Cloud Computing: 8 Continuing Ed Programs For IT Pros

When it comes to advancing your career in information technology, knowledge, especially in the form of continuing education, is a major step toward getting ahead in the enterprise. Whether you're looking for a new job, asking for a raise, or trying to achieve your dream goal of becoming an IT leader, your educational background is a true asset to you and your employer.

For IT, there are numerous continuing education programs at colleges and universities that offer courses on a wide array of technology subjects. In an ideal world, you'd have time and resources to pursue many of these. But if, like most of us, you need to narrow your focus, cloud computing is one hot area worth pursuing.

Cloud computing, cloud-based applications, and cloud storage are among the major areas of IT focus for enterprises. How important is cloud computing to businesses? An April 21 report from IDC predicted that cloud infrastructure spending will increase 21% year this year over 2014, to total approximately $32 billion worldwide.

This means that about third of all IT spending in 2015 will focus on maintaining and building cloud computing infrastructures.

A recent InformationWeek look at cloud computing certifications quoted a Forbes piece which stated that cloud computing has the potential to create about 385,000 IT jobs.

In order to capitalize on this trend, you need the right training, as well as the right education. In order to help, InformationWeek has looked at major universities -- from Harvard University on the East Coast to Stanford University on the West Coast -- to find which schools offer some of the best cloud computing courses for those looking to continue their education. Many of these are three-month programs that can cost up to five-figures, but most are reasonably priced and offer a diverse look at all different aspects of cloud computing. This list is not inteneded to be a qualitative ranking of these programs; rather, it's an informational guide to help you on your continuing education journey.

After you've explored our list of eight programs, let us know what you think. Have you attended any of these programs? Is there a school that we missed? Tell us about it in the comments section below.

Read about the 2015 Elite 100 winners.

Read about the 2015 Elite 100 winners.