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Dr. Patrick Appiah-Kubi is a distinguished figure in cloud computing and cybersecurity technology. He currently serves as portfolio director and associate professor at the University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC). He holds a PhD in computer science, an MS in electronics and computer engineering technology, and a BS in computer science.
Before his tenure at UMGC, Dr. Appiah-Kubi led initiatives as an assistant professor and IT program director at Indiana State University. His research interests include bare machine computing systems, computer networks, cloud computing, big data, database systems, and cybersecurity. Dr. Appiah-Kubi is an AWS faculty cloud ambassador and a member of the IEEE and the Association for Computing Machinery.
OnlineEngineeringPrograms.com: What is something you wish the public understood about cloud engineering?
Dr. Appiah-Kubi: The delay in adopting cloud computing largely stemmed from security concerns raised by companies during its early days. It’s crucial for the public to recognize the significance of cloud security and compliance. People need to understand how to effectively secure data stored in the cloud and comply with various regulations that govern data usage and storage.
While cloud computing offers numerous benefits, such as scalability, cost efficiency, performance, and innovation, a solid grasp of security issues is essential for safeguarding data. Cybersecurity remains a pressing concern in the tech industry, and it’s important for the public to be aware of the risks to their data and how to protect their information and devices connected to the Internet.
OnlineEngineeringPrograms.com: What advice would you give to aspiring students in cloud engineering?
Dr. Appiah-Kubi: For aspiring students in cloud computing and engineering, here are some important pieces of advice:
Following these guidelines can set you up for a successful career in cloud engineering!
OnlineEngineeringPrograms.com: What does the future of the field look like to you?
Dr. Appiah-Kubi: The future of cloud computing looks incredibly promising and dynamic, with several exciting developments on the horizon:
These trends point to a future where cloud computing becomes even more integral to business operations and technological advancements.
Fully online cloud computing degree programs can be a lucrative option for those who do not have the time to commit to a traditional on-campus program. Working professionals, students with personal commitments, or those who live away from a good university may find these programs especially valuable.
Students wishing to enroll in an online cloud computing program must thoroughly research its campus visitation requirements. Some schools may ask students to attend an on-campus orientation, while others might ask them to take some classes on campus. A few colleges might also ask students to present their capstone projects on campus.
While online learning offers ample flexibility, it also places the responsibility of managing one’s study schedule and other commitments in the student’s hands.
Without a well-defined structure and study plan, students might lag behind and not get the most value from an online program.
Another critical factor in succeeding in an online program is participating in class discussions and corresponding with professors about progress. Some programs also offer live classes for students to interact with their peers and faculty.
All in all, online programs work exceptionally well for independent doers and learners who require flexibility.
Grand Canyon University’s College of Science, Engineering, & Technology offers an online bachelor of science program in information technology. Graduates will learn to use technology to solve problems within an organization and deploy, manage, and configure local and cloud-based applications.
Students in this program gain hands-on experience in cloud-based computing and systems, windows and windows server administration, Linux and Linux server administration, database architecture and administration, corporate and enterprise networking, and security-driven systems administration.
The program, which comprises 120 credits, includes courses such as cloud systems administration and maintenance, security-driven systems administration, edge networks, Linux system administration and maintenance, introduction to database structures, cybersecurity foundations, platforms and network technologies, and system administration and maintenance.
Southern New Hampshire University
At Southern New Hampshire University, students can gain the professional skills and build the technical abilities needed to become IT professionals with an online BS in information technologies or an online BA in information technologies. Both programs have the same sixteen core courses and fourteen IT courses.
The BA in IT program is ideal for students who are already working in IT and wish to enhance their technical skills. The BS degree allows students to specialize in one of the five available concentrations or select five courses, to tailor the degree to their interests. Concentration options include business management, data analytics, cybersecurity, software development, and project management for IT.
The 120-credit curriculum includes courses such as fundamentals of information technology, computer operating systems, introduction to computer networks, computer systems security, cross-platform technologies, systems requirements and implementation planning, computing as a service, and the impact of systems on organizations.
Western Governors University offers an online bachelor of science degree in cloud computing that focuses on security, cloud technologies, scripting, networking, server administration, emerging technologies, and core IT skills.
Notably, this online degree includes 16 top industry certifications that help students enhance their resumes before graduation. Moreover, students have the option to specialize further beyond cloud foundations. The Azure specialization emphasizes in-depth knowledge and application of Azure cloud technology, while the AWS specialization emphasizes in-depth knowledge and application of AWS cloud technology.
The program consists of 37 courses. These include AWS cloud architecture, cloud platform solutions, Azure fundamentals, Azure developer associate, Azure data engineer, AWS developer, and cloud deployment and operations.
Purdue Global offers a 34-course online bachelor’s degree in cloud computing and solutions that helps students build expertise in top, in-demand areas such as cloud security, blockchain, and artificial intelligence (AI). This cloud computing degree provides a foundation for critical industry certifications such as CompTIA Cloud Essentials and Cloud+; AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate; (ISC)² Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP); and Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) Cloud, among others.
Applicants to the program must be high school graduates or possess a GED certificate or other equivalency diploma.
The program’s 180-credit curriculum includes courses such as cloud infrastructure administration; application development and scripting in the cloud; virtualization and cloud security; advanced cloud security; security testing for cloud applications; cloud services management; and migrating data and applications to the cloud.
Upon completion, graduates can take up roles such as computer network support specialists; database architects; computer network architects; software developers; and computer programmers.
Thomas Edison State University
Thomas Edison State University offers an online bachelor of science degree in cloud computing, providing students with advanced understanding and a solid foundation in core areas relevant to computer science and information technology, including programming, networking, operating systems, database management, artificial intelligence, architecture, big data, and machine learning.
This 120-credit program also prepares students for industry-recognized certifications through CompTIA. As a CompTIA Academic Partner, Thomas Edison State University has developed cloud courses using CompTIA-approved learning materials to help students prepare for the Cloud Essentials+ and Cloud+ certification exams while earning credit towards their degree.
The curriculum includes courses such as introduction to cloud computing; foundations of information technology; computer programming; database fundamentals; introduction to networking; database programming; operation and management of cloud computing systems; management information systems; cloud security and privacy; developing software for the cloud; and architecting cloud solutions.
Graduates can take up roles such as cloud infrastructure architects, systems analysts, cloud engineers, information security analysts, cloud application developers, computer programming developers, web developers, cloud systems administrators, and mobile application developers.
Strayer University offers an online bachelor of science program in information technology with a concentration in cloud computing. Emphasizing services provided by major cloud providers such as Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Microsoft Azure, this program prepares students to apply their skills to design, troubleshoot, and administer cloud environments.
The program comprises 40 eleven-week courses. Applicants must have a completed application, a diploma from an approved high school or its equivalent, official copies of transcripts from all other colleges or universities attended, and a valid, current, and legible government-issued photo ID.
The curriculum includes classes in cloud architecture and design; information technology capstone; communication at work; AWS cloud operations; and network server administration.
Franklin University’s online bachelor of science in cloud computing program is a comprehensive degree that provides students with hands-on expertise and skills to excel in security, data management, and cloud architecture. The program’s curriculum aligns with eleven industry-recognized certifications from AWS, Microsoft, and CompTIA. With each 12-week course, students will gain the skills and knowledge corresponding to at least one certification.
The program, which is made up of 124 credits, includes courses such as problem-solving with computing, principles of computer networks, database management systems, cyber security fundamentals, cloud fundamentals, information technology project management, Microsoft Azure fundamentals and administration, containers and orchestration, and Linux fundamentals.
Graduates will be prepared to pursue IT roles like cloud engineers, cloud architects, and cloud developers in various industries such as large corporations, government agencies, nonprofit organizations, start-ups, education, and the military.
Capella University offers an online bachelor of science program in information technology with a concentration in network and cloud computing. This specialization is designed to provide students with the skills and knowledge needed to administer networks in various environments.
The program’s curriculum addresses designing, planning, troubleshooting, and configuring networks in environments ranging from local networks to enterprise-wide integrated cloud infrastructures. Topics covered in the program include cloud and server administration, cloud migration, Linux administration, internetworking architecture design, machine learning, artificial intelligence, and system security and assurance.
Upon successful completion, graduates are prepared for positions such as cloud engineers, cloud administrators, network analysts, cloud architects, network engineers, and network administrators.
The 180-credit program includes courses on information technology concepts and practices, software architecture and user experience design, internetworking architectures, cloud computing fundamentals, cloud concepts, architecture, and management, Linux operating systems, and system assurance security.
University of Maryland Global Campus
The University of Maryland Global Campus offers an online master of science program in cloud computing systems that is ideal for students looking to advance their careers in network architecture, cloud computing, IT project management, and more. Designed with inputs from industry leaders, the program's curriculum is aligned with industry certifications in cloud and network computing.
The 36-credit program includes courses such as decisive thinking, communicating, and leading in technology fields, cloud services and technologies, network engineering, cloud infrastructure planning, design, and configurations, cloud computing implementations and migrations, and a cloud computing capstone.
Graduates will be prepared for positions in computer network architecture, cloud computing, IT project management, computer systems analysis, and network and computer systems administration.
Students at Campbellsville University’s online master of science program in cloud computing learn to implement cloud computing at organizations and examine the concepts in practical terms for leveraging cloud services and providing value to businesses. Graduates will be guided by experienced instructors who are experts in their industry. Upon graduation, they will be qualified for various in-demand careers such as software engineers, network architects, cloud engineers, cloud architects, cloud analysts, and more.
Applicants to the program must have work experience in IT, computer science, or engineering, or an earned bachelor’s or master’s degree in IT, engineering, or computer science.
The 30-credit program includes courses such as introduction to cloud computing, application of cloud computing, risk mitigation for cloud infrastructure, cloud computing security, dev ops case studies and implementation, introduction to dev ops and dev ops tools, storytelling with data, microservices, and a cloud computing capstone.
Graduates will be ready to take up roles such as software engineers, network architects, cloud engineers, cloud architects, and cloud analysts.
Comprehensively covering all aspects of cloud deployment, George Washington University’s STEM-focused online master of engineering program in cloud computing management prepares students to take leadership roles in cloud computing. The program equips students with the knowledge and skills required to assess the weaknesses and strengths of different cloud deployment models, create strategies for migrating legacy software to cloud environments, and maintain low operating costs in hybrid and multi-cloud deployments. Graduates will also hone their expertise in compliance and machine learning.
For admission to the program, applicants must have a bachelor’s degree with a 2.7 GPA from an accredited institution in one of the following fields: computer science, engineering, mathematics, physical sciences, business administration, economics, or another relevant non-technical discipline. Those who do not hold a degree in a technical discipline must have work experience in an IT field. GRE scores are not required but are recommended.
This 30-credit program includes courses on cybersecurity and privacy, cloud applications architecture, secure cloud computing, information and systems security management, protecting information assets and systems, cloud computing management and compliance, cloud migration strategy, and cloud and big data management.
These numbers represent data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics from May 2023—the latest figures available as of December 2024—for cloud computing architects, a category which includes cloud computing experts.
Computer Network Architects
Farheen Gani has researched a wide array of topics related to engineering since 2018. She has written about electrical and computer engineering programs, structural engineering programs, mechanical engineer salaries, environmental engineering programs, and many other subfields of engineering. She...
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Traditional forms of education are still important, but they can’t keep up with the rapid pace of cybersecurity. As soon as one form of threat is neutralized, innumerable others are developed. That’s why employers and employees are both increasingly turning to the more nimble world of professional certifications.
Information technology management, or IT management refers to the way organizations organize their technology systems: software, networks, and hardware. An IT environment comprises several components such as computers, routers, servers, microservices, mobile technologies, and applications. An information technology infrastructure can be in the cloud, on-premises, or on a hybrid platform, integrating both.
Because of this ongoing and ever-growing need for cybersecurity solutions, this industry is growing rapidly. Most bigger companies now employ in-house cybersecurity professionals to properly secure networks, data, and processes. While this work was once often done by self-taught experts who often had a history of hacking, it is now often performed by people who attended universities and programs with the express intent of becoming industry professionals.
These 15 cybersecurity engineering professors have demonstrated expertise gained through years of field experience and academic scholarship. Their contributions consist of cutting-edge research, a considerable record of published works, teaching excellence, and leadership in professional organizations.
