Cloud Computing (Certificate)

Program Student Learning Outcomes

A.     Students will learn the fundamentals of system design, computer hardware and software,the advanced concepts of cloud computing, networking, and the responsibilities of a cloud professional.

B.     Demonstrate competency in cloud computing and user support including the ability to configure, install, diagnose, cloud configuration issues.

C.     Analyze performance metrics of a cloud architecture to respond dynamically to information and computing technology workloads and optimize service costs.

D.     Design Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) solutions by provisioning computing instances, establishing virtual private networks, managing databases and storage within a secure cloud environment.

E.     Demonstrate competency in working with servers, storage, and virtualization including implementing and evaluating network security solutions.

F.     Demonstrate an ability to read and interpret technical information, as well as communicate with and write clearly for a wide range of audiences.

G.    Collaborate in a team environment designing business solutions in an industry aligned project. 

Total units___37___ (all units are semester units) 

Classes Added. We will be adding CTIS-19 Cyber Ops, CTIS-24-Cloud Security, CTIS-25 – Application Development in Amazon Web Services, CTIS-26 – Machine Learning, Analytics and Big Data in Amazon Web Services CTIS-29 – Cloud Computing with Microsoft Azure. The coursework will contain curriculum supplied by AWS, Cisco, and Oracle Academy.

 CTE Goal: The enrollment and completer projections of 15-20 students per year are reasonable.  Comparing this to the 100+ jobs projected in this job field the data demonstrates adequate demand for the estimated completers.

Transfer Goal:  We estimate that 20% of the students who get the Cloud Computing AS degree will then transfer to a 4-year school.  If 15-20 students are forecasted to get this degree, this means that 3-4 students per year are estimated to transfer to a 4-year school in the field of Information Communication Technology, Computer Technology, Cybersecurity, Computer Information Systems, or related Computer degree. Five of the California state university and four UCs are members of AWS Academy. Cal Poly San Lois Obispo, Fullerton, Channel Island, Chico, Northridge, UC Davis and UC Irvine Ext, UCLA Extension, UC San Diego Extension. As they are teaching AWS curriculum there is potential of articulating some of the AWS Academy classes.

This program introduces cloud computing skills needed to help meet the growing demand for entry-level Cloud professionals. It also provides students with industry related skills to better understand, design,build, operate and maintain cloud infrastructure. In the process of taking the needed courses for this degree the student will be able to gain industry standardized certificates from CompTIA, Cisco, Amazon, Oracle, Microsoft such as the A+, Linux+, Cloud+, Server+, Cisco CCNA CyberOps, Oracle Certification,AWS CCP, AWS Cloud Foundations, Google Cloud Digital Leader, AWS Solutions Architect, CCSK Certifications. Therefore, we are fulfilling all the bulleted goals of lifelong learning, basic skills, CTE, transfer, and degree/certificate programs in line with Merced Colleges mission. 

The Cloud Computing Certificate, will increase diversity in the technical workforce as the students will learn the soft and technical skills needed to provide the platform to be successful as entry-level Cloud Computing Specialist.The students will also be able to develop occupational skills and certifications. The program also enables students to get fundamental knowledge in the areas of infrastructure, networking, and security. The core objectives of the program offer cloud computing coursework designed by AWS Academy. The program aims to develop quality and quantity of technical professionals to fulfill business needs and generate greater economic impact in the central valley.  

The Certificate in Cloud Computing is available for students who complete the following required courses, with a minimum grade of a“C” (or P) in each course in the degree and maintain a 2.0 GPA.