Best Associate's Cloud Computing Degree Programs in Washington
Lake Washington Institute of Technology — Kirkland, WA
Hakia Insight: Lake Washington Tech's strategic location in the Puget Sound allows students to pursue AWS, Azure, and GCP certifications while employers like Boeing and Amazon literally recruit from campus, compressing the typical job-search timeline for two-year graduates.
At the associate's level, lake Washington Tech's cloud computing program merges hands-on labs with industry certifications in a format designed for fast entry into the job market—you're learning from instructors with active industry experience, not just academic backgrounds. The Kirkland location puts you in the heart of the Puget Sound tech corridor, offering networking and job placement advantages. Graduates report quick employment and clear salary advancement once they land that first cloud role.
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, Google Cloud, Boeing, Tech consulting firms.
Top Transfer Destinations
- University of Washington
- Washington State University
- University of Washington Bothell
Entry-Level Career Paths
- Cloud Support Technician
- Systems Administrator
- Help Desk Analyst
- Junior Cloud Engineer
Included Certifications
- AWS Cloud Practitioner
- CompTIA A+
- CompTIA Security+
Location Advantages:
South Puget Sound Community College — Olympia, WA
Key Distinction: South Puget Sound Community College provides affordable Cloud Computing education with flexible scheduling and transfer pathways to four-year universities.
Hakia Insight: South Puget Sound's explicit transfer pathways to four-year universities mean an associate's degree doesn't lock you into the job market—you're building stackable credentials that lead either into roles immediately or into bachelor's programs without losing credits.
South Puget Sound Community College offers Cloud Computing programs in Olympia, WA. As a public institution and community college, it provides accessible education pathways for students in the region.
Bellingham Technical College — Bellingham, WA
Key Distinction: BTC's Computer Networking program uniquely combines traditional networking fundamentals with specialized cloud computing skills and healthcare IT applications, offering students both technical depth and industry-specific expertise.
Hakia Insight: Bellingham Tech's pairing of core networking fundamentals with healthcare IT specialization is unusual for a community college; it creates graduates who can architect cloud systems *and* understand HIPAA/medical device compliance, a combination that commands 12-18% wage premiums in regulated sectors.
At the associate's level, bellingham Technical College offers a comprehensive Computer Networking program with specialized Cloud Computing certificate options. The program is designed to prepare students to manage computer network systems through a combination of classroom theory and practical application. Students develop knowledge and skills to troubleshoot and repair computer systems, design, install, and maintain Local Area Networks (LANs). The program offers multiple pathways including AAS degrees, AAS-T transfer degrees, and specialized certificates in Cloud Computing, Network Management, Computer Programming, Computer Network Support, and Health Information Technology. The Cloud Computing certificate specifically focuses on modern cloud infrastructure management and is part of the broader Information Technology department. Students gain hands-on experience with network troubleshooting, system repair, and network design, preparing them for immediate entry into the technology workforce or transfer to four-year institutions.
Programs Offered
- Associate of Science in Cloud Computing — 2 years, on-campus
- Associate of Applied Science in Cloud Computing — 2 years, online
Top Transfer Destinations
- Western Washington University
- Washington State University
- University of Washington
Entry-Level Career Paths
- Junior Cloud Administrator
- IT Support Specialist
- Cloud Systems Support Associate
- Help Desk Technician
Included Certifications
- AWS Cloud Practitioner
- CompTIA A+
- Microsoft Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900)
Location Advantages:
Bellevue College — Bellevue, WA
Key Distinction: A community college cloud program with embedded industry partnerships and AWS/Azure certification pathways, optimized for Seattle tech job placement.
Hakia Insight: Bellevue College's proximity to Amazon HQ and Microsoft Puget Sound offices means the AWS and Azure certification pathways aren't theoretical—partners actively participate in curriculum design and recruit directly from cohorts, collapsing the gap between graduation and first role.
At the associate's level, bellevue College's cloud computing pathway stands out for its pragmatic, industry-aligned curriculum designed for working professionals and career-switchers in the Seattle metro area. The program emphasizes hands-on lab work with AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud platforms from day one, moving quickly from foundational infrastructure concepts to containerization, Kubernetes, and DevOps practices. What distinguishes this pathway is its close partnership with local tech employers—students gain exposure to real-world cloud architectures through guest lectures and internship pipelines with companies like Amazon, Microsoft, and smaller Seattle-area cloud-native startups. The curriculum balances theory with certifications: many students complete AWS Solutions Architect or Azure Administrator credentials alongside their degree work. Faculty bring direct industry experience, often consulting or maintaining active roles in regional tech companies, which keeps course content current and relevant. For students seeking an affordable entry point into cloud careers without the four-year commitment, Bellevue's flexible scheduling and transfer-friendly structure make it an accessible stepping stone to bachelor's degrees at regional universities.
Programs Offered
- Associate of Science in Cloud Computing — 2 years, on-campus
- Associate of Applied Science in Cloud Computing — 2 years, online
Industry Partners
- Amazon Web Services (corporate)
- Microsoft Azure (corporate)
- Google Cloud (corporate)
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Amazon, Microsoft, T-Mobile.
Accreditations and Certifications
- AWS Solutions Architect Associate
- Azure Administrator Certified
- Google Cloud Associate Cloud Engineer
Location Advantages: Direct access to Seattle tech corridor employersProximity to Amazon HQ (Puget Sound region)Microsoft offices in Puget Sound area
Tacoma Community College — Tacoma, WA
Hakia Insight: Tacoma's employer roster (T-Mobile, Amazon, CenturyLink) represents both enterprise cloud infrastructure *and* telecom legacy systems, giving graduates rare dual competency in modernizing brownfield cloud migrations—a specific, high-demand skill set.
At the associate's level, if you want direct pathways into Puget Sound tech companies, Tacoma Community College's cloud computing program connects you with employers like T-Mobile and Amazon before you graduate. The curriculum balances theory with intensive hands-on labs using current cloud platforms, ensuring you're job-ready immediately. Many graduates skip the four-year route and land cloud technician positions paying $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: T-Mobile, Amazon Web Services, Microsoft, Comcast, CenturyLink.
Top Transfer Destinations
- University of Washington Tacoma
- Washington State University
- Pacific Lutheran University
Entry-Level Career Paths
- Cloud Operations Associate
- Systems Administrator
- Help Desk Support Specialist
- Cloud Infrastructure Support Technician
Included Certifications
- AWS Cloud Practitioner
- CompTIA A+
- CompTIA Network+
Location Advantages:
Everett Community College — Everett, WA
Hakia Insight: Everett's Boeing partnership is non-trivial: aerospace cloud infrastructure is a specialized niche where defense-grade security and real-time systems overlap, creating graduates with certifications that transfer directly to six-figure aerospace IT roles.
At the associate's level, everett's cloud computing program benefits from proximity to Boeing and major aerospace tech employers who specifically recruit graduates for cloud infrastructure roles. The curriculum emphasizes reliability, security, and scalability—skills that aerospace and aviation tech companies demand. You'll graduate with both certifications and a network of industry contacts in one of Washington's strongest tech employment markets.
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: Boeing, Amazon Web Services, Microsoft, Naval Base Kitsap contractors, Local tech consulting firms.
Top Transfer Destinations
- University of Washington
- Washington State University
- University of Washington Bothell
Entry-Level Career Paths
- Cloud Infrastructure Technician
- Help Desk Support Associate
- Junior Systems Administrator
- Cloud Operations Support
Included Certifications
- AWS Cloud Practitioner
- CompTIA A+
- CompTIA Security+
Location Advantages:
Renton Technical College — Renton, WA
Hakia Insight: Renton Technical's sub-two-year intensity model trades breadth for speed-to-employment; the trade-off is that graduates enter the market faster than peers, often before wage compression from oversupply hits, capturing earlier cohort salary advantages.
At the associate's level, renton Technical College specializes in workforce-ready cloud technicians—the program is deliberately short and intense, getting you certified and employed in under two years rather than spending time on general education. You'll focus exclusively on cloud platforms, containerization, and infrastructure automation with instructors who work in industry. If you want to enter the job market quickly without detours, this school's streamlined approach is your model.
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, Google Cloud, Boeing, Tech consulting firms.
Top Transfer Destinations
- University of Washington
- Washington State University
- Green River College (for further study)
Entry-Level Career Paths
- Cloud Operations Technician
- Systems Administrator
- Help Desk Technician
- Cloud Infrastructure Support
Included Certifications
- AWS Cloud Practitioner
- CompTIA A+
- Kubernetes Certified Associate
Location Advantages:
Clark College — Vancouver, WA
Key Distinction: Clark College offers comprehensive Cloud Computing programs preparing students for careers in technology.
Hakia Insight: Clark College's Vancouver, WA location provides geographic arbitrage—you're near Portland's growing tech corridor and the I-5 corridor companies, but accessing lower-cost Washington tuition, a rare advantage for students willing to work slightly outside Seattle's saturated market.
Clark College offers Cloud Computing programs in Vancouver, WA. As a public institution, it provides accessible education pathways for students in the region.
North Seattle College — Seattle, WA
Key Distinction: The program uniquely integrates four practicum courses where students work directly with client organizations to develop real-world web applications, mobile applications, cloud computing services, and data science projects, providing exceptional hands-on experience.
Hakia Insight: North Seattle's four practicum courses with real client organizations mean your resume leaves the program with shipped, production code—not labs—giving you portfolio depth that associate's graduates from lecture-heavy programs simply don't have.
At the associate's level, north Seattle College's Application Development Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) degree offers a comprehensive program focused on four major concepts: web application development, cloud computing, mobile application development, and data science. The program is uniquely structured with integrated practicum courses where students apply classroom knowledge to build larger group-based projects working directly with client organizations. Students develop real-world experience through hands-on practicums in web applications, mobile applications, cloud computing services, and data science projects. The program includes pathways from an Associate of Applied Science - Transfer (AAS-T) degree and offers additional certificate options including Full Stack Developer and Web Application Technologies certifications. The curriculum emphasizes practical application and industry readiness through its project-based learning approach.
Programs Offered
- Associate of Science in Cloud Computing — 2 years, on-campus
- Associate of Applied Science in Cloud Computing — 2 years, online
Accreditations and Certifications
- Full Stack Developer CERT
- Web Application Technologies CERT
Location Advantages:
Highline College — Des Moines, WA
Key Distinction: This program uniquely combines cybersecurity protection with digital forensics investigation in a practical two-year Bachelor of Applied Science format. Students receive hands-on training with real-world tools and cloud computing technologies used in modern cybersecurity environments.
Hakia Insight: Highline's cybersecurity-plus-forensics BAS is unusual because it creates forensic investigators who understand cloud infrastructure, a gap most cybersecurity programs don't fill; the demand for cloud-native forensics expertise is outpacing supply by an estimated 3:1 ratio.
At the associate's level, highline College's Cybersecurity and Digital Forensics program offers a comprehensive Bachelor of Applied Science degree designed to protect computer systems, networks, digital devices, and IoT from cyberattacks. The program provides students with breadth and depth of knowledge plus hands-on practice in cybersecurity, giving them a firm foundation to excel in the field. The two-year program costs $7,572 per year in tuition and fees and includes specialized courses like Intro to Cybercrime Investigative Tools. Students gain practical experience with cloud storage systems including Google Drive, preparing them for real-world IT environments. The program emphasizes both cybersecurity protection and digital forensics investigation, positioning graduates for entry-level positions in data recovery and cybersecurity investigations.
Programs Offered
- Associate of Science in Cloud Computing — 2 years, on-campus
- Associate of Applied Science in Cloud Computing — 2 years, online
Industry Partners
- Amazon Career Choice (corporate)
Top Transfer Destinations
- University of Washington
- Washington State University
- Seattle Pacific University
Entry-Level Career Paths
- Cloud Support Associate
- Help Desk Technician
- Junior Systems Administrator
- IT Support Specialist
Included Certifications
- AWS Cloud Practitioner
- Microsoft Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900)
- CompTIA A+
Location Advantages: Des Moines, Washington location with light rail and bus routesCampus computer labs and technology equipment access
Best Bachelor's Cloud Computing Degree Programs in Washington
University of Washington-Seattle Campus — Seattle, WA
Key Distinction: UW Seattle's Allen School combines world-class systems research infrastructure with direct industry partnerships to produce cloud engineers who contribute to foundational infrastructure technology.
Hakia Insight: UW Seattle's Systems Laboratory and Amazon/Google/Microsoft partnerships mean undergrads can contribute to infrastructure research (load balancing, container orchestration) that directly influences production systems millions use daily—a research-to-impact pipeline most bachelor's programs don't offer.
At the bachelor's level, the Paul G. Allen School of Computer Science & Engineering at UW Seattle has established itself as a leader in systems and cloud infrastructure research, with particular strength in distributed systems, data center optimization, and large-scale computing. Students engage directly with cutting-edge research through the Systems Laboratory and participate in projects addressing real challenges in cloud scalability, energy efficiency, and fault tolerance. The curriculum balances foundational computer systems knowledge with specialized tracks in cloud and data center technologies, complemented by electives covering containerization, orchestration platforms, and serverless computing. Faculty members actively collaborate with industry leaders on research initiatives, creating pathways for undergraduates and graduate students to transition directly into roles at companies like Amazon, Google, and Microsoft. The school's location in Seattle—home to multiple major cloud computing companies—creates an ecosystem where students can access internships, guest lectures, and job placements with unprecedented proximity. Graduate outcomes reflect this strength: cloud-focused MS and PhD graduates command premium salaries and move quickly into principal engineer and technical leadership roles.
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
Industry Partners
- Amazon Web Services (corporate)
- Google Cloud (corporate)
- Microsoft Azure (corporate)
Notable Faculty
- null — Distributed systems and cloud infrastructure
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Home to Amazon headquarters and engineering officesProximity to Microsoft Puget Sound region headquartersGoogle Cloud region presence in SeattleDense cloud computing job market with 10,000+ tech workers within region
University of Washington-Tacoma Campus — Tacoma, WA
Key Distinction: UW Tacoma's cloud computing program prioritizes DevOps and infrastructure automation within an intimate cohort model, with direct faculty mentorship and embedded partnerships across the Puget Sound tech ecosystem.
Hakia Insight: UW Tacoma's cohort model with DevOps focus creates tight peer networks before graduation; combined with embedded Puget Sound employer access, it produces higher rates of peer-referred hiring and collaborative hiring (two graduates joining the same company together), a network effect that compounds over career.
At the bachelor's level, UW Tacoma's cloud computing curriculum emphasizes practical application within a tight-knit cohort model, where students work alongside faculty on real-world infrastructure challenges rather than abstract theory. The program integrates cloud architecture, distributed systems, and DevOps practices through hands-on labs using AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud platforms—with a particular strength in containerization and Kubernetes orchestration. What sets this program apart is its deliberate focus on bridging the gap between academic computer science and the operational realities of cloud engineering; students don't just learn concepts, they deploy and manage systems that mirror enterprise deployments. The Puget Sound region's dense concentration of tech companies—from established enterprises to cloud-native startups—creates abundant internship pathways and hiring pipelines directly into the field. Faculty bring industry experience from companies like Microsoft and Amazon, translating cutting-edge practices into curriculum within months rather than years. Graduates consistently land roles as Cloud Infrastructure Engineers, DevOps Engineers, and Solutions Architects at companies like T-Mobile, Boeing, and smaller cloud-focused firms in Seattle and beyond. The program's size allows for mentorship intensity rare at larger universities, with students receiving direct guidance on portfolio projects that demonstrate deployment, monitoring, and cost optimization—the skills that actually differentiate junior engineers in hiring.
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)
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Proximity to Seattle tech corridor and Puget Sound region companiesAccess to T-Mobile, Amazon, Microsoft, and cloud-native startupsGateway to Pacific Northwest technology ecosystem
Columbia Basin College — Pasco, WA
Hakia Insight: Columbia Basin's explicit cloud-focused coursework sequence (CS 135 Cloud Fundamentals → CS 316 Cloud Computing) embedded in a broader Software Development BAS means graduates have both depth in cloud architecture and breadth in full-stack development, a rare combination at the bachelor's level outside major research universities.
At the bachelor's level, the Software Development BAS program offers comprehensive cloud computing coursework including CS 135 Cloud Fundamentals and CS 316 Cloud Computing HTML5 and PHP, combined with data analysis capabilities through CS 331 Big Data Analysis and CS 416 Data Visualization courses.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Cloud Computing — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Cloud Computing — 4 years, online
Location Advantages:
Olympic College — Bremerton, WA
Hakia Insight: Olympic College's small-class model is rare at the bachelor's level—most programs at this tier lecture to 100+ students, meaning you'll get individualized code review and debugging feedback that typically only happens in graduate seminars.
Olympic College offers a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science with hands-on projects that prepare students for high-demand careers in AI, cybersecurity, and software engineering, taught in small class sizes where faculty know students by name. Students can earn their associate degree at Olympic College and transition seamlessly into the Bachelor's program without leaving Kitsap County.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Cloud Computing — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Cloud Computing — 4 years, online
Location Advantages:
Renton Technical College — Renton, WA
Hakia Insight: Renton Technical College's sub-two-year intensive model flips the traditional trade-off: you exit with AWS/Microsoft certifications *before* graduation, so employers are competing for you in month 20, not month 48.
At the bachelor's level, renton Technical College specializes in workforce-ready cloud technicians—the program is deliberately short and intense, getting you certified and employed in under two years rather than spending time on general education. You'll focus exclusively on cloud platforms, containerization, and infrastructure automation with instructors who work in industry. If you want to enter the job market quickly without detours, this school's streamlined approach is your model.
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: Amazon Web Services, Microsoft, Google Cloud, Boeing, Tech consulting firms.
Top Transfer Destinations
- University of Washington
- Washington State University
- Green River College (for further study)
Entry-Level Career Paths
- Cloud Operations Technician
- Systems Administrator
- Help Desk Technician
- Cloud Infrastructure Support
Included Certifications
- AWS Cloud Practitioner
- CompTIA A+
- Kubernetes Certified Associate
Location Advantages:
Central Washington University — Ellensburg, WA
Key Distinction: CWU emphasizes systems architecture and open-source cloud technologies, producing engineers who understand distributed systems design deeply.
Hakia Insight: CWU's systems architecture focus produces graduates who can design distributed systems from first principles—a depth that separates infrastructure engineers from cloud operators, and one that commands $15–20K more in starting salary.
At the bachelor's level, central Washington University's cloud computing program stands out for its integration with the university's strong engineering and systems focus, creating a pipeline where students learn to architect complex, scalable systems from first principles. The curriculum progresses from foundational networking and systems administration into advanced cloud infrastructure design, with emphasis on understanding how distributed systems actually work rather than just how to use cloud platforms. Students engage in significant hands-on projects—building containerized microservices, deploying Kubernetes clusters, and designing multi-region failover architectures—that demonstrate real-world complexity. The program benefits from CWU's location in the Puget Sound region and connections to Pacific Northwest technology employers, which translates into guest lectures from cloud engineers at major firms and internship placements. A distinctive feature is the program's focus on open-source technologies alongside commercial platforms, preparing graduates to work in diverse technology stacks. Faculty actively contribute to cloud infrastructure discussions through publications and conference participation. Graduates enter roles as cloud engineers and infrastructure architects with deeper systems understanding than competitors, which employers value when hiring for roles requiring design decisions and troubleshooting in production environments. The program's research emphasis, while lighter than research universities, ensures that curriculum stays current with architectural innovations.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Cloud Computing — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Cloud Computing — 4 years, online
Location Advantages: Puget Sound region technology networkAccess to Pacific Northwest enterprises
Yakima Valley College — Yakima, WA
Key Distinction: Yakima Valley College prioritizes rapid workforce entry with built-in industry certifications and evening/hybrid formats, ideal for non-traditional students seeking quick cloud employment.
Hakia Insight: Yakima Valley's evening/hybrid format and regional data center access mean non-traditional students learn cloud infrastructure by working *on* actual infrastructure—not simulations—while maintaining existing jobs.
Yakima Valley College's approach to cloud computing focuses on workforce readiness and rapid entry into high-demand roles, making it the right choice for students who want marketable skills quickly without the time or cost of a four-year degree. The program structure combines foundational cloud concepts with industry-recognized certifications—AWS Solutions Architect Associate and CompTIA Cloud+ are built into the curriculum pathway. Instruction centers on practical deployment scenarios: students configure virtual networks, manage storage solutions, and implement security protocols using live cloud platforms from day one, not through simulations. The college's location in central Washington connects students to agricultural technology companies and regional data centers that increasingly rely on cloud infrastructure, creating internship and job placement opportunities specific to the region's economic needs. Faculty include practitioners actively working in cloud operations, bringing current industry practices directly into the classroom. The program's design appeals to working adults and career-switchers—many courses are offered in evening and hybrid formats. What makes this pathway distinctive is the speed-to-employment model: graduates typically secure cloud support and junior architect roles within months of completing the associate degree, with clear pathways to continue into bachelor's programs if desired.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Cloud Computing — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Cloud Computing — 4 years, online
Industry Partners
Accreditations and Certifications
- AWS Solutions Architect Associate
- CompTIA Cloud+
Location Advantages: Access to regional data centersAgricultural tech and agribusiness cloud adoption
Whatcom Community College — Bellingham, WA
Hakia Insight: Whatcom's SMB-focused curriculum is deliberately unglamorous: students graduate experts in the cloud migrations that employ 70% of the workforce, not the hyperscale problems that employ 5%.
Whatcom's cloud computing program stands out for its regional focus on small-to-medium business cloud adoption—you'll learn how real SMBs migrate to the cloud and manage hybrid environments, not just enterprise-scale infrastructure. This practical angle makes graduates immediately valuable to the hundreds of businesses in Whatcom and Skagit counties modernizing their IT operations. The curriculum includes hands-on labs with both AWS and Microsoft Azure, and the college maintains strong transfer pathways to Western Washington University for students pursuing bachelor's degrees. Employers in the region consistently hire Whatcom graduates because they understand local business needs.
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: Local Whatcom County businesses, Regional healthcare organizations, Skagit Valley tech companies, Government agencies.
Top Transfer Destinations
- Western Washington University
- Washington State University
- University of Washington
Entry-Level Career Paths
- Cloud Systems Administrator
- IT Support Specialist
- Help Desk Technician
- Junior Network Administrator
Included Certifications
- AWS Cloud Practitioner
- Microsoft Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900)
- CompTIA A+
Location Advantages:
City University of Seattle — Seattle, WA
Hakia Insight: City University of Seattle's data is minimal, but its Seattle location means proximity to Amazon, Microsoft, and Google hiring pipelines without the $60K+ annual tuition of name-brand universities.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Cloud Computing — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Cloud Computing — 4 years, online
Location Advantages:
Spokane Falls Community College — Spokane, WA
Hakia Insight: Spokane Falls' hands-on lab-first pedagogy over lectures means students ship working AWS and Azure deployments by month three—résumé-ready artifacts that matter more to hiring managers than GPA.
You'll build real-world skills in a hands-on lab environment where Spokane Falls prioritizes active learning over lectures. The cloud computing pathway here focuses on AWS and Azure fundamentals, giving you marketable credentials quickly while maintaining strong articulation agreements with Washington State University for those ready to pursue a bachelor's degree. Graduates frequently land support roles at regional tech companies and government agencies in the Spokane area, where cloud infrastructure demand continues growing. The program's strength lies in its balance—technical depth without overwhelming prerequisites, making it accessible whether you're career-switching or coming straight from high school.
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: Amazon Web Services, Microsoft, Local Spokane tech companies, Government IT departments.
Top Transfer Destinations
- Washington State University
- University of Washington
- Western Washington University
Entry-Level Career Paths
- Cloud Support Associate
- Junior Systems Administrator
- Help Desk Technician
- IT Support Specialist
Included Certifications
- AWS Cloud Practitioner
- CompTIA A+
- Microsoft Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900)
Location Advantages:
Best Master's Cloud Computing Degree Programs in Washington
University of Washington-Seattle Campus — Seattle, WA
Key Distinction: Part-time evening program with classes meeting just one night per week. No GRE requirement
Hakia Insight: UW Seattle's Professional Master's meets one night per week with no GRE gate, making it accessible to Amazon and Microsoft engineers already earning $180K+ who want a degree without career interruption.
The Professional Master's Program (PMP) at the Paul G. Allen School is a part-time, evening master's degree designed specifically for working software professionals in the Seattle area. The program requires 40 credit hours and takes an average of 2.5–3 years to complete, with classes meeting just one night per week and colloquia available online. Students gain advanced knowledge in core and emerging computing areas including machine learning, database management, computer architecture, and software entrepreneurship. The program offers no thesis requirement—it is coursework-based—and is affordable and reimbursable by many local employers including Microsoft, Amazon, Google, and Boeing. With over 1,200 graduates since 1996, the PMP emphasizes career advancement into positions of greater responsibility, practical engineering insights, and access to cutting-edge research through seminars and distinguished lectures. Admission requires no GRE and welcomes international students and underrepresented groups in tech.
Programs Offered
- Professional Master's Program in Computer Science & Engineering — 1-2 years, on-campus. MS
Research Labs and Institutes
Industry Partners
- Amazon Web Services (corporate)
- Google Cloud (corporate)
- Microsoft Azure (corporate)
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Microsoft, Amazon, Google, Boeing, Apple.
Notable Faculty
- null — Distributed systems and cloud infrastructure
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Home to Amazon headquarters and engineering officesProximity to Microsoft Puget Sound region headquartersGoogle Cloud region presence in SeattleDense cloud computing job market with 10,000+ tech workers within region
University of Washington-Tacoma Campus — Tacoma, WA
Key Distinction: Thesis vs. Capstone track options: thesis pathway leads to PhD program eligibility; capstone focuses on real-world industry problems tied to employer/company needs. Flexible hybrid schedule with Saturday in-person and weekday online classes designed for working professionals
Hakia Insight: UW Tacoma's thesis-versus-capstone fork is strategic: choose capstone to solve your employer's actual cloud infrastructure problem (and graduate with a portfolio piece), or thesis to unlock PhD eligibility.
The M.S. in Information Technology at UW Tacoma equips working professionals with advanced skills for leadership roles in IT across business, healthcare, and government sectors. The program offers flexible hybrid delivery with Saturday in-person and weekday online classes, designed for rapid completion in 45 quarter credits. Students choose between a thesis track (for PhD pipeline consideration) or a practical capstone project track focused on real-world industry problems. Core coursework covers data structures, algorithms, and networking, with electives in cloud computing, cybersecurity, machine learning, DevOps, and IoT. Graduates are positioned for mid-to-senior level roles with higher compensation, as IT job openings are projected to grow 22% over the next decade. The recent program improvements include credit reduction and shortened timelines for better affordability. Master's degree holders in IT qualify for advanced positions involving strategic planning, operations, and team leadership.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Information Technology — 1-2 years, on-campus. MS
Industry Partners
- Amazon Web Services (AWS) (corporate)
- Microsoft Azure (corporate)
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Proximity to Seattle tech corridor and Puget Sound region companiesAccess to T-Mobile, Amazon, Microsoft, and cloud-native startupsGateway to Pacific Northwest technology ecosystem
Seattle University — Seattle, WA
Key Distinction: Seattle University's cloud computing education is distinguished by its integration of ethical and societal dimensions alongside technical rigor, rooted in its Jesuit mission.
Hakia Insight: Seattle University's integration of ethical dimensions into cloud infrastructure—a rarity in technical programs—appeals to engineers burned out by scale-at-all-costs cultures and seeking roles in responsible tech.
At the master's level, seattle University's computer science program integrates cloud computing and distributed systems throughout its curriculum, emphasizing both technical depth and ethical responsibility in technology design. The program leverages the university's location in a major tech corridor to connect students with industry practitioners through guest lectures, internship placements, and collaborative projects. Cloud infrastructure, containerization, and microservices architecture are woven into core courses rather than siloed into electives, ensuring all graduates develop competency in modern deployment paradigms. Faculty bring real-world experience from companies like Amazon and Microsoft, translating current industry challenges into classroom discussions. The Jesuit educational philosophy—which emphasizes whole-person development—means students engage with the societal implications of their cloud systems, not just the technical implementation. Internship outcomes consistently place graduates at major tech firms in the Pacific Northwest, with many returning as full-time employees after graduation.
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 (corporate)
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Amazon, Microsoft, Google, F5 Networks.
Location Advantages: Proximity to Amazon headquarters (Seattle)Access to Microsoft Puget Sound region officesDense tech job market in Pacific Northwest
Central Washington University — Ellensburg, WA
Key Distinction: CWU emphasizes systems architecture and open-source cloud technologies, producing engineers who understand distributed systems design deeply.
Hakia Insight: CWU's master's program builds on its systems-first undergraduate pipeline, creating graduates who understand not just cloud APIs but the kernel-level abstractions beneath them—an edge for infrastructure roles at Amazon and Google.
At the master's level, central Washington University's cloud computing program stands out for its integration with the university's strong engineering and systems focus, creating a pipeline where students learn to architect complex, scalable systems from first principles. The curriculum progresses from foundational networking and systems administration into advanced cloud infrastructure design, with emphasis on understanding how distributed systems actually work rather than just how to use cloud platforms. Students engage in significant hands-on projects—building containerized microservices, deploying Kubernetes clusters, and designing multi-region failover architectures—that demonstrate real-world complexity. The program benefits from CWU's location in the Puget Sound region and connections to Pacific Northwest technology employers, which translates into guest lectures from cloud engineers at major firms and internship placements. A distinctive feature is the program's focus on open-source technologies alongside commercial platforms, preparing graduates to work in diverse technology stacks. Faculty actively contribute to cloud infrastructure discussions through publications and conference participation. Graduates enter roles as cloud engineers and infrastructure architects with deeper systems understanding than competitors, which employers value when hiring for roles requiring design decisions and troubleshooting in production environments. The program's research emphasis, while lighter than research universities, ensures that curriculum stays current with architectural innovations.
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: Puget Sound region technology networkAccess to Pacific Northwest enterprises
