Best Online Mobile App Development Degree Programs for 2025

by Imed Bouchrika, Phd

Co-Founder and Chief Data Scientist

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What can I expect from an online mobile app development degree program?

You should expect a structured curriculum that blends practical coding skills, user-focused design principles, and foundational computer science theory. However, it's essential to recognize that this is far more than just a lengthy series of video tutorials.

The real value of these programs is that they teach you how to learn and adapt for your entire career. While you'll undoubtedly learn to code, the deeper goal is to master the timeless principles of logic, problem-solving, and system design. These are the skills that enable you to adapt to any new technology that emerges in the future.

An online mobile app development degree isn't just about building an app today. It's about providing you with the foundational knowledge to be an effective and adaptable software engineer for decades to come. That's the core promise.

Where can I work with an online mobile app development degree?

With this degree, you can work across virtually every industry. While famous tech companies are an option, the largest area of job growth is actually within companies in other sectors—such as finance, healthcare, logistics, and retail. Every company is becoming a tech company, creating a huge demand for what we call "embedded developers."

This is a fantastic opportunity if you already have experience in another field. Combining your industry knowledge with new development skills can make you an incredibly valuable candidate. Beyond these roles, you'll also find positions at dedicated software companies, creative agencies that build apps for various clients, and large enterprises with internal development teams.

How much can I make with an online mobile app development degree?

The average salary for a mobile applications developer is approximately $99,257, and the median salary for all computer occupations is even higher, at around $108,970. But that's just the average.

The real opportunity comes from specialization. Choosing a high-growth, high-value niche is how you can significantly out-earn the median wage. This is possible because nearly every industry now needs specialized developers, and they are willing to pay a premium for them.

For example, developers working in web search portals, libraries, and archives can earn a median wage of $209,350. Those in the financial investments sector see median salaries around $134,810. This shows that combining your development skills with a specific industry focus is the direct path to the highest levels of compensation.

List of the Best Online Mobile App Development Programs for 2025

1. Liberty University - B.S. in Information Technology: Web & Mobile Programming

Liberty University offers a curriculum that focuses on developing user-friendly programs that operate across multiple platforms. The program prepares you to earn valuable, industry-recognized certifications from partners such as Microsoft and Oracle, enhancing your professional credentials upon graduation.

• Program Length: 4 years
• Required Credits to Graduate: 120
• Tuition: $24,650 per year (full-time)
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

2. Fort Hays State University - B.A. in Information Networking and Telecommunications (Web and Mobile Application Development)

Fort Hays State University builds its program on the concept of media convergence, teaching both electronic media principles and modern web development tools. The curriculum is specifically designed to prepare you for professional certifications, such as the Certified Web Designer Apprentice (CWDSA).

• Program Length: 4 years
• Concentration: Web and Mobile Application Development
• Required Credits to Graduate: 120
• Cost per Credit: $265.05
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

3. DeVry University - Online Bachelor’s Degree Specialization in Web and Mobile Application Development

DeVry University offers a hands-on curriculum with a unique 3-in-1 design, allowing you to earn a certificate, an associate’s degree, and a bachelor’s degree as you complete your bachelor’s studies. The program focuses on the Internet of Things (IoT) economy, preparing you to develop for wearables and smart devices.

• Program Length: 2 years 8 months (accelerated)
• Concentration: Web and Mobile Application Development
• Required Credits to Graduate: 120
• Cost per Credit: $514
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

4. Arkansas State University - B.S. in Digital Technology & Design with a Concentration in Mobile App Development

Arkansas State University provides a focused curriculum centered on the iOS platform, teaching you to code with Swift and build apps in Xcode. You will culminate your studies by developing a market-ready mobile app and a professional portfolio website to showcase your skills to employers.

• Program Length: 4 years
• Concentration: Mobile App Development
• Required Credits to Graduate: 120
• Cost per Credit: $282
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

5. Baker College - B.S. in Information Systems (Web & Mobile Application Development)

Baker College integrates general business and management knowledge with technical expertise in web and mobile development. The program emphasizes practical application, requiring a minimum of 150 hours of relevant work experience and culminating in a comprehensive senior capstone project.

• Program Length: 4 years
• Concentration: Web and Mobile Application Development
• Required Credits to Graduate: 120
• Cost per Credit: $450
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

6. Northeastern University - B.S. in Information Technology, Applications Development Concentration

Northeastern University offers a STEM-designated program with a challenge-based, experience-focused learning approach. The curriculum reinforces core business skills, such as project management. It allows you to apply existing professional certifications, like A+ or PMP, toward course credits.

• Program Length: 4 years
• Concentration: Applications Development
• Required Credits to Graduate: 120
• Cost per Credit: $541
• Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)

7. ECPI University - B.S. in IT, Software Development, and Coding

ECPI University offers an accelerated program that uniquely combines user experience (UX) design principles with software development fundamentals. The curriculum prepares you to create engaging, user-centric applications and provides discounted vouchers for key industry certification exams.

• Program Length: 2.5 years
• Track: User Experience and Web/Mobile Development
• Required Credits to Graduate: 120
• Cost per Semester: $8,712
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

8. Arizona State University - B.S. in Software Engineering

Arizona State University offers the first online software engineering program to receive ABET accreditation, the highest industry standard for engineering and technology education. The project-driven curriculum provides a direct pathway to an Accelerated Master’s program, saving you time and money on advanced studies.

• Program Length: 4 years
• Required Credits to Graduate: 120
• Cost per Credit: $763
• Accreditation: Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET)

9. Southern New Hampshire University - B.S. in Computer Science

Southern New Hampshire University emphasizes building a professional portfolio throughout its curriculum, teaching you to improve, secure, and test code. The program offers an accelerated BS-to-MS pathway, allowing you to complete graduate-level courses at the lower undergraduate tuition rate.

• Program Length: 4 years
• Concentration: Software Engineering
• Required Credits to Graduate: 120
• Cost per Credit: $342
• Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)

10. Western Governors University - B.S. Software Engineering

Western Governors University offers a competency-based program that enables you to accelerate your studies based on your prior knowledge. The curriculum includes multiple industry-recognized certifications and offers two distinct tracks, allowing you to specialize in either Java or C# programming languages.

• Program Length: 35 months (average)
• Tracks: Java and C#
• Required Competency Units to Graduate: 119
• Tuition: $4,125 per 6-month term
• Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)

How long does it take to complete an online mobile app development degree program?

A bachelor's degree in mobile app development typically takes four years of full-time study to complete. This is a well-established path, with over 108,500 bachelor's degrees in computer and information sciences awarded in the 2021-22 academic year alone.

However, many online programs are designed to be flexible. If you're a working professional or have existing college credits to transfer, you may be able to complete your degree sooner. Conversely, studying part-time allows you to fit your education around your life, even if it takes a bit longer.

Degree vs. Bootcamp: A Strategic Comparison

It's common to compare the four-year degree path to a shorter, intensive coding bootcamp. The key is to understand they serve different strategic purposes. A boot camp is designed for rapid, tactical skill acquisition to get you into a specific entry-level job quickly. It's a great option if speed is your only goal.

A degree, on the other hand, is a long-term investment in your career resilience. Those four years are spent building a deep, foundational understanding of computer science that allows you to adapt and grow for decades. While you might find the shortest online software engineering bootcamp appealing, a degree prepares you for leadership roles and ensures your skills won't become obsolete when technologies change.

How does an online mobile app development degree program compare to an on-campus program?

For any reputable university, the curriculum, faculty expertise, and the final degree you earn are identical whether you study online or on campus. The only real differences are the delivery method and the flexibility that comes with it.

A common concern is that employers might view an online degree as less valuable, but that’s a misconception. The professional world, particularly in technology, has fully adopted remote work and online collaboration. The skills you develop in an online mobile app development degree program—like self-discipline, time management, and asynchronous communication—are seen as major assets.

The Bottom Line: Accreditation is What Matters

Here’s what you really need to focus on: accreditation and the reputation of the institution. What employers truly care about is that your degree comes from a respected, accredited university, not whether you attended classes in person.

An online degree from a top state university is a degree from that university, period. The diploma doesn’t say “online.” It proves you have met the same rigorous academic standards as any other graduate from that school. That’s the mark of quality that opens doors in the job market—similar to how completing the shortest online bioinformatics master's programs still holds the same academic weight as the on-campus version.

What is the average cost of an online mobile app development program?

The cost of a program varies widely depending on whether you choose a public or private university. Based on the programs we've analyzed, the average total tuition for an online mobile app development degree is around $58,586.

The full range can be anywhere from about $31,806 to $98,600. Keep in mind that as an online student, you'll save significantly on other costs associated with college, such as housing, meal plans, and daily transportation.

Understanding Your Potential Return on Investment (ROI)

It's natural to focus on the tuition cost, but it's more strategic to view it as a direct investment in your future earnings. When you consider that the median salary for computer occupations is over $108,000 per year, the return on that investment becomes very clear.

Think of it this way: the degree's cost is a comprehensive, bundled investment. It provides a deep education and prepares you for multiple professional certifications that you would otherwise have to pay for individually. This approach gives you a much stronger foundation and a more straightforward path to a high salary than trying to piece together your education on your own—similar to how graduates of the shortest RN to MSN online nursing programs maximize both time and earning potential.

What are the financial aid options for students enrolling in an online mobile app development program?

Students in accredited online programs have access to the same financial aid options as on-campus students. The key is knowing where to look and what steps to take.

Here is the standard process for securing financial aid:

• Start with the FAFSA. This free application is the universal key to accessing all forms of federal aid, including Pell Grants and federal student loans.
• Search for Scholarships. Look for general scholarships as well as targeted awards for students in STEM fields, women in technology, or specific underrepresented groups.
• Investigate Employer Reimbursement. Many companies offer tuition assistance programs to help their employees gain valuable new skills, so be sure to check with your HR department.
• Consider University Payment Plans. Most universities offer plans that allow you to spread your tuition payments out over the semester instead of paying in one lump sum.

Let the Industry Help Pay Your Way

Here’s a pro tip: the tech industry itself can be a significant source of funding. Due to a critical shortage of skilled developers, many companies and industry organizations are actively funding education to build their future workforce. They want to invest in you.

Look beyond general university scholarships and search for awards offered by specific tech companies or professional groups. For those already working, employer tuition reimbursement is one of the most powerful and underutilized benefits available. Your current company might pay for a large portion of your degree to help you gain the skills they desperately need.

What are the prerequisites for enrolling in an online mobile app development program?

The primary prerequisite for these programs is a high school diploma or its equivalent, such as a GED. You don't need to be a math genius, but you should have a solid foundation in high school math, typically through Algebra II.

A common worry is that you need prior coding experience to get in, but that's not the case. These programs are designed to teach you from the ground up. This degree is the standard path into the field; data shows that 69% of mobile app developers hold a bachelor's degree.

Mobile Dev vs. Computer Science: Which Path is for You?

This is a critical decision point. A mobile app development degree is best for students who are passionate about building tangible, user-facing products. It's a very applied, project-based path focused on the practical skills of creating great applications.

A traditional computer science degree is for those more interested in the deep theory and mathematics of computation. It's a more abstract path that can lead to roles in research or building complex backend systems. If that sounds more like you, consider comparing some of the shortest online bachelor's programs in computer science to see the difference in curriculum.

What courses are typically in an online mobile app development program?

A quality online mobile app development degree curriculum is designed to give you a balanced mix of theory, practical skills, and future-focused knowledge. Here are the types of courses you can expect to see:

• Core Programming: These courses teach you universal programming concepts using a foundational language like Python or Java.
• Platform-Specific Development: This is where you learn to build actual apps using languages like Swift for iOS or Kotlin for Android.
• UI/UX Design: You'll learn the principles of making apps that are intuitive and user-friendly, and some students even discover a passion for a full UI UX design degree online.
• Database Management & Cloud Services: These courses cover how applications store, manage, and retrieve data using dominant cloud platforms, such as AWS and Azure.
• AI and Machine Learning: This forward-looking course teaches you how to build intelligent features into apps and the ethical considerations of doing so.
• Capstone Project: This is a final, comprehensive project where you build a complex application from scratch to serve as the centerpiece of your professional portfolio.

Why Foundational Courses Are Your Career Insurance

It's easy to focus on the platform-specific or AI courses, as that's where you build exciting features. However, from a career strategy perspective, your most valuable classes are those that cover computer science fundamentals, such as data structures and algorithms. These courses teach you the "why" behind the code.

They give you the mental models to solve complex problems efficiently, no matter what programming language or platform you're using. This is what future-proofs your career. Technology will always evolve, but these core principles of computation remain constant. Mastering them is what gives you the power to adapt and thrive for decades.

What types of specializations are available in an online mobile app development program?

You can specialize in several ways, but the most common paths are by platform, technology, industry, or specific role. Here is a breakdown of those options:

• By Platform (iOS vs. Android): This is the most traditional path, and the market share data clearly shows that while Android dominates globally with over 71% of the market, iOS development is often more lucrative.
• By Technology (Native vs. Cross-Platform): You can master native code like Swift (iOS) or Kotlin (Android) for maximum performance, or focus on cross-platform frameworks like React Native or Flutter to build apps for both platforms from a single codebase.
• By Industry (FinTech, HealthTech, Gaming): This is a powerful strategy that combines your coding skills with the specific needs of a particular industry, such as pursuing an accelerated online game art and design degree to become an expert in building interactive entertainment.
• By Role (e.g., Mobile Security): You can also specialize in a specific function, such as securing mobile applications and user data, which is a critical and high-demand niche.

From Generalist to Specialist: Your Strategic Advantage

The job market has plenty of generalists. The highest-paying and most stable career paths are for specialists. Think about it: as every company becomes a tech company, they don't just need "a developer"; they need a developer who understands healthcare privacy laws, or one who can build secure financial transaction systems.

Choosing a niche allows you to go deep, build unique expertise, and become the go-to person in that area. This not only increases your job security but also gives you the leverage to command a higher salary and have more control over your career trajectory.

How to choose the best online mobile app development program?

To choose the best program for you, look beyond generic rankings and focus on a few key criteria. First, ensure the program is from a regionally accredited institution, as this is a non-negotiable mark of quality.

After that, evaluate the curriculum's depth to determine if it teaches timeless computer science fundamentals, rather than just current trends. Look into the faculty to see if they are experienced industry veterans who can bring real-world insights into the classroom. Finally, check for a strong emphasis on project-based learning throughout the program.

The Ultimate Criterion: Does It Help You Build a Portfolio?

Here is the most critical piece of advice for choosing a program: the best program is the one that helps you build the strongest portfolio. A degree certificate can help you get an interview, but it's your portfolio of projects that will get you the job. Look for a program with a mandatory, robust capstone project.

Find one where the curriculum requires you to constantly be building, creating, and adding to your body of work on a platform like GitHub. A degree from a prestigious university won't help you if you graduate with no tangible projects to show employers. The ultimate goal is to graduate with both a credential and compelling proof of your skills—much like graduates of a master's degree in mathematics online program leave with both knowledge and demonstrable problem-solving projects.

What career paths are available for graduates of an online mobile app development degree program?

While the most direct path is to become a mobile developer, the skills you gain make you a strong candidate for many positions within the larger software engineering world. In fact, many graduates find that pursuing even the fastest online bachelor's in software engineering opens up similar doors.

Here are the most common career paths:

• Mobile Developer / Software Engineer (Mobile): This is the primary, hands-on coding role where you'll design, build, and maintain applications for iOS or Android.
• Product Manager: If you have strong user empathy and business sense, you can move into a role where you guide the strategic direction of an application.
• UI/UX Engineer: This is a hybrid role for individuals who enjoy both visual design and the front-end coding required to create a seamless user experience.
• Solutions Architect (Mobile): This is a senior-level position for experienced developers who focus on designing the overall structure and technical vision for complex mobile systems.

The Ladder to Leadership: From Developer to Architect

For those with a background in IT, the path to Solutions Architect is a compelling one. Your experience with infrastructure and systems provides a unique advantage in designing robust and scalable mobile applications. This is how you break through a career plateau.

This path represents a clear ladder to leadership and high-value work. As you can see from industry data, roles in IT architecture and design are among the highest paying in the entire tech field, with average salaries exceeding $156,000. This degree is the first step on that ladder.

What additional credentials can amplify your mobile app development career?

In a rapidly evolving tech landscape, advanced certifications and specialized training can set you apart from the competition. Pursuing industry-recognized credentials in areas such as cybersecurity, cloud computing, or data analytics not only validates your expertise but also expands your technical repertoire. Further education, like a fast track computer science degree, offers a deeper theoretical foundation that can accelerate your journey toward leadership roles. Continuous professional development ensures you remain competitive as emerging technologies redefine industry standards.

What is the job market for graduates with an online mobile app development degree?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs for software developers are projected to grow by 18% between 2023 and 2033. This is significantly faster than the average growth rate for all occupations.

This translates to about 140,100 job openings projected each year, on average, over the decade. An online mobile app development degree directly prepares you to step into this high-growth, high-demand market.

A Strong Market for the Right Candidate

It's essential to add one crucial piece of context to those strong numbers. The market is excellent for qualified graduates with a compelling portfolio. While the demand for developers is high, the entry-level market is still competitive.

This is why your choice of program and your focus on building projects are so important. The degree gets you the interview; your portfolio of work is what secures the job offer. Success in this field is a combination of having the proper credentials and demonstrating your passion and skill through the things you have built.

Here’s What Graduates Have to Say about Their Online Mobile App Development Program

Other Things You Should Know About Online Mobile App Development Programs

Can I get transfer credit for my IT certifications or previous college courses?

Yes, many online programs accept transfer credits from previous college coursework or professional IT certifications. This can help you finish your degree faster and reduce your overall tuition costs. You should always speak with an admissions advisor to review your specific credits.

How do students network and collaborate in an online program?

Online programs use digital tools to help students network and collaborate effectively. You will work on group projects using platforms like Slack and connect with professors during virtual office hours. These tools allow you to build a professional network with peers and faculty.

Do online students get access to university career services?

Yes, online students typically get full access to university career services. This includes virtual job fairs, resume workshops, and mock interviews conducted online. These services are designed to help you successfully find a job after graduation.

What kind of computer and software will I need for the program?

Most programs work with a modern Windows PC or a Mac computer. However, you will need a Mac if you want to develop apps for iOS. Universities often provide required software for free or at a significant discount.