Cloud Computing - Bachelor of Applied Technology
Cloud Computing - Bachelor of Applied Technology CoursesFAQsLinks of InterestFaculty & StaffApply Now
About the Program
This program prepares students for many mid and entry-level roles in Cloud Computing Environments. Students will be versed in open-source technologies, scripting languages, regulatory compliance, multi-cloud environments, serverless computing, Internet of Things (IoT), load balancing, inter and intra-region data transfers, system engineering, and software development. Students will learn how to design, plan, and manage a cloud infrastructure.
Finally, students will be familiar with Application Programming Interfaces (APIs), orchestration and automation of work in the cloud, Big Data Analytics, Artificial Intelligence, and Machine Learning technologies on a cloud platform.
This program is offered fully online or face-to-face, providing on-campus courses for International students and those receiving funding through the Veteran’s Administration (VA).
Ranked #1 Cloud Computing Program in the U.S. among Junior & Community CollegesSource: 15 Best Bachelor's Degrees for Cloud Computing - CollegeRank.net
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Degree Plan (Fully Online)
(120 SCH including 60 SCH from Prerequisite Degree)
Semester I• ITCC 1414 - CCNA 1: Introduction to Networks Semester II• ITSC 1316 - Linux Installation and Configuration Semester III• ITSC 2325 - Advanced Linux Semester IV• ITNW 2474 - Amazon Cloud Developer (AWS) Semester V• Select 1 course from Language, Philosophy & Culture (40) Core or Creative Arts (50) Core Semester VI• NETC 3301 Introduction to the Cloud I |
Semester VII• NETC 3300 Principles of Architecting on Cloud Computing Platforms Semester VIII• NETC 3360 Cloud Datacenter Operations II Semester IX• NETC 4302 Advanced AI and Machine Learning in Cloud Environments Semester X• NETC 4380 Big Data Analytics on Cloud Infrastructures |
Micro-Credential & AWS Academy Pathway
What is micro-credentialing? It’s a short, competency-based recognition that allows an educator to demonstrate mastery in a particular area. Students can earn the following micro-credentials (digital badges) through successful completion of the bachelor’s degree program:
Amazon Web Services Certifications Through the Bachelor of Applied Technology
Lower Division Course |
Affiliated AWS Micro-Credential Course |
Affiliated AWS Certification |
---|---|---|
ITNW 2473 |
Cloud Foundations |
AWS Cloud Practitioner |
ITNW 2474 |
Cloud Developing |
AWS Cloud Developer |
ITNW 2475 |
Cloud Architecting |
AWS Solutions Architect |
Upper Division Course |
Affiliated AWS Micro-Credential Course |
Affiliated AWS Certification |
NETC 3350 |
Datacenter Technician |
|
NETC 3360 |
Cloud Operations |
AWS SysOps Administrator |
NETC 4301 |
Machine Learning Foundations |
|
NETC 4302 |
Machine Learning/Nat Lang Processing |
AWS Machine Learning - Associate |
NETC 4350 |
Engineering Operations Technician |
|
NETC 4380 |
Data Analytics Engineering |
AWS Data Engineer - Associate |
NETC 4388 |
Cloud Security Foundations |
AWS Security Specialty |
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The NVC Bachelor of Applied Technology (BAT) in Cloud Computing degree is a bachelor’s degree that can follow the Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degrees in information technology fields.
The Northwest Vista College Bachelor of Applied Technology (BAT) in Cloud Computing degree is open to applicant with the following qualifications:
- Completion of an AAS Network and Cloud Architecture degree
- Completion of an AAS Network Administrator degree
- Completion of an AAS Information Assurance & Cyber Security degree
- Completion of an AAS Game Development (Programming specialization) degree
OR - A closely related degree from a regionally accredited institution.
OR - Students who have and Associate of Arts (AA) or an Associate of Science (AS) following completion of 42 Career and Technical Education (CTE) hours in an IT field.
Students who do not meet any of the criteria will submit any courses and relevant work experience for evaluation to ensure the maximum transfer and application of credits toward the Bachelor of Applied Technology Cloud Computing program. Northwest Vista College accepts Continuing Education (CE) credits and prior work experience for credit transfer. Program faculty will review transcripts and experience for potential course credit. Entering students will have the ability to complete their CTE hours or IT-related degree through NVC prior to admission to the Bachelor of Applied Technology – Cloud Computing program. Contact an Enrollment Coach to learn more.
- Cloud Computing is a system of storing data and powering computers virtually over the internet. This is a process by which companies and organizations can access their technology on-demand while minimizing the need for large physical data centers and numerous servers. Cloud Computing solutions provide efficient storage of data, backup of data, software design, and testing, web hosting solutions, database creation, access and retrieval, artificial intelligence and machine learning solutions, and access to other information technology applications.
- Some of the fastest growing and highest paying careers are those in the Information Technology (IT) sector and more specifically in cloud computing, a field that can lower technology costs and improve delivery, efficiency, privacy, and disaster recovery for companies and organizations.
- Northwest Vista College (NVC) already awards associate degrees and certificates in Network Architecture and Cloud Computing, and our faculty have industry credentials in the field and can teach at the bachelor degree level.
- Qualified community colleges and programs can offer technical bachelor degrees in high demand careers as a result of Texas Senate Bill 2118 which was passed by the 85th Legislature in 2017.
- NVC's Academic Success team has created the degree plan for the BAT, including several new upper-division courses. They are also working alongside college leadership to set up infrastructure to support the BAT program, including enrollment goals, budget, hiring of faculty and staff, and preparing other support systems. In addition, the Computer Science, Technology, and Business department is working with Student Success and Marketing & Strategic Communications on advertising, marketing, communication, outreach, and recruitment.
- NVC is an Amazon Web Services (AWS) Academy partner and will teach curriculum designed by our faculty and offer lab-based assignments on the AWS Cloud Platform, which means NVC has certified faculty with years of industry experience who possess the requisite education level to teach at the baccalaureate level. The largest cloud computing provider in the world is Amazon with over 500 Points of Presence, 32 Regions, and 100+ Availability Zones worldwide. As an AWS Academy partner, NVC will offer complimentary access to the AWS educational curriculum that allows students to earn up to 16 micro-credentials for first-time college students who start their BAT program by first enrolling in the Associate of Applied Science in Network Architecture & Cloud Computing.
- The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that the overall employment in computer and information technology occupations will grow much faster than the average for all occupations from 2022 to 2032. They further estimate an average of 377,500 job openings each year.
- Organizations such as PwC have noted the global Cloud Computing market size was valued at $545.8 billion in 2022 and it is projected to reach $1.2 trillion by the end of 2027, growing at a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 17.9%.
- Jobs in this field include maintaining a cloud infrastructure, designing cloud solutions, software engineering, data analytics, database management, cloud security, datacenter operations manager, and artificial intelligence/machine learning solutions.
- Salaries vary by education, job title, experience and skill level. According to PayScale.com, an entry salary for an AWS Solutions Architect entering the cloud computing field is projected at $144,000 per year. For a software engineer, the pay is approximately $104,000, and $120,000 for a site reliability engineer. A machine learning engineer can earn $133,000.
- Locally, graduates of the program are highly sought after by HEB, Lockheed Martin, Frost Bank, USAA, Accenture, Valero, Marathon Oil, NuStar Energy, iHeart Media, the US Military, and SWBC, among others.
- NVC will award credit for prior coursework in this field, including certifications and job experience. Students who have completed an IT-related Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree within the Alamo Colleges District or from other accredited colleges and/or universities will be eligible for entry into the program.
- For more information about the BAT degree program, please see the website: Cloud Computing - Bachelor of Applied Technology
- If you have specific questions about the program, please contact Program Coordinator Dr. John Grillo at jgrillo@alamo.edu.
Links of Interest
Faculty and Staff
Teaching Philosophy
Technology is driving the way we teach. No longer is learning limited to traditional classroom environments or even within an academic institution. Skills and tasks can be learned on free platforms such as YouTube. John’s teaching philosophy is one that emphasizes “hands-on” training. A certified, competent instructor mentoring and leading the way, guiding students to acquire hands-on skills with subsequent self-study to reinforce knowledge gained in the classroom or within an online learning platform. A cordial-informal relationship with students is needed to develop trust, emphasize critical thinking, and develop further skills outside the classroom. Our technology discipline is humble in that learning is a life-long process. Just when you think you know it all, someone is always around who knows more.
Education
Doctor of Business Administration-Information Security
Northcentral University, April 2007
Master of Computer Resources and Information Management
Webster University, January 2000
Bachelor of Science, Business Administration (summa cum laude)
Troy State University, September 1995
Certifications
AWS Solutions Architect
AWS Machine Learning - Specialty
AWS Cloud Practitioner
AWS Certified Educator
Cisco Certified Network Professional
Cisco Certified Academic Instructor
Palo Alto Networks Certified Instructor
CompTIA Security+
CompTIA Linux+
Linux Professional Institute – Certified Engineer
Northwest Vista College
John began working at Northwest Vista College in 2002 and was appointed program coordinator for the Network Administration Program. From 2006-2009, he served as Academic Leader for the Social & Computer Sciences Department. In 2007, John earned his Doctorate of Business with an Information Security emphasis from Northcentral University. He then was appointed as the Chair of the newly created Workforce Department from 2011-2015. In 2015, in coordination with Rackspace Inc., he created the Network Cloud Architecture Associate of Applied Science program where he served as program coordinator from 2015 to present. In 2017, John was selected as the Department Chair of the newly created Computer Sciences, Technology & Business Department as a culmination of our reorganization under the Alamo Institutes Model.
Teaching Philosophy
My teaching philosophy is anchored in the belief that by integrating hands-on exercises and promoting a learn-by-doing approach, I aim to provide students with the practical experience necessary to master technological concepts. Furthermore, by empowering students to teach and mentor their peers, I foster a collaborative and inclusive learning environment where everyone contributes to and benefits from the collective knowledge of the group. Through these principles, I strive to prepare my students not only to excel academically but also to become lifelong learners and effective communicators, equipped with the skills and mindset to succeed in their careers and thrive in the ever-changing landscape of technology.
Education
Master of Science, Cybersecurity and Information Assurance
Western Governors University, 2023
Bachelor of Science - Occupational Education
Wayland Baptist University - 1995
Associate of Science - Computer Information Systems
St. Philips College 1992
Certifications
AWS Solutions Architect Professional
AWS Certified Developer Associate
AWS Authorized Instructor
AWS Certified Educator
AWS Academy Instructor
CISSP - Certified Information Systems Security Professional
Certified Ethical Hackler
CompTIA Security+
CCIE #35240 - Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert - Enterprise
CCIE# 35240 - Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert - Service Provider
Cisco Certified Design Professional
Cisco Academy Instructor
Python Institute - Certified Entry Level Programmer
Teaching Philosophy
Teaching is a life-long adventure. As educators, we not only share our knowledge and expertise with our students, but we also strive to enhance the learning experience for students by creating an optimal learning environment. Designing an enriched course serves as a foundation to build strong connections between students, learning content, and instructors. A well-designed course provides a high-quality alignment between course learning objectives (CLO), learning activities, and assessments. It also fosters a culture of curiosity and helps students recognize their potential, enabling them to become active learners in their educational journey.
Education
Ph.D. in Education. Specialty: Education Technology and E-learning
Northcentral University, 2012
M.S. in Electrical Engineering, Dept. of Electrical and Computer Engineering
University of New Mexico, 2003
B.S. in Material Science and Engineering, Dept. of Material Science and Engineering
Beijing Univ. of Chemical Technology Beijing, P.R. China, 1997
Certifications
AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate
AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner
AWS Academy Accredited Educator
AWS Architect Level 1 Certificate
AWS Academy Cloud Foundations Certificate.
Cisco CCNA Networking Academy Verified Certificate
Master Teacher Certificate, ACD
Quality Matters (QM™) certified for Master Reviewer Certification (MRC)
Quality Matters (QM™) certified for Course Peer Review Challenge (CPRC)
Quality Matters (QM™) certified for Independent Applying the QM Rubric (AAPQMR): Statewide Systems
Quality Matters (QM™) High Education Peer Reviewer (External Reviewer, SME—Subject Matter Expert Reviewer, and Chair of Review Teams)
ACOL Quality Certification: Quality Course Certification Challenge (QC3)
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Alamo Colleges Ready to Work ProgramConnecting you with training programs at the Alamo Colleges – and beyond. One or more of these programs are approved Ready to Work programs. Find out if you’re eligible to receive free tuition and job placement services that will enable you to secure an in-demand career. The CHW certification and AAS in Community Health is approved by Ready to Work. Academic credit courses and accelerated Continuing Education (CE) course leading to certification and AAS are available. Academic students interested in SARTW funding their CHW education should contact Sandra Lopez, Coordinator of Student Success. Email: slopez92@alamo.edu Phone: 210-485-0302 |
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