The Best Online Mobile App Development Programs
Updated October 26, 2023
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The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) ranks software developers among the fastest-growing careers in the country. The BLS projects software development jobs to have a growth rate of 25% by 2032. Earning an online mobile app development degree prepares graduates for careers in this growing, exciting industry.
Professionals with a mobile development degree earn high salaries and enjoy job market stability. Computer programmers earn an average of $97,800 per year and software developers earn an average of $124,200 per year.
The Best Online Bachelor’s in Mobile Development Degree Programs
We use trusted sources like
Peterson's Data and
the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools.
#1 The Best Online Mobile App Development Programs
Liberty University
Lynchburg, VA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Liberty University is a private, not-for-profit institution providing competitive study across 91 bachelor's programs. Located in Lynchburg, Virginia, the institution boasts 30 online bachelor's degrees. The bachelor's in information technology web and mobile programming is an attractive option for students seeking to advance in the web development field.
The program supports flexible study, meeting the needs of every learner. Enrollees work with academic advisors to create a course schedule meeting career and academic goals.
At present, undergraduates pay $15,417 in tuition. The institution's accreditation status enables students to benefit from financial aid during their studies.
Liberty University at a Glance:
Online Enrollment: 78,511
Total Online Programs: 161
Online Bachelor's Programs: 30
Admission Rate: 51%
Transfer Credits Accepted: Accepted
#2 The Best Online Mobile App Development Programs
Fort Hays State University
Hays, KS - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Fort Hays State University, a public school in Hays, Kansas, boasts a robust online learning community. The bachelor's in web and mobile application development is one of the college's 24 online bachelor's programs. The program prioritizes flexibility through full- or part-time study options.
Degree-seekers complete industry-relevant classes throughout their studies, gaining broad and specific knowledge of the field. Students also complete general education requirements, gaining additional knowledge. Enrollees can work with their academic advisor to customize their degree, choose electives, and declare minors and degree concentrations.
Graduates possessing a bachelor's degree can access more job opportunities and grow their earning potential over time. At the college, students can expect to earn a median salary of $36,800 six years after graduation. When preparing for the costs of education, applicants should know that the average cost of tuition and fees after aid is $12,108. Prospective enrollees can contact the program to learn more about admission requirements and financial aid opportunities.
Fort Hays State University at a Glance:
Online Enrollment: 8,759
Total Online Programs: 40
Online Bachelor's Programs: 24
Admission Rate: 91%
Transfer Credits Accepted: Data not available
Online Bachelor’s in Mobile Development Degree Program Ranking Guidelines
We ranked these degree programs based on quality, curricula, school awards, rankings, and reputation.
Our Methodology
Here at TheBestSchools.org, we take the trust and welfare of our readers very seriously. When making our school and program rankings, our top priority is ensuring that our readers get accurate, unbiased information that can help them make informed decisions about online education. That's why we've developed a rigorous ranking methodology that keeps the needs of our readers front and center.
Our proprietary, multi-criteria ranking algorithm analyzes key data indicators — as collected by the federal government — for each school or program. What data we use depends on the focus of each specific ranking, but in all cases, our ranking methodology is impartial: Schools cannot buy better rankings at TBS.
While specific criteria under consideration can vary by ranking, there are a few data points that we value most highly. They are affordability, academic quality, and online enrollment. Below, we break down our algorithm to help you understand what you're getting when you use one of our rankings.
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Academics -
Affordability -
Online Enrollment
Data Sources
The data used in TBS rankings comes primarily from the federal government, and much of it is provided by the schools themselves. We aggregate and analyze this data to build our rankings.
The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) is our primary source. Its data comes from annual surveys conducted by the U.S. Department of Education's National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). Every college, university, or technical school with access to federal financial aid must participate in these surveys, which include questions about enrollment, graduation rates, finances, and faculty qualifications. This is publicly available data, which you can access yourself through the College Navigator.
Additionally, because we value a personal touch and the professional experience of our staff and Academic Advisory Board, we vet all results and adjust rankings as necessary based on our collected knowledge of schools and degree programs. Depending on the ranking, we may obtain additional input from AcademicInfluence.com, subject matter experts, prior TBS ranking lists, or other sources we deem relevant to a particular ranking.
Breakdown of Our Rankings Methodology
About Our Ranking Factors
Here at TBS, we value what you value: quality education, affordability, and the accessibility of online education. These factors guide all of our program rankings.
Each of these factors are further broken down into weighted subfactors. For example, retention rates are weighted more heavily than availability of program options because they are a better indicator of student success.
We chose the following factors for our rankings because of their influence on learning experiences and graduate outcomes. However, students should always balance our rankings against their personal priorities. For instance, a learner who needs a fully online program may prioritize online flexibility more than our rankings do. Our rankings are designed to help you make a decision — not to make a decision for you.
Academics - 75%
Affordability - 15%
Online Enrollment - 10%
In all our school rankings and recommendations, we work for objectivity and balance. We carefully research and compile each ranking list, and as stated in our advertising disclosure, we do NOT permit financial incentives to influence rankings. Our articles never promote or disregard a school for financial gain.
If you have questions about our ranking methodology, please feel free to connect with our staff through contact page.
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Featured Online Schools
Choosing an Online Mobile Development Degree Program
Students who want to pursue a mobile development bachelor’s degree online should research each prospective school. While the above programs have some similarities, learners should choose a program that fits their career goals. Prospective students should ensure the university in question offers the courses they need. For example, students who want to develop applications for iPhones should attend a school that offers classes in Apple programming.
Students planning to pursue specialized careers should find universities that offer relevant concentrations. When researching universities that do not offer concentrations, students should look for elective options that align with their interests. Students should also consider the cost and length of each program. While online learning tends to be less expensive than on-campus programs, students should compare tuition rates and consider additional fees and expenses. Learners who want to graduate quickly may prioritize programs that offer accelerated courses or accept transfer credits.
Return to the topWhat Else Can I Expect From an Online Bachelor’s in Mobile Development Program?
Each mobile development program offers a unique curriculum. However, some courses are common to most programs in the field. These classes teach students foundational knowledge that prepares them for more specialized coursework. Most mobile development programs cover topics including Apple programming, information security, and project management.
Curriculum for an Online Bachelor’s Degree in Mobile Development
- Apple Programming Language:
Because Apple dominates the mobile industry, application programmers must make their software compatible with Apple’s technology. This course teaches the necessary technical skills to write applications for Apple devices. - Game Theory:
As the popularity of mobile gaming grows, learners need to understand gaming fundamentals. Students learn how to combine game theories with technical abilities and create games that users enjoy. - Information Security Fundamentals:
Graduates with a basic understanding of information security ensure the trustworthiness of applications. This course provides the necessary knowledge to create safe programs.
- Ethical and Legal Issues in IT:
This class provides the ethical framework learners need to succeed in the evolving field. Students learn how to use critical-thinking skills to solve problems and how to conduct work legally. - Information Technology Project Management:
Learners who want to pursue high-level corporate positions. Students learn to oversee application development from conception to launch.
Careers with a Bachelor's in Mobile Development
Graduates of mobile development programs often become mobile software developers. However, some graduaes work in management or web development positions. Professionals in these careers typically work in office environments and work regular office schedules.
- Software Developer:
These professionals combine creativity with technical skills to create new software. Mobile development graduates research user needs and find ways to solve these problems with applications. Mobile software developers work with programmers and security experts. Most employers require these professionals to hold a bachelor’s degree.- Median Annual Salary: $124,200
- Projected Growth Rate (2022-2032): 25%
- Computer and Information Systems Manager:
After gaining about five years of work experience, graduates can manage information systems and teams. These professionals earn some of the highest salaries in the industry. They oversee projects, hire new talent and work with external vendors. They may work as chief technology officers or IT directors for in-house technology teams.- Median Annual Salary: $164,070
- Projected Growth Rate (2022-2032): 15%
- Web Developer:
Along with applications, users also access websites from mobile devices. Web developers with backgrounds in mobile computing ensure that websites look as good on smartphones and tablets as they do on desktop computers. Although some employers require web developers to have only an associate degree, a bachelor’s degree in mobile development can give applicants a competitive edge.- Median Annual Salary: $80,730
- Projected Growth Rate (2022-2032): 16%
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
Featured Image Credit: Maskot | Getty Images
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