BS in Software Development: Mobile App Development Emphasis
Gain Experience in Mobile App Development
The Bachelor of Science in Software Development with an Emphasis in Mobile App Development at Grand Canyon University is designed to provide students with hands-on experience using the tools and technologies that shape our digital world. Whether you want to create engaging user experiences or develop mobile applications, this degree program can help you explore key mobile and software development areas.
This program teaches technical skills and essential professional competencies like communication, teamwork and initiative. With its focus on mobile technologies, the program aims to equip you with the skills to develop mobile-first solutions and build a strong foundation for careers in this field.
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Achieve Expertise in Mobile App Innovation and Software Development
GCU’s BS in Software Development with an Emphasis in Mobile App Development is offered both on campus and online, providing flexibility for students. The program blends theoretical knowledge with hands-on learning, guiding students through the entire mobile app lifecycle from concept to deployment. Key topics include UI/UX design, agile development, API integration and mobile deployment, with opportunities for practical coding assignments and collaborative projects.
The curriculum emphasizes ethical decision-making, purpose-driven innovation and responsible technology use. Experienced faculty help students develop critical thinking and effective communication skills while approaching mobile development with creativity and integrity. This program can equip students to understand and influence the mobile technology field.
Master the Tools of Mobile Innovation
The Bachelor of Science in Software Development with an Emphasis in Mobile App Development introduces students to core technical concepts while encouraging hands-on experience with relevant platforms and tools. Students are taught to build, test and refine software solutions for mobile and web-based applications through immersive coursework and collaborative projects.
The curriculum in our bachelor’s in software development and mobile app development emphasis program also offers professional skills such as effective communication, adaptive programming techniques and the use of modern development environments to help you prepare for hands-on tech roles.
Students in the program will be taught competencies across key technical and professional domains, including:
- Multi-language programming
- Implementing algorithms and data structures
- Designing relational databases
- Creating secure, scalable mobile applications
- Enhancing user experiences through UI/UX principles
- Building cross-platform applications with mobile frameworks
- Utilizing cloud technologies for deployment and integration
- Using web technologies like HTML, CSS and JavaScript
- Addressing application security and data protection
- Full-stack development
- Capstone projects focused on practical software challenges
Career Paths for Software Development Graduates
This Bachelor of Science in Software Development mobile app emphasis offers students the knowledge and hands-on experience necessary to enter technology-driven fields. As the use of mobile technology grows, the need for professionals who can build secure, user-friendly and scalable software solutions also increases.1,2
With a solid foundation in programming, cloud computing, mobile application frameworks and technical communication, graduates can pursue various roles in both established tech companies and emerging startups. This knowledge can be applied across multiple sectors including business, education, healthcare, government and nonprofit organizations.
Careers that align with this bachelor’s in software development program include:
- Software or mobile application developer
- Web developer
- Computer programmer
- Software quality assurance analyst or tester
- Computer systems analyst
- Full-stack developer
- API integration specialist
- Computer network support specialist
- Computer and information systems manager
- Computer and information research scientist
Pursue Your Bachelor’s From an Accredited University
Grand Canyon University has been institutionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission since 1968. The College of Engineering and Technology reinforces GCU’s dedication to academic excellence by integrating the values of integrity, innovation and service into its technology-focused degree programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are looking to specialize in mobile app development, review our frequently asked questions and answers to learn more about this degree program.
Build your future in mobile app development — gain the skills to launch your software career today!
1 Grand View Research. (2018-23). Mobile Computer Market Size & Trends. Retrieved May 19, 2025.
2 COVID-19 has adversely affected the global economy and data from 2020 to 2023 may be atypical compared to prior years. Accordingly, data shown is effective September 2024, which can be found here: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Software Developers, Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers, retrieved May 6, 2025.
3 The earnings referenced were reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (“BLS”), Software Developers as of May 2023, retrieved May 6, 2025. Due to COVID-19, data from 2020 to 2023 may be atypical compared to prior years. BLS calculates the median using salaries of workers nationwide with varying levels of education and experience. It does not reflect the earnings of GCU graduates as software developers, nor does it reflect earnings of workers in one city or region of the country or a typical entry-level salary. Median income is the statistical midpoint for the range of salaries in a specific occupation. It represents what you would earn if you were paid more money than half the workers in an occupation, and less than half the workers in an occupation. It may give you a basis to estimate what you might earn at some point if you enter this career. Grand Canyon University can make no guarantees on individual graduates’ salaries. Your employability will be determined by numerous factors over which GCU has no control, such as the employer the graduate chooses to apply to, the graduate’s experience level, individual characteristics, skills, etc., against a pool of candidates.
4 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2025, April 18). How to Become a Software Developer, Quality Assurance Analyst, or Tester. Occupational Outlook Handbook. Retrieved May 8, 2025.
General Education Requirements
General Education coursework prepares Grand Canyon University graduates to think critically, communicate clearly, live responsibly in a diverse world, and thoughtfully integrate their faith and ethical convictions into all dimensions of life. These competencies, essential to an effective and satisfying life, are outlined in the General Education Learner Outcomes. General Education courses embody the breadth of human understanding and creativity contained in the liberal arts and sciences tradition. Students take an array of foundational knowledge courses that promote expanded knowledge, insight, and the outcomes identified in the University's General Education Competencies. The knowledge and skills students acquire through these courses serve as a foundation for successful careers and lifelong journeys of growing understanding and wisdom.
Requirements
Upon completion of the Grand Canyon University's University Foundation experience, students will be able to demonstrate competency in the areas of academic skills and self-leadership. They will be able to articulate the range of resources available to assist them, explore career options related to their area of study, and have knowledge of Grand Canyon's community. Students will be able to demonstrate foundational academic success skills, explore GCU resources (CLA, Library, Career Center, ADA office, etc), articulate strategies of self-leadership and management and recognize opportunities to engage in the GCU community.
Course Options
- UNV-103, University Success: 4
- UNV-303, University Success: 4
- UNV-108, University Success in the College of Education: 4
Requirements
Graduates of Grand Canyon University will be able to construct rhetorically effective communications appropriate to diverse audiences, purposes, and occasions (English composition, communication, critical reading, foreign language, sign language, etc.). Students are required to take 3 credits of English grammar or composition.
Course Options
- UNV-104, 21st Century Skills: Communication and Information Literacy: 4
- ENG-105, English Composition I: 4
- ENG-106, English Composition II: 4
Requirements
Graduates of Grand Canyon University will be able to express aspects of Christian heritage and worldview. Students are required to take CWV-101/CWV-301.
Course Options
- CWV-101, Christian Worldview: 4
- CWV-301, Christian Worldview: 4
Requirements
Graduates of Grand Canyon University will be able to use various analytic and problem-solving skills to examine, evaluate, and/or challenge ideas and arguments (mathematics, biology, chemistry, physics, geology, astronomy, physical geography, ecology, economics, theology, logic, philosophy, technology, statistics, accounting, etc.). Students are required to take 3 credits of intermediate algebra or higher.
Course Options
- MAT-154, Applications of College Algebra: 4
- MAT-144, College Mathematics: 4
- PHI-105, 21st Century Skills: Critical Thinking and Problem Solving: 4
- BIO-220, Environmental Science: 4
Requirements
Graduates of Grand Canyon University will be able to demonstrate awareness and appreciation of and empathy for differences in arts and culture, values, experiences, historical perspectives, and other aspects of life (psychology, sociology, government, Christian studies, Bible, geography, anthropology, economics, political science, child and family studies, law, ethics, cross-cultural studies, history, art, music, dance, theater, applied arts, literature, health, etc.). If the predefined course is a part of the major, students need to take an additional course.
Course Options
- HIS-144, U.S. History Themes: 4
- PSY-102, General Psychology: 4
- SOC-100, Everyday Sociology: 4
Core Courses
Course Description
This course introduces the fundamental concepts and syntax of the web development languages including HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. The course focuses on foundation required to build complex dynamic web applications.
Course Description
This course introduces the fundamental concepts and syntax of the Java programming language. The course focuses on object-oriented techniques in Java with an emphasis on problem solving and fundamental algorithms.
Course Description
This course provides an introduction to the fundamentals of C# programming language. The course covers program design and development, debugging techniques, structured and object-oriented programming and basic GUI elements.
Course Description
This course focuses on software development using the Java programming language. The course focuses on advanced object-oriented techniques in Java along with advanced topics including file I/O, generics, collections, multi-threading, networking, and unit testing. Prerequisite: CST-105.
Course Description
This course combines coverage of advanced features of the C# programming language with building complex desktop applications. Students acquire advanced techniques in managing program flow, the application lifecycle, security, and data access. Prerequisite: CST-150 or CST-117.
Course Description
This course provides students with the technical skills required to design and implement a database solution using both relational and non-relational databases. Students use data definition language (DDL) to create and delete database objects, and data manipulation language (DML) to access and manipulate those objects. Students gain hands-on experience with database design, data normalization, SQL sub-queries, creating and using views, understanding and working with data dictionaries, and loading and unloading databases. The laboratory reinforces and expands learning of principles introduced in the lecture. Hands-on activities focus on writing code that implements concepts discussed in the lecture course, specifically creating databases and SQL queries. Prerequisite: CST-105 or CST-150.
Course Description
This course focuses on the development of dynamic web applications using the Spring framework and the Java programming language. Students employ design and programming methodologies to develop secure, high-performance, database driven applications. Prerequisite: CST-239 or CST-135.
Course Description
This course covers classical algorithms and data structures, with an emphasis on implementation and application in solving real-world computational problems. The course focuses on algorithms for sorting, searching, string processing, and graphs. Students learn basic strategies to evaluate divide-and-conquer, recursive backtracking, and algorithm efficiency. Hands-on activities focus on writing code that implements concepts and algorithm implementation techniques. Prerequisite: CST-210 or CST-239 or CST-135 or CST-250 or CST-227.
Course Description
This course is an introduction to UNIX-derived open-source operating systems. Students explore the history and development trends in open-source OS. The course covers the file system, user commands and utilities, graphical user interfaces, editors, manual pages, and shells. Prerequisite: CST-239 or CST-135 or CST-250 or CST-227.
Course Description
This course focuses on the development of dynamic web applications using the ASP.NET framework and the C# programming language. Students employ design and programming methodologies to develop secure, high-performance, database driven applications. Prerequisite: CST-250 or CST-227.
Course Description
Using current development trends, students examine several front-end and back-end frameworks used to build web applications. Students learn how to program these modern frameworks, as well as how to integrate them using traditional enterprise technologies. Prerequisites: CST-120 and (CST-239 or CST-135) and (CST-345 or CST-236).
Course Description
Students will create feature-rich mobile apps for native platforms. Students will use the latest industry-standard languages in native development frameworks. Applications will have visually appealing user interfaces, utilize standard software architecture principles, and provide solutions to common business problems. Prerequisite: CST-239 or CST-250.
Course Description
This course examines cloud computing and its transformative impact on the IT industry. Students develop applications using a Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) model. The course examines the most important APIs used in leading industry cloud service providers. Students will learn how to use the cloud as the infrastructure for existing and new services. Prerequisite: CST-339.
Course Description
This course focuses on gathering User Stories and decomposing them into a requirements document, design specifications, and technically managing activities associated with software development. Topics cover the managerial aspect of the software development life cycle, delivery, and integration. Hands-on activities focus on communication using professional Agile-based project management software to implement a system for planning, tracking, and auditing the use of resources within the context of a software project. This is a writing intensive course. Prerequisite: CST-239 or CST-135 or CST-250 or CST-227.
Course Description
This course offers a comprehensive and hands-on learning experience for students interested in building mobile applications that work across multiple platforms. Through this course, students will gain expertise in leveraging a cross-platform framework to write code once and deploy it across various platforms. From understanding the fundamentals of cross-platform app architecture to implementing platform-specific features, students will learn how to create visually captivating, high-performance, versatile, and efficient cross-platform apps. Prerequisite: CST-239 or CST-250.
Course Description
The first capstone course provides students the opportunity to work in teams to tackle real world applied research and design projects in their chosen area of interest. Students develop a project proposal, conduct a feasibility study, learn to protect intellectual property, develop teamwork skills, budgets, and a schedule for completing the project. Students conduct extensive research, integrate information from multiple sources, and work with a mentor through multiple cycles of feedback and revisions. Students use this course to further develop technical writing and business presentation skills. This is a writing intensive course. Prerequisite: CST-339 or CST-341 or CST-235 or CST-350 or CST-247 or CST-391.
Course Description
This course examines security principles for application developers. The course also examines common security vulnerabilities found in modern dynamic web applications, secure programming practices, and how to avoid and illuminate the common security vulnerabilities. Prerequisite: CST-339.
Course Description
In this course, students expand their skills and delve into the intricacies of building cutting-edge mobile applications. This course delves into advanced topics such as incorporating emerging technologies, cloud integration, advanced user interface (UI) design, and optimizing app performance. Students will learn how to leverage cutting-edge technologies to create immersive user experiences, integrate cloud services for enhanced functionality, and optimize app performance for optimal speed and efficiency. By the end of this course, students will possess the expertise to develop innovative and feature-rich mobile apps that leverage the latest technologies and provide exceptional user experiences. Prerequisite: CST-353.
Course Description
The second capstone course provides students the opportunity to implement and present the applied research project designed, planned, and started in the first capstone course. The capstone project is a culmination of the learning experiences while a student in the Computer Science program. Students conduct extensive research, integrate information from multiple sources, and work with a mentor through multiple cycles of feedback and revision. This is a writing intensive course. Prerequisite: Successful completion of CST-451 with a grade of C or better.
- GCU cannot and will not promise job placement, a job, graduate school placement, transfer of GCU program credits to another institution, promotion, salary, or salary increase. Please see the Career Services Policy in the University Policy Handbook.
- Please note that this list may contain programs and courses not presently offered, as availability may vary depending on class size, enrollment and other contributing factors. If you are interested in a program or course listed herein please first contact your University Counselor for the most current information regarding availability.
- Please refer to the Academic Catalog for more information. Programs or courses subject to change
Join Grand Canyon University’s vibrant and growing campus community, with daytime classes designed for traditional students. Immerse yourself in a full undergraduate experience, complete with curriculum designed within the context of our Christian worldview.