Online Master of Engineering in Cloud Computing Management

Program Overview

Through graduate-level coursework, students engage in an in-depth cloud computing curriculum that emphasizes engineering-based approaches to cloud infrastructure, system architecture, and secure operations. The program integrates theoretical foundations with practical application, enabling students to design and manage scalable cloud environments, apply DevOps practices, and ensure data security and compliance across complex cloud ecosystems.

Taught by expert faculty, the program prepares graduates to advance into leadership and engineering-focused professional roles supporting organizations that rely on cloud technologies for strategic advantage. The degree also supports professional development toward industry certifications and provides a strong foundation for students seeking to deepen their expertise in cloud systems engineering, management, or related technical fields.

How Much Does This Degree Cost?

Tuition for the online Master’s Degree in Cloud Computing is $1,200 per credit hour for the 2025-2026 academic year. With 30 total credit hours, the estimated total tuition cost is $36,000, billed per semester based on enrolled courses.

A $495 non-refundable tuition deposit is required upon admission and is applied toward first-semester tuition. The program includes no additional fees, and required eBooks and software are provided at no extra cost. Student veterans, military personnel, and eligible dependents are encouraged to inquire about available military education benefits.

The online Master’s in Cloud Computing can be completed in as little as one year for full-time students, with part-time options available. Courses are delivered fully remote and combine live, scheduled instruction with asynchronous coursework.

Quick facts (bulleted list):

• Format: 100% online
• Class schedule: One evening per week (Monday-Thursday), 6:30-9:50 p.m. ET
• Session length: Nine-week sessions
• Enrollment structure: Students enroll in four nine-week sessions, with an optional fifth summer session
• Start options: Up to five start terms per year

Curriculum Highlights

The curriculum consists of 10 courses (30 total credit hours) designed to build advanced expertise in cloud computing systems, infrastructure, and management across core areas of the field. Courses combine synchronous and asynchronous learning, providing live instruction alongside flexible coursework.

Learn More About the Courses

CSCI 6012 Cybersecurity and Privacy: Overview of cybersecurity and privacy, including cryptography, authentication, malware, viruses, network security, anonymity, privacy and online privacy, risk management. Common cyberattacks and techniques for detection and defense. Policy and legal perspectives for managing cybersecurity missions supporting the private sector and government. Cyber technologies as applied to the stability of global information and communications infrastructure; government cybersecurity policies. (3 credit hours)

CSCI 6018 Cloud Applications Architecture: Cloud application design guidelines and software patterns. Survey of cloud services for scalable secure cloud applications. Trade-offs in cloud application design, container vs virtual machine deployments, and monolithic vs microservice. (3 credit hours)

ECE 6132 Secure Cloud Computing: A comprehensive guide to security concerns and best practices for cloud computing and cloud services. Topics discussed include cloud computing architectures, risk issues and legal topics, data security, internal and external clouds, information security frameworks and operational guidelines. (3 credit hours)

EMSE 6540 Management of Information and Systems Security: Information security techniques and countermeasures in defense fundamentals; critical infrastructure protection; network defense–firewall systems and IDS, VPNs, cryptographic and internet security protocols and cyber security, information assurance. (3 credit hours)

EMSE 6543 Managing the Protection of Information Assets and Systems: Advanced topics in protection of information assets and systems, including authentication, asset control, security models and kernels, physical security, personnel security, operational security, administrative security, security configuration management, and resource control. Prerequisite: EMSE 6540. (3 credit hours)

EMSE 6544 Auditing, Monitoring and Intrusion Detection for Information Security Managers: Methods for detecting problems with unauthorized activity in information systems and management challenges associated with those activities. Prerequisite: EMSE 6540. (3 credit hours) 

EMSE 6820 Program and Project Management: Problems in managing projects; project management as planning, organizing, directing and monitoring; project and corporate organizations; duties and responsibilities; the project plan; schedule, cost, earned-value and situation analysis; leadership; team building; conflict management; meetings, presentations and proposals. (3 credit hours)

SEAS 6411 Management and Compliance in Cloud Computing: Maintaining compliance in the cloud. Theory, methodology, and procedures related to cloud computing; proper audit procedures for discovering system vulnerabilities; documenting findings according to the standards of compliance-based auditing. Prerequisite: ECE 6132. (3 credit hours)

SEAS 6412 Cloud Migration Strategy: Migrating traditional IT services to a cloud-based environment. Technical and business considerations necessary to develop an effective cloud migration strategy for an organization. Decision analysis framework to prioritize migration applications. Prerequisite: ECE 6132. (3 credit hours)

SEAS 6413 Cloud and Big Data Management: Topics related to big data and cloud computing, including data centers, virtualization, hardware and software architecture, as well as system-level issues on performance, energy efficiency, reliability, scalability and security. (3 credit hours)

Academic Calendar

Session	Dates	Application Deadlines
Summer 2026	week of 6/1/26 – week of 6/29/26	5/16/2026
Fall-1 2026	week of 8/31/26 – week of 10/19/26	8/15/2026
Fall-2 2026	week of 10/26/26 – week of 12/14/26	10/15/2026
Spring-1 2027	week of 1/11/27 – week of 3/16/27	12/7/2026
Spring-2 2027	week of 3/22/27 – week of 5/10/27	3/1/2027

The course order is determined by academic advisors based on student progress. Course details are provided through Blackboard approximately one month before classes begin.

What Can You Do With a Master's in Cloud Computing?

Graduates of the online Master’s Degree in Cloud Computing are prepared for advanced professional roles focused on designing, engineering, and managing cloud-based systems, infrastructure, and services across technical and organizational environments. The degree supports career advancement for professionals seeking deeper specialization, increased responsibility, and opportunities to lead cloud initiatives that support scalability, security, and operational efficiency.

Admissions Requirements

Who Should Apply

The online Master’s in Cloud Computing is designed for applicants with a strong academic background in engineering or related technical disciplines who are prepared for advanced, graduate-level study.

Applicants should meet the following requirements:

• A bachelor’s degree in engineering, computer science, information technology, mathematics, physics, or a closely related field from an accredited institution
• A minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
• Applicants outside the United States should review international admissions requirements for additional criteria
• Applicants may also apply to a four-course graduate certificate in Cybersecurity. Upon successful completion of the certificate and reapplication, students may be admitted to the Master’s program, and all certificate courses* will count toward the Master’s degree

*Subject to program policies and academic requirements.

Application Materials

There is no application fee for GW’s online engineering programs.

A complete application includes:

• Resume or CV
• Statement of Purpose (250 words or fewer) outlining academic goals, research interests, and relevant experience
• Official transcripts from all institutions where a degree was earned
• Two letters of recommendation, including at least one professional reference
• GRE scores (optional), which may be submitted if available to strengthen the application

After You Apply

Applicants are expected to remain engaged throughout the admissions process. You will receive email updates as your application is reviewed, and timely responses to requests for materials are required to keep your application moving forward.

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of cloud systems and environments does this program focus on?

This Master’s Degree in Cloud Computing emphasizes the engineering and management of large-scale cloud environments used in government and industry. Coursework focuses on cloud architecture, infrastructure services, data storage and management, security and compliance, DevOps practices, and virtualization, preparing students to design, manage, and optimize cloud-based systems across diverse organizational settings.

Do I need an engineering degree to apply?

Applicants should hold a bachelor’s degree in engineering, computer science, or a closely related technical field. Candidates with other quantitative or technical backgrounds may be considered on a case-by-case basis, depending on academic preparation and professional experience.

Is the GRE required?

No. The GRE is not required for admission to the online Master’s in Cloud Computing.

Can I work full time while enrolled?

Yes. The program is designed for working professionals. Courses are delivered online with one scheduled evening class per week, allowing students to balance coursework with full-time employment.

Are international applicants eligible?

Yes. International applicants are welcome to apply. Additional documentation, including proof of English language proficiency, may be required depending on prior education and background.

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