For modern organizations, embracing cloud technologies isn't just an IT choice – it's a strategic move to boost efficiency and innovation. As companies accelerate innovation and transformation with cloud solutions, professionals with cloud skills are more valued than ever. The demand for these skills spans across industries, as showcased by LinkedIn's 2023 data, which highlights cloud computing as one of the most highly-requested technical skills.
LSU is Amazon-certified to develop and teach programs from the Amazon Web Services (AWS) Academy. These programs are designed to prepare learners for industry certifications, such as the AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner, and to pave the way for thriving careers in cloud computing. Through this certificate, you'll dive into cloud fundamentals and explore its characteristics, types, services, architectures, and applications.
Average Program Duration
This certificate program consists of 2 courses that can be purchased in a bundle for a discounted rate or individually. Each course must be completed within 6 weeks. This program is designed to take approximately 40 hours to complete, and you have 4 months to complete all courses in the certificate.
Career Outlook
As the cloud computing field grows, your AWS skills become your ticket to success in various industries. Whether you dream of being a Cloud Architect, Solutions Engineer, or System Administrator, your expertise in optimizing systems, boosting security, and streamlining processes through AWS services will be in high demand. The skills you gain in this certificate program will make you stand out in a job market that values cloud-savvy professionals.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), cloud computing employment is projected to grow by 15% from 2021 to 2031, surpassing the average growth rate for all jobs. This surge is fueled by businesses' increased use of cloud services and the need for efficient data solutions. As the cloud reshapes industries, our AWS Cloud Practitioner Certificate empowers you to seize this tech revolution and excel in a future where cloud expertise is a highly valued skill.
How the Program Works
This certificate is comprised of online courses offered through Moodle, our Learning Management System (LMS). Moodle serves as a centralized platform for students, providing an easy-to-use interface to access course materials, submit assignments, and interact with instructors and fellow learners.
The courses are organized into modules, which are units of learning. Each module consists of lectures, learning activities, and assessments, all designed to enhance the online learning experience. Throughout the course, you will progress from simpler to more complex concepts, and you will have opportunities to practice and apply your knowledge through activities and assessments. We recommend completing 1 to 2 modules per week.
One of the most valuable benefits of online learning is flexibility. Our self-paced courses allow you to access course materials and complete assignments at your preferred pace, reducing the need to log into Moodle at specific times. However, all activities must be completed before the course expiration date.
What You Will Earn
After successfully completing all courses in the certificate program, you will be able to download an official LSU certificate. We recommend you print out this certificate and showcase it with pride!
Completers will also receive a digital badge that showcases your new skill set and provides employers with a reliable way to assess your capabilities. These badges serve as a visual representation of your accomplishments and can be shared on social media, personal websites, or professional networking sites. Badges are distributed through Canvas Credentials. For more information on digital badges, visit the LSU Digital Badge page.
Learning Pathways
After earning the AWS Cloud Practitioner Certificate, you will open doors to learning pathways that can enhance your skills and credentials. Through LSU’s Credit for Prior Learning initiative, you can potentially use your certificate to waive certain college credits, eliminating the need to retake courses that demonstrate competencies gained through our certificate programs.
The AWS Cloud Practitioner Certificate may contribute toward the following online degrees offered through LSU Online & Continuing Education:
- Bachelor of General Studies in Organizational Studies with LSUA
- BS in Business Administration with LSUA
- BS in Health Professions: Health Care Administration with LSUA
- Master of Business Administration with LSU
Additionally, this certificate is a prerequisite for the AWS Solutions Architect Certificate and leads to the AWS Cloud Computing Specialist Certificate.
Note: Credit for Prior Learning is determined on a case-by-case basis and subject to change. It is evaluated once students are admitted into a degree program.
How To Pay for Your Certificate
Explore multiple options to fund your educational journey.
- Through your employer: Many employers offer reimbursement or dedicated budgets for professional development programs. Please check with your human resources department or supervisor to determine your eligibility.
- Continuing Education loan: Certain certificate programs are eligible for continuing education loans through various banking institutions.
- Pay your own way: LSU accepts Visa, MasterCard, Discover, or American Express.
Visit the payment options page to learn more.