Northern Virginia CC Partners with AWS for Cloud Degree Offering

hands holding cloud computing diagram

This fall, Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA) will offer a Cloud Computing specialization for its Information Systems Technology (IST) associate of applied science degree. The college worked with Amazon Web Services' AWS Educate program to create the new degree offering, which is "designed to address one of the most pressing skill-demands in the Washington D.C. metropolitan area and the nation," according to a news announcement.

The two-year program is "mapped to skills and competency-based credentials required by AWS and other employers who leverage cloud-based services," the college explained. It covers both core IST topics (such as hardware, security and programming) as well as skills needed in the cloud environment, including virtualization, server management, storage, networking, application deployment, capacity provisioning, load balancing and scaling. The program provides students with hands-on experience with cloud technology and tools, and prepares them to earn industry credentials.

Students also receive a free membership in AWS Educate, an online platform with learning content and services for building knowledge, skills and career pathways in cloud computing.

"The Northern Virginia region is home to one of the largest concentrations of IT jobs in the nation, as well as one of the greatest demands for employees with cloud computing skills," commented Scott Ralls, NOVA president, in a statement. "This new cloud computing program is our latest initiative to meet the highly skilled employment needs of technology employers and to offer pathways to family-supporting careers for our students."

Beyond the degree program, NOVA is collaborating with Columbus State Community College in Ohio on an effort to build the cloud talent pipeline and increase awareness of cloud computing. The two institutions are seeking funding from the National Science Foundation to help develop cloud computing programs at two-year colleges across the country.  

About the Author

Rhea Kelly is editor in chief for Campus Technology, THE Journal, and Spaces4Learning. She can be reached at [email protected].

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