The need for Cloud DevOps professionals is growing as companies rapidly shift to cloud infrastructure. Get the in-demand skills to launch your career in this cutting-edge field.
IT student working in the Introduction to Cloud Computing class

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IT-Cloud DevOps Specialist
Program Number: 101571
Your Degree: Associate Degree
Estimated Time to Complete: 61 Credits | Finish degree in 2 years
Delivery Method: Some Online/Some In Person
Area of Study: Information Technology
Estimated Program Cost: $11,107.07
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  • Program Overview

    Madison College’s Cloud DevOps Specialist associate degree program will arm you with the fundamentals of leading cloud computing platforms and prepare you to jump right into a job market hungry for your skills.

    Virtual computing and cloud services are revolutionizing information technology needs. From small manufacturers in your hometown to multi-national companies around the world, businesses need professionals who know how to keep their cloud infrastructures running smoothly.

    This program provides recent high school grads and career changers with hands-on training in cloud development and operation. No advanced skills needed—just basic computer knowledge and a passion for learning.

    Associate Degree Program Goals

    Cloud DevOps associate degree students graduate with valuable skills sought by employers, including cloud-based identity management, networking, infrastructure migration and management, application deployment and automation, as well as security and cost control.

    What Skills Do I Need?

    We’ll teach you what you need to know about developing code and making sure it runs correctly, but a successful Cloud DevOps professional is also:

    Curious:

    You want to know not just how things work but why they work or how they might work better. You’re not satisfied with being told an answer; you want to dig in yourself to see it in action.

    Detail Oriented:

    Information technology has a lot of moving parts. A missing keystroke can make a big difference. Attention to detail and a patient disposition help Cloud DevOps students and professionals work smoothly and well.

    A Flexible Thinker:

    When something breaks, and it always does, sometimes you need to be able to think outside the script to fix it. And, of course, the world of technology changes quickly. To stay on top of the latest advancements, be prepared to continue your education beyond the degree through professional advancement, online user groups and industry publications.

    A Good Communicator:

    Cloud DevOps professionals are the links between developers and end users and must be able to talk complicated code with one and translate it into practical, simple terms to the other. If you are returning to school after being in the workforce, your knowledge and experience of your industry will help in communicating with both ends of the pipeline. Team meetings and collaboration are a regular part of the job, so people in this field must not only be good with computers but with people.

    The associate degree curriculum is designed to help you hone these skills.

    Real-world, Hands-on Learning

    Cloud DevOps classes are held in lab environments, so you get hands-on experience in every class. You’ll use Madison College’s state-of-the-art online lab environment to simulate the infrastructures various industries and tech companies actually use. That same lab is available to you 24/7 from any computer. All you need is an internet connection to do your work from anywhere.

    Madison College IT program students start coding on Day One.

    The Cloud DevOps Specialist program focuses on cloud environment industry leaders Amazon AWS, Microsoft Azure and Google Cloud.

    Core classes teach technical skills in:

    First Year

    You’ll learn how systems work and are built.

    • Windows and Linux operating systems
    • Python programming

    Second Year

    With the knowledge of systems fundamentals, you’ll learn how to create and maintain cloud infrastructure.

    • Amazon Web Services
    • Cloud automation
    • Cloud DevOps
    Jacob, Madison College Cloud DevOps student
    “We get a lot of time to use the actual resources and do the same things done at a workplace. For example, in Azure and AWS, we're not getting watered-down student varieties. We have access to a large amount of the features in these suites of software.”
    Jacob Pinn-Puetz
    IT Cloud DevOps student

    Final Semester Internship

    In addition to coursework, students complete an internship with one of our industry partners. Students already working full-time have the option of a project. With this real-world opportunity, upon graduation you will have not only the knowledge but also the experience to enter the workforce with the confidence that employers notice.

    Flexible Course Offerings

    Students in the IT-Cloud DevOps Specialist program can attend full- or part-time.

    The core classes unique to the IT-Cloud DevOps Specialist program are offered only online or during the day.

    IT-Cloud DevOps Specialist classes are offered at our Madison Truax campus.

    If you start this program in the spring semester, it may take 5 semesters to complete and classes are only offered in the daytime or online.

  • Program Courses

    Here's a sample course sequence that shows how classes for full-time students are typically organized by semester. 

    Once you're admitted, your full curriculum and sequence—including any pre-requisites—is defined in your Degree Progress Report.

    First Semester
    10-107-111
    Exploration of Information Technology
    Learn about the different careers available in the vast field of Information Technology and examines the IT-Cloud DevOps Specialist, IT-Cyber Compliance Specialist, IT-Cybersecurity Specialist, IT-Data & Analytics Specialist, IT-Desktop Support Technician, IT-GenAI Front-End Developer, IT-Network Systems Administration, and IT-Web Software Developer career paths. Students create an individualized career path plan as the capstone project for the course.
    1 credit
    10-150-104
    Data Communications
    This is an introductory course covering the process used to exchange data between end point applications on a network (Like your web browser connecting to a website). Included will be a basic introduction to the concepts of host addressing, data communication channels/flows, and the fundamentals of the applications, tools, and configurations needed to enable and troubleshoot end host connectivity to an existing data network. NOTE prereq: Students are required to have a working knowledge of Microsoft Windows operating system (computer literacy, proficiency with a mouse, file management).
    3 credits
    10-151-102
    IT Security Awareness
    Provides a basic survey of the importance of IT security awareness and data confidentiality. This course walks users through basic aspects of information security in a very broad, easy to understand way and explains the value of securing data. The course will also present best practices in access control and password policies. NOTE: Working knowledge of Microsoft Windows (computer literacy, proficiency with a mouse, file management) required.
    1 credit
    10-154-184
    Enterprise Client
    Learn how to install, configure, and administer a desktop operating system for an enterprise office environment. Topics include Windows installation, device configuration, establishing network connectivity, Windows user profiles, configuring appropriate NTFS and share permissions, remote connections, and an introduction to commands using Windows PowerShell and Command Prompt. NOTE prereq: Students are required to have a working knowledge of Microsoft Windows operating system (computer literacy, proficiency with a mouse, file management).
    3 credits
    10-154-190
    Linux 1
    Introduces Linux with a focus on command line system administration skills. Topics include navigating the filesystem, file and directory management, command execution, input/output redirection and pipes, account management, configuring network services, file system security and troubleshooting.
    3 credits
    10-156-105
    AI Fundamentals
    Provides a basic survey of the importance of AI in the IT industry. This course will discuss broad aspects of AI including types, code generation, and how to validate the results from AI. The course will also present best practices for appropriate and responsible use of AI.
    1 credit
    10-801-195
    Written Communication
    Develops workplace writing skills which include prewriting, drafting, revising, and editing. A variety of writing assignments are designed to help the learner analyze audience and purpose, research and organize ideas, and format and design documents based on workplace subject matter and content.
    3 credits
    Second Semester
    10-152-109
    Python Scripting
    This is an introductory course focused on scripting in the Python programming language. Students will learn the fundamentals of creating Python scripts and using the Python language to automate the administration of IT systems. No prior programming or scripting experience is necessary to enroll in this course.
    3 credits
    10-154-171
    Windows Server
    This hands-on course, based on Windows Server operating systems, allows students to gain administrative knowledge of deploying, configuring, and managing Windows Server. Additionally, students will learn how to implement Windows Server technologies, including but not limited to Active Directory, Account Management, Domain Controllers, Hyper-V, WDS, DNS, DHCP, IIS, Group Policy, File and Print Services, Storage Services, Remote Desktop and Management, PowerShell Management.
    3 credits
    10-156-124
    Introduction to Databases
    Introduces the student to relational database concepts using the Microsoft Access and MySQL database environments. Students then study concepts that lead to good relational database design including an introduction to normalization. Basic SQL statements are practiced also. Students are required to have a working knowledge of Microsoft Windows operating system (computer literacy, proficiency with a mouse, file explorer, and file management).
    3 credits
    10-157-101
    Introduction to Cloud Computing
    Introduces students to cloud based computing architectures through hands-on labs with leading public cloud providers. Students will learn the basics of deploying cloud solutions and what makes cloud-based infrastructure unique. The fundamentals of cloud storage, security, account management, networking and monitoring are covered.
    3 credits
    10-801-196
    Oral/Interpersonal Communication
    Focuses on developing effective listening techniques and verbal and nonverbal communication skills through oral presentation, group activity, and other projects. The study of self, conflict, and cultural contexts will be explored, as well as their impact on communication.
    3 credits
    Third Semester
    10-107-175
    Job Search Preparation
    Introduction to planning and organizing a search for careers in information technology. Activities include the development of a personalized job search plan, resume building, creating a social media presence and a mock interview.
    1 credit
    10-157-123
    Advanced Scripting for Cloud
    This course expands on techniques learned in cloud administration and scripting courses to fully automate infrastructure and cloud services. Students will build scripts to test, create and monitor cloud services. This course will utilize the latest cloud scripting languages including but not limited to cloud formation (AWS), ARM Templates (Azure), python, and Powershell. Learning will include demonstration of development best practices including version control and agile development.
    3 credits
    10-157-135
    Virtualization Technology
    This hands-on training course focuses on installing, configuring, and managing virtual infrastructure, including hosts, management servers, and virtual machines (VMs) in a Proxmox environment. This course prepares you to administer virtual infrastructure for an organization of any size.
    3 credits
    10-157-141
    AWS Administration
    Explores the Amazon AWS Cloud environment in-depth through hands-on labs and class discussion. Students will learn how to architect, deploy, and administer common AWS solutions. In depth coverage of Amazon EC2 servers, S3 and EBS storage, VPC networking, IAM identity management and other services in AWS. Students will learn the fundamentals of automation through Cloud Formation Templates and the AWS CLI.
    3 credits
    10-804-144
    Math of Finance
    This course takes an algebraic approach to solving financial problems. Topics include personal finance and retirement, mathematics of retailing, mathematics of banking and lending, and statistical applications. Major emphasis is placed on solving problems involving the time value of money by using a financial calculator. The material in this course develops a sound base for subsequent courses by using an analytical approach to problem solving.
    3 credits
    Select one of the following Social Science courses:
    10-809-103
    Think Critically & Creatively
    Provides instruction about critical and creative thinking that is in high demand in all occupations. Models, theories, and processes provide the foundation for learning logical thinking strategies. Students will apply a systematic approach to problem solving by analyzing the problem, assessing possible solutions, and making effective decisions. In addition, students will generate ideas and analyze complex issues. This course assists students with developing a critical thinking mindset which is essential at every level of personal and professional life.
    3 credits
    10-809-166
    Introduction to Ethics: Theory and Application
    This course provides a basic understanding of the theoretical foundations of ethical thought. Diverse ethical perspectives will be used to analyze and compare relevant issues. Students will critically evaluate individual, social and/or professional standards of behavior, and apply a systematic decision-making process to these situations.
    3 credits
    Fourth Semester
    10-157-130
    Azure Administration
    Students will gain an understanding of the Microsoft Azure cloud environment covering computing, networking, storage and applications. Implementing and administering solutions to information technology challenges through the lens of hosting web applications in Azure will be covered through class discussions and hands-on work in Azure. Students will deploy infrastructure and platform as a service solutions as well as learn how to use each solution to host web-focused software applications. Students will leave with a working knowledge of implementation and administration of a Windows Azure environment as seen through the lens of web and mobile application hosting as they intersect with software development.
    3 credits
    10-157-155
    DevOps
    This course teaches the fundamental concepts of DevOps methodologies and best practices. Students design and execute a fully automated application deployment pipeline using industry-leading cloud services such as AWS and Azure. Students gain an understanding of how DevOps came to be, and why it is so crucial to the success of IT systems.
    3 credits
    10-157-196
    Cloud Internship
    Provides work experience in an area information technology department offering a variety of experiences administering public cloud services. The student spends approximately 15 hours per week at the internship site. By consent of instructor, a special project may be substituted for the internship.
    3 credits
    10-809-199
    Psychology of Human Relations
    This course explores the relationship between general psychological principles and our everyday lives. Students are given the opportunity to achieve a deepened sense of awareness of themselves and others. This understanding is applied to human relations at home and on the job.
    3 credits
    Recommended Elective or General Elective
    3 credits
    List of Recommended Electives
    10-152-120
    Website Development
    Introduces HTML, CSS, and essential web development techniques. Learn to create well-structured HTML documents and apply CSS styling to enhance the visual appearance of web pages. Through hands-on exercises, develop proficiency in building and styling web content, including text formatting, image integration, and form design. Emphasis is placed on debugging techniques and adherence to web accessibility standards to ensure the creation of accessible and standards-compliant websites. By the end of the course, students will have the skills to create web pages while adhering to industry best practices. Prerequisite: working knowledge of Microsoft Windows (computer literacy, proficiency with a mouse, File Explorer, and file/folder management), good reading and problem-solving skills.
    3 credits
    10-151-114
    Linux 2
    This class provides a hands-on look at the tools and techniques needed to understand the fundamental security issues involving the linux operating system. You will create shell scripts intended to solve basic security scenarios. In addition, you will learn to set up and secure some of the more common network services usually implemented on Linux. Tools include: Bash, netcat, BIND, sshd, NTP, firewalld, nano.
    3 credits
    10-154-118
    Infrastructure Automation
    This class provides students with the tools they need to manage and automate IT Infrastructures. Students will learn the basics of scripting and tool creation using Windows PowerShell. Along with developing scripts and tools in PowerShell, students will learn about other tools and trends for managing on-premises and cloud infrastructures.
    3 credits

  • How to Apply

    Earning a degree is a great way to advance your career development opportunities, so apply today!

    If you are an international student and want to apply to Madison College, or transfer your F-1 student visa here, check program availability and then complete the International Admission Process.

    Apply Now – Secure Your Spot!

    This program has a limited number of seats available. We encourage early applications to secure your spot, but the program has not historically reached full capacity. 

    Application Dates

    Fall 2026

    • Application open
    • Application completion deadline is August 31, 2026

    Spring 2027

    • Application open
    • Application completion deadline is January 15, 2027

    Fall 2027

    • Application available on October 15, 2026
    • Application completion deadline is August 31, 2027

    Admission Requirements

    All materials must be submitted by the application deadline.

    1. Admission Application

    The online application allows you to save your work as you complete it and ensures fast, secure delivery to our office.

    2. Education Completion

    Submit official transcripts from the institutions you attended that indicate one of the following:

    • High school completion (current high school seniors may submit an in-progress transcript)
    • GED/HSED completion
    • College transcript or Madison College experience showing:
      • Completion of an associate degree or higher, or
      • At least 30 credits completed with a minimum GPA of 2.0 on a 4-point scale
        • The credits must be completed at a single college and cannot be combined with other transcripts
        • Any transfer credit listed on a transcript does not count toward the 30-credit minimum
        • Credits completed at Madison College are evaluated and do not require a transcript

    All high school and/or college transcripts are recommended to be submitted for Credit for Prior Learning evaluation.

    Additional Notes

    Individual courses may have prerequisites to enroll. Admission into a program or waiting list does not guarantee eligibility to enroll in courses. See the Curriculum section for the list of courses for the program.

    Questions?

    Contact the Enrollment Center at enrollmentservices@madisoncollege.edu or 608.246.6210.

    apply for admission

    Get Started!

    Apply to Madison College and take the first step towards your IT-Cloud DevOps Specialist career.

    It's Free to Apply

  • Transfer Opportunities

    UW System Schools

    UW Whitewater
    This agreement establishes a cooperative relationship between the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater (UW-W) and Madison College students in the Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Cybersecurity-Cyber Operations Emphasis, in or after the fall 2022 term
    UW Whitewater
    University of Wisconsin-Whitewater (UW-W) and Madison College effective for students starting the Bachelor of Science (B.S.) or Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) - Computer Science-Applied Computing Emphasis, in or after the fall 2022 term

    Wisconsin Private Schools

    Lakeland University
    Student who earn an Associate Degree from Madison College can transfer a minimum of 60 credits and a maximum of 72 credits to Lakeland College to be applied to the requirements of the Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Sciences degree.
    Milwaukee School of Engineering
    Completion of an A.A.S. Degree at Madison College after 2018, and meeting admission requirements for the Rader School of Business (RSOB) at the Milwaukee School of Engineering (MSOE) can earn a B.B.A degree in Technical Sales at MSOE.

    Out-of-State Schools

    Franklin University
    Franklin University will guarantee acceptance of Madison College graduates with an AA, AS, or AAS. Madison College graduates will have junior standing at Franklin University and may transfer up to 94 additional credits toward their baccalaureate degree.

  • Career Outcomes

    Cloud DevOps Specialist Program Outcomes

    After completing the Cloud DevOps Specialist program at Madison College, you will be able to:

    • Install, configure and support industry-standard client/server operating systems.
    • Install, configure and support network devices.
    • Solve problems individually and in a team environment.
    • Develop scripting for IT automation.
    • Deploy, configure and support services in a cloud environment.
    • Use DevOps methodology to deploy IT applications.
    • Develop and deploy software-defined IT infrastructure.
    • Architect and implement virtualized computing platforms.

    Cloud DevOps Career Outcomes

    Madison College associate degree graduates are ready for a range of professional positions in the field of cloud support including:

    • Cloud System Administrator
    • Cloud Support Associate
    • Cloud Support Engineer

    With additional work experience you may be qualified for employment as a Cloud Solutions Architect.

    • Graduate Summary

      Graduate Report Summary Overview

      		202320242025
      Number of Program Graduates9138
      Number of Surveys Sent9138
      Number of Surveys Returned987
      Percent of Surveys Returned
      Available for Employment776
      Percent Available for Employment77.8%87.5%85.7%
      Not in Labor Market
      Percent Not in Labor Market22.2%12.5%14.3%
      Available for Employment

      		202320242025
      Graduates Employed754
      Percent of Graduates Employed100.0%71.4%66.7%
      Employed in Related Occupation542
      Percent Employed in Related Occupation71.4%80.0%50.0%
      Employed in Unrelated Occupation212
      Percent Employed in Unrelated Occupation28.6%20.0%50.0%
      Employed - No Response000
      Percent Employed - No Response0.0%0.0%0.0%
      Seeking Employment022
      Percent Seeking Employment0.0%28.6%33.3%
      Reaction To Training at Madison College

      		202320242025
      Student satisfaction Mean (Out of 4)3.33.43.6
      Number of Satisfaction Responses987
      Very Satisfied (4)534
      Percent Very Satisfied55.6%37.5%57.1%
      Satisfied (3)353
      Percent Satisfied33.3%62.5%42.9%
      Unsatisfied (2)000
      Percent Unsatisfied0.0%0.0%0.0%
      Very Unsatisfied (1)
      Percent Very Unsatisfied11.1%0.0%0.0%
      Primary Reason for Attending Madison College

      		202320242025
      Number of Primary Reason Responses987
      Preparation for Getting a Job344
      Percent Preparation for Getting a Job33.3%50.0%57.1%
      Career Change333
      Percent Career Change33.3%37.5%42.9%
      Improvement of Existing Skills110
      Percent Improvement of Existing Skills11.1%12.5%0.0%
      Preparation for Further Education100
      Percent Preparation for Further Education11.1%0.0%0.0%
      Personal Interest100
      Percent Personal Interest11.1%0.0%0.0%
      Other000
      Percent Other0.0%0.0%0.0%
      When Employment was Obtained

      		202320242025
      Number of When Employment Obtained Responses754
      Before Enrollment201
      Percent Before Enrollment28.6%0.0%25.0%
      While Attending the College442
      Percent While Attending the College57.1%80.0%50.0%
      After Training at the College111
      Percent After Training at the College14.3%20.0%25.0%
      Location of Employment (related and unrelated)

      		202320242025
      Number of Employment Location Responses754
      In College District654
      Percent In College District85.7%100.0%100.0%
      In Wisconsin, Not in District000
      Percent of In Wisconsin0.0%0.0%0.0%
      Outside of Wisconsin100
      Percent Outside Wisconsin14.3%0.0%0.0%
      Employer Location Unknown000
      Percent Location Unknown0.0%0.0%0.0%
      Salary Trend
      Salary Trend202320242025
      Full Time Employment (Related Job)Full Time Salary Count431
      Average Monthly Wage$6,311$6,715$3,956
      Average Hourly Wage$36.69$39.04$23.00
      Average Work Hours per Week40.040.040.0
      Part Time Employment (Related Job)Part Time Salary Count11
      Average Hourly Wage$20.00$15.00
      Average Work Hours per Week30.029.0

    • Graduate Employers

      Graduate Employers for academic year: 2025
      Employer(s)Job TitleCity*State**Positions
      Morgridge Institute Of ResearchIT Student Help Desk
      Sauk CountyManagement Information Systems (MIS) ContractorBaraboo

      * - Only cities outside of Madison will display.

      ** - Only states outside of Wisconsin will display.

      *** - If you have a position to post, please contact Career and Employment Services at jobpostings@madisoncollege.edu

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School of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics

Madison Truax Campus
Main Building, C2433

1701 Wright Street
Madison, Wisconsin 53704

schoolofstem@madisoncollege.edu
608.246.6990

Hours

  • Monday – Thursday: 8 am - 4:30 pm
  • Friday: 8 am - 4:30 pm (Phone and email only.)