Cloud Nine
On-trend courses give Computer Science students the opportunity for stratospheric careers
JENNIFER SCHU
Cloud computing—the on-demand delivery of IT resources over the internet—is quickly replacing traditional data centers. Companies around the world are moving toward virtualized cloud-based platforms hosted by cloud providers like Microsoft (Azure) and Amazon (Amazon Web Services). Yet a major cloud skills shortage is making it hard for businesses to move to new technology quickly.
The College is helping to close that gap. DCCC first offered Cloud Computing courses in fall 2022, and this past fall, officially launched an associate degree in Applied Science in Cloud Computing as well as two certificate programs in the discipline, all designed to prepare
students for employment as cloud engineers and architects and cloud software developers. The average cloud engineer salary in Philadelphia is $143,923 per year, according to Randstad, the world’s largest human resources services provider.
“The Cloud Computing program is designed to be somewhat more vocational than traditional Computer Science by offering options for both associate degree students who want to enter the workforce directly after completing their studies and transfer students who want to pursue a Cloud Computing specialty. It’s also great for individuals who are already working in the industry who desire a Cloud Computing specialty,” says DCCC Computer Science professor Michael Whitehead, assistant professor of Computer Science.
All cloud computing programs are aligned to industry certifications.DCCC’s two certificate programs offer different levels of training—at the cloud practitioner level and the other at the associate architect level.
“Cloud Computing degrees and certificates are designed to help students immediately acquire skills that are in strong demand in the workplace, while developing skills that are still very relevant to traditional computer science, web development, network
engineering, interactive computing, and computer programming,” Professor Whitehead explains. “Equipped with a two-year degree, students could pursue a four-year degree full time or pursue career options while studying part time. The majority of DCCC students are
part time, and obtaining immediately marketable skills offers students the opportunity to help pay for their studies.
“Larger companies are more likely to offer tuition reimbursement and are already using cloud technologies, offering students a greater probability of having their employer pay for their studies—an important consideration for much of our diverse student body,”
Professor Whitehead says.
“The classes here set you up to get your certifications.”
Just one course into the Cloud Computing associate degree program, DCCC student Rachel Day is reaping the benefits of the new offering. When she was just halfway through the course, Professor Whitehead encouraged her to take the Microsoft Azure certification test. “He was giving us practice tests, and since I was consistently doing well on them, he said, “‘I think you should go for it,’” she recalls. “I wasn’t expecting to pass—but I did.”
Day’s goal is a bachelor’s degree in Cloud Computing. “In order to land a good job in the cloud computing field, it is helpful to have work experience. Fortunately, within a few weeks of passing the Azure certification, I received a job offer,” she says. “The person who hired me is actually someone I met in class!” Day is working as a network administrator for a local corporate event center and wedding venue while continuing her pursuit of her associate degree.
“DCCC is very focused on getting students involved in jobs, internships and co-ops, as well as helping students transfer into four-year programs,” Day says. “The emphasis is,‘How can we get you involved in the world?’ Additionally, the Computer Science classes here set you up well to get your certifications, which is a big plus.”
A SCHOLARSHIP TO DREXEL
For students who plan to transfer to a four-year institution, DCCC’s Computer Science program boasts a strong reputation. In addition, there are plans to introduce artificial intelligence courses that will further enhance the College’s Computer Science offerings.
As a high school student, Chester County resident Michael Romello chose earning college credits over playing basketball. “I chose the credits because I felt they would provide a future for me and the places I wanted to go.”.
It’s a decision he doesn’t regret. As a high school dual enrollment student, he earned 65 college credits and a scholarship offer from Drexel University, where he is majoring in Computer Science with a concentration in artificial intelligence, machine learning and software engineering.
“I knew I wanted to head to Drexel after I got my feet wet in Computer Science at DCCC, especially considering the scholarship that Drexel offers DCCC students—$14,000 per year for a 3.77 GPA,” he says. “DCCC’s Computer Science program prepared me for Drexel.
The credits and the classes I took allowed me to get an idea of what I’d be getting into when I got to a four-year university. I was able to transfer with the maximum amount of credits Drexel allows.”
When considering what to study as a high school dual enrollment student, “DCCC Computer Science professor Phillip Fuchs really sold me on Computer Science. And Virginia Parfitt, educational advisor at [the College’s] Pennocks Bridge [Center], laid out a four-year plan for me to take the maximum amount of credits, helping me figure out exactly what classes I needed.”
His favorite course at DCCC was Data Structures and Algorithms with Professor Whitehead. “It’s such an important topic. It relies on how we structure the information we require. I can’t even explain how infinitely valuable it has been in its application to every other course I’ve taken. It’s provided a step ahead in every point of knowledge.”
DEGREE PROGRAMS
Cloud Computing
Computer Programming
Computer Science
Engineering
Game Development
Help Desk/Technical Support
Interactive Computing
Network Engineering
Web Development
CERTIFICATE PROGRAMS
Cloud Computing
Cyber Security
Interactive Multimedia
Network Engineering
Web Development
Web Programming
TOP FIVE TRANSFER DESTINATIONS FOR DCCC COMPUTER SCIENCE STUDENTS
Drexel University
Penn State University
Temple University
University of Pittsburgh
West Chester University
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