Main image of article iOS Developer Degree: Do You Need One to Get a Job?

Computer science degrees are often viewed as a must-have before you can apply for work as a full-time developer or engineer. But is this actually the case? And if you’re an iOS developer, do you need a computer science degree—or any other kind of degree—to land a job building and maintaining iOS apps and services?

In the end, your ability to find employment as an iOS developer comes down to your skills and knowledge, combined with your experience and aptitude for growth. Let’s explore the degrees you might need—again, if any—to work effectively as an iOS developer.

What does an iOS developer do?

An iOS developer builds and maintains apps and services for iOS, the exclusive operating system for Apple’s iPad and iPhone. Successful iOS developers have mastered Objective-C and Swift, the two programming languages used to build software for iOS.

If you’re just getting started with iOS, it’s always worth visiting Apple’s website, which features a ton of iOS documentation, including tutorials and sample code. Apple’s developer website has a (retired) hub that breaks down Objective-C coding, and you can learn more about Swift via Swift.org, where you’ll find documentation, sample code, and access to forums.

In addition, any effective iOS developer also knows the following tools:

  • SwiftUI: A declarative framework for multiplatform apps, useful for layout and behavior.
  • UIKit: A declarative framework for building apps for iOS.
  • Xcode: Apple’s IDE for macOS, iOS, iPadOS, watchOS, and tvOS development.

A mature iOS developer knows other programming languages and tools, as well. Mikhail Kharytonchyk, lead iOS Engineer at Podlodka, advises iOS developers to learn Bash, Python, and C++. “Bash will help you with fast scripting, Python will allow you to make more complicated automation, and C++ will be your never-ending source of learning complex programming concepts,” he says.

C++ will broaden your understanding of memory management, object-oriented programming, and multi-threading, which are key for developing high-performance applications, he adds. "While not always directly used in day-to-day iOS development, these skills provide a more profound understanding of the mechanics behind software development. They will ultimately make you a more skilled and versatile developer.”

Maksim Kalik, senior iOS engineer at Triumph Labs, agrees: “Despite iOS-related programming languages, it would be beneficial to know something else. Python—widely used in data analysis and machine learning—can also be relevant in mobile app development. Of course, if a mobile developer is interested in cross-platform development, then JavaScript (React Native), Kotlin (in Android), or even Dart (Flatter) - all these languages allow them to be more flexible and competitive.”

You can learn all of these programming languages and tools on your own. Many effective iOS developers are self-taught. There are a wide variety of resources available online that can teach you the skills you need to become an iOS developer; platforms like Udemy and Coursera have hundreds of courses on iOS development. You can also find open-source projects to contribute to, which can help you gain experience and learn from other developers.

But if you’re the type who needs a formal degree program to learn what you need, you also have options.

What degrees does an iOS developer need?

A computer science or software engineering degree isn’t technically required to become an iOS developer. It is helpful because these degree programs teach you the fundamentals of programming, software development, and computer science—all of which are essential iOS development skills.

A good degree program is also a chance to network effectively with other up-and-coming tech professionals, which can pay off later. In addition, many schools have resources that can help you secure a job. If you’re looking for career-centric resources, you could do far worse than a two- to four-year program at an accredited school. But there are many other ways to learn what you need. For instance, many people take online courses or bootcamps.

The best way to decide what path is right for you is to consider how you learn best and your goals in learning how to develop iOS apps. If you decide you want a degree, many schools offer computer science or software engineering programs in person and online.

Here are the two most common degrees that iOS developers have:

  • Bachelor of Science in Computer Science: This program covers programming languages, data structures, algorithms, and operating systems. It can help you build a strong foundation in mathematics and logic.
  • Master of Science in Computer Science: This advanced program typically covers more advanced topics such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, and data science.

You can also obtain a Ph.D. in Computer Science, but that’s arguably overkill for an iOS position. More schools have been integrating iOS content into their computer science programs, driven to some extent by Apple’s own iOS Developer University Program.

Do employers want you to have a degree to become an iOS developer?

No, you do not need a degree to get a job as an iOS developer. Given the low unemployment rate in tech, and the high demand for tech professionals with the right mix of skills, companies are more willing than ever to overlook degree requirements when sourcing tech talent.

If you’re applying for iOS jobs without a degree, keep in mind that you’ll want to emphasize your iOS-related skills and experience. Make sure you’ve written a strong, results-driven resume that’s customized to the specific position you’re applying for. Use your cover letter, online profiles, and any other applications to externalize your passion for iOS development (and your willingness to learn new things about iOS).

In lieu of a degree, consider highlighting the following things in your resume and application:

  • Your online courses: Many online courses can teach you the skills you need to become an iOS developer. Some of these courses are free, while others require a fee.

  • Your bootcamp attendance: Many boot camps can teach you the skills you need to become an iOS developer. Bootcamps typically last for a few months and can be expensive.
  • Your self-learning: Many resources available online can teach you the skills you need to become an iOS developer. You can find tutorials, articles, and books that can teach you the basics of iOS development.

  • Your contributions to open-source projects: This is a big one: open-source projects are a great way to gain experience and learn from other developers. Make sure to list your GitHub repo, portfolio, or other evidence of your project work on your resume and other materials.

  • Your portfolio: A portfolio is a great way to showcase your skills and experience to potential employers. If you’ve built iOS apps and services before, make sure you have a website, repo, or other online property that a recruiter or hiring manager can access easily.

If you’re curious about the ideal structure for an iOS developer resume, or need a template for writing your own, check out Dice’s iOS developer resume tips and tricks.

Which degree will help you get a job as an iOS developer?

Kalik tells Dice: “Any degree shows a candidate can learn. So, it's helpful for iOS engineers to have a degree, especially in a computer science-related field. Employers may see a degree as a form of validation of the iOS Engineer skill set. But it's not always like that; many employers (including MAANG) in their job descriptions have a line: ‘BS/BA or equivalent work experience’ (even on Apple job description on Linkedin). This means they value practical experience: successful projects, failures, and problem-solving skills are all important. If a candidate has a degree and at least two years of iOS experience, it's a good chance to get a job.”

Any degree won’t be the deciding factor in landing an iOS role, says Wendi Reuter, senior IT recruiter at Carex Consulting Group: “To impress a hiring manager, you need to have examples of work you have done in addition to a degree. Developers frequently showcase their experience in an online portfolio or on their GitHub profile. When applying to roles, you should include a link to a site that can give hiring managers examples of your work.”

Again, a degree isn’t always necessary, but you’ll need to balance it out with skills mastery and experience working with iOS. “These examples can be work-related, academic, or side projects done on your own time,” Reuter continues. “That being said, some organizations do have restrictions in hiring that make it necessary for them to require a specific level of education for various roles within their organization. So, it is good to keep in mind while it is possible to land an iOS development role without a degree, your options for employment could be limited.”

Andrew Dobysh, senior iOS developer at Senpex, adds that a lack of degrees can sometimes make it difficult to land your first paid job. “But if you are willing to work on charity, enthusiast projects, or Free and open-source software (FOSS) for free for the first time to gain experience, then there should be no problem. In parallel, you can look for a paid job without taking time off from gaining valuable experience.”