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Learn mobile development

A mobile development education can prepare you for a career designing and optimizing experiences for handheld devices. Read on to learn about available app development courses to help you gain skills for success.

What is mobile development? Why learn it?

Mobile development, also called app development, involves creating, implementing, testing, and maintaining software applications for smartphones and tablets.

As a mobile development expert, your tasks might include:

  • Generating installable software bundles
  • Building a design interface
  • Testing and updating applications and software

If you have a mobile development background, you can pursue careers as a developer/designer, software engineer, or product manager. Mobile development roles can be found across industries like e-commerce, healthcare, computer technology, marketing, retail, and finance.

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Choosing the right mobile development program for you

Choosing the right mobile development program depends on factors like your:

  • Current knowledge base
  • Time availability
  • Area of interest

Whatever your path, be sure to review the courses and the instructors' knowledge before jumping in.

Courses

A successful mobile development course trains you to develop and maintain user-friendly applications. App development courses include:

  • Program languages
  • User interface (UI)/user experience (UX)
  • Information technology (IT) architecture
  • Application programming interface (API) integration

Certifications

Certifications can be a great way to boost your résumé and demonstrate your knowledge to future employers. You can find programs in areas like mobile security and cross-platform development. Android and iOS also offer certification programs.

Executive education programs

Executive education can help managers and working professionals advance to the next level in their career. Examples of related executive education programs include fundamentals of cybersecurity and business systems analysis.

Degrees

Specific mobile development degrees aren't available. However, a bachelor's in computer science, software engineering, or IT might prepare you with the app development knowledge needed for the field.

Jobs in mobile development

Here are a few roles to consider:

Software developer

Software developers are responsible for designing, testing, and implementing software and applications. Though a bachelor’s degree isn’t required, a computer science degree (or even a coding bootcamp) could help you stand out.

Computer programmer

Computer programmers write, edit, and test code and scripts to ensure that software and applications function. A bachelor's degree in computer science or a related field is generally required for these professionals.

  • BLS median annual salary (2023): $99,700
Web developers and digital designers

Web developers and designers build and test websites on their interface, usability, functions, and navigation. An undergraduate degree isn’t essential for these professionals, but some employers may prefer candidates with a degree or certification.

  • BLS median annual salary (2023): $92,750

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    Frequently asked questions

    What is the importance of learning mobile development?

    Education in mobile app development can give you the skills to boost brand presence and ensure web accessibility. Mobile development is used across industries, so gaining the necessary education can open up career opportunities.

    How long does it take to learn mobile development?

    This depends on your background, what you want to learn, the type of program you choose, and your career goals.

    If you want to enter an industry that requires you to hold a bachelor's degree, this can take about four years of full-time study to complete. If you are seeking to up skill through a course, this may take you a few months.

    How hard is it to learn mobile development?

    This depends on your background and experience. If you're starting out, courses in app development may be fairly complex. It's a good idea to have a basic understanding of computer programming before considering a mobile development education.