MS in Cloud Computing in USA: Top Universities & Prospects

Globally, the IT sector is estimated to reach a value of US$1,420.00bn in 2024, as per Statista  Among the many career paths, cloud computing is a particularly attractive option within the IT industry. 

Pursuing a master’s in cloud computing in the USA provides a solid foundation in cloud models and services. With starting salaries of $86,000 annually(Glassdoor), cloud engineers enjoy lucrative opportunities in the USA. Since cloud computing is one of the most in-demand courses, students prefer getting an MS degree in cloud computing from the best American universities.

MS in cloud computing in the USA is a course spanning one to two years. Keep reading to learn more about the best universities offering a master’s in cloud computing in the USA, the average fee structure, and the available job opportunities.

Why Study MS in Cloud Computing in USA

Pursuing an MS in Cloud Computing in the USA offers exciting opportunities for students with computer science or information technology backgrounds. Pursuing your education abroad will provide exposure to cutting-edge technologies and build an impressive work portfolio. 

Studying cloud computing in the USA offers several compelling advantages, such as: 

1. Top-Tier Educational Institutions: The USA is home to some of the world's leading universities, like MIT, Harvard, and Arizona State University, which offer cutting-edge programs and research opportunities in cloud computing. 
More than 100 US universities feature in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024: Computer Science and Information Systems, underscoring the robust infrastructure for cloud computing in the country. 

2. Impressive Growth: The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts a 14% growth for cloud computing professionals, owing to the high demand for IT experts across various industries. 

3 . Robust Industry Connections: Many US universities have strong ties with major tech companies such as Amazon, Google, and Microsoft. This connection facilitates internships, research projects, and job placements in the cloud computing industry. 

4. Advanced Research Opportunities: The USA leads cloud computing research, offering students the chance to work on groundbreaking projects. Institutions like Harvard and MIT frequently engage in advanced research that shapes the future of cloud technology, providing students with hands-on experience in pioneering innovations.

5. Innovative Learning Experiences: The educational approach in the USA often includes a blend of theoretical and practical learning, incorporating the latest educational technologies. This approach is evident in the diverse and interactive courses offered by universities such as Harvard and Arizona State University, which help students develop a strong foundation and practical skills in cloud computing.

Top Universities for MS in Cloud Computing in USA

The US is one of the top-ranked study abroad destinations for international students since it is home to most of the top universities globally. Being consistently placed by the top-ranking systems, students from across the world choose the US for MS in cloud computing. 

Some of the best universities for master’s in cloud computing in the USA are:

University	Course Name	QS World University Ranking by Subject 2024: Computer Science and Information Systems
University of Southern California	MS in Cloud Computing	56
Arizona State University	MS-BA Cloud Computing	155
George Washington University	Master of Engineering in Cloud Computing Management	351–400
Illinois Institute of Technology	MAS Computer Science	351–400

Specializations

Let us take a quick look at the specializations that are available at the top-ranked US universities offering cloud computing courses: 

1. Data Analytics

2. Cloud Infrastructures

3. Data-intensive Computing

4. Mobile Services

5. Information Management

6. Cloud Computing in Cyber Security

7. Software Engineering

8. Network Management

9. Internet of Things

10. DevOps

Admission Requirements 

Applicants need to furnish the following to qualify for the course:

• A bachelor’s degree with a minimum GPA of 2.7 to 3.0. The program may or may not be in computer science. 
• GRE scores, if required 
• A minimum of two letters of recommendation. 
• A personal statement (SOP). 
• Resume/CV
• At least one calculus course must be passed. 
• TOEFL/PTE/IELTS/Duolingo scores for international students. Applicants are usually required to have a minimum score of 6.0 on the IELTS and 80 on the TOEFL iBT.

Application Process

If you're interested in pursuing a master's degree in cloud computing in the USA, here are the steps to submit your application:

1. Choose the Program: Choose the program and the institution of your choice.

2. Admissions Requirements: You'll need a bachelor's degree in any field, and the  minimum GPA specified by the university. 

3. Application Process: Scan and upload all necessary documents, including transcripts, bachelor's certificates, CVs, Statements of Purpose, and IELTS/TOEFL scorecards. Complete the application form and pay the application fee.

Remember to check the specific requirements for the program you're interested in and stay engaged throughout the admissions process.

Learn More About Studying in the USA
MBA in Logistics and Supply Chain Management in USA	Bachelor’s in Computer Science in the USA	Masters in Dentistry in the USA
MBA in Finance in the USA	Master’s in Graphic Design in the USA	Data Analytics Companies in the USA
MS in Data Analytics in the USA	MBA in the USA	Masters in Petroleum Engineering in USA
MS in the USA	Western Michigan University	Data Analytics Salary in USA

Cost of Studying MS in Cloud Computing in USA 

Cloud computing is a demanding course, and therefore the tuition can be slightly heavy on the pocket. Private universities are much more expensive in comparison to public US universities. International students are eligible to receive full funding.

Although some institutions charge a fee per credit, others charge it based on the course. The average fee for cloud computing programs in the US is around USD 42,000. 

Tuition Fees

Understanding the tuition fees for top institutions is crucial for planning your budget. Here are some top institutions offering cloud computing courses and their respective tuition fees:

• Arizona State University: USD 78,610
• Stevens Institute of Technology: USD 44,494.
• Illinois Institute of Technology: USD 55,760
• George Washington University: USD 36,495
• Capella University: USD 34,320

Living expenses

Living expenses for a student in the USA encompass housing, food, transportation, personal expenses, and health insurance. Normal estimates put monthly costs for housing and utilities at $1,075, food at $429, transportation at $145, and personal expenses at $188. Health insurance adds $254 monthly, making the estimated monthly living expenses approximately $2,091. You can expect a yearly expenditure of around $25,000.

Scholarships for MS in Cloud Computing in USA

Some of the scholarships available for international students who wish to pursue a master’s in cloud computing in the USA are: 

Scholarship Name	Eligibility	Amount / Details
Graduate Student Assistantships and Fellowships- George Washington University	Adherence to the university’s admission criteria. Excellent academic record	Recipients are awarded about 25–75% discounts on tuition fees for the entire course duration.
International Academic Award-  Washington State University	High-achieving international students with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or more.	Tuition Fee waiver of $2000 - $4000 per academic year.
Exceptional Academic Merit Scholarship- Stevens Institute of Technology	Incoming students with impressive academic backgrounds.	This merit scholarship involves a reward of $5000 with partial/full coverage of tuition fees.
Illinois Institute of Technology- Graduate Pathway Scholarship	The Graduate Pathway Scholarship is offered to admitted students in any Illinois Tech master's program.	Highly academically qualified students are awarded a scholarship that is applied to the tuition cost of their first two consecutive semesters of the master's program.

Job Opportunities

Cloud computing offers a promising future for fresh graduates and also for experienced individuals. Job opportunities are constantly rising in the US job market and globally as well.

According to a recent analysis, the scope for cloud computing graduates in the US is immense, and more than 30,000 jobs at all levels in cloud computing fields are available. Since every role requires knowledge of the basics of cloud computing, students must take up MS in cloud computing in the US. Some popular jobs in the country include cloud developer, cloud product manager, cloud architect, cloud sales executive, and cloud network engineer.

Remuneration

Graduates in the US with an MS in cloud computing can expect competitive salaries, with averages rising significantly for experienced professionals. Per Payscale, graduates with around one year of experience can expect an average salary of $93,000 annually, whereas those with 5-9 years in the field can earn around $120,000 annually. 

Top Universities in the USA
Arizona State University	Brown University	University of California Los Angeles
Northeastern University Massachusetts	University of Maryland	University of Florida
Northwestern University	Carnegie Mellon University	University of Southern California
University of Southern California	University of New Haven	University of Pennsylvania
Stonny Brook University	Southeast Missouri State University	Arlington University

Post-Study Work Visa Options

In the United States, student visas are of the following types: F, M, and J. International students must hold an F1 visa if they are studying at a university level. If you hold an F-1 visa, you are eligible for practical training during or after your course completion. The Optional Practical Training (OPT) can be done up to 12 months after graduation. 

However, if you are pursuing an MS in Cloud Computing in the USA, you can extend this to 24 months. 

Conclusion

Cloud computing courses and programs in the US open unlimited career opportunities with the best salary packages for international students. However, getting admission to the top-ranked universities in the US will not be an easy task for international students due to the competitive admission process. Get in touch with the academic counselors at upGrad Abroad to learn more about the admissions process.