Learn app development with online courses and programs

App development course curriculum 

App development courses typically entail learning Java programming, Python, or other object-oriented programming languages in a development environment, which is a workspace where programmers can write and make changes to code without permanently altering the finished app.^{Footnote 3} Students also learn how to develop programs with cross-platformfunctionality, meaning the app is developed to run on multiple mobile operating systems simultaneously rather than requiring a separate version of the app for each operating system. App development courses can also cover user experience, which focuses on designing and improving upon what it’s like to interact with apps; software testing, which helps ensure apps do what they’re supposed to do; and more.^{Footnote 4 Footnote 5}

Some elements of app development may be taught in a bachelor’s degree in computer or data science program. Those considering master’s-level degrees in data science may get the chance to specialize in app development depending on the program.

Jobs in app development

Careers in app development are plentiful given the ubiquity of mobile devices. One can build apps at the junior to senior level, be a mobile development manager, focus on user experience, write documentation, etc. These are positions that make use of programming skills. There are also careers related to application development performed by non-programmers, like advertising or technical writing.

Mobile development is also an opportunity to build apps in a variety of fields, so a career in app development doesn't necessarily mean working on the same types of apps all the time. It’s possible for programmers to work on video games, health monitoring, job productivity, digital streaming, navigation, and more. As a result, app development training could open the door to unique careers that cater to various types of programming experience, expertise, and interests.

How to become an app developer

Some people who want to build apps for a living have a bachelor's degree in computer science or software engineering, but that’s not always necessary. It may be possible to pursue jobs in this field with a degree in a related subject or with knowledge acquired through a boot camp. There are also professionals in this field with master’s degrees. It’s not always necessary to be great at math to work in mobile development either (an exception is programmers who build apps that use math to function, like accounting or budgeting apps).^{Footnote 6} The most important skill an app developer needs is knowing how to build apps, which can be learned outside of a university and through a short course or certificate program. 

It’s possible to take self-guided app development courses andbuild apps to gain relevant experience in programming languages. This route may be appealing to people who don't want to spend roughly four years at a college or take general education classes. Self-guided app development training also allows individuals to learn at a pace and style that fits them best. Some app development courses even come with a graduate certificate.

One advantage of app development training that ends with a graduate certificate is that it can be used to show hiring managers one’s level of dedication to mobile development. A graduate certificate shows an investment of time, money, and energy into skill development. A graduate certificate can also highlight that one has received mobile development training in a particular programming language, like JavaScript or Python, or that one has studied specific areas like user experience.