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After earning an associate degree in cloud computing at Northern Virginia Community College, students can take courses at George Mason University toward a bachelor's of applied science degree in cloud computing.
George Mason University and Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA), in partnership with Amazon Web Services' Educate initiative, are preparing students for a career in cloud computing.
After earning an associate degree in cloud computing at NOVA, students can take degree-specific courses at George Mason for a bachelor's of applied science degree in cloud computing.
The new degree program will be geared toward in-demand skills required by AWS and other employers who leverage cloud-based services. NOVA and George Mason faculty worked with AWS Educate curriculum designers to create the program, which will give students technical skills to pursue careers in cloud architecture, cybersecurity, software development and DevOps.
The program will be "backwards-mapped to in-demand skills along with competency-based credentials required by AWS and other cloud employers," AWS officials said. The program will give students hands-on experience with cloud technology and tools.
"We are proud to be part of a collaboration that is working to expand Virginia's tech talent pipeline," said Ángel Cabrera, president of George Mason University. "This degree pathway marks the beginning of a ground-breaking initiative that will deliver innovative educational opportunities to students across the commonwealth. The collaboration with AWS helps give our students, and our region, a competitive edge."
With Amazon building its second corporate headquarters in Northern Virginia, the company expects to bring 25,000 jobs to the region by 2030.
"Both George Mason University and Northern Virginia Community College have been global pioneers in developing cloud curricula for students. We are delighted to be working with these innovative institutions to turn the growing demand for cloud skills into pathways in technology for students from all backgrounds," said Teresa Carlson, vice president for worldwide public sector at AWS.
This article was first posted to Campus Technology, a sibling site to GCN.
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