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Registration for New Graduate Program Now Open, Classes Begin in Fall

In response to the growth in cloud computing spending by companies and demand for professionals with skills in cloud computing architecture, University of Maryland University College (UMUC) has launched the area’s first Master of Science in Cloud Computing Architecture program. Registration opened on April 3 and classes will begin in fall 2017. More information about the program is available HERE.

UMUC’s Master of Science in Cloud Computing Architecture program is designed for individuals who want the technical and management skills and the credentials to plan, develop, maintain and operate cloud-computing systems and transition cloud-based solutions.

“This new program will give students a broad understanding of cloud technology and its relationship to business processes, including financial management, procurement, and communications,” said Jeff Tjiputra, the Cloud Computing Architecture program chair. “As the market for cloud computing technology expands, professionals with the skills to design effective cloud environments will be valuable assets to any organization.”

Students in the graduate-level program will receive key foundational knowledge about legal and compliance issues, security and risk mitigation and how to follow industry standards and best practices. They will also gain valuable hands-on experience in implementing, configuring and managing cloud technologies.

According to Forbes magazine, the Washington metropolitan area is one of the top job markets for IT professionals with cloud computing experience. Forecasters predict the global market for cloud computing will reach $270 billion by 2020. According to Gartner, Inc., more than $1 trillion in IT spending will be directly or indirectly affected by the shift to cloud during the next five years, making cloud computing one of the most disruptive forces in IT spending since the early days of the digital age.

“This transformative technology is not only altering the way businesses operate, but it has also shaken up the traditional structure of the IT department and placed new demands on staff members who are faced with reinventing their own careers,” said Kathryn Klose, acting dean of The Graduate School at UMUC. “As organizations move their infrastructures and services to the cloud, jobs are growing at a very fast rate. In fact, many well-paid positions are unfilled because of a lack of supply of professionals with cloud computing skills.”

For consumers, the growth of cloud storage for video, music, photos, documents and more is fueling significant growth in this sector. Forrester Research reports that by 2020, 59 percent (2.3 billion) of the consumer Internet population will use personal cloud storage, up from 47 percent (1.3 billion) in 2015.

"The pace of today’s digital transformation requires us all to make a concerted effort to keep our technical expertise current,” said Greg Wenzel, executive vice president for Booz Allen Hamilton’s Digital Solutions Group. “Programs like UMUC’s M.S. in Cloud Computing Architecture are excellent opportunities for people seeking to stay ahead of the curve, learning about cutting-edge cloud and modular technology solutions that are required to excel in a modern, 24/7 environment."

What is cloud computing? It is the practice of using a network of remote servers hosted on the internet to store, manage, and process data, rather than a local server or personal computer. Cloud computing architecture consists of components and subcomponents—including the front-end (visible end-user interface) and back-end (data storage, servers, etc.)—that enable data and applications to be controlled, managed and served by cloud servers. Data is easily replicated, preserved and well integrated into a cloud system for limitless efficiency and possibilities.

About UMUC

University of Maryland University College (UMUC) is a world leader in innovative educational models, with award-winning online programs in disciplines including biotechnology, cybersecurity, data analytics, and information technology that are in high demand in today’s increasingly technical, global workplace. UMUC offers open access with a global footprint and a specific mission — to meet the learning needs of students whose responsibilities may include jobs, family, and military service. The university offers bachelor’s and master’s degrees, a doctoral program, and certificate programs. A pioneer in distance education since 1947, UMUC today is harnessing the power of learning science and technology to deliver high quality, low cost, accessible higher education.

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