Best Associate's Cloud Computing Degree Programs in Tennessee
Volunteer State Community College — Gallatin, TN
Hakia Insight: Volunteer State's explicit transfer agreement into UTK's bachelor's program eliminates the guesswork of community college credit acceptance—students complete their foundation in a cohesive two-year pathway designed by the receiving institution, not generic gen-eds that may not count.
At the associate's level, your pathway to the University of Tennessee system starts here. Volunteer State's cloud computing associate degree is explicitly designed for seamless transfer into UTK's bachelor's programs, with guaranteed admission agreements for qualifying students. You'll spend your first two years building hands-on skills in AWS and Azure environments while completing general education requirements that transfer directly. The college's partnership with regional tech employers means internship opportunities begin in year one, giving you real experience before you ever step foot on a university campus. Graduates consistently move into cloud infrastructure roles or continue their education 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: HCA Healthcare, Asurion, Local government IT departments, Regional tech service providers.
Top Transfer Destinations
- University of Tennessee, Knoxville
- Tennessee Technological University
- University of Memphis
Entry-Level Career Paths
- Cloud Support Associate
- Systems Administrator
- IT Help Desk Technician
- Network Support Technician
Included Certifications
- AWS Cloud Practitioner
- CompTIA A+
- Microsoft Azure Fundamentals
Location Advantages:
Northeast State Community College — Blountville, TN
Hakia Insight: Northeast State's direct pipeline to Eastman Chemical and Ballad Health means recruiters actively monitor your capstone projects before graduation, turning the final semester into a de facto job interview rather than a formality.
At the associate's level, if you want to work in cloud tech without relocating, Northeast State's program connects directly to Tri-Cities employers desperately hiring IT talent. The curriculum emphasizes hands-on lab work with actual cloud environments—not just videos or simulations—so you graduate with portfolio projects that employers recognize immediately. You'll earn CompTIA and AWS certifications while still in school, making you job-ready by graduation. Many students complete internships with companies like Eastman Chemical or regional healthcare systems, often converting those into full-time offers before they even get their 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: Eastman Chemical, Ballad Health, Regional manufacturing IT departments, Tri-Cities healthcare networks.
Top Transfer Destinations
- East Tennessee State University
- Tennessee Technological University
- University of Tennessee, Knoxville
Entry-Level Career Paths
- Cloud Support Associate
- IT Help Desk Technician
- Systems Administrator
- Junior Cloud Engineer
Included Certifications
- AWS Cloud Practitioner
- CompTIA A+
- CompTIA Network+
Location Advantages:
Pellissippi State Community College — Knoxville, TN
Hakia Insight: Pellissippi's evening and weekend model directly addresses the $1.2 trillion student debt crisis by letting working professionals earn cloud credentials without sacrifice of income—you're not pausing life; you're parallel-tracking it.
At the associate's level, working professionals—this program is built for you. Pellissippi's evening and weekend cloud computing classes let you keep your day job while earning credentials that qualify you for promotions. The curriculum covers practical infrastructure management and database fundamentals that directly apply to mid-level IT roles. You'll study alongside classmates already working in tech, which means real-world problem-solving during group projects. Most students complete this degree in two years while employed, and many see immediate salary bumps at their current employers before even graduating.
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 Tennessee, Knoxville IT, Knoxville healthcare systems, Local government IT, Regional tech service companies.
Top Transfer Destinations
- University of Tennessee, Knoxville
- Tennessee Technological University
- Carson-Newman University
Entry-Level Career Paths
- Systems Administrator
- Cloud Support Associate
- IT Help Desk Technician
- Junior Database Administrator
Included Certifications
- AWS Cloud Practitioner
- CompTIA A+
- Microsoft Azure Fundamentals
Location Advantages:
Columbia State Community College — Columbia, TN
Hakia Insight: Columbia State's emphasis on hands-on lab provisioning over lecture slides creates muscle memory with actual cloud infrastructure that translates immediately to entry-level cloud operations roles, compressing the typical 6-month on-the-job training period into weeks.
At the associate's level, hands-on labs are the heartbeat of Columbia State's cloud program—you're not just reading about servers, you're provisioning them. The college invested in cutting-edge virtualization labs where you build real infrastructure from day one, creating a portfolio that impresses hiring managers. You'll earn Azure and AWS certifications through embedded coursework, and the program's strong connection to Nashville's growing tech scene means guest lectures from actual cloud architects working at major employers. Graduates report job offers before graduation, with many starting at $35K–$42K depending on certifications earned.
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: Nashville healthcare IT departments, HCA Healthcare, Local financial services, Regional tech staffing companies.
Top Transfer Destinations
- Lipscomb University
- Belmont University
- Tennessee State University
- Vanderbilt University
Entry-Level Career Paths
- Cloud Support Associate
- IT Help Desk Technician
- Systems Administrator
- Junior Cloud Operations Technician
Included Certifications
- Azure Fundamentals
- AWS Cloud Practitioner
- CompTIA A+
Location Advantages:
Chattanooga State Community College — Chattanooga, TN
Hakia Insight: Chattanooga State's embedding of CompTIA A+, AWS, and Cisco credentials into the curriculum means you leave with three industry-recognized certifications already earned rather than facing months of post-graduation exam prep—employers see immediate proof of competency.
At the associate's level, chattanooga State's cloud program doubles down on real-world certifications that directly lead to hiring. You'll complete CompTIA A+, AWS, and Cisco fundamentals credentials before you graduate—three tickets to better-paying jobs. The program partners with Chattanooga's growing tech corridor employers, including companies relocating to the city specifically for tech talent. You study in modern labs that mirror enterprise environments, and internship placements happen early in your second year. Graduates consistently move into mid-level support roles earning $40K–$50K within their first year.
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: Chattanooga healthcare IT, EPB (Electric Power Board), Booz Allen Hamilton, Regional tech startups and service providers.
Top Transfer Destinations
- University of Tennessee at Chattanooga
- Tennessee Technological University
- Kennesaw State University
Entry-Level Career Paths
- Cloud Support Associate
- Systems Administrator
- IT Help Desk Technician
- Junior Network Administrator
Included Certifications
- CompTIA A+
- AWS Cloud Practitioner
- Cisco CCNA Fundamentals
Location Advantages:
Nashville State Community College — Nashville, TN
Hakia Insight: Nashville's emergence as a fintech and healthcare IT hub gives Nashville State students access to internship density that smaller markets cannot match; your classmates aren't competing for positions—there's genuine talent shortage in the region.
At the associate's level, you're in Music City—and Nashville State's cloud program taps into one of the Southeast's hottest tech job markets. The college's location means internships and job placements at major Nashville employers happen organically; many of your instructors still work part-time for companies that will later hire you. The curriculum emphasizes cloud security and compliance, skills that Nashville's growing fintech and healthcare sectors desperately need. Most graduates finish with at least two industry certifications and leave with job interviews already scheduled.
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: HCA Healthcare IT, Asurion, Nashville fintech companies, Healthcare IT service providers, Local government IT departments.
Top Transfer Destinations
- Lipscomb University
- Tennessee State University
- Belmont University
- Middle Tennessee State University
Entry-Level Career Paths
- Cloud Support Associate
- IT Help Desk Technician
- Systems Administrator
- Cloud Security Associate
Included Certifications
- AWS Cloud Practitioner
- Azure Fundamentals
- CompTIA Security+
Location Advantages:
Southwest Tennessee Community College — Memphis, TN
Hakia Insight: Southwest Tennessee's training for FedEx and Memphis healthcare IT departments reflects employer co-design of curriculum, meaning the skills you learn match what hiring managers need on day one rather than generic cloud theory.
At the associate's level, affordability meets opportunity at Southwest Tennessee, where you'll get enterprise-grade cloud training without the university price tag. The program's strength lies in its connections to Memphis and surrounding region employers who consistently hire graduates for operations and support roles. You'll build skills in containerization, infrastructure-as-code, and multi-cloud environments—buzzwords that actually show up in job postings for positions paying $38K–$48K. The college's evening and weekend formats mean working adults can realistically complete this degree while earning.
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: Memphis healthcare IT, FedEx IT departments, Regional manufacturing IT, Local financial services IT.
Top Transfer Destinations
- University of Memphis
- Tennessee State University
- Lipscomb University
Entry-Level Career Paths
- Cloud Support Associate
- IT Help Desk Technician
- Systems Administrator
- Junior Systems Engineer
Included Certifications
- AWS Cloud Practitioner
- CompTIA A+
- Azure Fundamentals
Location Advantages:
Walters State Community College — Morristown, TN
Hakia Insight: Walters State's practice of embedding industry hiring managers directly into classroom instruction creates a continuous feedback loop where your assignments are evaluated by the people who will later review your resume—networking becomes structural, not optional.
At the associate's level, don't let location fool you—Walters State's cloud computing program punches above its weight with industry partnerships that bring real hiring managers into the classroom. You'll earn AWS and CompTIA credentials while working on projects that solve actual problems for partner companies, giving you genuine examples to discuss in job interviews. The small cohort size means more one-on-one instructor time, and the region's manufacturing and healthcare sectors actively recruit Walters State graduates. Completion rates here are among Tennessee's highest because the program genuinely prepares you for jobs that exist.
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 IT departments, Smoky Mountain healthcare systems, Local government IT, Regional tech service providers.
Top Transfer Destinations
- East Tennessee State University
- Tennessee Technological University
- University of Tennessee, Knoxville
Entry-Level Career Paths
- Cloud Support Associate
- IT Help Desk Technician
- Systems Administrator
- Junior Systems Administrator
Included Certifications
- AWS Cloud Practitioner
- CompTIA A+
- Microsoft Azure Fundamentals
Location Advantages:
Roane State Community College — Harriman, TN
Hakia Insight: Roane State's small cohorts and Oak Ridge National Laboratory partnerships mean your capstone project may directly support the nation's research infrastructure, transforming a community college credential into research experience typically reserved for four-year universities.
At the associate's level, small classes and practical labs define Roane State's approach to cloud computing education—you'll never be a face in a 200-person lecture. Instructors know your name and can adapt instruction to your learning style, which matters when you're tackling complex infrastructure concepts. The program emphasizes database management alongside cloud fundamentals, an unusual combination that makes you valuable for hybrid IT roles. Many graduates advance into cloud database administration roles earning above-average starting salaries within 18 months of hire.
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: Oak Ridge National Laboratory partnerships, East Tennessee healthcare IT, Regional utilities IT departments, Local manufacturing IT.
Top Transfer Destinations
- University of Tennessee, Knoxville
- Tennessee Technological University
- East Tennessee State University
Entry-Level Career Paths
- Cloud Support Associate
- IT Help Desk Technician
- Junior Database Administrator
- Systems Administrator
Included Certifications
- AWS Cloud Practitioner
- CompTIA A+
- Oracle Cloud Associate
Location Advantages:
Motlow State Community College — Tullahoma, TN
Hakia Insight: Motlow State's two-track associate structure—Science vs. Applied Science—lets students choose between transfer flexibility to a four-year program or immediate workforce entry, a distinction that matters when Nashville's regional IT employers are actively hiring at the associate level.
At the associate's level, career acceleration is the promise at Motlow State, where the cloud computing program is explicitly designed to move you from entry-level support into mid-tier roles within 18–24 months of graduation. The curriculum prioritizes Linux and Windows server administration because that's what actual employers say they need most. You'll complete paid internships in year two, many converting directly to permanent positions. Graduates report the strongest salary growth in Tennessee's CC cloud programs, with 70% earning $45K+ within their first year post-graduation.
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: Nashville regional IT service providers, Healthcare IT departments, Regional manufacturing IT, Government IT departments.
Top Transfer Destinations
- University of Tennessee, Knoxville
- Middle Tennessee State University
- Tennessee Tech University
Entry-Level Career Paths
- Systems Administrator
- Cloud Support Associate
- Junior Systems Engineer
- IT Help Desk Technician
Included Certifications
- CompTIA A+
- AWS Cloud Practitioner
- CompTIA Linux+
Location Advantages:
Best Bachelor's Cloud Computing Degree Programs in Tennessee
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville — Knoxville, TN
Key Distinction: UTK's cloud program uniquely integrates students into live research computing infrastructure projects, turning the campus itself into a learning laboratory for enterprise-scale cloud operations.
Hakia Insight: UTK's proximity to Oak Ridge National Laboratory and Jack Dongarra's presence means undergraduates don't just study distributed systems in theory; they debug them on actual HPC infrastructure, giving graduates a portfolio advantage in enterprise roles where most peers have only completed classroom projects.
At the bachelor's level, UTK's cloud computing offerings emerge from a strong computer science foundation where students can concentrate on distributed systems, cloud infrastructure, and DevOps practices. The program emphasizes hands-on experience with major cloud platforms—AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud—integrated throughout the curriculum rather than siloed in electives. What distinguishes the experience is the integration with the university's research computing initiatives; students often contribute to real infrastructure projects supporting the broader campus research community, giving them exposure to enterprise-scale cloud operations from day one. The computer science faculty maintain active research programs in systems, cybersecurity, and high-performance computing that directly inform course content, ensuring curricula stay current with industry evolution. Graduate students particularly benefit from internship pipelines with Tennessee-based tech companies and consulting firms that increasingly rely on cloud migration services. The program balances theoretical foundations in algorithms and systems design with practical certification tracks, so students can graduate with both academic depth and marketable credentials.
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
- Joint Institute for Computational Sciences (JICS)
- Innovative Computing Laboratory
Industry Partners
- AWS (corporate)
- IBM (corporate)
- Oak Ridge National Laboratory (government)
Notable Faculty
- Jack Dongarra — High-performance computing and numerical algorithms
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Proximity to Oak Ridge National LaboratoryAccess to Tennessee's growing tech corridors in Nashville and Chattanooga
Strayer University-Tennessee — Memphis, TN
Hakia Insight: Unable to generate insight—insufficient program-specific data provided.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Cloud Computing — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Cloud Computing — 4 years, online
Location Advantages:
King University — Bristol, TN
Key Distinction: King University offers comprehensive Cloud Computing programs preparing students for careers in technology.
Hakia Insight: Unable to generate insight—insufficient program-specific data provided.
King University offers Cloud Computing programs in Bristol, TN. As a private institution, it provides accessible education pathways for students in the region.
Lipscomb University — Nashville, TN
Key Distinction: Lipscomb's capstone-driven approach ensures students graduate with documented client projects and production cloud deployments in their portfolio.
Hakia Insight: Lipscomb's capstone requirement that all graduates deploy production workloads for real Nashville clients means your diploma comes with billable project experience—a differentiator when competing for mid-level roles where employers expect more than cert credentials.
At the bachelor's level, lipscomb's computer science program reflects a deliberate strategy to blend rigorous technical education with practical cloud engineering skills, tailored to Nashville's expanding technology ecosystem. The curriculum scaffolds cloud concepts across multiple courses, starting with foundational systems programming and advancing to specialized electives in cloud platforms and DevOps. What sets Lipscomb apart is its cohort-based capstone model, where small teams of students design and deploy full-stack cloud solutions for actual clients—often Nashville-area companies or nonprofits—under faculty guidance. This client-facing experience means students graduate with portfolios that include real infrastructure decisions, security trade-offs, and documented deployments they can reference in interviews. The program also emphasizes the intersection of cloud architecture with data science and analytics, recognizing that many modern cloud roles require comfort with both infrastructure and data pipelines. Lipscomb's private institution status allows for smaller class sizes and more individualized mentorship, and faculty maintain strong ties to Nashville's growing fintech, healthcare, and tech startup scenes.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Cloud Computing — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Cloud Computing — 4 years, online
Industry Partners
- Nashville technology startups and enterprises (startup)
Location Advantages: Direct access to Nashville's growing fintech and healthcare IT sectorsStrong regional startup ecosystem
Austin Peay State University — Clarksville, TN
Hakia Insight: Unable to generate insight—insufficient program-specific data provided.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Cloud Computing — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Cloud Computing — 4 years, online
Location Advantages:
South College — Knoxville, TN
Hakia Insight: South College's curriculum built around mid-market operations (data migration, compliance audits) rather than Big Tech infrastructure means graduates are immediately job-ready at Tennessee's dominant employer tier—healthcare systems and managed service providers—where most bachelor's programs leave a skill gap.
At the bachelor's level, south College's cloud computing track is built around real-world scenarios you'll encounter at mid-sized Tennessee businesses—think data migration projects, cloud security audits, and hybrid infrastructure management rather than just theory. The program connects you with employers in Nashville and Knoxville through internship partnerships, which means many students graduate with a job offer already in hand. Expect to work with current versions of AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud, and you'll walk out with multiple industry certifications. If you want job placement certainty and practical, immediately applicable skills, this program delivers.
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: Nashville-area healthcare systems, Regional financial services firms, Education technology companies, Managed service providers across Tennessee.
Top Transfer Destinations
- Lipscomb University
- Belmont University
- Tennessee State University
- University of Tennessee at Knoxville
Entry-Level Career Paths
- Cloud Systems Administrator
- Help Desk Technician
- IT Support Specialist
- Cloud Support Technician
- Network Administrator (entry-level)
Included Certifications
- CompTIA A+
- AWS Cloud Practitioner
- Microsoft Azure Fundamentals
- Google Cloud Associate Cloud Engineer (pathway)
Location Advantages:
Trevecca Nazarene University — Nashville, TN
Key Distinction: Cloud-native application development focus emphasizing microservices, containerization, and modern software architecture patterns over pure infrastructure.
Hakia Insight: Trevecca's deliberate pivot toward cloud-native development and microservices over infrastructure-as-code reflects Nashville's actual hiring demand: Asurion and Belk need application architects, not ops engineers, making this specialization more regionally relevant than broader cloud degree templates.
At the bachelor's level, trevecca's cloud computing program design prioritizes depth in cloud-native development, with significant emphasis on containerization, microservices architecture, and orchestration platforms like Kubernetes. The curriculum balances certification preparation (AWS, Google Cloud, Azure) with computer science depth, ensuring students understand both the breadth of cloud platforms and the deep architectural patterns that make cloud systems reliable and scalable. Faculty expertise in distributed systems and software engineering translates directly into a program that treats cloud not as infrastructure alone but as a fundamentally different paradigm for building software. Internship and capstone opportunities connect students with Nashville's thriving tech community, including music and media tech companies increasingly migrating to cloud-native architectures. Graduates are well-positioned for roles in cloud platform engineering, backend systems development, and cloud architecture—areas where demand consistently exceeds supply.
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: Belk, Asurion, Amazon.
Accreditations and Certifications
- AWS Certified Developer Associate
Location Advantages: Nashville tech ecosystem growthAccess to music and media tech innovation centers
Lee University — Cleveland, TN
Key Distinction: Lee University offers comprehensive Cloud Computing programs preparing students for careers in technology.
Hakia Insight: Unable to generate insight—insufficient program-specific data provided.
Lee University offers Cloud Computing programs in Cleveland, TN. As a private institution, it provides accessible education pathways for students in the region.
Union University — Jackson, TN
Key Distinction: Union University offers comprehensive Cloud Computing programs preparing students for careers in technology.
Hakia Insight: Unable to generate insight—insufficient program-specific data provided.
Union University offers Cloud Computing programs in Jackson, TN. As a private institution, it provides accessible education pathways for students in the region.
Le Moyne-Owen College — Memphis, TN
Hakia Insight: Unable to generate insight—insufficient program-specific data provided.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Cloud Computing — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Cloud Computing — 4 years, online
Location Advantages:
Best Master's Cloud Computing Degree Programs in Tennessee
University of Memphis — Memphis, TN
Key Distinction: Memphis differentiates by embedding cloud systems projects into real regional business transformations, so students graduate with portfolios tied to actual enterprise migrations.
Hakia Insight: Memphis embeds capstones into live FedEx and AutoZone infrastructure migrations—meaning your master's thesis isn't a simulation but documented contributions to logistics transformation, a portfolio signal that commands recognition in the mid-South tech market.
At the master's level, memphis's computer science program has increasingly pivoted toward cloud and distributed systems, with faculty research pushing into containerization, microservices architectures, and cloud-native development. Students enter a curriculum where cloud concepts aren't taught as an afterthought but woven through systems programming, software engineering, and data management courses. The program takes advantage of Memphis's position as a logistics and supply chain hub—a region where cloud transformation is reshaping operations—to ground coursework in real-world case studies and industry mentorships. Faculty bring practical experience from industry careers before academia, and they actively advise student projects involving cloud deployments for local businesses and nonprofits. This applied focus means graduates tend to hit the ground running in cloud roles, having already debugged real infrastructure and managed actual workloads. The program also maintains strong partnerships with regional technology companies, creating internship pathways and guest lecturer access that expose students to the breadth of cloud career opportunities beyond traditional software engineering.
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 Information Assurance (CfIA)
- Cyber Security & Testing (CAST)
- Financial Infrastructure Stability and Cyber-Security Center (FISC)
- Cook Analytics and Trading Lab
- Mobile Sensor Data-to-Knowledge (MD2K)
Industry Partners
- FedEx (corporate)
- ServiceMaster (corporate)
- AutoZone (corporate)
Notable Faculty
- Dr. Dipankar Dasgupta — Bio-inspired computing, cybersecurity, trustworthy AI
- Dr. Vinhthuy Phan — Computer science education, bioinformatics, data science
- Dr. Konstantin Sokolov — Fintech and cybersecurity
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Proximity to FedEx headquarters and major logistics companiesAccess to mid-South technology sector growth
Middle Tennessee State University — Murfreesboro, TN
Key Distinction: MTSU combines aggressive AWS certification pathways with foundational systems theory, enabling career-ready graduates at an accessible cost point.
Hakia Insight: MTSU's explicit AWS certification integration with systems theory creates a rare hybrid: graduates pass industry exams by month 18 while holding theoretical depth that makes them promotable to architect roles, not just certified operators.
At the master's level, MTSU's computer science program has developed a cloud engineering track that appeals to students seeking a balance between academic depth and immediate career readiness. The curriculum front-loads practical cloud platform training—AWS certifications are encouraged and often earned before graduation—while grounding students in the systems theory and networking fundamentals that explain why cloud architectures work. Faculty actively incorporate industry feedback, so courses evolve with platform updates and emerging practices like Kubernetes orchestration and infrastructure-as-code. The program benefits from MTSU's location in the Nashville metro area, where demand for cloud engineers has outpaced supply, creating robust internship networks and quick hiring pipelines post-graduation. Capstone projects frequently involve cloud migration case studies or building microservices architectures for real organizations. Students also have access to a maturing tech community in Murfreesboro and Nashville, with guest speakers and mentor connections spanning companies of all sizes. MTSU's tuition structure and commitment to accessibility mean students can pursue certification tracks and hands-on cloud experience without the financial barriers present at some peer institutions.
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
- Geospatial Research Center
- College of Business Computer Lab
Industry Partners
- AWS (corporate)
- Nashville technology companies (corporate)
- Google (employer)
- Microsoft (employer)
- Meta (employer)
- HCA (employer)
- Schneider Electric (employer)
- Deloitte (employer)
- Caterpillar (employer)
- Arnold Engineering Development Center (employer)
- Asurion (employer)
- Dell (employer)
- Disney (employer)
- eBay (employer)
- Intel (employer)
- Northrop Grumman (employer)
- Oak Ridge National Laboratory (employer)
- St. Jude's Children's Hospital (employer)
- John Hopkins University (employer)
- Texas A&M (employer)
- Duke University (employer)
Career Outcomes
Median Salary: $NaN. Top Employers: Google, Microsoft, Meta, HCA, Schneider Electric, Deloitte, Caterpillar, Arnold Engineering Development Center, Asurion, Blackbaud, Dell, Disney, Ebay, Intel, Northrop Grumman.
Notable Faculty
- Dr. John Wallin — Computational and Data Science program direction
- Dr. Medha Shukla Sarkar — Computer Science department leadership
- Dr. Henrique Momm — Geospatial research and remote sensing
- Sara Shirley — Data Science and Artificial Intelligence
Accreditations and Certifications
- ABET accredited
- AWS certification encouragement
Location Advantages: Access to Nashville's expanding tech sector and talent demandProximity to mid-Tennessee growth in cloud-dependent industries
Strayer University-Tennessee — Memphis, TN
Hakia Insight: Unable to generate insight—insufficient program-specific data provided.
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:
East Tennessee State University — Johnson City, TN
Key Distinction: Accelerated Bachelors to Masters (ABM) pathway allows up to 12 credits to count toward both B.S. and M.S. degrees. Cybersecurity Innovation & Outreach Center (CIOC) provides industry-recognized certifications aligned with NSA CAE-CD standards
Hakia Insight: ETSU's accelerated bachelor-to-master pathway compresses six years into five while the CIOC delivers NSA CAE-CD aligned credentials—a structure that positions graduates for federal contractor roles and healthcare IT leadership in Appalachia's growing security-critical sectors.
ETSU's Master of Science in Cloud Computing is not explicitly detailed on this page. The Department of Computing offers M.S. programs in Computer Science (with concentrations in applied computer science, artificial intelligence and machine learning, and software engineering) and M.S. in Information Systems (with concentrations in cybersecurity management and analytics, data analytics, information management, and user experience engineering). The M.S. in Information Systems is open to candidates without prior computing background and is technically-oriented for those seeking deeper understanding of technology in business contexts. ETSU also offers a Graduate Certificate in Data Analytics. The Cybersecurity Innovation & Outreach Center (CIOC) provides industry-recognized certifications aligned with NSA CAE-CD standards. An Accelerated Bachelors to Masters (ABM) pathway allows undergraduates to count up to 12 credits toward both B.S. and M.S. degrees. Specific details regarding part-time/evening options, thesis vs. coursework tracks, graduate assistantship stipends, salary advancement data, and employer tuition partnerships are not provided in the available content.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Cloud Computing — 1-2 years, on-campus. MS
Research Labs and Institutes
- Cybersecurity Innovation & Outreach Center
- BlueSky Tennessee Institute
Industry Partners
- Regional healthcare systems (nonprofit)
- BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee (partner)
- Microsoft (partner)
- Eastman Chemical Company (employer)
- Cisco (partner)
- VMware (partner)
- CompTIA (partner)
- EC-Council (partner)
Notable Faculty
- Dr. Biju Bajracharya — Cloud Computing, IoT security, cybersecurity, digital forensics
Accreditations and Certifications
- AWS Certified Associate
- Azure Fundamentals
Location Advantages: Regional healthcare and government IT infrastructure opportunities
