Cloud Computing

The Certificate of Achievement offers students the opportunity to study cloud computing principles and theories that focus on programming, database management, security, and other essentials. In this program, students learn cloud computing, database, and design principles. Graduates can find employment in federal or local government, military service, and private sector.  

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The Cloud Computing Certificate of Achievement was developed in cooperation with Amazon Web Services (AWS) to train local residents for available positions requiring cloud computing expertise in local companies, government, or military service. The goal is to provide entry-level skills for graduates to gain employment as a cloud architect, or in a position related to cloud operations or support.

The certificate is composed of three fundamental courses -- Introduction to Object-Oriented Programming in Java, Introduction to Cloud Computing, and Database Essentials in the Cloud -- followed by two higher-level courses that require the first set as prerequisites -- Cloud Compute Engines and Cloud Security. If scheduled appropriately, students should be able to complete this certificate program in one academic year.

Course	Title	Units	Year/Semester (Y1 or S1)
CIS 284	Introduction to Object Oriented Programming -- Java	3.0	S1
CIS 295	Introduction to Cloud Computing	3.0	S1
CIS 296	Database Essentials in the Cloud	3.0	S1
CIS 297	Cloud Compute Engines	3.0	S2
CIS 298	Cloud Security	3.0	S2

This program was based largely on the successful program developed at Santa Monica College. With the guidance of our advisory board, the program is not exclusively designed to support Amazon Web Services (AWS), however, and is designed to be adaptable with other cloud vendors as well. This should give students and faculty greater flexibility with the program, while still allowing us to use AWS tools to support instruction.

The other colleges in our district, College of San Mateo and Skyline College, both have computer science programs. According to the relevant deans of those colleges -- Heidi Diamond, Dean of Business and Technology at College of San Mateo, and Ray Hernandez, Dean of Science, Math and Technology at Skyline College -- neither college is developing a cloud computing program at this time. Both deans were in full support of our development of this certificate. Foothill College is in development of a similar program, according to Ram Subramaniam, Dean of Physical Sciences, Mathematics and Engineering. Other colleges in the area are working on a Regional Joint Venture in this area as well, but that seems to be in early stages of development, and will not be in competition with this program by its projected start of Fall 2019.