Application development managers keep businesses running smoothly by planning, coordinating and supervising all activities related to an organization’s software applications. By cultivating a broad understanding of business operations, application development managers help a company reach its goals for productivity and profitability. Enrolling in an online Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Business Administration – Computer Information Systems (CIS) program, like the one from Florida Institute of Technology, can be the first step to a successful application development manager career.
Job Outlook
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that while overall employment of computer software engineers and computer programmers is expected to decline, there will still be upwards of 6,000 job openings every year. However, demand for application or software development managers will increase much faster than the average of other occupations as electronic data processing systems used in business, finance, healthcare, government and other settings become more complex. As the need for computer software and specialty applications grows, the demand for application development managers should increase.
Job Duties
Application development managers are typically responsible for a team that monitors, analyzes, designs and develops a company’s computer software applications. They are also usually in charge of maintaining, supporting, and upgrading existing systems and applications needed to keep the business running.
Other job duties include managing development projects to ensure they meet the company’s business requirements and goals, as well as working with other departments to establish their software needs. Application development managers often test new software programs and applications, assist with quality assurance, and identify and resolve program issues and errors.
Some application development managers may report to a company’s chief information officer (CIO). Most supervise workers, though staff size generally varies depending on the firm. When planning and directing projects with a team, the application development manager assigns work, reviews and evaluates performance, and meets with staff to identify and solve problems.
Potential Salary
According to salary data from ZipRecruiter, the range of average annual salaries for application development managers was approximately $126,029. Recent bachelor’s degree program graduates will typically begin as software application developers (at a correspondingly lower salary) and work up to a managerial role with experience or advanced education.
Education and Training
Most application development manager jobs require a bachelor’s degree and related work experience. The typical career path for a college graduate is to obtain a software application developer or software engineer position and acquire a few years of hands-on experience before transitioning into a supervisory role.
The road to an application development manager career often starts with earning a degree from a program like the online BA in Business Administration – CIS from Florida Tech. CIS programs typically utilize coursework concerning system analysis and design, database concepts and programming, organization theory and electronic commerce.
Graduates of these programs give themselves an edge when it comes to job applications and career moves. Employers can be confident that graduates of a business administration program with a concentration in CIS can do the following:
- Streamline information systems and processes.
- Apply network theory and design principles to real-world scenarios.
- Demonstrate the technical expertise necessary for today’s complex business needs.
- Assist with strategic planning and manage a team of software application specialists.
- Leverage advanced skills and knowledge to succeed as an application development manager.
Many employers offer opportunities for continuing education. It’s possible to gain an entry-level position with a bachelor’s degree and use tuition assistance to further your education.
Considering a Career as an Application Development Manager?
The best application development managers are self-starters who possess excellent oral and written communication skills and an ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships. They are also detail-oriented and good decision-makers. If you have a talent for business and computer applications, Florida Tech’s online BA in Business Administration – CIS program can lead you to a successful career as an application development manager.
Learn more about Florida Tech’s online Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration – Computer Information Systems program.
