Mobile Development Master’s Degrees: Best Programs, Jobs, and Salaries

Having a Master’s Degree in Mobile Development opens up many lucrative career possibilities in software engineering, game development, and web design. Depending on the mobile development program you choose, you can learn about network security, user experience, software testing, or data analytics.

In this article, you’ll find some of the best online and on-site mobile development master’s degrees. Additionally, we’ve compiled a list of some of the top jobs you would qualify for with a Master’s Degree in Mobile Application Development.

What Is Mobile Development?

Mobile development is a fast-growing technology field that deals with the development, design, and maintenance of mobile applications. Some common job duties in this field include software testing, user experience design, and software engineering.

What Is a Mobile Development Master’s Degree?

A mobile development master’s degree is a two-year graduate program that covers advanced software development concepts, such as software maintenance, computer security, software architecture, software design, and software testing. These degrees typically cover programming languages like Swift, Python, C++, and Java.

Mobile Development Master’s Degree Requirements

Every institution has its own admissions requirements. However, common requisites for this degree include an undergraduate degree in a relevant field and a minimum GPA of 3.0. You may also be required to submit letters of recommendation and sit for an admissions test.

How Much Does a Mobile Development Master’s Degree Cost?

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, the

average cost of a master’s degree

is $19,314 per year. This amount, however, can vary substantially depending on your program as well as the type of institution you choose to attend.

Mobile Development Master’s Degree Financing Options: How to Pay for Your Mobile Development Degree

There are several ways to finance your mobile application development master’s degree. Common options are grants, federal and private loans, and scholarships. Some schools may also offer flexible payment plans. You may even be able to get your employer to pay for your degree as part of a sponsorship program.

Best Mobile Development Master’s Degree Programs and Schools: Overview

Best Colleges for Mobile Development: Top Mobile Development Master’s Degree Programs

Listed below are the details of the programs from the table above. When choosing which program is best for you, it’s important to consider the location, financing options, and benefits that are unique to each individual institution.

Master of Science in Computer Science | University of California, Berkeley

University of California, Berkeley is one of the most prestigious public universities in the US. The school is well known for its information technology, engineering, and business programs. This computer science degree is a research-based program that includes 24 credit hours of advanced computer science research.

Master of Science in Computer Science | Brown University

Brown University is an Ivy League institution that is best known for its computer science, economics, biology, and political science programs. This computer science graduate degree covers data structures, computer security, mobile apps programming, software engineering, and artificial intelligence. You can choose from a capstone project or thesis track.

Master of Science in Software Engineering | Carnegie Mellon University

Carnegie Mellon University is a world-renowned institution that offers many programs in information technology, medicine, English, and business management. Its software engineering master’s program focuses on software testing, interaction design, software architecture, engineering economics, and basic software engineering concepts.

Master of Science in Software Engineering | Florida Institute of Technology

The Florida Institute of Technology is a private university that offers both online and in-person degree programs in a variety of subject areas. Its software engineering graduate program covers software maintenance, computer security, software architecture, software design, software testing, and software development.

Master of Science in Software Engineering | New Jersey Institute of Technology

The New Jersey Institute of Technology is a STEM and polytechnic university that offers online and in-person undergraduate and graduate degrees. This software engineering degree covers advanced concepts in operating systems, computer science, data structures, mobile apps programming, systems analysis, and network security. It also tackles popular programming languages like Java.

Master in Computer Science | New York University

New York University or NYU is a private university with some of the best computer science, journalism, and social sciences departments. This computer science master’s degree focuses on advanced operating systems, databases, programming languages, and software engineering.

Master of Computer Science | San Diego State University

San Diego State University offers over 80 graduate and undergraduate programs in business administration, psychology, and economics. This computer science degree consists of 30 credit hours of thesis and in-field courses. It covers artificial intelligence, programming languages, database management, and operating systems.

Master of Science in Computer Science | University of Tulsa

The University of Tulsa offers more than 100 majors in petroleum engineering, business, education, healthcare, and information technology, among other fields. This master’s degree program covers computer networking, software development, information technology, and computing systems.

Master of Science in Computer Science | University of Denver

The University of Denver is a private school in Colorado popular for its marketing, journalism, and engineering programs. This computer science master’s degree program covers advanced concepts in operating systems, programming languages, and multimedia systems.

Master of Science in Computer Science | University of Houston

The University of Houston boasts excellent research and innovation programs. It is also well known for its business, law, and health departments. This accelerated Master’s Degree in Computer Science covers game development, graphics, cloud and mobile computing, data analytics, and programming.

Best Online Mobile Development Master’s Degree Programs and Schools: Overview

Best Colleges for Mobile Development: Top Online Mobile Development Master’s Degree Programs

An online education might be the ideal option for you. Online courses allow you to further your education while maintaining flexibility and work-life balance. Listed below are the details of the online master’s degree programs from the table above.

Online Master of Science in Engineering in Software Engineering  | Arizona State University

Arizona State University has been named the most innovative school in the country by the US News and World Report. Its software engineering master’s program covers software testing, information security, computer programming, and quality management. You can

become a mobile app developer

, cloud computing engineer, or software architect with this degree.

Online Master of Science in Software Development | Boston University

Boston University is a prestigious institution most commonly known for its economics, math, medicine, and law schools. Its master’s degree program in software development is ideal if you want to

learn Python

, data structures, software design, mobile app development, and machine learning.

Master of Professional Studies in Web and Mobile Application Development | Fort Hays State University

Fort Hays State University is a public institution that offers master’s degree programs in a variety of fields. Its web and mobile application development program focuses on backend and front end development, cyber space law, informatics, and human-computer interaction.

Master of Science in Software Engineering | Kennesaw State University

Kennesaw State University is based in Georgia and is famous for its nursing and education degrees. Its software engineering program covers fundamental concepts in programming, computational thinking, data structures, and web development.

Master’s in Software Development | Maryville University

Maryville University offers over 90 graduate and undergraduate programs in IT, business, healthcare, and behavioral sciences. This master’s degree covers front end and backend development, programming languages, data structures, Agile systems, and user interface design.

Master of Science in Computer Science | Northcentral University

The US News and World Report ranks Northcentral University as the 19th best school in the Midwest. Its computer science master’s program involves 30 credit hours focused on risk management, computer systems solutions, current programming languages, business intelligence, and software development.

Master of Science in Computer Science | Nova Southeastern University

Nova Southeastern University is a private institution based in Florida. Its computer science master’s degree program covers object-oriented design, software testing, the fundamentals of programming, and computer architecture. It also offers concentrations in data science, cyber security, software engineering, artificial intelligence, and real-world computing.

Master of Science in Software Engineering | University of Michigan

In the University of Michigan’s online software engineering master’s degree program, prospective students will learn common programming languages, embedded systems, software testing, web technology, and mobile apps programming. It also includes a capstone project option in mobile and cloud computing or data engineering.

Master of Science in Web and Application Development | Touro College

Touro College is a New York-based private school that offers online and in-person degrees in technology, medicine, business, and social sciences. This master’s degree consists of 33 credit hours of app development and tech courses. It covers website engineering, mobile apps programming, common programming languages, and database management.

Online Master of Information Technology in Software Development | Virginia Tech

Virginia Tech is well known for its technical and research programs, especially in computer science, cyber security, and software engineering. This master’s degree covers advanced aspects of programming, software systems, software design, Agile development, and object-oriented programming.

What’s the Average Mobile Development Master’s Degree Salary?

According to ZipRecruiter, the

average annual salary for mobile developers

is $105,307. This salary significantly increases for senior-level positions, most of which are open to master’s degree holders. It’s important to note that salaries also change depending on the location.

Top Mobile Development Master’s Degree Jobs and Salaries: Overview

Best Mobile Development Master’s Degree Jobs Explained

iOS Developer

• 
  Average Salary:
  
  $114,614
• 
  Job Outlook:
  
  
  22%*
  
• 
  Number of Jobs:
  
  1,847,900
• 
  Highest-Paying States:
  
  California, New York, and Massachusetts

iOS developers create mobile applications for Apple mobile devices. They use languages such as Swift, Objective-C, and C++ to develop these applications. Like other mobile applications developers, iOS developers also test, design, and maintain application software.

Android Developer

• 
  Average Salary:
  
  $112,647
• 
  Job Outlook:
  
  22%*
• 
  Number of Jobs:
  
  1,847,900
• 
  Highest-Paying States:
  
  California, Alaska, and Washington

This position requires you to design, test, and develop software applications and programs for the Android mobile platform. It also includes collaborating with product designers and business managers to build applications that meet the goals of the business. To

become an Android developer

, you must learn Android-friendly programming languages such as Java, Kotlin, C#, C++, and Python.

Mobile Engineer

• 
  Average Salary:
  
  $112,319
• 
  Job Outlook:
  
  22%*
• 
  Number of Jobs:
  
  1,847,900
• 
  Highest-Paying States:
  
  California, Massachusetts, and New York

A mobile engineer’s job involves maintaining software applications on mobile platforms like iOS and Android. They’re in charge of app development, user experience design, and software upgrade. They also maintain the overall operating system of a mobile platform by conducting regular performance evaluations and tests.

Java Developer

• 
  Average Salary:
  
  $105,801
• 
  Job Outlook:
  
  22%*
• 
  Number of Jobs:
  
  1,847,900
• 
  Highest-Paying States:
  
  California, Virginia, and Alaska

Java developers are responsible for designing, developing, and managing Java-based programs. This position also requires collaboration with mobile applications developers, software developers, software engineers, and web developers to integrate Java code into the program. This means that these professionals must have strong communication skills.

Mobile Developer

• 
  Average Salary:
  
  $105,037
• 
  Job Outlook:
  
  22%*
• 
  Number of Jobs:
  
  1,847,900
• 
  Highest-Paying States:
  
  California, Washington, and Alaska

A mobile developer builds and maintains mobile applications for different operating systems. Their responsibilities include the development of application programming interfaces for mobile phones and the regular testing of code for optimal performance.

Software Engineer

• 
  Average Salary:
  
  $99,729
• 
  Job Outlook:
  
  22%*
• 
  Number of Jobs:
  
  1,847,900
• 
  Highest-Paying States:
  
  California, Alaska, and Washington

A software engineer develops and enhances software programs across multiple platforms. Their job duties include software analysis, quality assurance, and application programming. The demand for software engineers is very high across a wide range of industries, including business, finance, mobile applications development, and IT.

Application Developer

• 
  Average Salary:
  
  $93,825
• 
  Job Outlook:
  
  22%*
• 
  Number of Jobs:
  
  1,847,900
• 
  Highest-Paying States:
  
  New York, Illinois, and Georgia

An application developer works in the mobile app development or the software development field. Their duties include designing, developing, and maintaining software applications. You need to

learn automation testing

, popular programming languages, software design, and cloud and mobile computing to perform the associated duties.

Software Quality Assurance Engineer

• 
  Average Salary:
  
  $88,282
• 
  Job Outlook:
  
  22%*
• 
  Number of Jobs:
  
  1,847,900
• 
  Highest-Paying States:
  
  Massachusetts, California, and Texas

A software quality assurance (QA) engineer is primarily responsible for maintaining a high-functioning software program or application. They do this by conducting regular QA tests, identifying weaknesses, analyzing current processes, and upgrading software programs. A master’s degree would allow you to assume a senior-level position in this field.

Software Developer

• 
  Average Salary:
  
  $86,523
• 
  Job Outlook:
  
  22%*
• 
  Number of Jobs:
  
  1,847,900
• 
  Highest-Paying States:
  
  Washington, California, Texas, Washington DC, and New York

A software developer is responsible for coding, designing, maintaining, and testing software programs for operating systems, mobile platforms, and web pages. Depending on your industry, you can also work in cloud computing platforms. This job requires a wide range of technical skills, including programming, quality assurance, analytical, and mobile computing skills.

Web Developer

• 
  Average Salary:
  
  $75,073
• 
  Job Outlook:
  
  
  13%
  
• 
  Number of Jobs:
  
  199,400
• 
  Highest-Paying States:
  
  Washington, California, and Georgia

A web developer is tasked with designing and building a user and business-friendly web page. They are responsible for modifying its layout and functionalities to create an efficient website. Their duties also require collaborating with web designers, graphic designers, and software developers. If you are interested in

learning web development

, you should start studying CSS, HTML, and JavaScript.

*Figure taken from the BLS page for software developers, quality assurance analysts, and testers

Mobile Development Bootcamp vs Mobile Development Master’s Degree: Which Is Better?

A coding bootcamp is a short but intensive training program that targets students seeking a career in programming. Bootcamps are all about giving the student the hands-on experience they need to enter the workforce as quickly as possible. There are bootcamps programs for the most in-demand fields in tech.

When it comes to the mobile development field, both master’s degrees and coding bootcamps are excellent educational avenues. They both have advantages and drawbacks and cater to different types of students. If you are on the fence about which education option to pursue, continue reading to learn more about their benefits.

Benefits of a Mobile Development Master’s Degree

• 
  Reputation.
  
  Master’s degrees are highly reputable and widely accepted across nearly all fields and industries. Having a master’s degree boosts your appeal to employers.
• 
  More career opportunities.
  
  A master’s degree is one of the highest educational accomplishments. This means that earning a master’s degree unlocks a host of high-level career opportunities.
• 
  Higher salary.
  
  Having a master’s degree qualifies you for senior-level positions, which come with better pay. If you are currently employed and earn an advanced degree, your employer may increase your salary because you’ll be able to bring more value to the company.
• 
  Preparation for a PhD.
  
  Getting a Master’s Degree in Computer Science or Mobile Development can be a stepping stone to a tech-related doctoral degree. This is great if you are interested in research or would like to teach at a university.
• 
  Always relevant.
  
  Even in a fast-changing industry like tech, a master’s degree is a credential that doesn’t lose its relevance. Having a master’s degree will always improve your resume and make you a more attractive candidate.

Benefits of a Mobile Development Bootcamp

• 
  Affordable education.
  
  Bootcamp programs have a very affordable tuition rate when compared to universities. According to a
  
  report by Career Karma
  
  , the average cost of a bootcamp is $11,727. A master’s degree, by comparison, costs nearly $20,000 a year.
• 
  Short duration.
  
  Most bootcamps can be completed in a matter of months, making them a quick and effective educational route. They are an ideal option for bachelor’s degree holders who are interested in advancing their education or career but don’t want to pursue a master’s degree.
• 
  Flexibility.
  
  Bootcamp programs come in a variety of formats, tailoring to different needs. You can often enroll in a bootcamp full-time as well as part-time. Likewise, you will find online, on-site, hybrid, self-paced, and instructor-led options, to name a few.
• 
  Career support.
  
  Aside from hands-on training, the
  
  best mobile development bootcamps
  
  provide extensive career services to help students land a job shortly after the program. These services include interview practice, resume guidance, and opportunities to meet potential employers.
• 
  Ease of payment.
  
  Most bootcamp programs offer several payment options, including private loans, installment plans, scholarships, and income share agreements (ISAs).

Should You Get a Master’s Degree in Mobile Development?

Whether or not you should get a Master’s Degree in Mobile Development depends on your career goals and educational preferences. If you’re pursuing a career in tech, having a master’s degree will give you access to

the best jobs in the industry

. When it comes to mobile development, an advanced degree will grant you access to senior positions, increase your salary potential, and boost your appeal to employers in this exciting field.

Mobile Development Master’s Degree FAQ