Cloud Computing Certificate

Cloud Computing skills are highly in-demand in the industry. In this certificate program, you will gain hands-on experience while earning 18 credits, which can be completed over three semesters during a single year. You will walk away prepared to apply your learning in the professional setting and advance in your career.

Whether you have a background in technology or are looking to transition into the field, our online program is designed to start with a foundational cloud computing introduction and allow you time to thoroughly master and apply the skills. Content is tightly aligned with Amazon Web Services components, so students are fully prepared at the completion of the program to succeed in industry certifications. 

The program and its courses have been structured to allow students flexibility, understanding that working professionals must manage multiple demands. Scholarships are available. See details below. 

Key Takeaways

• Undergraduate-level certificate
• 18 undergraduate credits / 6 courses / 1 year on average to completion
• Start dates: August, January, May
• Master in-demand cloud computing skills in a growing field while earning a credential from one of the nation’s top-ranked public universities.
• Be fully prepared to succeed in AWS certifications, specifically the Foundational-level AWS Cloud Practitioner certification and the Associate-level AWS Certification exams in the Architect (Solutions Architect) or Operations (SysOps Administrator) pathways.
• Live and asynchronous online class sessions built to fit your work and home life.
• Collaboration opportunities with UVA faculty and industry peers and leaders through discussion forums, group projects, presentations, office hours and networking.

Key Industry Information

Cloud computing skills learned in this program can be applied to many industry jobs, and students will be prepared from the foundational level on up. Skills are widely in demand with employers, and the number of jobs are increasing much faster than average. 

(Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor: Computer Systems Analyst.)

SCPS’ Program Offers Advantages:

• Flexible programming: with core courses offered regularly, you can stay on your desired learning journey.
• One tuition rate: you’ll pay the same tution whether you reside in Virginia or out-of-state.
• Expert Faculty who understand adult learners: learn from Faculty who are experts in their industries and are experts at teaching. They understand the demands adult learners need to juggle and structure courses so you can balance your personal and professional life while learning.
• Synchronous learning opportunities: you’ll join online classes and can ask questions, dig deeper, and learn from instructors and classmates.

Tuition & Fees

• Estimated cost: $488 per credit hour or $8,784 for the entire program. Students pay per course, per semester.
• Scholarships are available
• This program is eligible for Active Duty Military Rate of $250 per credit hour
• Pay the same tuition rate whether you are in-state or out-of-state.
• This program is not eligible for financial aid but may be covered by your employer’s education benefits program. 
• You may take advantage of an optional, interest-free semester-based payment plan offered by the University to help spread the cost of eligible charges over monthly payment.
• Additional fees may apply, including course materials. Tuition rates are adjusted annually.

See Tuition Details

Scholarships

SCPS is pleased to be able to provide scholarships for students enrolled in the Cloud Computing Certificate program. Provided by funding through a Congressionally Directed Spending request by Virginia Senator Mark Warner and approved by the Senate Appropriations Committee, this scholarship is part of an initiative to increase Virginia’s cloud computing industry talent. 

ELIGIBILITY AND REQUIREMENTS

All students beginning the Cloud Computing Certificate program in Spring 2024 or later and residing in Virginia, Maryland, or the District of Columbia are eligible to apply for this scholarship

Program Enrollment & Student Account Status:

1. Students must be admitted to the SCPS Cloud Computing Certificate Program for the Spring 2024, Summer 2024 or Fall 2024 terms.
2. Students who submitted an application for admittance to the program by the November 1, 2023 deadline and who are awaiting notification of admittance are also eligible to apply (award disbursement contingent upon enrollment in the Cloud Computing Certificate Program as of the Spring, Summer or Fall 2024 terms).
3. Students must not have a finance hold issued by UVA Student Financial Services for past-due balances on their student account from prior enrollments at the University of Virginia.

Residency:

Students must reside in Virginia, Maryland, or Washington, D.C.      

Financial Need:

Students must demonstrate financial need based on responses to financial questions in this application

Professional experience, interests and goals:

Students either have prior work experience as an IT professional or an interest in cloud computing and goals to pursue a career as a cloud computing professional; responses to application essay questions will be considered

View the Cloud Computing Scholarship Application

Additionally, new and returning students in certificate or degree programs in the School of Continuing and Professional Studies are eligible to apply for the Enslaved Ancestors College Access Scholarship Program. 

Admission Requirements & Deadlines

DEADLINE INFORMATION

• To begin in the fall (August): application must be submitted by July 1
• To begin in the spring (January): application must be submitted by November 1
• To begin in the summer (May): application must be submitted by April 1

APPLICATION INFORMATION

This is a undergraduate-level certificate course. Applicants must have a high school diploma or equivalent.

To apply:

1. Complete an online application, including:
   1. Submit your unofficial transcripts. Offers of admission are not binding until official transcripts are received and verified.
   2. Application for Virginia In-State Education Privileges to establish residency.

START YOUR APPLICATION

Required Courses (5)

• Course schedules and program electives are currently under review in order to increase student options and flexibility.
• Current and prospective students may contact scpsinquiry@virginia.edu with questions related to their journey and course schedule. 

IT 3000 – CLOUD COMPUTING FOUNDATIONS

Provides an overall understanding of cloud computing concepts, independent of specific technical roles. Covers cloud concepts, Amazon Web Services (AWS) core services, security, architecture, pricing, and support. Helps students prepare for the AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner exam.

IT 3100 – ARCHITECTURE AND DESIGN

Covers the fundamentals of building IT infrastructure on Amazon Web Services (AWS). Teaches solutions architects how to optimize the use of the AWS Cloud by understanding AWS services and how they fit into cloud-based solutions. Emphasizes best practices and recommends design patterns to help with the process of architecting optimal IT solutions on AWS. Helps students prepare for the AWS Certified Solution Architect - Associate exam.

IT 3410 – INTRODUCTION TO PYTHON AND SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT

Provides an introduction to object-oriented programming and the core principles of Python. Covers fundamental coding concepts like variables, algorithms, and data structures and allows for the practice of creating Python functions and applications in the cloud. Introduces agile software development and other processes that are widely used to develop applications in the technology sector.

IT 3110 – NETWORKING FUNDAMENTALS 

Introduces the Amazon Web Services (AWS) suite of network-related products, including AWS VPC (Virtual Private Cloud), AWS Direct Connect, Elastic Load Balancing, and Route S3. Covers troubleshooting tips and security best practices.

IT 3405 – DATABASE MANAGEMENT AND ADMINISTRATION

Uses Amazon Web Services (AWS) Relational Database Service (RDS) to teach the reads and writes that can be handled with insertion, update and delete to optimize the performance. Covers deploying AWS database resources, managing those resources, and completing the assignments using AWS services. Includes information on monitoring and troubleshooting and how to perform investigations and minimize downtime, thereby increasing availability.

Elective Courses (1)

IT 3120 – CLOUD INFRASTRUCTURE MANAGEMENT

Provides details on how to solve problems and troubleshoot various scenarios in the Amazon Web Services (AWS) Cloud. Shows students how to create automatable and repeatable deployments of networks and systems on AWS and covers features and tools for configuration and deployment. Includes the opportunity to build infrastructures via guided, hands-on activities. Prepares students to pursue entry-level DevOps, support, and cloud operations roles.

IT 3130 – CLOUD SECURITY

Introduces several Amazon Web Services (AWS) services that can be used to improve security posture. Covers the different security design principles that help with planning the security approach. Covers the fundamentals of AWS cloud security concepts, including AWS access control, data encryption methods, and how network access to AWS infrastructure can be secured. Focuses on additional topics such as AWS Security, Identity, and Compliance.

IT 3140 – CLOUD DEVSECOPS

Combines aspects of development, security, and operations and teaches cloud engineers to perform a DevSecOps role. DevSecOps removes silos between teams, and with the addition of automation, it improves the time it takes to deliver reliable software to the market. Students learn to streamline processes and Software Development Life Cycles (SDLCS) through DevSecOps techniques, including automated build and release processes.

The information contained on this web site is for informational purposes only. The Undergraduate Record and Graduate Record represent the official repository for academic program requirements.

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