MDC in collaboration with Amazon Web Services (AWS), an industry leader in cloud computing, announced that it will offer an academic gateway for the next generation of cloud professionals beginning in fall 2019. Working with AWS Educate, a global initiative to support cloud computing education, MDC will introduce a cloud computing Associate degree program and a cloud computing Certificate. The collaboration was first announced at AWS re:Invent 2018 in Las Vegas.
Both large enterprises and small businesses are relying less on building their own datacenters, and instead are using “virtual” infrastructure to store and manage information more efficiently, known as cloud computing. To support the rapid expansion of cloud technology and the growing demand for experts in this field, MDC is offering these two new programs beginning next fall. Some of the courses that are part of these larger programs will be offered starting as early as Spring 2019.
“I’m very excited that we are bringing more education on cloud computing directly to our students here at MDC,” said Antonio Delgado, dean of MDC’s School of Engineering, Technology and Design. “Cloud computing is quickly becoming the new normal for companies of all shapes and sizes. Our collaboration with Amazon Web Services will provide our students with in-depth, project-based learning opportunities and access to leading AWS technology, giving them a competitive advantage in obtaining these in-demand, high-paying jobs.”
MDC will offer these new cloud computing-focused programs within its existing Associate in Science in Networking Services Technology. As part of these new programs, AWS provided MDC faculty with cloud computing training this past summer, allowing them to gain hands-on experience with AWS technology and earn certifications – including the AWS Cloud Architect certification, one of the industry’s most widely recognized distinctions. Additionally, Dr. Elodie Billionniere, associate professor at MDC’s InterAmerican Campus, received a National Science Foundation Advanced Technological Education grant for developing and implementing new educational pathways in cloud computing.
“While the program is open to all students, this joint effort has the potential to increase the number of certified cloud computing experts from underrepresented minority groups to meet local and national workforce needs related to technology,” added Dr. Billionniere.