by our College Data Analytics TeamA major in Cloud Computing explores A Program That Prepares Individuals To Design And Implement Enterprise Software Systems That Rely On Distributed Computing And Service-Oriented Architecture, Including Databases, Web Services, Cloud Computing, And Mobile Apps. Includes Instruction In Data Management, Distributed And Cloud Computing, Enterprise Software Architecture, Enterprise And Cloud Security, Mobile Systems And Applications, Server Administration, And Web Development. Continue reading for the essential details every cloud computing student should know — including career paths, salary data, the skills you will develop, and the best colleges offering cloud computing programs.
In the U.S., cloud computing is a widely-pursued major, with 1,229 degrees awarded annually.
Our 2026 Best Cloud Computing Schools ranking analyzes these 50 schools to determine the best overall colleges for cloud computing students. Continue reading to check out one of our many unbiased rankings of cloud computing programs later in this article.
Coursework for Cloud Computing emphasize a specific mix of skills, knowledge, and abilities — derived from O*NET surveys of workers in the occupations cloud computing graduates commonly enter.
The skill set developed in a cloud computing program reflects the day-to-day work of related occupations:
According to O*NET, a cloud computing major emphasizes the following knowledge areas:
There are several cloud computing degree levels. The table below shows the typical length of the most common levels, and how many graduates earn each one.
| Degree | Typical Program Length | Graduates Annually |
|---|---|---|
| Certificate | Varies | 192 |
| Associate Degree | 2 years | 138 |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 4 years | 396 |
| Master’s Degree | 1-3 years | 360 |
People currently working in careers related to cloud computing tend to have obtained the following education levels.
| Level of Education | Percentage of Workers |
|---|---|
| Bachelor’s degree | 42.5% |
| Master’s degree | 24.0% |
| Doctoral degree | 19.2% |
| Associate’s degree (or other 2-year) | 4.7% |
| Postsecondary certificate | 3.6% |
| Some college courses | 2.5% |
| Post-baccalaureate certificate | 1.9% |
| High school diploma or equivalent | 0.8% |
| First professional degree | 0.4% |
| Less than a high school diploma | 0.2% |
| Post-doctoral training | 0.1% |
| Post-master’s certificate | 0.1% |
View the chart below to get an idea of what level of education most of those in cloud computing careers hold.
Source: ONET Online education / training / experience requirements.*
A degree in cloud computing opens doors to numerous career paths. Here are some of the most common occupations related to cloud computing.
The following options are some of the most in-demand careers related to cloud computing.
| Occupation | Projected Jobs | Expected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Science Teachers, Postsecondary | 1,328,652 | -4.2% |
| Computer Programmers | 666,800 | 11.7% |
| Database Architects | 335,771 | 4.3% |
| Telecommunications Engineering Specialists | 242,585 | 5.7% |
| Software Developers | 145,079 | 13.5% |
| Computer Network Architects | 144,537 | -0.0% |
| Computer Network Support Specialists | 128,152 | -3.8% |
| Data Warehousing Specialists | 113,258 | 3.9% |
The U.S. Department of Education tracks median earnings of cloud computing graduates 1, 4, and 5 years after completion. Wages typically rise as graduates gain experience.
| Years Out | Median Earnings |
|---|---|
| 1 year | $49,235 |
| 4 years | $57,619 |
| 5 years | $64,395 |
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, field-of-study earnings tracker.
Salaries for cloud computing graduates vary widely by occupation. The following table shows the top highest-paying careers cloud computing grads often go into.
| Occupation | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Database Architects | $148,480 |
| Telecommunications Engineering Specialists | $117,478 |
| Data Warehousing Specialists | $117,424 |
| Computer Programmers | $109,892 |
| Computer Network Support Specialists | $107,799 |
| Software Developers | $76,447 |
| Computer Network Architects | $63,411 |
| Computer and Information Research Scientists | $61,002 |
With 50 different cloud computing programs to choose from, finding the best fit can be a challenge. We have analyzed these schools to produce unbiased cloud computing school rankings to help you.
Students interested in cloud computing, you may also want to explore other closely related fields of study within the same broad area.
| Related Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications | 13,753 |
| Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications, Other | 52 |
More about our data sources and methodologies.
