George Mason University and Northern Virginia Community College Announce the Region’s First Bachelor’s Degree for Cloud Computing with AWS Educate

George Mason University (Mason) and Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA), in collaboration with AWS Educate, announced a Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) pathway in cloud computing. This degree offers students a seamless transfer pathway from a two-year associate’s degree to a four-year bachelor’s degree in the cloud, providing a clear path to high-demand careers in cloud computing with AWS partners and customers.

Building on NOVA’s established Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in cloud computing that was launched with AWS Educate in the fall of 2018, students can take cloud-based courses at NOVA in preparation for remaining degree-specific coursework at Mason.

NOVA and Mason faculty worked with AWS Educate curriculum designers to create a BAS degree path that will equip students with technical skills and hands-on experiences to help prepare them for careers in cloud architecture, cybersecurity, software development, and DevOps.

The degree pathway will be launched in fall 2020 as part of the ADVANCE program, the NOVA/Mason partnership that streamlines the path to a four-year degree and entry into the workforce by eliminating traditional transfer obstacles, providing students with additional coaching and financial incentives, and highlighting pathways to high-demand careers.

The degree program will be backwards-mapped to in-demand skills along with competency-based credentials required by AWS and other cloud employers. All students will receive membership in the AWS Educate program and gain hands-on, real-world experience with leading cloud technology and tools.