How Long Does it take to Become a Mobile App Developer?

How Long Does it take to Become a Mobile App Developer?

Tens of billions of apps are built each year, by specialist mobile app developers. If you enjoy problem solving and being creative, a degree in mobile software development could be timely and fulfilling. But how do you get started and how long does it take to qualify?

Educational requirements

You’ll need a degree in computer science or software development. This could give you a good foundation of general skills, which will allow you to work on a wide variety of projects once you’re employed.

But, while a general degree may be enough to get you a job, a specialist qualification in mobile app development could help you stand out from other candidates. By choosing to specialize while you’re still at school, an employer will know that you can start on day one without having to go through a slow learning curve.

If you think studying for a degree in a technical field like computer science will tie you to a university campus for 4 years, you could be in for a pleasant surprise. While traditional degrees take up to 6 years to finish, you could go through an accelerated study program in software development in as little as 2.5 years.

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In accelerated degree programs, classes are compressed and there terms, instead of semesters. This lets you move through the program at a faster pace, while still learning the same essential skills.

What skills do you need to learn?

Before you can specialize in mobile app development, you’ll need to learn the skills and best practices that are universal for all software development. These include:

  • Basic programming concepts: Ideas such as using variables to store data, and using loops to perform repetitive tasks, are common to all languages. You’ll pick these up as you learn your first programming language.
  • Object-oriented design: How to write code that is both easy to fix problems in and is easy to reuse in other projects.

For mobile development, in particular, you’ll need to become familiar with:

  • Java: The programming language used to develop apps for Android.
  • Objective C: The programming language used to develop apps for iOS.
  • C++: The language used by many professional studios, who then convert the code to other languages when the project has finished.
  • Mobile platform APIs: How Android, iOS, and Windows operating systems interact with software.
  • Web development Languages: The languages used to display information on web pages: HTML/HTML5 and CSS. Also, the scripting languages used to create more advanced, interactive website features such as PHP and JavaScript.
  • Database management: Using databases to efficiently store and use large amounts of data.
  • Cross-platform development tools: Tools that allow developers to code an app once and release it on all platforms.
  • Secure web development: Learn to create web-enabled apps that keep their users’ data safe.
  • User Interface design: Designing an app that’s easy to use is an art form that all mobile developers need to master.

If you don't have any software development experience yet, then this laundry-list of skills may seem overwhelming. There is a lot to learn but most of the skills are interrelated, so you’ll master them quickly as you work on a variety of projects while you study.

Most of the skills are as technical as they sound but don’t let that intimidate you. They’re all manageable when you take them one piece at a time.

The fact that you could get a computer science degree in as little as 2.5 years should give you heart. And don’t worry. These programs aren’t designed only for geniuses. That’s a small market. Anybody who’s reasonably smart and hard-working can learn to develop mobile apps professionally.

How Long Does it take to Become a Mobile App Developer?

Interested in Becoming a Mobile App Developer?

If you think you have what it takes to be a mobile app developer, you could be on your way to working towards your Bachelor of Science Degree in Computer and Information Science with a Major in Software Development - Mobile Development Track. ECPI University offers this program at an accelerated rate. This means less time in the classroom and more time working towards your dream. For more information about this exciting degree program, connect with a friendly admissions advisor today.

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