Best Associate's Cloud Computing Degree Programs in Missouri
Crowder College — Neosho, MO
Hakia Insight: Crowder College's rural Missouri positioning means you're earning cloud certifications at a fraction of urban tuition while local healthcare networks and government IT departments actively recruit from your cohort—geographic disadvantage becomes market advantage.
At the associate's level, crowder's cloud computing pathway focuses on affordability and accessibility for rural and regional students across southwest Missouri—you get the same industry certifications as larger programs but with smaller class sizes and direct instructor support. The program connects students with regional employers throughout the Joplin and Springfield areas, and there's a strong emphasis on hands-on labs and real-world scenarios that make sense for small to mid-sized businesses. Transfer pathways to Missouri State and other regional universities are clearly mapped, so you can build an associate and move straight into a bachelor's without losing credits.
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 networks, Local government IT departments, Small to mid-sized tech consulting firms, Manufacturing IT departments.
Top Transfer Destinations
- Missouri State University
- Pittsburg State University
- Missouri University of Science and Technology
Entry-Level Career Paths
- IT Support Technician
- Help Desk Technician
- Junior Systems Administrator
- Cloud Support Associate
- Network Support Specialist
Included Certifications
- CompTIA A+
- CompTIA Network+
- AWS Cloud Practitioner
- Microsoft Azure Fundamentals
Location Advantages:
State Technical College of Missouri — Linn, MO
Hakia Insight: State Tech's applied focus on Missouri's logistics and manufacturing sector creates a direct pipeline to employers automating supply chain and plant IT infrastructure, a less competitive entry point than tech hubs but with higher placement velocity for regional wages.
At the associate's level, state Tech's cloud computing program is built around applied technology and workforce readiness—you're learning tools that employers in Missouri's industrial and logistics sectors use today, not theoretical concepts. The curriculum emphasizes hands-on labs, real infrastructure, and practical problem-solving, with many instructors coming directly from industry roles. Graduates often move into junior administrator or support roles at manufacturing plants, logistics hubs, and regional tech firms. The college's reputation for producing job-ready technicians means employers actively recruit from the 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: Regional manufacturing plants, Logistics and supply chain companies, State government IT, Local school districts, Healthcare systems.
Top Transfer Destinations
- Missouri University of Science and Technology
- University of Missouri–Rolla (transfer pathway partnership)
Entry-Level Career Paths
- Junior Systems Administrator
- IT Support Technician
- Cloud Infrastructure Technician
- Help Desk Technician
- Technical Support Specialist
Included Certifications
- CompTIA A+
- CompTIA Network+
- AWS Cloud Practitioner
- Cisco CCNA basics
Location Advantages:
Ozarks Technical Community College — Springfield, MO
Hakia Insight: OTC's location in Springfield's emerging tech cluster means you're studying cloud infrastructure alongside peers in healthcare IT and cybersecurity, creating cross-disciplinary networking and job-matching that most isolated community colleges can't offer.
At the associate's level, OTC's cloud computing track benefits from being in Springfield's growing tech sector—you'll study alongside students in healthcare IT, cybersecurity, and systems administration, which means real cross-disciplinary collaboration and job opportunities. The program focuses on practical certifications (AWS, Azure, CompTIA) and connects directly to Springfield-area employers who need cloud infrastructure support. Many graduates move into support or junior admin roles within 3–4 months, and the college's strong regional reputation means employers know graduates have solid foundational skills. The program is designed for both workforce entry and transfer to four-year programs.
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: CoxHealth (regional healthcare), Springfield-area tech firms, State government IT, School district IT departments, Regional insurance companies.
Top Transfer Destinations
- Missouri State University
- University of Missouri–Columbia
- Missouri University of Science and Technology
Entry-Level Career Paths
- Cloud Support Associate
- IT Help Desk Technician
- Junior Systems Administrator
- Cloud Operations Technician
- Technical Support Specialist
Included Certifications
- CompTIA A+
- AWS Cloud Practitioner
- Microsoft Azure Fundamentals
- CompTIA Network+
Location Advantages:
Jefferson College — Hillsboro, MO
Hakia Insight: Jefferson College's dual-track structure (AS and AAS) lets you choose between a transfer-focused path to a four-year program or an applied-skills track for immediate employment—a flexibility that matters because most associate programs force you into one trajectory.
At the associate's level, jefferson College's cloud computing program emphasizes smooth transfer to four-year institutions while building immediate job skills—you get industry certifications and hands-on labs, plus guaranteed transfer agreements with nearby universities. Located between St. Louis and the capital region, the college serves students aiming for both rapid job entry and bachelor's degree paths. The program balances theory with practical infrastructure work, so you're prepared either way. Employers in the surrounding region actively hire JC graduates, and the college's location makes it convenient for students across central Missouri.
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: State government IT, Jefferson City area tech firms, Healthcare networks, Local school districts, Regional manufacturing.
Top Transfer Destinations
- University of Missouri–Columbia
- Missouri University of Science and Technology
- University of Missouri–St. Louis
Entry-Level Career Paths
- IT Support Technician
- Help Desk Technician
- Junior Systems Administrator
- Cloud Support Associate
- Technical Support Specialist
Included Certifications
- CompTIA A+
- CompTIA Network+
- AWS Cloud Practitioner
- Microsoft Azure Fundamentals
Location Advantages:
Saint Louis Community College — Bridgeton, MO
Hakia Insight: STLCC's employer roster reads like a cloud infrastructure wish list: Emerson Electric runs massive IoT deployments, Monsanto/Bayer manages global agricultural data systems, and BJC HealthCare operates one of the Midwest's largest healthcare networks—meaning your coursework is literally shaped by companies solving billion-dollar cloud problems.
At the associate's level, you'll get hands-on experience in one of Missouri's largest metro tech hubs, with STLCC's cloud computing pathway designed around what local employers actually need right now. The program emphasizes practical infrastructure skills—virtualization, cloud platforms, and security—rather than theory, so you're job-ready by graduation. Many students leverage STLCC's established transfer agreements with universities like UMSL and SLU for four-year degrees, or jump directly into roles at companies headquartered in the St. Louis tech corridor. The real advantage here is the proximity to major employers and an alumni network that actively recruits from the 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: Emerson Electric, Expressions Personnel Services, BJC HealthCare, Monsanto/Bayer, Regional tech consulting firms.
Top Transfer Destinations
- University of Missouri–St. Louis (UMSL)
- Saint Louis University
- Missouri University of Science and Technology
Entry-Level Career Paths
- Cloud Support Associate
- IT Help Desk Technician
- Junior Systems Administrator
- Cloud Infrastructure Technician
- Technical Support Specialist
Included Certifications
- CompTIA A+
- AWS Cloud Practitioner
- Microsoft Azure Fundamentals
- Cisco CCNA
Location Advantages:
Mineral Area College — Park Hills, MO
Hakia Insight: Mineral Area College serves a region where cloud computing adoption is still accelerating in mid-sized manufacturing and healthcare, which means graduates often become the first cloud specialist in their organization rather than one of fifty—a career advantage if you want visible impact and rapid advancement.
At the associate's level, mineral Area College delivers cloud computing training to students across southeast Missouri with a focus on accessibility and regional relevance—you'll study infrastructure fundamentals and gain certifications while staying close to home and keeping tuition low. The program serves rural and small-town students who might not have access to larger metro tech programs, and there's a strong emphasis on foundational skills that work in any job market. Graduates often land support roles at regional employers or use the degree as a stepping stone to four-year programs. MAC's strength is making quality tech education available to underserved 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, Local government, School districts, Small to mid-sized manufacturing, Regional mining/industrial IT.
Top Transfer Destinations
- University of Missouri–Rolla
- Missouri University of Science and Technology
- Southeast Missouri State University
Entry-Level Career Paths
- IT Support Technician
- Help Desk Technician
- Junior Systems Administrator
- Cloud Support Associate
- Technical Support Specialist
Included Certifications
- CompTIA A+
- CompTIA Network+
- AWS Cloud Practitioner
Location Advantages:
Moberly Area Community College — Moberly, MO
Hakia Insight: MACC's central Missouri location becomes a strategic asset: you avoid the wage arbitrage that deflates salaries in major metros, but you're close enough to Kansas City and St. Louis to land contracts with regional firms—positioning you to earn associate-level salaries without paying urban cost-of-living premiums.
At the associate's level, MACC's cloud computing pathway is tailored for students across central Missouri who want to enter tech careers without relocating to a major metro—the program emphasizes foundational cloud and infrastructure skills that apply everywhere. You'll complete hands-on labs, earn relevant certifications, and tap into MACC's transfer pathways to Mizzou and other state universities. The college has strong community connections, so employers know MACC graduates and actively recruit from the program. Whether you're aiming for immediate employment or a bachelor's degree, the program is structured to support both paths.
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: Moberly and Randolph County government IT, Regional healthcare, School district IT, Local tech service providers, Manufacturing IT support.
Top Transfer Destinations
- University of Missouri–Columbia
- Missouri University of Science and Technology
- Lincoln University of Missouri
Entry-Level Career Paths
- IT Support Technician
- Help Desk Technician
- Junior Systems Administrator
- Cloud Support Associate
- Technical Support Specialist
Included Certifications
- CompTIA A+
- CompTIA Network+
- AWS Cloud Practitioner
- Microsoft Azure Fundamentals
Location Advantages:
Three Rivers College — Poplar Bluff, MO
Hakia Insight: Three Rivers College's Ozark employer base—rural healthcare networks, small government IT departments, local farms adopting ag-tech—means you graduate into an undersaturated market where cloud skills are scarce, often translating to faster hiring and negotiating power despite the rural location.
At the associate's level, three Rivers College serves the Ozark region with a cloud computing program designed around the real needs of rural and small-business employers—you'll learn practical infrastructure and support skills that matter in tight-knit regional job markets. The curriculum emphasizes certifications and hands-on experience, so you're ready for support roles or junior admin positions upon graduation. TRC's regional reputation means employers actively recruit from the program, and the college has established transfer agreements for students aiming toward bachelor's degrees. The program balances workforce readiness with academic transfer pathways.
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 networks, Ozark-area government IT, School districts, Local businesses and farms, Small tech service providers.
Top Transfer Destinations
- Missouri State University
- University of Missouri–Columbia
- Missouri University of Science and Technology
Entry-Level Career Paths
- IT Support Technician
- Help Desk Technician
- Junior Systems Administrator
- Cloud Support Associate
- Technical Support Specialist
Included Certifications
- CompTIA A+
- CompTIA Network+
- AWS Cloud Practitioner
Location Advantages:
East Central College — Union, MO
Hakia Insight: East Central College's Union-area footprint puts you adjacent to the St. Louis tech corridor without commuting into it, creating an unusual advantage: you can land internships and jobs in a booming regional tech market while keeping tuition and living costs tied to a smaller metro.
At the associate's level, east Central College's cloud computing program serves students across the Union area with a hands-on approach that connects directly to regional employers—you'll work with current infrastructure tools and earn certifications while maintaining small class sizes and personalized instruction. The program is designed for both immediate workforce entry and smooth transfer to four-year universities, so you're not locked into one path. ECC's location and strong local connections mean employers know the program and actively hire graduates for support and junior admin roles. The college emphasizes practical skills that apply immediately.
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: Union and Franklin County government IT, Regional healthcare systems, School districts, Local manufacturing IT, Small tech consulting firms.
Top Transfer Destinations
- University of Missouri–St. Louis
- Missouri University of Science and Technology
- University of Missouri–Columbia
Entry-Level Career Paths
- IT Support Technician
- Help Desk Technician
- Junior Systems Administrator
- Cloud Support Associate
- Technical Support Specialist
Included Certifications
- CompTIA A+
- CompTIA Network+
- AWS Cloud Practitioner
- Microsoft Azure Fundamentals
Location Advantages:
State Fair Community College — Sedalia, MO
Hakia Insight: State Fair Community College embeds certifications into every term rather than treating them as optional add-ons—this systematic approach means you graduate with stackable credentials (not just a diploma) that employers in manufacturing logistics and financial services immediately recognize and reward.
At the associate's level, industry certifications are embedded throughout your coursework at State Fair Community College—you're not just taking a cloud computing class, you're systematically earning CompTIA, AWS, and Azure credentials that employers actually check for when hiring. Located in Sedalia with strong ties to manufacturing and logistics companies across central Missouri, the program feeds directly into IT operations and cloud infrastructure roles at companies managing supply chains and industrial systems. The curriculum balances vendor-neutral foundations with hands-on cloud platform experience, so you understand the principles behind why systems work, not just how to click buttons. Most graduates enter as Help Desk Technicians or junior cloud support roles, with clear advancement paths into systems administration within 3–5 years.
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: Local manufacturing and logistics companies, Regional healthcare IT departments, Financial services firms in central Missouri, State and local government IT.
Top Transfer Destinations
- University of Missouri (Mizzou)
- Missouri State University
- Central Missouri State University
Entry-Level Career Paths
- Help Desk Technician
- Cloud Support Associate
- Junior Systems Administrator
- IT Support Specialist
- Technical Support Specialist
Included Certifications
- CompTIA A+
- CompTIA Network+
- CompTIA Security+
- AWS Cloud Practitioner
- Microsoft Azure Fundamentals
- Cisco CCNA (optional pathway)
Location Advantages:
Best Bachelor's Cloud Computing Degree Programs in Missouri
University of Missouri-Columbia — Columbia, MO
Key Distinction: Mizzou's multi-cloud emphasis and focus on real-world hybrid migration scenarios make graduates unusually adaptable across different organizational cloud environments and maturity levels.
Hakia Insight: University of Missouri-Columbia's partnerships with Amazon Web Services and Microsoft Azure translate research into real-world experience — a key differentiator for hiring managers in Missouri.
At the bachelor's level, mizzou's cloud computing pathway emphasizes secure, scalable application development across multi-cloud environments, addressing a persistent industry need for engineers who can architect solutions beyond any single vendor platform. The Department of Computer Science offers a specialized track where students build cloud-native applications, tackle containerization and microservices design, and explore cloud security and compliance from the ground up. Faculty partnerships with regional technology companies—particularly those managing legacy infrastructure migrations—ground coursework in real-world constraints and hybrid cloud scenarios that graduates will encounter immediately. The program uniquely balances breadth across AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud with depth in one platform of choice, preparing generalists rather than single-platform specialists. Career outcomes reflect this: Mizzou graduates fill diverse roles spanning cloud application engineering, platform engineering, and enterprise cloud strategy, often moving into leadership positions ahead of their single-platform-trained peers. Internship networks throughout the Midwest provide exposure to cloud adoption across manufacturing, healthcare, and financial services sectors.
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)
- Google Cloud (corporate)
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Midwest manufacturing, healthcare, and financial services sectors undergoing active cloud migration
Washington University in St Louis — Saint Louis, MO
Key Distinction: Mandatory comprehensive data science practicum project completed during senior year. Practicum can be fulfilled through internships, independent study, or project-focused classes
Hakia Insight: Washington University's mandatory senior practicum isn't just a capstone: it's a forced pathway into applied work—whether through internships at Microsoft or Google Cloud or independent research with faculty like Dr. Yeoh (who specializes in distributed cloud/edge computing)—meaning you exit with portfolio work, not just coursework.
The Bachelor of Science in Data Science is a collaborative program between the Department of Computer Science & Engineering and the Department of Statistics. The curriculum combines 13 core courses in programming, statistics, calculus, and machine learning with four technical electives from approved CSE, SDS, Math, and other departments. Students must complete a comprehensive practicum project during their senior year, which can be fulfilled through independent study, project-focused courses, or data science internships. The program emphasizes practical application with hands-on experience in data manipulation, visualization, and machine learning using industry-standard tools. Students gain programming proficiency and experience applying knowledge in research or industrial settings. The interdisciplinary approach prepares graduates for data science careers across multiple industries.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Data Science — 4 years, on-campus. BS
Research Labs and Institutes
- Center for Trustworthy AI in CPS
- Neuroinformatics Research Group
- Computational Imaging Research Center
- Computational Medicine and Imaging Lab
- Integrative Imaging Informatics for Cancer Research Center
Industry Partners
- Microsoft (corporate)
- Google Cloud (corporate)
Notable Faculty
- Dr. William Yeoh — Distributed constraint optimization and cloud/edge computing applications
- Dr. Netanel Raviv — Distributed computing, privacy, and cloud computing applications
- Dr. Ning Zhang — System security and secure software/hardware systems
- Dr. Chenyang Lu — Cyber-physical systems and sensor networks
- Dr. Yevgeniy Vorobeychik — Game theory, security and privacy, adversarial machine learning
Location Advantages: Access to emerging St. Louis fintech and cloud infrastructure ecosystem
Missouri State University-Springfield — Springfield, MO
Key Distinction: 100% online program co-developed with IT industry leaders. Three specialization tracks available online
Hakia Insight: Missouri State's 100% online program co-developed with IT industry leaders offers three specialization tracks (including Infrastructure), meaning you're not locked into an Application Development path—a rarity in online bachelor's programs where customization usually requires campus attendance.
Missouri State's Bachelor of Science in Information Technology is a 100% online program co-developed with IT industry leaders, offering three specialization tracks: Application Development, IT Infrastructure, and Cybersecurity. The curriculum emphasizes technical proficiency, business acumen, innovation, and problem-solving skills across software, hardware, data, security, and business domains. Students learn from full-time faculty with diverse expertise who teach the same curriculum online as on-campus. The IT Infrastructure track includes cloud computing, database administration, and network architectures. Graduates are prepared for roles such as software developer, cybersecurity analyst, system engineer, database administrator, and IT consultant. The program qualifies for Fast Track Grants and offers affordable tuition with financial aid and scholarships available.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Information Technology — 4 years, on-campus. BS
Location Advantages:
Columbia College — Columbia, MO
Hakia Insight: Columbia College's emphasis on provisioning real servers from day one creates an unusual advantage for a regional school: you're building infrastructure muscle memory while larger peer programs are still teaching cloud concepts in PowerPoint, translating to a 6-12 month practical edge.
You'll get hands-on experience with real cloud infrastructure from day one—Columbia College's cloud computing program emphasizes practical labs over theory, so you're actually provisioning servers and managing virtual environments rather than just reading about them. Graduates typically move into help desk and junior systems administration roles at regional healthcare systems, financial services firms, and government IT departments throughout central Missouri. The program's strongest asset is its partnership with local employers who actively recruit from the program, meaning you'll have concrete job leads before graduation. You can complete the associate degree in two years and then transfer to University of Missouri or Missouri State if you want to continue toward a bachelor's degree.
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: University of Missouri Health Care, Missouri State Government IT, Regional financial institutions, Healthcare IT departments.
Top Transfer Destinations
- University of Missouri (Mizzou)
- Missouri State University
- Lincoln University
Entry-Level Career Paths
- Help Desk Technician
- Junior Systems Administrator
- Cloud Support Associate
- IT Support Specialist
- Junior Network Administrator
Included Certifications
- CompTIA A+
- CompTIA Security+
- AWS Cloud Practitioner
- Microsoft Azure Fundamentals
Location Advantages:
University of Missouri-Kansas City — Kansas City, MO
Key Distinction: UMKC's cloud program stands out for weaving hands-on DevOps and infrastructure-as-code work into every semester, rather than siloing cloud topics into specialized electives.
Hakia Insight: UMKC weaves DevOps and infrastructure-as-code into every semester instead of siloing them in electives—this structural choice means you graduate comfortable with containerization, CI/CD pipelines, and automation in your bones, not as add-on specializations you pick up later.
At the bachelor's level, UMKC's cloud computing curriculum emphasizes practical infrastructure and DevOps skills alongside traditional computer science foundations, making it particularly attractive to students targeting operational roles in cloud environments. The program integrates hands-on labs using AWS and Azure throughout the coursework, rather than treating cloud as a capstone topic. Faculty actively engage students in containerization, orchestration, and infrastructure-as-code projects that reflect real deployment scenarios. The Kansas City tech corridor, while smaller than major coastal hubs, has emerged as a growing cloud services and software development center, providing internship opportunities with regional enterprises and startups investing heavily in cloud migration. Graduates report strong placement in cloud operations, systems engineering, and site reliability engineering roles, with many progressing into cloud architecture within 3–5 years. The program's emphasis on certification-aligned content (AWS Solutions Architect, Kubernetes) gives students immediate credentialing value upon graduation, a differentiator for employers seeking job-ready engineers.
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
- Center for Cyber Education, Research and Infrastructure Center
- NextGen Biomedical Informatics Center
- Biological Mass Spectrometry and Proteomics Facility
- Center for Excellence: Spatial Computing
Industry Partners
- Amazon Web Services (corporate)
- Microsoft Azure (corporate)
- VMware (sponsor)
- Cisco (sponsor)
- Dell (sponsor)
- Verizon (sponsor)
- IBM (sponsor)
- Huawei (sponsor)
- Internet2 (collaborator)
- Microsoft (partner)
- Adobe (partner)
- H&R Block (partner)
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Commerce Bank, Palo Alto Networks, Kansas City Regional Crime Lab.
Notable Faculty
- Dr. Prasad P. Calyam — Cloud computing, cybersecurity, computer networking, AR/VR
Admissions
GPA Requirement: 3.0 minimum.
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Growing Kansas City tech corridor with cloud infrastructure investment
University of Missouri-St Louis — Saint Louis, MO
Key Distinction: UMSL prioritizes working professionals and practical AWS certification pathways within a flexible hybrid schedule, bridging the gap between academic learning and immediate industry credentialing.
Hakia Insight: UMSL's explicit design for working professionals—backed by faculty like Dr. Vivek Singh who teaches online learning alongside cloud computing—combined with hybrid scheduling and direct AWS certification pathways means you can earn a bachelor's without sacrificing income or leaving the Express Scripts/Mastercard job market.
At the bachelor's level, UMSL's cloud computing program centers on accessibility and flexibility, recognizing that many students balance study with work in the St. Louis region. The curriculum covers cloud infrastructure, platform services, and distributed systems with a deliberate focus on AWS certification pathways—students often complete AWS Solutions Architect or Developer associate credentials during degree completion. What differentiates UMSL is its hybrid and evening course scheduling, which allows working professionals to build cloud expertise without pausing careers. Faculty maintain active consulting relationships with local technology companies and healthcare organizations undergoing cloud migration, bringing real projects into capstone courses. The program integrates cloud economics and cost optimization—a practical concern companies face—alongside technical architecture. UMSL's partnerships with regional tech employers and healthcare systems create opportunities for students to work on genuine infrastructure challenges. Graduates often transition into cloud roles at companies like Mastercard (Kansas City proximity), Express Scripts, and smaller tech consulting firms throughout the Midwest.
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
- Cybersecurity and Information Technology Innovation Lab (CITIL)
- Advanced MIS Laboratory
- Networking Systems and Security Lab (NetSyS)
Industry Partners
- Mastercard (corporate)
- Express Scripts (corporate)
Career Outcomes
Median Salary: $NaN. Top Employers: Mastercard, Express Scripts, Regional technology consulting firms.
Notable Faculty
- Dr. Vivek Singh — Machine Learning, Cloud Computing, Cybersecurity, Online Learning
- Dr. Shaji Khan — Cybersecurity, IT Outsourcing, Entrepreneurship and Innovation
- Dr. Joseph Rottman — IT Outsourcing
Admissions
GPA Requirement: 3.0 minimum (2.75-2.9 restricted status possible).
Requirements:
Accreditations and Certifications
- AWS Certified Solutions Architect Associate
- AWS Certified Developer Associate
Location Advantages: Proximity to Mastercard and financial services sectorKansas City tech corridor accessHealthcare and insurance companies undergoing digital transformation
Park University — Parkville, MO
Key Distinction: Park University's cloud computing program stands out for its intentional design around working professionals, combining rigorous cloud platform training with flexible online delivery and career-focused capstone projects.
Hakia Insight: Park University's online delivery model for cloud computing is rare among bachelor's programs because cloud infrastructure training usually requires hands-on labs—yet their architecture still delivers rigorous platform training alongside career-focused capstones, making it genuinely accessible to working professionals rather than full-time students.
At the bachelor's level, park University's cloud computing program emphasizes accessibility and flexibility through its robust online delivery model, making advanced cloud infrastructure and DevOps training available to working professionals across the country. The curriculum prioritizes hands-on experience with major cloud platforms—AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud—integrated throughout core computer science coursework rather than siloed into electives. Students engage with containerization, microservices architecture, and infrastructure-as-code from early semesters, building practical competency that employers immediately value. The program's strength lies in bridging the gap between theoretical computer science foundations and cloud-native development practices, with faculty who bring real-world systems engineering experience. Park's emphasis on asynchronous, self-paced learning within structured pathways particularly serves students balancing education with careers, without sacrificing technical rigor or project-based learning outcomes.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Cloud Computing — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Cloud Computing — 4 years, online
Location Advantages:
Missouri University of Science and Technology — Rolla, MO
Key Distinction: S&T's engineering-first approach teaches cloud as a distributed systems discipline, producing infrastructure specialists with deep understanding of reliability, performance, and systems optimization rather than API-level operators.
Hakia Insight: Missouri S&T teaches cloud as a distributed systems discipline anchored in engineering rigor—not as a software framework course—which means you graduate understanding reliability, performance bottlenecks, and systems optimization rather than just API documentation, a distinction that separates infrastructure specialists from operators.
At the bachelor's level, missouri S&T's cloud computing education emerges from its engineering-centric identity: students learn cloud infrastructure not as isolated software topics but as distributed systems requiring performance analysis, reliability engineering, and systems optimization. The program emphasizes the infrastructure layer—networking, storage, compute orchestration, and fault tolerance—over application development alone. Faculty research in high-performance computing and distributed systems directly informs curriculum design, meaning cloud courses teach principles validated through peer-reviewed research. Students engage in system design projects where reliability, scalability, and cost trade-offs drive decision-making. The school's strength in engineering disciplines means cloud graduates understand the physical and logical foundations of cloud platforms, not just API calls. Industry partnerships with major technology and industrial companies bring current infrastructure challenges into coursework. This approach produces graduates who excel in roles requiring deep systems understanding: cloud infrastructure engineering, cloud security architecture, and systems reliability engineering roles at enterprise scale.
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
- Center for High Performance Computing
- CReWMaN Laboratory
- Cyber Physical Human Systems (CPHS) Laboratory
- Web and Wireless Computing (W2C) & Pervasive and Mobile Computing Laboratory
- Theory and Quantum Laboratory
- Computer Systems & Networking Lab
- High Performance Computing Lab
- Intelligent Retrieval and Information Systems (IRIS) Group
- Cognitive and Biomedical AI (CoBAI) Lab
- Lab for Empirical Navigations on Software (LENS)
- Human-Centered AI Lab (HCAI)
- Cyber Intelligence and Resilience Lab (CIR)
- Autonomous Vehicles and AI Integration (SASAI) Lab
Industry Partners
- Padtec (corporate)
- NSF (sponsor)
- DOE (sponsor)
- ARL (sponsor)
- ARO (sponsor)
- AFRL (sponsor)
- NIST (sponsor)
- UM System (sponsor)
- IEEE Computer Society (collaborator)
- ACM (collaborator)
- ATMEL Corporation (employer)
- Morehead State University (employer)
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Cloud infrastructure and enterprise technology companies.
Notable Faculty
- Dr. Sanjay Madria — Data management in wireless networks and cloud computing
- Dr. Sajal Das — Cyber-physical systems, networking, mobile and pervasive computing
- Dr. Seung-Jong Jay Park — High-performance computing systems for AI applications
Admissions
GPA Requirement: 3.0.
Requirements:
Location Advantages: Regional proximity to tech manufacturing and industrial cloud adoption
College of the Ozarks — Point Lookout, MO
Key Distinction: College of the Ozarks offers comprehensive Cloud Computing programs preparing students for careers in technology.
Hakia Insight: College of the Ozarks' work-study model—where students earn tuition through on-campus employment—creates a unique financial pressure that often translates into stronger job-search discipline; graduates emerge debt-free and accustomed to balancing technical learning with real workplace demands.
College of the Ozarks offers Cloud Computing programs in Point Lookout, MO. As a private institution, it provides accessible education pathways for students in the region.
Lindenwood University — Saint Charles, MO
Key Distinction: Lindenwood prioritizes accessibility and practical credentials for career-changers, integrating AWS and CompTIA certifications into a flexible curriculum designed for working adults entering cloud roles.
Hakia Insight: Lindenwood's dual BA/BS pathway lets students customize their degree's rigor level while both tracks embed AWS and CompTIA certifications into graduation requirements, meaning a student can earn a credential-backed degree in 18 months instead of waiting for a four-year program to end before sitting for industry exams.
At the bachelor's level, lindenwood's cloud computing program operates within a liberal arts framework, emphasizing foundational computer science and cloud concepts accessible to students without deep technical prerequisites. The program targets working adults and career-changers through flexible scheduling and practical certification pathways, particularly AWS and CompTIA certifications integrated into degree requirements. Rather than pursuing research depth, Lindenwood prioritizes breadth—students gain exposure to cloud infrastructure, application platforms, database services, and emerging technologies like serverless and containers through hands-on labs and industry-standard tools. The curriculum balances theory with immediate applicability, suited to students seeking career transition into cloud roles. Small class sizes enable mentorship and individualized guidance through certification preparation. Lindenwood's strength lies in scaffolding: students new to technology can build competency systematically while simultaneously earning credentials employers recognize.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Cloud Computing — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Cloud Computing — 4 years, online
Accreditations and Certifications
- AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner
- CompTIA Cloud+ aligned
Location Advantages: St. Louis metropolitan area
Best Master's Cloud Computing Degree Programs in Missouri
University of Central Missouri — Warrensburg, MO
Key Distinction: UCM stands apart by prioritizing career readiness and accessibility, embedding certification pathways directly into degree requirements and serving students seeking rapid entry into cloud roles.
Hakia Insight: UCM's master's program embeds AWS and Azure certifications directly into degree requirements rather than treating them as optional add-ons, which means graduates can credential-stack their way into mid-market cloud roles without extending their studies—a meaningful advantage when employers explicitly screen for dual credentials.
At the master's level, UCM's cloud computing program prioritizes accessibility and career readiness, offering a streamlined pathway for students transitioning into cloud roles without assuming extensive prior systems-level knowledge. The curriculum leads with cloud fundamentals and platform administration before moving into architecture and advanced optimization, making it particularly suitable for career-changers and non-traditional students. Hands-on AWS and Azure labs are woven throughout, and the program integrates certification exam preparation (AWS Solutions Architect Associate, Azure Fundamentals) as formal learning objectives rather than optional additions. The faculty, while smaller than research-intensive universities, maintains strong industry ties and brings real-world experience deploying and managing production cloud systems. Graduates predominantly enter operational and junior architect roles at mid-market companies and enterprises across Missouri and the broader Midwest, with clear advancement pathways. The program's strength lies in producing job-ready cloud engineers quickly and affordably, with mentorship and industry placement support that especially benefits first-generation college students and those managing full-time work alongside studies.
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)
Accreditations and Certifications
- AWS certification aligned
- Azure certification aligned
Location Advantages: Strong regional employer relationships across mid-market enterprises in Missouri
Park University — Parkville, MO
Key Distinction: Park University's cloud computing program stands out for its intentional design around working professionals, combining rigorous cloud platform training with flexible online delivery and career-focused capstone projects.
Hakia Insight: Park University's fully asynchronous master's program eliminates the false choice between rigor and flexibility; recorded lectures and capstone projects designed for working professionals mean students build portfolios on real infrastructure problems they're solving at their current jobs.
At the master's level, park University's cloud computing program emphasizes accessibility and flexibility through its robust online delivery model, making advanced cloud infrastructure and DevOps training available to working professionals across the country. The curriculum prioritizes hands-on experience with major cloud platforms—AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud—integrated throughout core computer science coursework rather than siloed into electives. Students engage with containerization, microservices architecture, and infrastructure-as-code from early semesters, building practical competency that employers immediately value. The program's strength lies in bridging the gap between theoretical computer science foundations and cloud-native development practices, with faculty who bring real-world systems engineering experience. Park's emphasis on asynchronous, self-paced learning within structured pathways particularly serves students balancing education with careers, without sacrificing technical rigor or project-based learning outcomes.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Cloud Computing — 1-2 years, on-campus
- Master of Arts in Cloud Computing — 1-2 years, online
Location Advantages:
University of Missouri-St Louis — Saint Louis, MO
Key Distinction: Flexible stackable graduate certificates that count toward full MS degree; students may start with certificates and apply them if they choose to pursue the master's. Multiple class schedule options: day, evening, weekend classes
Hakia Insight: UMSL's stackable certificate model paired with research labs (CITIL and NetSyS) creates an unusual pathway where students can enter with a single cybersecurity certificate, apply it toward the full MS, and immediately access lab work alongside faculty like Dr. Vivek Singh—turning a 30-credit program into a launchpad for research-informed practitioners.
The Master of Science in Information Systems and Technology (MSIST) at UMSL is a 30-credit, STEM-designated program designed for working professionals seeking technical and managerial IT expertise. The program offers flexible pathways including stackable graduate certificates that count toward the full degree, enabling students to earn credentials while pursuing the master's. With multiple scheduling options (day, evening, weekend classes in 8 or 16-week sessions) and delivery formats (in-person, blended, online), professionals can balance work and studies. Students gain skills in application development, business intelligence, cybersecurity, cloud computing, and fintech. The program accommodates diverse undergraduate backgrounds and emphasizes peer and industry executive interaction. Completion takes 1–1.5 years full-time or 3 years part-time. While specific salary data and assistantship stipends are not detailed on this page, the program's emphasis on emerging IT specializations positions graduates for leadership roles and career advancement in high-demand fields.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Information Systems and Technology — 1-2 years, on-campus. MS
Research Labs and Institutes
- Cybersecurity and Information Technology Innovation Lab (CITIL)
- Advanced MIS Laboratory
- Networking Systems and Security Lab (NetSyS)
Industry Partners
- Mastercard (corporate)
- Express Scripts (corporate)
Career Outcomes
Median Salary: $NaN. Top Employers: Mastercard, Express Scripts, Regional technology consulting firms.
Notable Faculty
- Dr. Vivek Singh — Machine Learning, Cloud Computing, Cybersecurity, Online Learning
- Dr. Shaji Khan — Cybersecurity, IT Outsourcing, Entrepreneurship and Innovation
- Dr. Joseph Rottman — IT Outsourcing
Admissions
GPA Requirement: 3.0 minimum (2.75-2.9 restricted status possible).
Requirements: Minimum 30 credit hours, INFSYS 5800 (3 hours), Two stackable graduate certificates (24 hours) from: Information Systems and Technology, Business Intelligence, Enterprise Systems Development, Information Security Management and Auditing, or Cybersecurity, One elective course (3 hours), All Graduate School requirements
Accreditations and Certifications
- AWS Certified Solutions Architect Associate
- AWS Certified Developer Associate
Location Advantages: Proximity to Mastercard and financial services sectorKansas City tech corridor accessHealthcare and insurance companies undergoing digital transformation
Missouri University of Science and Technology — Rolla, MO
Key Distinction: S&T's engineering-first approach teaches cloud as a distributed systems discipline, producing infrastructure specialists with deep understanding of reliability, performance, and systems optimization rather than API-level operators.
Hakia Insight: Missouri S&T's engineering-first lens teaches cloud infrastructure as distributed systems rather than API consumption, a distinction that surfaces when graduates hit production reliability problems that purely software-trained peers struggle to diagnose.
At the master's level, missouri S&T's cloud computing education emerges from its engineering-centric identity: students learn cloud infrastructure not as isolated software topics but as distributed systems requiring performance analysis, reliability engineering, and systems optimization. The program emphasizes the infrastructure layer—networking, storage, compute orchestration, and fault tolerance—over application development alone. Faculty research in high-performance computing and distributed systems directly informs curriculum design, meaning cloud courses teach principles validated through peer-reviewed research. Students engage in system design projects where reliability, scalability, and cost trade-offs drive decision-making. The school's strength in engineering disciplines means cloud graduates understand the physical and logical foundations of cloud platforms, not just API calls. Industry partnerships with major technology and industrial companies bring current infrastructure challenges into coursework. This approach produces graduates who excel in roles requiring deep systems understanding: cloud infrastructure engineering, cloud security architecture, and systems reliability engineering roles at enterprise scale.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Cloud Computing — 1-2 years, on-campus
- Master of Arts in Cloud Computing — 1-2 years, online
Research Labs and Institutes
- Center for High Performance Computing
- CReWMaN Laboratory
- Cyber Physical Human Systems (CPHS) Laboratory
- Web and Wireless Computing (W2C) & Pervasive and Mobile Computing Laboratory
- Theory and Quantum Laboratory
- Computer Systems & Networking Lab
- High Performance Computing Lab
- Intelligent Retrieval and Information Systems (IRIS) Group
- Cognitive and Biomedical AI (CoBAI) Lab
- Lab for Empirical Navigations on Software (LENS)
- Human-Centered AI Lab (HCAI)
- Cyber Intelligence and Resilience Lab (CIR)
- Autonomous Vehicles and AI Integration (SASAI) Lab
Industry Partners
- Padtec (corporate)
- NSF (sponsor)
- DOE (sponsor)
- ARL (sponsor)
- ARO (sponsor)
- AFRL (sponsor)
- NIST (sponsor)
- UM System (sponsor)
- IEEE Computer Society (collaborator)
- ACM (collaborator)
- ATMEL Corporation (employer)
- Morehead State University (employer)
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Cloud infrastructure and enterprise technology companies.
Notable Faculty
- Dr. Sanjay Madria — Data management in wireless networks and cloud computing
- Dr. Sajal Das — Cyber-physical systems, networking, mobile and pervasive computing
- Dr. Seung-Jong Jay Park — High-performance computing systems for AI applications
Admissions
GPA Requirement: 3.0.
Requirements:
Location Advantages: Regional proximity to tech manufacturing and industrial cloud adoption
Missouri State University-Springfield — Springfield, MO
Hakia Insight: Missouri State's cloud computing presence across undergraduate IT specializations (ITC 583) and MBA electives creates an unusual strength: working professionals can test cloud concepts in short courses before committing to a full master's, reducing the risk of degree misalignment.
At the master's level, missouri State offers cloud computing as both an undergraduate IT specialization course (ITC 583) and MBA elective, providing flexibility across degree levels with online program options available.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Cloud Computing — 1-2 years, on-campus
- Master of Arts in Cloud Computing — 1-2 years, online
Location Advantages:
