Best Associate's Cloud Computing Degree Programs in Minnesota
Century College — White Bear Lake, MN
Hakia Insight: Century's cloud program deliberately teaches infrastructure-as-a-business-problem rather than infrastructure-in-isolation, embedding cloud within IT operations contexts—this integration explains why MSPs and healthcare systems recruit there instead of generic IT programs.
At the associate's level, century's cloud program stands out because it's integrated with their IT technician pathway—you're not siloed into just cloud, but you graduate understanding how cloud fits into broader IT infrastructure and support operations. The program targets the real gap in the job market: entry-level technicians who understand both traditional on-premises systems and cloud migration concepts. Most Century graduates move into cloud support or systems administration roles at medium-sized companies across the Twin Cities, where they have clearer growth paths than larger enterprises with more rigid entry levels. The college also maintains strong relationships with local managed service providers (MSPs), who actively recruit Century grads.
Programs Offered
- Associate of Science in Cloud Computing — 2 years, on-campus
- Associate of Applied Science in Cloud Computing — 2 years, online
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Managed Service Providers (local), Target, 3M, Regional IT consulting firms, Healthcare IT departments.
Top Transfer Destinations
- University of Minnesota Twin Cities
- Minnesota State University, Mankato
- Winona State University
Entry-Level Career Paths
- Help Desk Technician
- Cloud Support Technician
- Junior Systems Administrator
- IT Support Specialist
Included Certifications
- CompTIA A+
- CompTIA Network+
- AWS Cloud Practitioner
- Microsoft Azure Fundamentals
Location Advantages:
Minneapolis Community and Technical College — Minneapolis, MN
Hakia Insight: MCTC's formalized articulation agreement with University of Minnesota eliminates the typical community college transfer bottleneck; students can complete a two-year degree and move directly into a bachelor's program with guaranteed credit, cutting the total cost of a four-year degree substantially.
At the associate's level, MCTC's cloud computing pathway stands out for its direct bridge to University of Minnesota's four-year IT programs—the college has formalized articulation agreements that let you complete your associate degree and step directly into upper-level coursework without repeating content. You'll work hands-on with AWS and Azure in their labs while building a portfolio that employers actually want to see. Graduates typically land help desk or junior systems admin roles within weeks of finishing the program, with many staying in the Twin Cities tech ecosystem where demand is strongest. The program balances theory with real infrastructure work, so you're not just learning concepts—you're configuring actual cloud environments.
Programs Offered
- Associate of Science in Cloud Computing — 2 years, on-campus
- Associate of Applied Science in Cloud Computing — 2 years, online
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Amazon Web Services, Microsoft, Target, Capella University, Local healthcare IT departments.
Top Transfer Destinations
- University of Minnesota Twin Cities
- Minnesota State University, Mankato
- St. Cloud State University
Entry-Level Career Paths
- Cloud Support Technician
- Help Desk Technician
- Junior Cloud Administrator
- Systems Support Specialist
Included Certifications
- AWS Cloud Practitioner
- Microsoft Azure Administrator
- CompTIA A+
Location Advantages:
Hennepin Technical College — Brooklyn Park, MN
Hakia Insight: Hennepin Tech's curriculum designed with Twin Cities employers means students learn what they'll actually configure on day one—not abstract cloud principles—which explains the high placement rates at 3M and regional managed service providers.
At the associate's level, hennepin Tech's cloud computing program is deliberately structured around what employers actually hire for—the curriculum was designed with input from Twin Cities tech companies, so you're learning exactly what help desk and junior admin roles require. The college operates multiple campuses with strong evening and weekend options, making it realistic if you're working while studying. You'll get hands-on with industry-standard tools and infrastructure, and instructors often bring real-world scenarios from their own IT careers into the classroom. Graduates frequently transition into larger organizations' IT departments or join regional managed service providers that handle cloud migrations for small and mid-sized businesses.
Programs Offered
- Associate of Science in Cloud Computing — 2 years, on-campus
- Associate of Applied Science in Cloud Computing — 2 years, online
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Manufacturing companies with IT needs, Healthcare systems, 3M, Local tech firms, Regional managed service providers.
Top Transfer Destinations
- University of Minnesota Twin Cities
- Minnesota State University, Mankato
- St. Cloud State University
Entry-Level Career Paths
- Cloud Support Technician
- Junior Systems Administrator
- Help Desk Technician
- Network Support Specialist
Included Certifications
- CompTIA A+
- AWS Cloud Practitioner
- Microsoft Azure Fundamentals
Location Advantages:
South Central College — North Mankato, MN
Hakia Insight: South Central's regional focus becomes an advantage for rural Minnesota students: tuition stays affordable without online-only compromise, and top employers (healthcare systems, agricultural tech companies) actively recruit from their backyard rather than competing for Twin Cities talent.
At the associate's level, if you're in southern Minnesota and want to avoid relocating for your degree, South Central College delivers cloud computing training that's competitive with Twin Cities programs—the college has invested in modern lab infrastructure and instructors who stay current with AWS and Azure certifications. The smaller class sizes mean more direct access to faculty who can push you harder and give you detailed feedback on your work. You'll graduate with hands-on experience and industry certifications that open doors at regional employers and larger companies with offices in the area. Many graduates use the degree as a stepping stone to four-year programs at Minnesota State universities or move directly into IT roles in their home communities.
Programs Offered
- Associate of Science in Cloud Computing — 2 years, on-campus
- Associate of Applied Science in Cloud Computing — 2 years, online
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Regional healthcare systems, State and local government IT, Agricultural technology companies, Regional financial institutions, Small to medium business IT services.
Top Transfer Destinations
- Minnesota State University, Mankato
- St. Cloud State University
- University of Minnesota Twin Cities
Entry-Level Career Paths
- Cloud Support Technician
- Help Desk Technician
- Junior Systems Administrator
- IT Support Specialist
Included Certifications
- AWS Cloud Practitioner
- CompTIA A+
- Microsoft Azure Fundamentals
Location Advantages:
Dunwoody College of Technology — Minneapolis, MN
Hakia Insight: Dunwoody's hands-on lab infrastructure gives students muscle memory with real virtualization tools before graduation—a concrete edge when competing against graduates from programs heavy on theory, especially for UnitedHealth Group's operations roles.
At the associate's level, strong hands-on lab environment sets Dunwoody apart—students work with actual cloud infrastructure and virtualization tools rather than just theory. The program emphasizes practical troubleshooting and real-world scenarios that employers immediately value. Graduates typically land help desk and junior systems administrator roles within 6 months, often at Minneapolis-area tech companies and healthcare organizations. The college's reputation for technical rigor means employers actively recruit from here, and many students find positions before graduation through internship connections.
Programs Offered
- Associate of Science in Cloud Computing — 2 years, on-campus
- Associate of Applied Science in Cloud Computing — 2 years, online
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: UnitedHealth Group, Target, Best Buy, Minnesota healthcare systems, Local managed service providers.
Top Transfer Destinations
- University of Minnesota Twin Cities
- Minnesota State University Mankato
- St. Cloud State University
Entry-Level Career Paths
- Help Desk Technician
- Junior Systems Administrator
- Cloud Support Associate
- IT Support Specialist
Included Certifications
- CompTIA A+
- CompTIA Network+
- AWS Cloud Practitioner
- Microsoft Azure Fundamentals
Location Advantages:
Lake Superior College — Duluth, MN
Hakia Insight: Lake Superior's placement with Essentia Health and St. Luke's Hospital reflects a specialized pipeline: northern Minnesota healthcare systems have heavy cloud migration projects and actively hire from Lake Superior because local talent reduces relocation costs.
At the associate's level, lake Superior College's program benefits from the college's strong reputation in technical fields and its commitment to regional workforce development—you're learning cloud skills that employers in Duluth and the broader Lake Superior region actively seek. The program is structured to get you job-ready quickly, with emphasis on certifications and hands-on labs rather than purely theoretical coursework. Duluth's growing tech scene includes companies expanding their cloud infrastructure, which means graduates often find opportunities locally without having to migrate to the Twin Cities. The college also maintains transfer pathways to University of Minnesota Duluth and other state universities if you decide to pursue a four-year degree.
Programs Offered
- Associate of Science in Cloud Computing — 2 years, on-campus
- Associate of Applied Science in Cloud Computing — 2 years, online
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: University of Minnesota Duluth, Essentia Health, St. Luke's Hospital, Regional government IT, Small to medium businesses across northern Minnesota.
Top Transfer Destinations
- University of Minnesota Duluth
- Minnesota State University, Mankato
- St. Cloud State University
Entry-Level Career Paths
- Cloud Support Technician
- Help Desk Technician
- Junior Systems Administrator
- IT Support Specialist
Included Certifications
- AWS Cloud Practitioner
- CompTIA A+
- Microsoft Azure Fundamentals
Location Advantages:
Alexandria Technical & Community College — Alexandria, MN
Hakia Insight: At Alexandria Tech, rural location means class sizes under 20 for upper-level courses—when you're debugging cloud architecture problems, direct instructor access compounds learning in ways large cohorts can't replicate.
At the associate's level, rural Minnesota location means smaller class sizes and direct access to instructors—a real advantage when you're learning complex cloud concepts. Students benefit from personalized attention and can ask questions that get answered the same day, not a week later. The program balances foundational IT skills with cloud platforms, preparing graduates for roles across the Upper Midwest. Many students stay in the region or telecommute, making this an excellent choice if you want tight community ties while building technical credentials.
Programs Offered
- Associate of Science in Cloud Computing — 2 years, on-campus
- Associate of Applied Science in Cloud Computing — 2 years, online
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Regional healthcare systems, Local government IT departments, Small to mid-size businesses, Educational institutions.
Top Transfer Destinations
- University of Minnesota Duluth
- Minnesota State University Moorhead
- St. Cloud State University
Entry-Level Career Paths
- Help Desk Technician
- IT Support Specialist
- Junior Network Administrator
- Cloud Support Associate
Included Certifications
- CompTIA A+
- CompTIA Network+
- AWS Cloud Practitioner
Location Advantages:
Dakota County Technical College — Rosemount, MN
Hakia Insight: Northland's regional embedded demand for edge computing and industrial IT—driven by mining and utilities operations—means graduates develop specialized skills in IoT-to-cloud pipelines that generalist help desk programs never teach, creating premium placement trajectories.
At the associate's level, proximity to the Twin Cities tech corridor creates real internship pipelines—students often work part-time at major employers while studying, turning coursework into paychecks. The program feeds directly into entry-level positions at companies headquartered in Eagan, Bloomington, and surrounding areas. Instructors maintain active connections with hiring managers, so job leads come through personal referrals rather than generic job boards. If you want to stay close to Minnesota's largest tech hub while keeping tuition manageable, this is a strategic choice.
Programs Offered
- Associate of Science in Cloud Computing — 2 years, on-campus
- Associate of Applied Science in Cloud Computing — 2 years, online
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: UnitedHealth Group, Best Buy, Target, 3M, Mayo Clinic, Regional managed service providers.
Top Transfer Destinations
- University of Minnesota Twin Cities
- Minnesota State University Mankato
- Inver Hills Community College (internal articulation)
Entry-Level Career Paths
- Help Desk Technician
- Junior Cloud Administrator
- IT Support Specialist
- Cloud Support Associate
- Junior Systems Administrator
Included Certifications
- CompTIA A+
- CompTIA Network+
- AWS Cloud Practitioner
- Microsoft Azure Fundamentals
Location Advantages:
Northland Community and Technical College — Thief River Falls, MN
At the associate's level, mining and natural resource industries in the region drive demand for industrial IT and edge computing—a niche skill set that makes graduates stand out from typical help desk applicants. Students learn cloud fundamentals while understanding how data flows from remote sensors to cloud platforms, a growing field in Minnesota's resource sector. The program creates a unique value proposition: you're not just another cloud tech support person, you're someone who can bridge industrial operations and cloud infrastructure. Local employers in mining and utilities actively recruit from this program.
Programs Offered
- Associate of Science in Cloud Computing — 2 years, on-campus
- Associate of Applied Science in Cloud Computing — 2 years, online
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Mining operations, Utilities companies, Regional government IT, Healthcare systems, Educational institutions.
Top Transfer Destinations
- University of Minnesota Duluth
- Minnesota State University Moorhead
Entry-Level Career Paths
- Help Desk Technician
- IT Support Specialist
- Junior Network Administrator
- Industrial IT Technician
Included Certifications
- CompTIA A+
- CompTIA Network+
- AWS Cloud Practitioner
Location Advantages:
Anoka-Ramsey Community College — Coon Rapids, MN
Hakia Insight: Anoka-Ramsey's direct AWS and Azure hands-on training feeds into St. Cloud State's bachelor's program through a transfer agreement, creating a streamlined pathway where associate graduates arrive with platform certifications already in hand.
At the associate's level, you'll get hands-on experience with AWS and Azure in Anoka-Ramsey's cloud computing pathway, which feeds directly into a strong transfer agreement with St. Cloud State University. The program emphasizes practical lab work over theory, so you're configuring real cloud environments from week one rather than watching demonstrations. Graduates typically move into cloud support roles or transfer to complete a four-year degree with junior standing, making this an efficient pipeline if you're unsure about committing to a full university right away. The program runs on a cohort model, which means you move through courses with the same group of students—building networks that often lead to job placements.
Programs Offered
- Associate of Science in Cloud Computing — 2 years, on-campus
- Associate of Applied Science in Cloud Computing — 2 years, online
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Amazon Web Services, Microsoft, Accenture, Tech Data, Local Minnesota tech firms.
Top Transfer Destinations
- St. Cloud State University
- Minnesota State University, Mankato
- University of Minnesota Twin Cities
Entry-Level Career Paths
- Cloud Support Associate
- Junior Systems Administrator
- Help Desk Technician
- Cloud Infrastructure Support Specialist
Included Certifications
- CompTIA A+
- CompTIA Network+
- AWS Cloud Practitioner
- Microsoft Azure Fundamentals
Location Advantages:
Best Bachelor's Cloud Computing Degree Programs in Minnesota
Minnesota State University-Mankato — Mankato, MN
Key Distinction: Entirely project-based curriculum with four required semester-long team projects. Industry and academic partner project opportunities
Hakia Insight: Mankato's entirely project-based upper division is unusual for a regional bachelor's program—students earn degrees by shipping actual deliverables for Mayo Clinic and Best Buy, not completing exams, which builds portfolios that outcompete theory-heavy graduates at the same price point.
The Bachelor of Science in Computer Science at Minnesota State University, Mankato is an entirely project-based upper-division program where students earn their degrees by completing four semester-long team projects sourced from industry or academic partners, or entrepreneurial ideas. The curriculum integrates technical content with professional skills through applied project work. Students collaborate across different degree stages, supported by faculty coaches and industry mentors. The program spans a wide range of topics including cloud computing, data science, machine learning, artificial intelligence, operating systems, distributed systems, networks, and robotics. All coursework applies knowledge from multiple computer science domains, preparing graduates for top industry positions and graduate study.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Computer Science — 4 years, on-campus. BS
Industry Partners
- Amazon Web Services (corporate)
- Microsoft Azure (corporate)
- Mayo Clinic (nonprofit)
- Best Buy (corporate)
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Regional market access for consulting and internship projectsServing Upper Midwest small-to-mid-market companies adopting cloud infrastructure
Metropolitan State University — Saint Paul, MN
Key Distinction: Practical, schedule-friendly program for professionals, emphasizing hands-on lab experience and rapid job placement in operational cloud roles.
Hakia Insight: Metropolitan State's evening and weekend scheduling isn't just convenience; it's a structural advantage for career-changers from finance and healthcare—UnitedHealth and U.S. Bank prefer hiring people who already understand enterprise operations, giving Metropolitan's working-adult students an edge over younger cohorts.
At the bachelor's level, metropolitan State's cloud computing program is deliberately designed for working professionals and career-changers in the Twin Cities—course schedules accommodate full-time employment, and the curriculum prioritizes immediately deployable skills. The program distinguishes itself through hands-on labs that mirror real-world infrastructure challenges: students provision actual cloud environments, manage scaling scenarios, and troubleshoot production-like failures in every semester. Rather than emphasizing theory, Metro State's approach is unabashedly practical: you learn AWS or Azure by *doing*, supported by faculty with recent industry experience. The program benefits from being part of Minnesota's public university system while maintaining lean operations that translate to lower cost and faster curriculum updates. Graduates often land mid-level cloud operations and infrastructure roles within 6 months of completing their degree, particularly at healthcare and financial services firms headquartered in the region.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Cloud Computing — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Cloud Computing — 4 years, online
Industry Partners
- Amazon Web Services (corporate)
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: UnitedHealth Group, Optum, U.S. Bank.
Admissions
GPA Requirement: 3.0. Application Deadline: Fall: August 1, Spring: December 1, Summer: April 1.
Accreditations and Certifications
- AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner pathway
Location Advantages: Serves Twin Cities working professionalsProximity to healthcare IT companies with heavy cloud investmentAccess to major financial services employers
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities — Minneapolis, MN
Key Distinction: Research-intensive program leveraging NSF funding and supercomputing infrastructure to train systems-thinking cloud engineers.
Hakia Insight: Minnesota's integration of NSF-funded supercomputing infrastructure into undergraduate cloud education means students grasp systems optimization at scale earlier than peers—a thinking framework that differentiates them during technical interviews at Google and Amazon.
At the bachelor's level, minnesota's cloud computing research and education is anchored in the Computer Science and Engineering department's substantial infrastructure and systems expertise. What distinguishes the Twin Cities program is its research-first approach: students can engage with faculty conducting NSF-funded work in distributed systems, cloud resource optimization, and data center efficiency. The program benefits from being embedded in a major research institution with supercomputing resources (Minnesota Supercomputing Institute) that students leverage for hands-on cloud architecture projects. Graduate students often publish in top-tier venues while simultaneously completing industry internships at nearby tech companies. The curriculum balances cloud platform skills (AWS, Google Cloud) with deeper systems thinking—understanding *why* cloud architectures work, not just how to deploy them. This positions graduates for both research-track PhDs and senior engineering roles at cloud providers themselves.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Cloud Computing — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Cloud Computing — 4 years, online
Research Labs and Institutes
- Minnesota Supercomputing Institute
Industry Partners
- Amazon Web Services (corporate)
- Google Cloud (corporate)
- Microsoft (corporate)
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Google, Amazon, Microsoft, Meta.
Location Advantages: Twin Cities hub for cloud and data center companiesProximity to multiple Fortune 500 cloud adoptersRegional tech talent clustering
Capella University — Minneapolis, MN
Key Distinction: Fully online, competency-based cloud program designed for working IT professionals, with explicit certification alignment and accelerated completion options.
Hakia Insight: Capella's competency-based model means you don't just finish faster—you can test out of topics you already know from your IT job, compressing a 4-year degree into 2-3 years while AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud certifications embed directly into your transcript rather than requiring separate exam fees.
At the bachelor's level, capella's cloud computing offerings emphasize practical, industry-aligned skills through a flexible online format designed for working professionals. The program leverages competency-based education rather than traditional seat-time models, allowing students to demonstrate mastery of cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud) and infrastructure concepts at their own pace. Within their broader technology offerings, cloud-focused specializations address high-demand areas like cloud architecture, DevOps practices, and cloud security—each with hands-on labs that simulate real enterprise environments. Faculty bring substantial industry experience, ensuring curriculum reflects current market demands rather than trailing academic theory. Capella's partnerships with major cloud providers integrate certification pathways (AWS Solutions Architect, Azure Administrator) directly into degree requirements, so graduates exit with both credentials and degrees. The school's emphasis on asynchronous online delivery appeals to career-switchers and IT professionals seeking to upskill without relocating or leaving their jobs. Capella tracks employment outcomes rigorously; cloud computing graduates typically transition into roles like Cloud Solutions Architect, Cloud Engineer, or Infrastructure Automation Specialist within 6–12 months of completion. The competency-based model means some students accelerate through prerequisites, compressing time-to-degree. While Capella lacks traditional on-campus research labs, its curriculum is informed by industry advisory boards that include practitioners from AWS, Microsoft, and enterprise cloud teams, keeping content current with rapid platform evolution.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Cloud Computing — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Cloud Computing — 4 years, online
Industry Partners
- Amazon Web Services (AWS) (corporate)
- Microsoft Azure (corporate)
- Google Cloud (corporate)
Accreditations and Certifications
- AWS Certified Solutions Architect pathway
- Microsoft Azure Administrator pathway
- Google Cloud Certified pathway
Location Advantages: National and international reach for remote learnersNo geographic constraints for career advancement
Minnesota State University Moorhead — Moorhead, MN
Key Distinction: Cloud computing education embedded in research and domain-specific applications, preparing students for graduate study or specialized technical roles in science-driven organizations.
Hakia Insight: Minnesota State Moorhead's research-first curriculum prepares you for roles at biotech firms and agricultural tech companies modernizing their infrastructure, an unconventional advantage if you want cloud skills in science-driven industries rather than competing in saturated finance/tech markets.
At the bachelor's level, minnesota State Moorhead has built a cloud computing track within its computer science program that leans heavily into research applications and data-intensive computing. Students here encounter cloud technologies not as isolated tools but as enablers of computational research—connecting cloud infrastructure to big data analytics, scientific computing, and institutional research priorities. The program benefits from Moorhead's location in a region with growing tech presence and partnerships with regional healthcare and agricultural organizations that generate real-world cloud computing problems. Faculty guide capstone projects where students architect solutions for actual data challenges, whether that's processing genomic datasets or optimizing crop forecasting systems. This research-forward orientation appeals to students considering graduate study or careers in specialized domains like computational biology, climate science, or precision agriculture, where cloud platforms are reshaping how research gets done. The curriculum balances cloud fundamentals with domain-specific applications, creating graduates who can speak both the language of infrastructure and the language of their field.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Cloud Computing — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Cloud Computing — 4 years, online
Location Advantages: Access to regional healthcare organizationsAgricultural technology partnerships
Winona State University — Winona, MN
Key Distinction: AWS and Azure certifications embedded into degree curriculum alongside cross-disciplinary business applications, producing technically certified and business-literate graduates.
Hakia Insight: Winona State embeds AWS and Azure certifications into the degree itself rather than treating them as optional add-ons, meaning you graduate both certified and business-fluent—a rare combination that regional healthcare and financial services employers actively recruit for.
At the bachelor's level, winona State's approach to cloud computing centers on practical certifications and industry-aligned skill-building within a supportive liberal arts context. The program integrates AWS and Azure certification pathways directly into the curriculum, so students earn recognized credentials while completing degree requirements—a model that accelerates job readiness. Rather than treating certifications as add-ons, they're woven into courses on cloud architecture, database services, and security, meaning the study is deep, not superficial. The program also emphasizes cloud applications across business domains, connecting computer science students with business school resources and real cases where cloud transformation drives organizational change. This cross-disciplinary lens appeals to students interested in cloud engineering roles that require understanding both technical implementation and business impact. Graduates move into cloud infrastructure roles, cloud support engineering, and solutions architecture positions, often at companies recruiting directly from campus. Winona's strength is in producing well-rounded technical professionals who can articulate cloud value beyond the IT department—an increasingly marketable skill set.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Cloud Computing — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Cloud Computing — 4 years, online
Industry Partners
- Amazon Web Services (corporate)
- Microsoft Azure (corporate)
Accreditations and Certifications
- AWS Certified Solutions Architect
- Microsoft Azure Administrator
Location Advantages: Proximity to regional healthcare and financial services cloud operations
University of Minnesota-Duluth — Duluth, MN
Key Distinction: Systems-first approach to cloud computing grounded in distributed systems research, producing graduates with deeper technical foundations than typical cloud-focused programs.
Hakia Insight: UMD's emphasis on distributed systems and microservices architecture means you're learning cloud fundamentals at the systems level, giving you the theoretical depth to architect solutions rather than just deploy them—a distinction that compounds over a career.
At the bachelor's level, UMD's cloud computing track within its computer science major has evolved to emphasize cloud-native application development and microservices architecture—moving beyond infrastructure into the application layer where cloud's strategic value truly emerges. The program integrates Docker, Kubernetes, and serverless computing frameworks into core coursework, with senior capstone projects often deploying real applications to production cloud environments. Faculty research in distributed systems directly influences curriculum design, meaning students encounter cutting-edge concepts like edge computing and cloud security protocols alongside traditional systems courses. UMD benefits from its connection to the broader University of Minnesota system, providing access to shared research initiatives and guest lectures from Twin Cities tech leaders. The program also maintains intentional partnerships with companies engaged in cloud migration consulting, offering internships where students contribute to actual client transformation projects. Graduates report strong placement in both local and national firms, with particular strength in companies modernizing legacy infrastructure through cloud adoption.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Cloud Computing — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Cloud Computing — 4 years, online
Industry Partners
- Microsoft (corporate)
- Amazon Web Services (corporate)
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Part of University of Minnesota system with research strengthsAccess to Upper Midwest technology employers
Rasmussen University-Minnesota — St. Cloud, MN
Hakia Insight: Rasmussen's accelerated online model is built explicitly for career-changers who need to keep earning; most peers attend full-time, so you're competing for jobs against people with 4-year credentials but entering the workforce 2 years faster with income already in hand.
At the bachelor's level, accelerated online delivery means you can finish without pausing your current job—ideal if you're career-changing or need income while studying. Rasmussen's for-profit model focuses on outcomes measurement, so the program is continuously tweaked based on where graduates actually land. You'll find more flexibility in scheduling and potentially faster credential completion than traditional CCs. However, verify that employers in your target industry recognize Rasmussen credentials and whether transfer pathways to public universities match your long-term goals.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Cloud Computing — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Cloud Computing — 4 years, online
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Tech support outsourcing firms, National MSPs, Remote-first companies, Various industries (employer depends on location).
Top Transfer Destinations
- University of Minnesota Twin Cities
- Minnesota State University system schools
Entry-Level Career Paths
- Help Desk Technician
- IT Support Specialist
- Junior Cloud Administrator
- Cloud Support Associate
Included Certifications
- CompTIA A+
- CompTIA Network+
- AWS Cloud Practitioner
- Microsoft Azure Fundamentals
Location Advantages:
Saint Mary's University of Minnesota — Winona, MN
Hakia Insight: Saint Mary's University of Minnesota lacks sufficient public data to generate a distinctive insight; prospective students should request details on industry partnerships, placement outcomes, and whether certifications are embedded in curriculum.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Cloud Computing — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Cloud Computing — 4 years, online
Location Advantages:
Bemidji State University — Bemidji, MN
Key Distinction: Accessible cloud computing education embedded in core CS curriculum, prioritizing foundational depth and inclusive mentorship over specialized tracks.
Hakia Insight: Bemidji State's tight cohort model and mentorship focus trades specialized cloud tracks for accessible foundational depth, positioning you well for infrastructure roles across Minnesota's regional employers rather than competing for elite cloud architect positions.
At the bachelor's level, bemidji State's cloud computing program emphasizes hands-on infrastructure management and deployment within a tight-knit cohort environment. The curriculum balances theoretical foundations in distributed systems with practical AWS and Azure certifications, preparing students for immediate entry into cloud operations and systems administration roles. What distinguishes this program is its focus on regional industry needs—partnerships with healthcare systems and financial services firms across Minnesota and Wisconsin create internship pipelines and real-world capstone projects. Faculty bring experience from enterprise IT backgrounds, ensuring the coursework reflects current production environments rather than purely academic abstractions. Students benefit from Bemidji's smaller class sizes, which translate to mentorship opportunities and the ability to specialize early in areas like hybrid cloud architectures or container orchestration. The program's location in northern Minnesota, while geographically isolated, creates a self-directed learning culture where students develop strong troubleshooting and independent problem-solving skills—qualities cloud engineers consistently need.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Cloud Computing — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Cloud Computing — 4 years, online
Location Advantages: Regional employer relationships across Minnesota and Upper Midwest
Best Master's Cloud Computing Degree Programs in Minnesota
University of St Thomas — Saint Paul, MN
Key Distinction: Part-time and full-time options with three start terms (fall, spring, summer). Evening classes: 5:30-8:30 p.m., Monday-Friday
Hakia Insight: University of St. Thomas's evening cohort (5:30–8:30 p.m., three start terms) targets employed professionals, and proximity to Target's cloud modernization initiatives and UnitedHealth's infrastructure teams means your classmates and projects often involve real enterprise work rather than simulations.
The M.S. in Information Technology at University of St. Thomas is designed for working professionals seeking career advancement in IT architecture, software business analysis, and project management. The program offers 30 credits (10 courses) with flexible part-time and full-time options, including evening classes (5:30-8:30 p.m.) and online delivery in CoFlex mode, allowing students to attend in-person or online. The curriculum balances technical, professional, and business skills through eight required courses (Python, Cloud Computing, Infrastructure as Code, Agile Processes, Database Management, Data Analytics, Cybersecurity, Enterprise Architecture) and two electives. No thesis option is explicitly offered; the program focuses on coursework-based completion. Graduates typically transition into IT careers within 2-3 semesters. Mid-career median salary for IT/IS professionals is $171,200, significantly higher than bachelor's degree holders. The program is STEM-approved and taught by Ph.D.-holding faculty with extensive industry experience. The university partners with employers and offers flexible start terms (fall, spring, summer).
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Information Technology — 1-2 years, on-campus. MS
Industry Partners
- Amazon Web Services (corporate)
- Microsoft Azure (corporate)
- Target Corporation (corporate)
Career Outcomes
Median Salary: $NaN.
Admissions
GPA Requirement: 2.7 minimum.
Requirements: 10 courses total (8 required + 2 electives), Maintain minimum GPA of 2.7, Required courses: Foundations of Python, Cloud Computing, Infrastructure as Code, Software Agile Processes, Database Management Systems and Design, Data Analytics and Visualization, Introduction to Cybersecurity, Enterprise Architecture and Strategy
Accreditations and Certifications
- AWS Certified Solutions Architect
- Microsoft Azure Administrator Certified
Location Advantages: Proximity to Target headquarters (cloud modernization initiatives)Access to UnitedHealth Group's cloud infrastructure teamsTwin Cities tech ecosystem with growing cloud adoption
Minnesota State University-Mankato — Mankato, MN
Key Distinction: Undergraduate-focused program balancing multi-platform cloud competency with hands-on regional client projects and faculty mentorship.
Hakia Insight: Minnesota State Mankato's project-centric approach pairs multi-platform competency (AWS, Azure) with real client work for Upper Midwest small-to-mid-market companies, creating a portfolio of deployed infrastructure rather than coursework—a concrete advantage when interviewing for regional technical leadership roles.
At the master's level, minnesota State Mankato's cloud computing program within the College of Engineering and Information Technology takes a project-centric approach where students build and deploy real-world applications from day one rather than learning cloud concepts in isolation. The curriculum scaffolds from cloud fundamentals through infrastructure-as-code, containerization, and orchestration, with each course culminating in a capstone deployment to AWS or Azure. Faculty maintain active industry connections and regularly refresh coursework based on emerging cloud trends—students might explore serverless architectures in one semester, then shift to Kubernetes in the next as industry needs evolve. The program benefits from Mankato's strong engineering culture, which emphasizes systematic problem-solving and reproducible processes; cloud students apply this mindset to infrastructure automation and reliability engineering. Internship partnerships with companies like Best Buy, Mayo Clinic, and regional tech firms provide pathways to employment, and many students secure cloud roles before graduation. The program's location in southern Minnesota also provides proximity to major employers in healthcare, retail, and insurance sectors that are actively investing in cloud transformation.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Cloud Computing — 1-2 years, on-campus
- Master of Arts in Cloud Computing — 1-2 years, online
Industry Partners
- Amazon Web Services (corporate)
- Microsoft Azure (corporate)
- Mayo Clinic (nonprofit)
- Best Buy (corporate)
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Regional market access for consulting and internship projectsServing Upper Midwest small-to-mid-market companies adopting cloud infrastructure
Metropolitan State University — Saint Paul, MN
Key Distinction: Thesis vs. applied research project track options. Focus on distributed systems and computer security specializations
Hakia Insight: Metropolitan State's dual-track option (thesis vs. applied project) is rare at the master's level; choose thesis if you're aiming for research or doctoral work, or applied project if you need portfolio pieces for immediate technical roles—the choice itself is often invisible at peer institutions.
Metropolitan State University's Master of Science in Computer Science is a 34-credit program designed for working professionals seeking advanced study in distributed systems and computer security. The program offers both thesis and applied project track options, allowing students to choose between theoretical or practical research completion. Students complete 28 credits of coursework (including 12 credits in core distributed systems and security courses, plus 16 electives) plus a 2-credit research seminar and 4-credit thesis/project. The program is available in on-campus format in Minnesota. Graduates develop expertise in algorithms, distributed systems, software design, and security to advance careers in computing. The program balances theory and practice, with faculty mentorship and focus on enabling mid-career professionals to solve complex computing problems and respond to rapid technological change.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Computer Science — 1-2 years, on-campus. MS
Industry Partners
- Amazon Web Services (corporate)
Admissions
GPA Requirement: 3.0. Application Deadline: Fall: August 1, Spring: December 1, Summer: April 1.
Requirements: One course in computer security (4 credits), One course in distributed systems (4 credits), Second course in either computer security or distributed systems (4 credits), Research seminar course (2 credits), Elective courses in advanced computer science (16 credits), Thesis or applied research project (4 credits) with written report and oral defense
Accreditations and Certifications
- AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner pathway
Location Advantages: Serves Twin Cities working professionalsProximity to healthcare IT companies with heavy cloud investmentAccess to major financial services employers
Capella University — Minneapolis, MN
Key Distinction: Fully online, competency-based cloud program designed for working IT professionals, with explicit certification alignment and accelerated completion options.
Hakia Insight: Capella's online master's allows working cloud professionals to pursue advanced credentials without relocating or reducing hours, and the competency model means you can accelerate based on hands-on experience rather than seat time, compressing a 2-year program into 12–18 months if you're already proficient.
At the master's level, capella's cloud computing offerings emphasize practical, industry-aligned skills through a flexible online format designed for working professionals. The program leverages competency-based education rather than traditional seat-time models, allowing students to demonstrate mastery of cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud) and infrastructure concepts at their own pace. Within their broader technology offerings, cloud-focused specializations address high-demand areas like cloud architecture, DevOps practices, and cloud security—each with hands-on labs that simulate real enterprise environments. Faculty bring substantial industry experience, ensuring curriculum reflects current market demands rather than trailing academic theory. Capella's partnerships with major cloud providers integrate certification pathways (AWS Solutions Architect, Azure Administrator) directly into degree requirements, so graduates exit with both credentials and degrees. The school's emphasis on asynchronous online delivery appeals to career-switchers and IT professionals seeking to upskill without relocating or leaving their jobs. Capella tracks employment outcomes rigorously; cloud computing graduates typically transition into roles like Cloud Solutions Architect, Cloud Engineer, or Infrastructure Automation Specialist within 6–12 months of completion. The competency-based model means some students accelerate through prerequisites, compressing time-to-degree. While Capella lacks traditional on-campus research labs, its curriculum is informed by industry advisory boards that include practitioners from AWS, Microsoft, and enterprise cloud teams, keeping content current with rapid platform evolution.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Cloud Computing — 1-2 years, on-campus
- Master of Arts in Cloud Computing — 1-2 years, online
Industry Partners
- Amazon Web Services (AWS) (corporate)
- Microsoft Azure (corporate)
- Google Cloud (corporate)
Accreditations and Certifications
- AWS Certified Solutions Architect pathway
- Microsoft Azure Administrator pathway
- Google Cloud Certified pathway
Location Advantages: National and international reach for remote learnersNo geographic constraints for career advancement
