According to Business of Apps research, the app market in the United States alone generated more than $44 billion in 2023, with no signs of slowing anytime soon. If you’ve been thinking about exploring the business of web and app development, now is a great time to take the first step — and having the right education and experience is key.
Whether you dream of designing and creating the next big app or are more interested in the back-end aspects, a web and mobile app development degree could be an ideal starting point as you embark on your career journey.
What Is a Bachelor of CS in Web and Mobile Development?
Specifically, a Bachelor of Science in Information Systems with a focus on Web and Mobile Application Development through Baker College is a 120-credit hour undergraduate program designed to take around four years to complete. This online program focuses on combining technical expertise with creative skills, empowering students to enter the field with the competencies needed to develop modern and successful applications.
Core Skills You’ll Develop in the Web and App Development Program
What type of skills are needed for mobile app developers? Throughout the course of a web and app development degree program, you’ll have the opportunity to acquire the technical skills, UX/UI skills, and problem-solving skills needed to thrive in this intricate yet rewarding line of work.
Technical Skills
Web and app development are highly technical fields, so any reputable degree program should cover the following competencies in detail:
- Web development skills – Students in a web and app development degree program will learn how to use common coding languages for building responsive websites, including HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. Likewise, students explore back-end development languages like PHP, Node, and Python — along with database management solutions like MongoDB and MySQL.
- Mobile app development – Students looking to learn mobile app development will explore native app development solutions for both iOS and Android platforms. This includes building proficiency in frameworks such as React Native and Flutter, as well as discovering best practices for optimizing app performance and overall user experience.
- Cybersecurity awareness – Additionally, students in this type of degree program learn critical cybersecurity best practices, such as secure coding practices and strategies to protect apps from any number of vulnerabilities.
Design and UX/UI Skills
With both user experience and user interface at the forefront of web/app development, students in a degree program can also expect to learn the following web developer skills:
- User-centered design – This includes strategies to create intuitive and easy-to-use interfaces, particularly through wireframing and prototyping.
- Graphic design principles – Students should learn how to use tools like Adobe XD, Figma, and Sketch to create designs that will appeal to a wide range of different audiences.
Problem-Solving and Debugging
Launching successful apps and websites often requires a great deal of debugging and problem-solving, so students in a web/app development program should expect to focus on:
- Critical thinking – These skills are especially essential when it comes to debugging code efficiently and troubleshooting application issues.
- Algorithm development – Students need to be able to design efficient solutions for the most complex web and mobile challenges.
Career-Ready Skills for Mobile and Web Development
So, what skills do you need to be a web developer or app developer? The reality is that it’s not enough to have strong technical proficiencies in this field; you also must focus on developing critical soft skills that range from communication and collaboration to professionalism and time management.
Communication and Collaboration
Professionals in this field need to be strong communicators, especially when explaining highly technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders and presenting project updates effectively. Part of being a skilled communicator is applying active listening to your own communication, which requires understanding the client’s needs and proactively incorporating feedback into the development process.
Successful professionals in this field are also team players. They know how to collaborate and work seamlessly with other designers, marketers, and project managers to meet shared goals and objectives.
Problem-Solving and Adaptability
Web and mobile app developers must be adept problem-solvers with the ability to think both critically and creatively in the face of challenges. This line of work also requires excellent time management skills when prioritizing tasks, meeting deadlines, and juggling multiple projects and responsibilities simultaneously.
Meanwhile, web and app developers are expected to be flexible — adapting to changing technologies, evolving project scopes, and client requirements at the drop of a hat.
User-Centered Focus and Professionalism
Finally, professionals in the web and mobile app development industry should be empathetic to and focused on the needs of the end user. This sense of empathy can result in more intuitive designs and accessible experiences for users. Likewise, a strong attention to detail can go a long way in maintaining quality and consistency in design, coding, and overall functionality.
When combined with a sense of professionalism, all these skills can effectively build trust, credibility, and reliability with clients.
How the Program Prepares You for Industry Needs
There are numerous ways in which the right degree program can prepare students for the ever-changing demands of the web and app development industry.
Hands-On Learning
First, this program provides students with a variety of opportunities for hands-on learning through real-world projects, such as dynamic website and mobile app projects. By simulating client-based workflows and timelines, students can gain valuable firsthand experience working on projects from start to finish. In addition, programs that incorporate collaborative tools (like GitHub for version control) can help students practice working more effectively with others.
Industry-Standard Tools and Technologies
The right degree program prepares students for the realities of entering the field by ensuring they have plenty of exposure to (and experience with) commonly used frameworks, such as Angular, Vue.js, and Django. Some programs may offer students opportunities to work with commonly used cloud platforms, too, like AWS and Azure — as well as project management methodologies like Agile and Scrum to prepare for working in the field.
Internships and Capstone Projects
Ideally, a web development degree program will also offer students unique opportunities to work alongside industry partners on real-world projects where they can take part in solving a real problem. This kind of experience can, in turn, empower students to develop a professional portfolio that will showcase their technical and design expertise to potential employers.
Staying Current with Trends
Because the mobile and web app development industry is constantly changing, degree programs need to be prepared to change and adjust along with the field. This includes adapting to emerging technologies (like Progressive Web Apps and AI-driven development) to keep students on top of the latest trends and tools.
Career Opportunities with a Web and Mobile Development Degree
What can you do with a web and mobile development degree, anyway? While a degree alone doesn’t guarantee a certain job, you may be able to pursue some common job titles and other career opportunities with the skills and expertise you acquire in a degree program.
Job Titles and Roles
Among the most common job titles for graduates of a web and mobile app development program include (but are not limited to):
- Web developer (front-end, back-end, or full-stack) – These professionals design, build, troubleshoot, and maintain websites from the ground up through coding and debugging.
- Mobile app developer – These individuals design, code, test, and launch mobile and web applications alongside other team members, including software engineers and programmers.
- UX/UI designer – These experts focus on the user experience and/or user interface aspects of an app, website, or software program.
- Software engineer or application developer – These professionals design and maintain software/apps through the use of programming languages and application or engineering principles.
Industries Hiring Web and Mobile Developers
These days, nearly every imaginable industry is hiring web and mobile developers for assistance with their websites, mobile apps, and other tools. Examples of sectors that are commonly seeking web and mobile app developers include:
- Technology
- E-commerce
- Healthcare
- Finance
- Startups
In some cases, graduates of a web and mobile app development degree program may even have the opportunity to explore freelance and remote work, allowing them to put their versatile skills to use while enjoying a sense of independence and autonomy in their work.
The Role of Specialization
Within the field of mobile and web development, there also exist plenty of exciting opportunities for specialization and finding a niche. By further developing and specializing your skills, you can distinguish yourself from others in the field while exploring new possibilities for career advancement. Some in-demand specializations you might consider exploring based on your interests include:
- E-commerce platforms
- Gaming apps
- Data-driven applications
- Wearable apps
- API integration
Start a Mobile and Web Development Degree at Baker
With such a range of potential career paths and opportunities to explore after graduation, earning a web and app development degree can be a practical way to kickstart your career with the web development and mobile app development skills needed to meet the needs of the modern user.
Still looking for the right online web development degree to suit your needs and schedule? At Baker College, our BS in Information Systems with a Web and Mobile Application Development concentration offers coursework in relevant industry topics such as UX/UI design, front/back-end development, Java programming, and iOS/Android app development. Drop us a line to request more information about this program or get started with your online application for admission today!