tech initiativesAccess to Puget Sound tech communityGateway to Seattle's broader tech ecosystem
Central Washington University — Ellensburg, WA
Key Distinction: Central Washington's mobile development program prioritizes shipping real, market-ready applications throughout the curriculum, treating student projects as genuine portfolio pieces rather than exercises.
Hakia Insight: Central Washington's insistence that master's students ship market-ready applications rather than complete assignments means your capstone becomes a LinkedIn portfolio piece before graduation—a competitive advantage when competing for senior mobile roles in Seattle's saturated market.
At the master's level, mobile development at Central Washington emphasizes hands-on, project-based learning where students ship real applications rather than complete assignments—the program philosophy treats every course project as a potential portfolio piece and market-ready product. This approach begins early: introductory courses involve developing simple but complete apps for real users (faculty, staff, student organizations), and by the capstone sequence, students are building sophisticated applications either for actual clients or in simulated startup environments. The curriculum covers iOS and Android development with strong coverage of backend services, cloud integration (Firebase, AWS), and the full development lifecycle from concept to App Store release. CWU's location in Ellensburg provides an interesting advantage: while far from Seattle, students benefit from direct connections to Seattle-area mentors, guest lecturers, and internship pipelines through the university's established tech networks. Faculty bring startup and industry experience, and many have founded or worked at tech companies themselves, creating a culture that encourages entrepreneurial thinking. Graduates often move directly into roles at both startups and established companies, and the program tracks employment outcomes carefully, adjusting curriculum based on what skills employers most value. For students who learn best by building and shipping real products, CWU's approach—grounded in execution rather than theory—creates a different and often more satisfying learning experience.
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: Direct Seattle tech network connectionsLower cost of living
