Edited By Christine Skopec
Review & Contribution By Ethan Lewis
Unlock the future of technology, gain expertise in cloud computing, and launch your career with a Cloud Computing Degree Online tailored to industry demands.
A cloud computing degree online offers a thorough education in cloud computing technologies, covering concepts and practices essential in today’s digital landscape. With a focus on processing and analyzing large datasets, students delve into DevOps principles and devise innovative solutions. This program equips undergraduates with the skills needed for diverse roles in the cloud computing industry. Graduates can pursue careers as Cloud Solutions Architects, Engineers, Administrators, Developers, Security Specialists, Data Analysts, and beyond. Through flexible online learning, students gain expertise in cloud technologies, positioning themselves for success in an increasingly cloud-dependent world.
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Southern New Hampshire University
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Southern New Hampshire University is a private, nonprofit, accredited institution with more than 3,000 on campus students, over 170,000 online students, making it one of the fastest growing universities in the nation. Founded in 1932, we’ve been relentlessly reinventing higher education ever since and have gained national recognition for our dedication to helping students transform their lives and the lives of those around them.
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Find the Best Cloud Computing Degree Online Programs
When selecting the right online university for a bachelor’s in cloud computing, prospective students should consider factors such as course variety, program duration, tuition costs, and career prospects. Top institutions provide tailored courses to meet diverse student needs. The FBD teams have thoroughly assessed cloud computing programs, examining curriculum quality, learning outcomes, expenses, and alignment with specific field focuses.
Here is the list of the best online cloud computing programs.
| Univ | Address | Tuition | Grad Rate |
| Purdue University Global | 2550 Northwestern Avenue, Suite 1100, West Lafayette, Indiana 47906 | $10,110 | 20% |
Universities and programs are ranked by various factors, such as affordability, curriculum and coursework, reputation and availability, program length, statistics, the potential of employment, and return on investment for the students. For a more in-depth analysis, please read about our rankings methodology page.
What to Expect from a Cloud Computing Degree Online Program
A cloud computing online degree provides a solid understanding of cloud computing principles, architectures, and service models, including Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS), and Software as a Service (SaaS). This program is around 120 credits and can be covered in an average of four years. Most colleges provide coursework in both online, offline, and hybrid learning modes. It covers cloud-based application development using popular programming languages and frameworks, allowing students to design and create cloud-native applications. Additionally, practical hands-on projects, lab work, and internships are often integrated into the curriculum to provide undergraduates with real-world experience working with cloud technologies and solving cloud-related challenges. Upon graduation, students become well-equipped for various cloud computing careers, such as Cloud Administrator, Cloud Developer, Cloud Security Specialist, Cloud Solutions Architect, Cloud Engineer, and more.
Curriculum and Coursework
An online degree in cloud computing focuses on providing students with a comprehensive education in cloud technologies, virtualization, cloud application development, cloud security, and other essential areas related to cloud computing. Some programs may also include elective courses, such as Cloud Security, Cloud Data Analytics, Cloud Application Development, Cloud Infrastructure Management, and more, allowing students to tailor their studies to their specific interests and career goals in cloud computing. A Cloud Capstone Project must be undertaken in the final year to demonstrate a student’s ability to design, implement, and manage cloud-based solutions. The curriculum for a bachelor’s degree in cloud computing can vary depending on the university or college offering the program. However, there are some standard courses students can find across colleges, including:
Introduction to Cloud Computing
This course is designed to provide students with a foundational understanding of cloud computing concepts, principles, and technologies. It also helps learners grasp cloud deployment models and their advantages and challenges, including public, private, hybrid, and multi-cloud. An overview of cloud security challenges and best practices, including data encryption, access controls, and compliance considerations, is also provided.
Web Development and Design
A Web Development and Design course is designed to give an overview of the basics of web development, including HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. Students learn about the foundational structure of web pages using HTML tags and elements and introduce JavaScript to add interactivity and functionality to web pages, including event handling and DOM manipulation.
Cloud Infrastructure and Virtualization
This course helps students understand how to allocate, de-provision, and allocate cloud resources efficiently using virtualization technologies. They learn about the role of creating and managing virtual machines and hypervisors and the benefits of virtual machines in cloud environments. The course could also include exploring techniques to achieve fault tolerance and high availability using virtualization.
Computer Programming Fundamentals
This course teaches students about programming, its significance in modern technology, and an introduction to programming languages. They also understand fundamental concepts, syntax, and data types in a programming language (e.g., variables, data structures, conditional statements, loops).
Cloud Application Development
This course will equip students with the knowledge and skills to build and deploy applications that leverage cloud computing technologies and services. They understand popular cloud platforms like AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud Platform and explore the development tools and services.
Some other standard courses that prospective students can find across coursework include
- Professional Communication and Presentation Skills
- Operating Systems
- Object-oriented Programming
- Emerging Trends in Cloud Computing
- Cloud Storage and Database Management
- Cloud Security and Privacy
- Cloud Project Management
- Cloud Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence
- Cloud Governance and Compliance
- Cloud Ethics and Legal Issues
- Cloud Disaster Recovery and Business Continuity
- Cloud Data Analytics and Big Data Processing
- Cloud Cost Management and Billing
- Cloud Application Testing and Quality Assurance
- Cloud Application Performance Monitoring and Optimization
Learning Outcomes and Skills Gained
Earning an online degree cloud computing equips students with a comprehensive education in cloud computing and primes them for the rapidly growing and in-demand field. It prepares undergraduates for various cloud computing careers, such as Cloud Data Analyst, Cloud Developer, Cloud Solutions Architect, Cloud Engineer, Cloud Security Specialist, and Cloud Operations Manager. By the end of this degree, students develop various skills, including the ability to:
- demonstrate design, deploy, and manage cloud infrastructure, including virtual machines, storage, and networking components;
- demonstrate designing of cloud-native applications that leverage cloud platforms and services, using programming languages and frameworks suited for cloud environments;
- demonstrate understanding of cloud security best practices, encryption techniques, and access control methods to ensure the security and compliance of cloud-based systems across organizations;
- demonstrate process and analysis of large datasets using cloud-based tools and frameworks, deriving valuable insights to support data-driven decision-making;
- demonstrate applying of DevOps principles and practices to cloud environments, automating processes, and fostering collaboration between development and operations teams;
- demonstrate knowledge of cloud networking concepts, including virtual private clouds, subnets, load balancing, and content delivery networks;
- demonstrate optimization of cloud resource utilization, ensuring cost-effectiveness and scalability of cloud-based solutions;
- demonstrate understanding of regulatory requirements and industry standards relevant to cloud computing, ensuring compliance and data governance in cloud-based projects;
- demonstrate communication and collaboration skills, essential for working effectively in cross-functional cloud teams.
Types of Degrees Cloud Computing Students Can Obtain
Cloud computing students can pursue bachelor’s degrees that align with their career goals and interests in cloud computing. Some common types of online bachelor’s degree in cloud computing related to cloud computing include a Bachelor of Science or BS in cloud computing and a Bachelor of Arts or BA in cloud computing.
Bachelor of Science or BS in Cloud Computing
A Bachelor of Science or BS in cloud computing focuses on the principles of cloud computing, including virtualization, networking, cloud infrastructure, and cloud-based application development. This degree prepares students for technical roles in cloud computing and emphasizes hands-on experience with cloud technologies.
Bachelor of Arts or BA in Cloud Computing
A Bachelor of Arts or BA in cloud computing combines technical courses with business and management concepts. This degree can be suitable for students who want to conduct cloud computing applications in business environments and cloud-based project management.
Areas of Specialization for Cloud Computing Students
Specializations offer focused study areas within a broader field, enabling students to deepen their knowledge and skills in specific areas of interest. By pursuing specializations, students can tailor their education to align with their career goals, gaining expertise that makes them more competitive in the job market. These specialized courses provide in-depth understanding and practical experience, enhancing students’ readiness for specialized roles within their chosen industry. A cloud computing online degree offers various specializations that allow students to focus on specific areas within cloud computing. Here are some examples:
| Area of Specialization | Description | Career Options |
|---|---|---|
| Cloud Infrastructure Management | The Cloud Infrastructure Management specialization focuses on designing, deploying, and managing cloud infrastructure. It is designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills to manage cloud infrastructure efficiently and ensure scalability, reliability, and security. | Various roles as a cloud infrastructure engineer, cloud administrator, cloud solutions architect, and more. |
| Cloud Security | In this concentration, students learn about the unique security challenges and risks associated with cloud computing, including data breaches, insider threats, and compliance issues. It also covers techniques for managing user identities, access controls, and permissions in cloud environments. | Various roles as cloud security analyst, cloud security consultant, cloud security administrator, and more. |
| Cloud Application Development | The specialization equips students with the knowledge and skills to design, build, and deploy applications that leverage cloud computing technologies and services. It helps students explore cloud development platforms, such as AWS, Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud Platform, to understand how to utilize their services and features in application development. | Various roles include cloud application architect, software engineer, and application development. |
| Cloud Data Analytics | Students learn about various cloud-based storage solutions that can handle large volumes of data, such as object storage and data warehouses. They also focus on technologies for processing and transforming data in the cloud, including batch and stream processing. | Various roles as cloud business intelligence analyst, cloud data scientist, cloud data engineer, and more. |
| Cloud DevOps | Students study tools and practices for managing and automating the configuration of cloud resources. This area focuses on automating the process of integrating code changes and deploying them to production environments continuously and efficiently. | Various roles as a cloud automation specialist, cloud release manager, cloud DevOps consultant, and so on. |
Full-Time and Part-Time Programs
A full-time cloud online cloud computing bachelor degree typically spans four years or eight semesters, following a regular academic calendar. Full-time students usually take a standard course load each semester, which may range from 12 to 18 credit hours. It is dedicated to those who can spend most of their time on their studies and do not have extensive work or family commitments. Upon completing the program, they can obtain their bachelor’s degree in cloud computing in about four years. Depending on their availability and preferences, part-time applicants may take a reduced course load, such as 6 to 12 credit hours per semester. Due to the reduced course load, completion times for part-time programs can vary. Depending on their progress, they may take longer to earn their bachelor’s degree, typically around five or six years.
Accelerated Cloud Computing Programs
An accelerated cloud computing degree is a program that allows students to complete their bachelor’s degree in cloud computing in a shorter timeframe than a traditional degree program. These accelerated programs are designed to provide a rigorous and comprehensive education in cloud computing while condensing the coursework and requirements. It has a more intensive schedule, with students taking more courses per term or semester than in a standard degree program. This would include summer sessions or other accelerated terms to further shorten the program’s duration. Some colleges providing an accelerated cloud computing degree online include:
Requirements for Getting into a Cloud Computing Degree Online Program
It’s essential to check the specific requirements for each university’s cloud computing program that individuals are interested in. Some institutions may require students to have completed specific prerequisite courses in subjects like mathematics, computer science, or information technology before enrolling in the cloud computing program. Basic computer literacy and proficiency in using software applications are also essential for this program. The requirements for getting into a cloud computing bachelor’s degree online can vary depending on the university or institution offering the program. However, there are some standard cloud computing degree online admission requirements that candidates need to meet:
- Application form and fee
- High school diploma or an equivalent qualification like GED
- International applicants need to demonstrate language proficiency through standardized tests like TOEFL or IELTS
- Previous college transcripts as part of the application process
- Two to three letters of recommendation from teachers, professors, or supervisors
- Personal statement or essay explaining the candidate’s interest in cloud computing and why they want to pursue the program
- ACT and SAT scores
How to Ensure a Cloud Computing Degree Online Program Is Accredited
Accreditation, a vital process in various industries, ensures standards of quality and competence. It validates organizations, programs, or students, enhancing trust and credibility. Through rigorous evaluation, accreditation fosters continuous improvement, driving excellence and innovation. Ultimately, it empowers consumers, employers, and stakeholders by assuring reliability and adherence to established benchmarks. The accreditation of bachelor’s degree programs is typically done by regional or national accrediting agencies recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. However, specific programmatic accreditation is rare for accredited cloud computing degrees.
Here are the six regional accrediting agencies in the U.S. that accredit programs:
- New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
- Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
- Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
- Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
- Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)
Where to Find Free Online Courses for Cloud Computing Bachelor’s Students
Bachelor’s students in cloud computing can explore free online courses through various platforms. While these courses may not be accredited, they offer valuable opportunities for students to acquire knowledge and skills relevant to the field. Students can supplement their formal education, stay abreast of industry developments, and enhance their proficiency in cloud computing concepts and technologies by engaging with these resources. Some free cloud computing courses that undergraduates can pursue include:
| Course | Provided by | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Free Amazon AWS Tutorial – Cloud Computing With Amazon Web Services[3] | Udemy | This course helps individuals create virtual servers in the cloud and configure monitoring services. They also learn to set up load balancing, auto-scaling of infrastructure, configure cloud storage services and set up their infrastructure. |
| Introduction to Cloud Computing[4] | Coursera | This course can help students understand cloud computing and explain essential characteristics, the business case for the cloud, and the history and current technologies enabled by the cloud. They also understand emerging cloud-related trends, including Microservices, Serverless, Cloud Native, etc. |
| Introduction to Mobile and Cloud Computing[5] | Alison | This free online course covers Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS), and Software as a Service (SaaS), exploring online computing infrastructure and remote central servers, fostering a comprehensive understanding of cloud technologies. |
Ways to Pay for a Cloud Computing Degree Online Program
Students may be burdened with debt as tuition costs for online cloud computing degrees continue to rise. However, various avenues exist to alleviate financial strain and make education more accessible. From scholarships and grants to employer tuition assistance programs, students can explore options that suit their needs and circumstances, enabling them to pursue their academic goals without excessive financial hardship.
Here is a brief on how students can fund their cloud computing programs
Scholarships
Scholarships offer financial assistance to students pursuing higher education, including those interested in cloud computing degrees. These merit-based or need-based awards can cover tuition, fees, and other educational expenses. By applying for scholarships, students can reduce their financial burden and focus on their academic and career goals in the field of cloud computing.
Grants provide financial support to students pursuing education, including those studying cloud computing. These funds, typically awarded based on financial need, help cover tuition, fees, and living expenses, making education more accessible and affordable for students.
Graduate Assistantships
Graduate assistantships offer valuable opportunities for cloud computing students. These positions often involve research or teaching responsibilities and provide financial support, tuition waivers, and valuable academic and professional experience.
FAFSA
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is a crucial step for students seeking financial assistance for their education, including those pursuing degrees in cloud computing. By completing the FAFSA, students can qualify for federal grants, loans, and work-study programs to help cover their educational expenses.
Scholarships for Cloud Computing Degree Online Students
Scholarships for bachelor’s degrees in cloud computing provide financial support to students pursuing their education. These awards, often merit-based or need-based, can cover tuition, fees, and other expenses. By applying for scholarships, students can alleviate financial burdens and focus on their academic and professional development in the field of cloud computing. Some cloud computing degree online scholarships that students can look up include:
| Scholarship | Description | Award/Amount | Application Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ernest F. Hollings Undergraduate Scholarship[6] | This scholarship is provided to undergraduate candidates. It includes awards, including a 10-week, full-time paid internship at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and academic assistance for two years of full-time studying at an accredited institution. | $9,500 | Varies |
| Betty Stevens Frecknall Scholarship[7] | This scholarship is awarded to undergraduate candidates in computer science and related domains. Applicants applying to this scholarship must have a minimum of 3.0 GPA, be U.S. citizens, or be permanent residents attending a full-time U.S. institution. | Varies | Varies |
| National Society of High School Scholars STEAM Scholarship[8] | This scholarship supports high school seniors pursuing a bachelor’s in any STEM discipline. Interested candidates should submit their academic resumes, transcripts, and educator recommendations. The applications should be supplemented with 500–800-word essays. | $1,000 | March |
Career Opportunities and Salaries After Graduating from a Cloud Computing Degree Online
Knowledge of cloud skills is essential to conduct today’s digital transformations. Therefore, cloud experts are sought globally by different kinds of businesses wanting to do better than their competitors. Through the cloud computing degree online, students are equipped to work across several industries, and they can find employment roles like:
- Cloud Computing Enterprise Architect
- Cloud Support Engineer
- Cloud Platform Engineer
- Cloud Systems Administrator
- Cloud Infrastructure Architect
- Cloud DevOps Engineer
Some of these professional roles are highlighted below:
| Occupation | Skills Required | Median Annual Salary | Job Growth (up to 2032) | Job Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Computer Network Architects[9] | Detail-oriented, interpersonal, leadership, and organizational skills. | $126,900 | 4% (as fast as average) | Computer Network Architects generally build and design data communication networks, including wide-area networks, intranets, and local-area networks. They create layouts and plans for these networks, present management plans, and consider securing information to design them. |
| Computer Programmers[10] | Analytical, communication, detail-oriented, and problem-solving skills. | $97,800 | -11% (decline) | Computer programmers modify, test, and write scripts and codes to ensure the proper functioning of software and applications. They translate designs from software engineers and developers into instructions for computers. Their role is crucial in creating functional and efficient digital solutions across various industries. |
| Computer and Information Systems Managers[11] | Analytical, business, communication, decision-making, leadership, and organizational skills. | $164,070 | 16% (much faster than average) | Computer and information systems managers coordinate, direct, and plan computer-related activities in an organization. They also determine the information technology goals for an organization and implement computer systems to meet those specific goals. |
| Software Developers, Quality Assurance Analysts, and Testers[12] | Analytical, communication, creativity, detail-oriented, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills. | $124,200 | 25% (much faster than average) | Software Developers, Quality Assurance Analysts, and Testers create various computer applications that allow users to do unique tasks and underlying systems that run devices or control networks. They also analyze users’ needs and design software to meet them. |
Certifications and Licensing for Cloud Computing Degree Online Graduates
Certifications and licensing for online bachelor’s students in cloud computing aren’t always mandatory but can significantly benefit students. These credentials validate expertise and increase employability by demonstrating proficiency in cloud technologies. Additionally, they provide students with competitive advantages, enhanced career prospects, and opportunities for professional growth within the rapidly evolving field of cloud computing. Some professional certifications that students with an online degree in cloud computing could pursue include:
AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner Certification[13]
This entry-level certification offered by Amazon Web Services or AWS provides a foundational knowledge of AWS cloud services and components. It is proposed for individuals with little or no experience working with AWS but who want to demonstrate their understanding of fundamental cloud computing principles. These services can be utilized to build explanations on the cloud.
Microsoft Certified: Azure Fundamentals Certification[14]
Microsoft Azure offers this certification and is aimed at students new to Azure and cloud computing who need to gain foundational knowledge of cloud concepts. It helps individuals to be familiar with essential Azure services, such as virtual machines, storage, networking, and databases. The certification also helps individuals build awareness of Azure security features and tools and adherence to compliance standards.
Associate Cloud Engineer Certification[15]
This certification assesses individuals’ ability to set up an environment of cloud solutions, implement different solutions, configure security, and ensure that cloud solutions are successfully applied. The certification exam is around 2 hours long and is in a multiple-choice format. Individuals can take this exam in an online-proctored form from any remote location or even an onsite-proctored exam from a specified testing center.
Additional Resources for Cloud Computing Degree Online Graduates
Cloud computing students can benefit from additional resources such as forums, webinars, and online communities dedicated to the field. These platforms offer opportunities for networking, knowledge sharing, and staying updated on industry trends. By joining memberships in professional organizations or forums, students can access valuable insights, connect with industry experts, and build a supportive community, enhancing their learning experience and career prospects in cloud computing. Some professional organizations that students of bachelor’s degree in cloud computing online programs can pursue include:
| Title/Resource | Description |
|---|---|
| Association for Computing Machinery | The Association for Computing Machinery aims to foster an open exchange of ideas and information among computing professionals, researchers, educators, and students. They publish many high-quality journals, magazines, and conference proceedings and sponsor conferences, workshops, and events worldwide. |
| Computing Technology Industry Association | The Computing Technology Industry Association is a nonprofit trade association dedicated to advancing the global IT industry and providing vendor-neutral certifications, including CompTIA A+, CompTIA Network+, CompTIA Security+, and more. The association also offers educational resources and hosts events, webinars, and conferences that allow IT professionals to stay updated with the latest trends in the field. |
| Association for Information Science and Technology | The Association for Information Science and Technology publishes various scholarly journals, including the Journal of the Association for Information Science and Technology, which covers research articles, reviews, and perspectives in the information science domain. It also provides educational resources and programs, including webinars, workshops, and courses, to help members enhance their knowledge and skills. |
| International Association of Computer Science and Information Technology (IACSIT) | IACSIT is an international scientific association uniting distinguished scholars in Computer Science and Information Technology scholars. Members include faculty, researchers, engineers, and students. It promotes interdisciplinary research, organizes conferences and workshops, and publishes academic journals. IACSIT fosters global collaboration and professional growth and recognizes outstanding contributions while encouraging innovation and applications across diverse fields. |
FAQs About Cloud Computing Degree Online Programs
What is cloud computing?
Cloud computing refers to delivering computing services over the internet, allowing users to access and use a range of resources, including storage, databases, applications, computing power, and more, without needing to own or manage the underlying physical infrastructure. Cloud providers use multi-tenant models, sharing computing resources among multiple users while ensuring isolation and security.
Can you get a cloud computing degree online?
What can you do with a cloud computing degree online?
Is an online degree in cloud computing worth it?
How are cloud computing professionals different from other computer and information technology professionals?
How much does an online cloud computing bachelor’s degree cost?
Citations:
Free Amazon AWS Tutorial – Cloud Computing With Amazon Web Services- Udemy
Introduction to Cloud Computing- Coursera
Introduction to Mobile and Cloud Computing- Alison
Ernest F. Hollings Undergraduate Scholarship
Betty Stevens Frecknall Scholarship
National Society of High School Scholars STEAM Scholarship
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Outlook for Computer Network Architects
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Outlook for Computer Programmers
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Outlook for Computer and Information Systems Managers
AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner Certification
Disclaimer:
The average tuition (based on degree type for in-state students), average graduation rates, and rankings are based on data from various sources, including the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), and are variable over time. All rankings and statistics are subject to change. The rankings are solely the opinion of Find Best Degrees (FBD) and are based on our proprietary methodology. They do not represent the views of the institutions or organizations mentioned, nor do they represent any official government census or survey. Furthermore, any views or opinions expressed on this page are of FBD’s researchers and teams. Unless otherwise specified, they do not represent the thoughts and opinions of the individuals, institutions, or organizations mentioned. This page’s content is provided solely for informational purposes, with data drawn from various sources, including IPEDS. FBD and its employees make no guarantees regarding the accuracy or completeness of any information found on this page or by following any link. FBD will not be held liable for any errors or omissions in this material nor any losses, injuries, or damages resulting from the exposure or use of this information. Although the information on this page is/was correct at the time of publication, readers should exercise caution because some or all of the provided information may have changed over time, potentially resulting in inaccuracies. For more information, please read our Terms of Service. Trademarks and logos are the property of their registered owners.