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Mobile app development bootcamps can offer a quick, cost-effective path to lucrative computer science careers. Mobile apps enable end users to access applications on various devices. App development bootcamps can teach students to create both iOS and Android apps.
Bootcamps help prepare graduates to pursue careers in application programming, design, and development. Demand for these tech professionals continues to grow. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects 13% growth for web developer and digital designer jobs from 2020-2030.
Our roundup of mobile app development bootcamps offers students a good place to start their research. Keep reading to learn about what skills these programs teach, bootcamp costs, and potential careers.
What Is a Mobile App Bootcamp?
Mobile app development bootcamps may focus on either iOS or Android app development. Some programs cover both platforms. Mobile bootcamp curricula usually feature languages like Java, Swift, and C++. Over the course of the program, students learn to design and test mobile apps for large-scale implementation.
Bootcamp length may depend on a student's full or part-time study status. Many online programs offer asynchronous learning formats that allow for greater flexibility. Mobile app bootcamps typically take 16-36 weeks to complete.
These short-term programs can help graduates enter the tech workforce quickly. While associate and bachelor's degrees offer a more comprehensive computer science education, mobile app bootcamps provide targeted training for specific roles. The in-demand skills mobile bootcamps teach can help graduates qualify for many entry-level positions.
Skills Learned in App Development Bootcamps
Mobile app development bootcamps cover the practical skills needed to develop apps for various operating systems. While every bootcamp offers its own curriculum, students usually gain experience in the following skills.
Programming Languages: Bootcamp learners build hands-on experience with popular programming languages. They may study languages like Swift (used for Apple operating systems) or Java (used in Android development bootcamps). These languages allow app developers to code quickly and safely. Students also learn to design user-friendly app layouts.
Full-Stack App Development: Many mobile app development bootcamps cover full-stack development, which includes both front- and back-end technology. Full-stack programs can prepare students to enter the workforce as comprehensive app developers. Learners practice using web architecture, design fundamentals, and both client- and server-side software.
User Experience/User Interface Design (UX/UI): Mobile app bootcamps typically offer instruction on UX/UI design. UX/UI design teaches students the coding tools that affect a product's usability. Students learn about product experience, control topography, and aesthetic experience.
Debugging: Application bugs occur when software mistakes cause errors, unexpected results, or erratic behavior.Bootcamp students learn to identify and resolve coding bugs. These programs teach strategies and techniques for isolating and fixing app problems.
What Will an App Development Bootcamp Cost?
Students and professionals may prefer bootcamps because these programs offer shorter time frames and lower costs than other tech training options. Many app development bootcamps accept students with no money upfront.
Some programs also provide job guarantees after graduation. However, students should carefully read through and understand a bootcamp's payment options before signing up.
A 2019 bootcamp study from RTI Press reported a median tuition of $13,500 for full-time, comprehensive career prep programs. Mobile app development bootcamp costs can vary by program length, course load, and delivery format. School prestige can also affect tuition rates. Applicants should budget for expenses like application fees and required software.
Alternative education pathways like bootcamps rarely qualify for federal financial aid, but candidates can seek other aid options. Many programs offer alternative payment plans like deferred tuition, income share agreements, and loans. Tech companies may offer employee tuition reimbursement, tuition assistance programs, and employer-sponsored scholarships.
What Jobs Can I Get After a Mobile App Development Bootcamp?
Learners often use mobile app development bootcamps to shift to a tech career. Current tech professionals can upgrade their existing skills. Many bootcamps prepare graduates for entry-level work as web or app developers, computer programmers, and video game designers. Bootcamps can also supplement a bachelor's degree to help graduates land competitive positions in software development and systems management.
Web Developer : Web developers design the front- and/or back-end functionality of sites and apps. They may also adapt websites into app-friendly formats. These professionals produce content, write code, and debug programming to make websites work correctly.
Median Annual Salary:$77,200
Job Outlook (2020-30): +13%
Computer Programmer : Programmers use computer languages like Swift and Java to write applications and programs. They update and improve existing code and test programs for errors. Many of the skills app development bootcamps teach can benefit these professionals.
Median Annual Salary:$89,190
Job Outlook (2020-30): -10%
Video Game Designer : Video game designers rely on coding and programming skills to create interactive games. Many skills from mobile app development bootcamps may translate into designing video games.
Average Annual Salary:$66,590
Software Developer : Software developers need coding skills to develop computer programs and applications. These jobs often demand a bachelor's degree experience. However, many mobile app development bootcamps help prepare professionals to design, develop, and debug software.
Median Annual Salary:$110,140
Job Outlook (2020-30): +22%
Software Engineer : A type of software developer, software engineers oversee projects, including software requirements. These professionals may oversee other positions, such as software developers or programmers. Software engineers typically have a bachelor's degree in software engineering and knowledge of several coding languages.
Median Annual Salary:$110,140
Job Outlook (2020-30): +22%
Top Online Programs
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Other Computer Science Education Options
The technology field boasts many career opportunities. Many higher-paying tech jobs require a degree or a specialized skill set. Tech professionals with leadership and management in mind should consider traditional degrees with specialization options.
Associate Degree in Computer Science: Like bootcamps, associate degrees offer shorter-term education than bachelor's degrees. Two-year associate programs can prepare graduates for specific entry-level jobs in the tech industry. They can also act as stepping stones to further study.
Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science: Bachelor's degrees meet the minimum or preferred requirements for many technology jobs. These degrees offer a well-rounded foundation in computer science.
Master's Degree in Computer Science: Master's degrees qualify job-seekers for many tech positions, including management roles. These research-oriented degrees focus on specific computer science fields.
Ph.D. in Computer Science: Doctoral degrees are the terminal academic achievement in computer science. These prestigious degrees allow professionals to research and specialize. Ph.D.-holders may qualify for many leadership roles in tech.
Explore Other Coding Bootcamps
Bootcamps provide practical experience in many specialized fields. Completing one or more of the following bootcamps can enhance a professional's skill set and may increase job opportunities.
Top Bootcamps for Mobile App Development
Mobile app development bootcamps can help prepare students for the competitive tech job market. Below, we provide a list of the mobile app bootcamps in the United States currently accepting students.
Our alphabetical list highlights five popular mobile app development programs, including course details, cost, and unique characteristics. Each mobile app development bootcamp included below offers an intensive training program over the span of months, rather than individual courses or short tutorials.
Covalence is a fully online coding bootcamp that prepares learners for entry-level software developer roles. Founded in 2015 and headquartered in Birmingham, Alabama, Covalence offers part and full-time programs, along with self-paced learning options.
Catalyst Software Development Bootcamp
The Catalyst mobile app development bootcamp focuses on teaching students the foundations of understanding, reading, and writing software. Students complete a full-stack JavaScript development curriculum focused on mobile apps.
Learners choose from a seven-month part-time track or a three-month full-time track. The immersive program closely resembles in-person learning formats, with attendance requirements and regularly scheduled meetings.
Enrolled learners gain access to one-on-one mentorship, mental health check-ins, daily academic support during virtual office hours, and professional career guidance.
Cost: $9,500
Format: Online; Full time or Part time
Length: 7 months (Part time); 3 months (Full time)
CIRR Member: No
Other Courses Offered by CovalenceList 10 courses MAXAtomic: Self-paced, full-stack JavaScript with React, Node.js, Express, and MySQL
Molecular: Self-paced, same as Atomic course but with personalized lab reviews
Covalence offers bootcamp students personalized career coaching and advice. Students learn the best methods for presenting their work to prospective employers.
Visit Website: https://covalence.io/
FAQs About Bootcamps for Mobile App Development
Are Android development bootcamps worth it?
Android development bootcamps can prepare graduates for entry-level work in mobile app development. Students learn widely applicable tech industry skills.
Is mobile app development harder than web development?
Mobile app development and web development share several similarities. Professionals in both fields need skills in coding, programming, and front- and back-end development. These bootcamps focus on different outcomes but do not necessarily vary in difficulty.
What certifications do you need to be a mobile app developer?
There are no mandatory certifications for mobile app developers. Mobile app development bootcamps can help students get started in the field. Developers may choose to add optional certifications at any point in their careers.
What is the salary of a mobile app developer?
Payscale reports an average salary of $73,520 for mobile application developers as of December 2021. Salary figures vary by location, education, and work experience.
