Mobile development associate degree programs are a great option for any students eager to access entry-level tech jobs. Associate Degrees in Mobile Development provide all the hard and soft skills you need to become a mobile app developer.
You can learn more about the best Associate Degrees in Mobile Development in this article. You will also find information about your career options, potential salaries, and job outlook after graduation. Keep reading for our list of the best mobile development associate degrees.
What Is Mobile Development?
Mobile app development is the process of creating software applications for mobile devices such as smartphones. It is a combination of several advanced technical disciplines including programming, web development, database management, and interface design. Mobile development involves creating software and implementing backend services.
The process of creating a mobile app is similar to the process used to create web apps. The main difference lies in the fact that mobile apps have complex specifications because they are designed to take advantage of certain features in your smartphone.
Where Can I Get an Associate Degree in Mobile Development?
The best colleges where you can get an Associate Degree in Mobile Development are Lone Star College, Mesa Community College, and Rochester Institute of Technology. Many of the colleges where you can get an Associate Degree in Mobile Development offer both in-person and online programs.
What Schools Offer the Best Mobile Development Associate Degrees?
- Anne Arundel Community College
- Lone Star College
- Mesa Community College
- Rochester Institute of Technology
- Rio Salado College
What Are the Admission Requirements for an Associate Degree in Mobile Development?
The admission requirements for an Associate Degree in Mobile Development usually include a high school diploma or a GED. Associate Degree in Mobile Development degree requirements may vary depending on the institution.
Students looking to attain an associate degree in this field should focus their high school studies on computer science, mathematics, and other technical subjects. Most associate programs are accessible to beginners, but you may need to be familiar with basic coding. The required language for an Associate Degree in Mobile Development is Python, Java, or Swift.
Mobile Development Associate Degree Admission Requirements
- High school diploma or GED
- Completion of placement tests
- ACT or SAT scores
- Completion of student orientation
- A history of computer science and mathematics classes in a high school setting
How to Get an Associate Degree in Mobile Development
You can get a mobile development associate degree by visiting the official website of your chosen school and filling out an online application. You usually don’t need extensive background knowledge to get an Associate Degree in Mobile Development. The best way to get a mobile development associate degree is to choose a school in your state so you can pay in-state tuition.
How Many Credits Do You Need for an Associate Degree in Mobile Development?
You need around 60 to 65 credits for an Associate Degree in Mobile Development. The requirements for each program will vary slightly. These credits can usually be transferred to a four-year university if you want to return to school and earn a bachelor’s degree.
Mobile Development Degree Requirements
- Completion of at least 60 credits
- GPA of at least 2.0
- A letter grade of at least a C in core courses
- Completion of required elective courses
- Completion of all core courses
Best Mobile Development Associate Degree Programs and Schools: Overview
School | Program | Accreditation |
---|---|---|
Anne Arundel Community College | Associate of Applied Science in Internet and Mobile Device Application Development | Middle States Commission on Higher Education |
College of San Mateo | Associate of Applied Science in Web and Mobile Application Development | Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges |
Howard Community College | Associate of Applied Science in App Development | Middle States Commission on Higher Education |
Lone Star College | Associate of Applied Science in Mobile/Web Application Development | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges |
Mesa Community college | Associate in Applied Science in Mobile App Development | Higher Learning Commission |
Miami Dade College | Associate in Science in Computer Programming and Analysis, Mobile Application Development Concentration | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges |
Rio Salado College | Associate of Applied Science in Mobile App Development | Higher Learning Commission |
Rochester Institute of Technology | Associate of Applied Science in Web and Mobile Application Development | Middle States Commission on Higher Education |
Saint Paul College | Associate of Applied Science in Computer Programming | Middle States Commission on Higher Education |
Stark State College | Associate of Applied Science in Computer Science and Engineering | Higher Learning Commission |
Best Schools for Mobile Development: Top Mobile Development Associate Degree Programs
The best schools with the top mobile development associate degree programs provide a comprehensive education to prepare you for entry-level jobs. Below, you will find our list of the best mobile development associate degree programs to help you start your school search.
Best Online Mobile Development Associate Degree Programs and Schools: Overview
School | Program | Accreditation |
---|---|---|
Brigham Young University – Idaho | Associate of Applied Science in Web Design and Development | Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities |
Florida Institute of Technology | Associate of Science in Computer Information Systems | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges |
Ivy Tech Community College | Associate of Applied Science in Software Development | Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools |
Liberty University | Associate of Arts in Information Systems | Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs |
Santa Monica College | Associate of Applied Science in Computer Programming | Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges |
Best Colleges for Mobile Development: Top Online Mobile Development Associate Degree Programs
Earning a mobile development associate degree online is a popular option. Many reputable schools offer online programs for students who prefer to learn from the comfort of their homes. Here are a few of the best mobile development associate degree programs online.
What Is a Mobile Development Associate Degree?
An Associate Degree in Mobile Development is a two-year degree that teaches students the fundamentals of programming. Students acquire design and programming skills to perform entry-level coding, programming, and mobile development.
A mobile development associate degree focuses on application design and software development and prepares you for a career in mobile development. Students learn the latest technologies and techniques used in app design. In addition, they master popular programming languages like C#, CSS, HTML, JavaScript, and SQL.
How Important Is an Associate Degree in Mobile Development?
It is very important to have an Associate Degree in Mobile Development if you are hoping to start a career as a developer, especially if you don’t plan to earn a bachelor’s degree. The reasons a mobile development associate degree is important are that it is a well-respected qualification that will prove your skills and it will set you up well for future educational opportunities.
What Types of Associate Degree Can You Get in Mobile Development?
You can get the following types of associate degrees for mobile development:
- Associate of Science
- Associate of Applied Science
The best degree type for mobile development is an Associate of Applied Science if you are hoping to enter the workforce directly after graduating. You should get an Associate of Science or a transfer degree if you want to go on to continue your studies.
Is It Better to Get an Associate of Science or an Associate of Applied Science in Mobile Development?
It is better to get an Associate of Science in Mobile Development because it will allow you to land entry-level jobs or continue on to a bachelor’s and, eventually, a master’s degree. Deciding which is better, an Associate of Science or an Associate of Applied Science, will depend on your long-term career and educational goals.
An Associate of Applied Science may be better for getting a job because it has a larger focus on hands-on training. An Associate of Science prioritizes preparing students to further their education.
What Is the Difference Between a Mobile Development Associate Degree and a Mobile Development Certificate?
The main difference between a mobile development associate degree and a certificate in mobile development is that a certificate requires less time and fewer credits to complete. If you don’t have the time or resources for an associate degree, you can earn a mobile development certificate instead.
An associate degree or certificate in mobile development can be used to further your career options. However, you should get a mobile development degree instead of a certificate because it will hold more weight on your resume.
How Much Does It Cost to Get an Associate Degree in Mobile Development?
A mobile development associate degree is typically offered at two-year schools, which cost around $3,621 per year, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. The Associate Degree in Mobile Development cost of tuition will vary according to the type of institution. Pursuing an associate degree at a public school costs around $11,069. Private universities, on the other hand, charge about $26,749.
Mobile Development Associate Degree Financing Options: How to Pay for Your Mobile Development Degree
You can pay for your Associate Degree in Mobile Development with student grants or bursaries. Grants are need-based. To receive one, you need to meet certain financial conditions, such as earning under a certain threshold. A good way to get grants is through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Those who wish to enroll in an associate degree program can also apply for student loans. Some schools have loan programs that enable students to borrow and pay back after graduation. Students can also seek financial aid from banks and other financial institutions. Many students utilize financial aid for an Associate Degree in Mobile Development.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Mobile Development Associate Degree?
It takes around two years to get an Associate Degree in Mobile Development. Your Associate Degree in Mobile Development length will depend on how many credits you take per semester. You will likely need to complete at least 60 credits.
How Hard Is It to Get an Associate Degree in Mobile Development?
Getting a mobile development associate degree is hard because the courses are very technical and require strong analytical skills. You may find getting a mobile development associate degree is hard if you don’t have any experience with coding or popular programming languages.
Why Should You Get a Mobile Development Associate Degree?
You should get a mobile development associate degree if you want to access an entry-level tech job. You can also get a second associate degree if you want to make a career change. The benefits of getting an Associate Degree in Mobile Development include:
- The credits can be transferred to a four-year university.
- The qualification will give your resume a boost.
- Associate degree programs have affordable tuition and fees.
- Community colleges offer flexible scheduling options, allowing you to study online or in person.
What Courses Do You Need to Take in an Associate Degree Program in Mobile Development?
The required courses for a mobile development associate degree will cover a wide variety of hard and soft skills for a development career. Most Associate Degree in Mobile Development courses start with the basics before moving on to more advanced skills. You will also find classes covering popular languages on an Associate Degree in Mobile Development course list.
Android Programming
To become a mobile developer, you will need to learn how to program for all operating systems. An Android programming course might cover programming languages like Java or Kotlin in addition to all the tools and techniques you will use to make Android applications.
Web Design
You may find a class that introduces basic web design concepts on your Associate in Mobile Development course list. A web design course will help you gain UX and UI design skills to help you develop applications that are effective and easy to use.
Web Programming
Web programming includes front end and backend development. You may learn programming languages like JavaScript, HTML, and CSS, in addition to server-side scripting languages like Python and PHP.
MySQL Database
Associate Degree in Mobile Development courses will cover how to create and manage databases. You will also study strategies to restore and backup data. You will likely learn how to use MySQL, an open source relational data management system.
iOS/Swift Programming
An iOS programming class will teach you the basic techniques required to create the architecture for Apple devices like iPhones and iPads. You may also learn about object oriented programming, debugging, and user interface design.
Continuing Education Paths for Mobile Development Associate Degree Graduates
The best path to take with a mobile development associate degree is to transfer your credits to a four-year university for a bachelor’s degree. Alternatively, you could land an entry-level job and gain real-world experience.
Related Mobile Development Degrees
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What to Look For in the Best Mobile Development Associate Degree Programs
The best mobile development associate degree programs have courses that cover all the hard and soft skills you need for your chosen career path. If you are wondering what to look for in a college for an Associate Degree in Mobile Development, consider your preferred learning methods. Some schools offer online or in-person programs and have options for part-time learning.
Accreditation
You will want to make sure you attend an accredited school to earn your Associate Degree in Mobile Development. This will prove to potential employers that you took high-quality courses that met certain educational standards.
Format
Some community colleges will allow you to earn your mobile development associate degree online or in person, or on a part-time schedule. You will need to consider which format is best suited to your learning style.
Cost
If you attend a community college in your state, you will be able to pay in-state tuition. This can often cut down the costs of your associate degree significantly. You can also look into scholarship and financial aid options offered by various schools.
Curricular Content
Different mobile development associate degree programs offer different elective courses and have different areas of focus. If you are already confident that you know what career path is right for you, make sure the program you choose covers the programming languages and skills you will need.
Continuing Education Options
If you plan to transfer the credits from your mobile development associate degree to a four-year university and immediately earn your bachelor’s degree, you may want to select a school that offers a transfer degree. Some community colleges work closely with local universities to ensure students have a smooth transfer process.
What Is the Most Affordable Mobile Development Associate Degree?
The most affordable Associate Degree in Mobile Development programs are offered by the following institutions:
- College of San Mateo
- Santa Monica College
- Mesa Community College
Salary and Job Outlook for Mobile Development Associate Degree Graduates
There is a wide array of Associate Degree in Mobile Development jobs available to recent grads. These jobs often come with a high wage and great benefits. You can usually increase your Associate Degree in Mobile Development salary by gaining experience, although the mobile development associate degree salary is usually lower than you can earn with a bachelor’s degree.
How Hard Is It to Get a Job With a Mobile Development Associate Degree?
It is not very hard to get a job with a mobile development associate degree because coding skills are in high demand. Community colleges design their programs to cover everything students need for entry-level roles.
What’s the Average Mobile Development Associate Degree Salary?
The average salary for someone with an Associate Degree in Mobile Development is likely similar to the average salary for someone with a computer science associate degree. According to PayScale, the average salary of a computer science associate degree grad is $65,000.
What Types of Jobs Can You Get With a Mobile Development Associate Degree?
The jobs you can get with a mobile development associate degree include software application developer, front end developer, and C/C++ developer. The available jobs after a mobile development associate degree program often come with a high salary. These skills are highly transferable, so you can find employment in any relevant tech field.
Mobile Development Degree Jobs
- C/C++ developer
- Software application developer
- Web application developer
- Technical developer
- Front end developer
Potential Careers With a Mobile Development Degree
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How Much Money Can You Make With an Associate Degree in Mobile Development?
You can make between $79,000 and $93,000 with an Associate Degree in Mobile Development. Many recent grads wonder how much money you can make with an Associate Degree in Mobile Development, and the good news is that tech jobs tend to come with a high wage.
Highest-Paying Mobile Development Associate Degree Jobs and Salaries: Overview
Mobile Development Associate Degree Jobs | Average Salary |
---|---|
C/C++ Developer | $103,704 |
Software Application Developer | $93,499 |
Web Application Developer | $81,840 |
Front End Developer | $79,725 |
Technical Developer | $78,889 |
Best Jobs for Mobile Development Associate Degree Grads
The best jobs for an Associate Degree in Mobile Development grad are in the application development field. Below we will cover some of the best mobile development jobs available with an associate degree.
* Figure taken from the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ page on software developers, quality assurance analysts, and testers
** Figure taken from the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ page on web developers and digital designers
Best Jobs According to Your Major
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Mobile Development Bootcamp vs Mobile Development Associate Degree: Which Is Better?
An Associate Degree in Mobile Development is better than a mobile development bootcamp because it will set you up better for further education by being able to transfer your credits. The debate of a mobile development degree vs bootcamp will depend on your resources and long-term goals. Some high-level development careers will require a bachelor’s degree.
Bootcamp programs represent a new approach to education. They are known for offering a hands-on experience that helps students learn by doing and results in large portfolios that come in handy during the job search. In addition, the best mobile development bootcamps boast extensive career services to ensure that students land a job in the industry shortly after graduation.
Benefits of a Mobile Development Associate Degree
- It prepares you for the tech industry. A mobile development associate degree equips students with skills that make them relevant in the modern workplace.
- It opens new opportunities. Acquiring an associate degree opens career pathways that will allow you to make your mark in the tech industry.
- It prepares you for jobs with top employers. Many big companies hiring mobile developers require at least an associate degree.
- Mobile development professionals are in high demand. There is an important shortage of tech talent. As a holder of a mobile development associate degree, you will enjoy plenty of job opportunities.
- It sets you up for a bachelor’s degree. If you choose to return to school later in your career, you can transfer your community college credits to a four-year program.
Benefits of a Mobile Development Bootcamp
- Affordability. Compared to the cost of attending a university degree, coding bootcamps are very cheap. They are sometimes more affordable than a community college.
- Ease of payment. Bootcamps are known for offering convenient financing options like income share agreements, loans, and scholarships.
- Networking opportunities. Bootcamps are a great option if you are looking for more opportunities to network. Bootcamp providers often organize events where you can meet fellow students, established professionals, and even potential employers.
- Strong career services. Many bootcamp providers offer career support services that prepare students for the industry. These services include mentorship, resume writing workshops, and personal brand development.
- Gain the skills that matter. Bootcamp programs focus on practical skills needed in today’s workplace. The curriculum is regularly updated so students are familiar with current technology trends.
Is an Associate Degree in Mobile Development Worth It?
Yes, an Associate in Mobile Development is worth it if you are interested in entry-level developer jobs and don’t have the time or resources to gain a bachelor’s degree. Earning an associate degree is a great way to start your career. You will learn the fundamentals of programming and build a solid foundation in application development.
You may also find an Associate in Mobile Development worth it if you want to learn more about various developer tools to help you decide on the right career path. Community colleges rarely have extensive application requirements, allowing almost anyone to gain in-demand skills.
Additional Reading About Mobile Development
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Mobile Development Associate Degree FAQ
The minimum educational requirement for a career in mobile application development is an associate degree. An associate degree will give you access to entry-level jobs, but you may want to consider a bachelor’s or master’s degree if you have higher career goals.
Yes, mobile app development is an excellent career field. The mobile development industry is growing fast and offers very competitive salaries as well as a very positive job outlook.
Yes, you can become a mobile app developer without a degree. Many people start a career in mobile app development by attending a coding bootcamp. Others take courses on the Internet. Some are even self-taught. However, some companies may require candidates to have a certain education level, often an associate or a bachelor’s degree.
No, it is not too difficult to become a mobile application developer. You will need to learn a host of tools, techniques, and programming languages. However, with enough time and effort, almost anyone can become a mobile developer.
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