Amazon Web Services, Montgomery College, George Mason University Announce the College’s First Bachelor’s Degree for Cloud Computing

George Mason Also Announces a Commitment to Offer a $10,000 and $12,000 Scholarship to Qualifying MC Students

Montgomery College and George Mason University are launching a Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) pathway in cloud computing in collaboration with Amazon Web Services (AWS) Educatenew window, a global initiative to accelerate cloud learning for educators and students.  This degree offers students a seamless transfer pathway from a two-year associate’s degree to a four-year bachelor’s degree in cloud computing, providing a clear path to high-demand careers in cloud computing with Amazon and the company’s customers and partners across the world.

The formal announcement came Friday morning at a symbolic MOU signing in the recently renovated and expanded Student Affairs and Science Building on the College’s Germantown Campus.

Paving the way for the agreement, the Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC) recently approved a name change for the Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree in Cloud Computing and Networking Technology at Montgomery College. The name reflects the curriculum changes, which further reflect Montgomery College’s vigilance to ensure that the program provides state-of-the-art knowledge and training to meet the needs of the most dynamic industry sectors. The demand for a skilled technical workforce has exploded with the acceleration of cloud adoption and the rapid use of IoT, artificial intelligence, and machine learning that are helping to drive innovation in all sectors, across private industry and government.

“Montgomery College is thrilled with MHEC’s approval of our new AWS Cloud Computing AAS program and the memoranda of understanding with George Mason University as both institutions strive to address talent preparation for the digital economy, now and in the future,” said Dr. Sanjay Rai, senior vice president for academic affairs at Montgomery College. “Programs like this provide access to well-paying jobs for all residents of the region. The digital divide can only be addressed through high-quality, affordable education and training aligned with the needs of business and industry. This truly embodies the mission of Montgomery College, as well as other community colleges in Maryland and across the nation.”

Montgomery College and George Mason University faculty worked in unison with AWS Educate curriculum designers to create a path that will help students pursue careers in cloud architecture, cybersecurity, software development and DevOps, a system of software development and delivery.