About the Program

This curriculum is designed for those who seek employment in the field of cloud computing, for those who are presently in that field and who desire to increase their knowledge and update their skills, and for those who must augment their abilities in other fields with knowledge and skills in cloud computing.

Program Degrees and Certificates

A Cloud Computing CSC can be achieved within the AAS degree - must be applied for. Specific program courses provide the knowledge and skills to test for industry certifications. The IET Division strongly recommends that students take a preparatory or review course prior to setting for an exam. Exam fees are not included in the course fees or tuition. Possible industry certifications: AWS – AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner, AWS – AWS Solutions Architect Associate, CompTIA - A+ Hardware, CompTIA - Linux +, CompTIA - Network+ CompTIA - Security+

NOTE: Previous IT courses used for these programs may not be more than 10 years old, unless approved by academic dean.

Program Details

NOVA is leading the nation in Cloud Computing education and is nationally recognized for being the first community college to develop and offer an Associate degree in Cloud Computing. Our programs were aligned to industry needs through close interaction with leading cloud providers and serves as a model for the development of cloud-focused curriculum across the globe.

Our programs will prepare you for an entry-level position or augment your existing skills using industry leading platforms like Amazon Web Services (AWS), while immersing you in course work that sets you up for multiple industry certifications. Want options? How about our stackable one year Career Study Certificate (C.S.C.) or jump right into the full Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree. Either way results will come quickly with full-time enrollment. Ultimately want a bachelor’s degree? We can do that. We have transfer agreements with top four-year institutions to make that your reality.

Students should possess a proficiency in high school English, familiarity with computer functions and hardware, and possess computer keyboarding skills. It is recommended that students be placed into MTH 154 or higher although this program includes no math courses.

  • Transfer Opportunities

    Transfer is not the primary purpose of C.S.C and A.A.S. programs, but NOVA has articulation agreements that facilitate the transfer of this and other career-oriented programs to selected senior institutions. Students interested in transfer should contact a counselor or their academic advisor early in their program.

  • Credit for Prior Learning

    Northern Virginia Community College accepts industry-standard certifications, credentials and/or professional courses for credit. Broadly, licenses, credentials and/or certifications must be current and valid for consideration. For more information regarding the status of the certification and its eligibility for credit, please see an advisor or faculty members in the discipline area that awards CPL credit.

    CPL examples: AWS – AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner, AWS – AWS Solutions Architect Associate, CompTIA - A+ Hardware, CompTIA - Linux +, CompTIA - Network+ CompTIA - Security+, ISC2 – CISSP, CIW – CIW Associate, CIW – CIS Associate Design Specialist

  • Career Prospects

    There is immediate and significant demand for employees with cloud computing capability. Combining our programs with the potential to earn multiple industry certifications can make you highly qualified and in-demand. Entry-level salaries for these positions are competitive and commensurate with your qualifications. Graduates from this program can find employment opportunities in areas like cloud computing specialist and cloud support associate.