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Network and Cloud Computing
Bachelor of Science in Information Technology
Establish your expertise in networking and cloud systems and get ready to play a vital role in everyday business operations with the Network and Cloud Computing specialization. Learn to plan, design, configure, troubleshoot and administer networks in environments ranging from small, local networks to enterprise-wide integrated cloud infrastructures. Study topics like cloud migration, cloud and server administration, internetworking architecture design, Linux administration and system assurance and security.
After graduation, you’ll be prepared to pursue a career in the field of cloud and network administration.
At a glance
- Online
- 180 Total quarter credits
- 135 Max transfer credits
- 8–13 General education courses
- 8–12 Elective courses
- 10 Core courses
- 5 Specialization courses
- 2 Capstone courses
Reduce your tuition up to $15,000
Enroll in a qualified program and apply for a $15K Capella Progress Reward scholarship to help fund your bachelor's degree.
Explore Network and Cloud Computing courses
- This degree requires a total of 180 program credits in GuidedPath
- You’ll need to complete 8–13 general education courses, 10 core courses, five specialization courses, 8-12 elective courses and two capstone courses
Show all descriptions
IT4157
Internetworking Architectures
6 quarter credits
Learners in this course develop their understanding of the design and integration of multi-protocol networks (local area networks and wide area networks) to form an enterprise network. Learners design intranets/internets, virtual local area networks (VLANs), and firewalls using different internetworking devices and media. In addition, learners evaluate the planning, methods, procedures, and tools necessary to prevent vulnerabilities in networked systems and analyze the procedures used to validate and restore network services following an incident. Learners also strengthen the skills needed to manage, operate, and maintain networked, managed, and linked systems and peripherals. Learners who have received credit for IT4150 and IT4155 may not take IT4157. Prerequisite(s): IT2280.
6 quarter credits
IT4525
Cloud Computing Fundamentals
6 quarter credits
Learners in this course develop the skills to analyze, plan, design and implement fundamental cloud solutions. Learners acquire and apply knowledge of implementation strategies specific to cloud network, compute, and storage. Learners also implement security, monitoring, and logging solutions, along with special cloud workloads such as AI and machine learning. Concepts of cloud migration planning and cloud cost optimization are also discussed. Learners who have received credit for IT4541 and IT4551 may not take IT4525. Prerequisite(s): IT2280 or IT3355.
6 quarter credits
IT4545
Cloud Concepts, Architecture and Management
6 quarter credits
Learners gain an understanding of foundational cloud concepts including on demand self-service, broad network access, resource pooling, elasticity, measured service. Learners develop hands-on proficiency with an industry-standard cloud platform (Microsoft Azure). Learners also analyze the benefits and economic advantages of cloud computing, as well as strategies for transitioning from on-premise infrastructure to cloud infrastructure. Learners design security measures in accordance with regulatory compliance requirements (HIPAA, GDPR, PCIDSS, etc.). Learners who have received credit for IT4511 and IT4521 may not take IT4545. Prerequisite(s): IT2280 or IT3355; IT3358.
6 quarter credits
IT4575
Linux Operating Systems
6 quarter credits
Learners demonstrate an understanding of the fundamental concepts of the Linux operating system. Learners use command line tools and software packages, and practice hardware configuration, file management, process management, and file editing. In this course, learners apply knowledge of advanced topics specific to the Linux operating system. Learners administer the Linux system, script, and implement network configuration and security. Learners who have received credit for IT4561 and IT4571 may not take IT4575. Prerequisite(s): Completion of or concurrent registration in IT3280 or IT2180 or IT3318
6 quarter credits
IT4803
System Assurance Security
6 quarter credits
This course is an overview of information assurance and security topics for network administrators who must implement security strategies to protect their organization from exposure to the Internet; network designers also create security-conscious designs. Learners identify and apply strategies to guard against hackers and forms of viruses, use firewalls and gateways, and build authentication skills and encryption techniques. Learners identify methods for attacking a network system and validate defenses against them. Upon successful completion of this course, learners are prepared to take the exam for the Security+ certification. Prerequisite(s): IT2280 or IT3355 or IT3350. Some of the materials found in this course are from the Google IT Support professional certificate program. This may include readings, videos, practice exercises, and other study materials. This professional certificate material is delivered online via the Coursera Career Academy platform, and links to this platform are available in the Capella courseroom. There are no additional costs for access to this material.
6 quarter credits
What you’ll learn
The Network and Cloud Computing specialization is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills needed to administer networks in a variety of environments.
The curriculum addresses planning, designing, configuring and troubleshooting networks in environments ranging from small, local networks to enterprise-wide integrated cloud infrastructures. Specific topics include cloud migration, cloud and server administration, internetworking architecture design, Linux administration, AI and machine learning, and system assurance and security.
On successful completion of this program, you should be able to:
- Communicate effectively in IT business environments.
- Evaluate the effectiveness of implementing a network and cloud-based design through collaboration and the support of IT tools.
- Design effective IT solutions for business IT environments using networking and cloud practices, policies, standards and technologies.
- Create a plan to solve business problems using network and cloud-based technology and standards.
- Administer a variety of network and cloud-based business IT environments.
- Troubleshoot a variety of network and cloud-based business IT environments.
- Apply network and cloud standards, policies, and security practices.
- Employ network and cloud-based design and administration concepts and technologies.
Review the Capella career exploration guide to learn more about this program and career paths to explore.
Program eligible for Experiential Learning
Use your experience: bring your real-world projects into the courseroom to complete assignments and demonstrate what you're learning.
Faculty spotlight
Melissa Zgola, EdD
Program Director, Information Technology
How much does the BS in IT cost?
The total cost of your degree will depend on academic performance, transfer credits, scholarships and other factors. See GuidedPath cost information below.
A structured learning format with an active peer community and faculty guidance. We’ll set the schedule, you meet the deadlines.
- Based on the quarter system; 1–3 courses per 10-week quarter
- 1 semester credit = 1.5 quarter credits
- Weekly assignments and courseroom discussions
- Pay for what you take, price varies by courseload or quarter
- $365 per 1000-2000 level credit $415 per 3000-4000 level credit
- $175 resource kit
- 180 total quarter credits
- 135 max transfer credits
$18,675
MAX TRANSFER CREDITS 18 months
$42,590
AVERAGE TRANSFER CREDITS 42 months
$70,071
NO TRANSFER CREDITS 75 months
*This is only an estimate, effective July 8, 2024, and is subject to change. Your time and cost will vary depending on your unique circumstances, such as your program specialization, transfer credits and any applicable tuition discounts. This estimate does not include the cost of books, course materials, supplies, equipment and other expenses. Tuition estimates shown for the GuidedPath learning format depend on the number of credits accepted for transfer. New or recently revised program tuition estimates are based on comparable programs.
Capella is committed to transparency in tuition and pricing. You will be responsible for costs in addition to tuition, which may include travel expenses and practicum costs. You will be charged $50–$200 each quarter or billing session for your resource kit, which includes required books, software and other course materials. Click here to review program-specific fee amounts in our University Catalog.
Find out more about financing and payment options to help you complete your program. Federal aid also is available to help manage the costs of higher education. Learn more about financing your education.
Get the details
Connect with an enrollment counselor to further discuss the cost of the program and explore your eligibility for scholarships and discounts.
“The material that Capella used in their classes provided real-world examples of IT industries. I felt that these gave me greater insight into not only how things work but to think more strategically.”
Will Resendes* – BS Information Technology
*Actual Capella graduate who agreed to appear in promotional materials.
Are there scholarships available for bachelor’s degrees?
Your education is an investment in your future. There are more ways to save than you might think.
**Learners who submit IAC-IT documented credit for the CISSP, CISM, CISA, CEH and SSCP can be awarded a maximum of 5 specialization courses through documented credit. They may be able to submit petitions for the remaining credits allowed for CPL in their curriculum.
Capella University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Accreditation and recognitions provide evidence that we meet standards for quality of faculty, curriculum, learner services, and fiscal stability.
See all our accreditations and recognitions.
*Capella’s BS in IT program is accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET, http://www.abet.org (The FlexPath option is not included in this specialized accreditation.)
What are the BS in IT admissions requirements?
Applicants to the BS in Information Technology, Network and Cloud Computing program must provide the following information for admission:
- Admission application – no application fee required
- High school diploma or equivalent
- A transcript of any reported GED
- 4.5 credits eligible for transfer. See Sophia Admissions Pathways as an option to obtain credits.
- Applicants under age 24, as well as those over age 24 who have no transfer credits, may be required to submit a high school transcript verifying graduation
- A valid, government-issued form of photo identification
SAT and ACT are not required for admission.
International student requirements
If you live outside the U.S. or aren’t a U.S. citizen, you may be considered an international student.
To meet the requirements for Capella admission, you must:
- Earn the minimum score on an acceptable test for proof of English proficiency
- Attend an internationally recognized institution
- Provide transcripts for evaluation
Learn more about international student admissions.
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What can you do with a BS in Information Technology, Network and Cloud Computing degree?
Your education can help you reach your professional and personal goals. While Capella cannot guarantee that a graduate will secure any specific career outcome, such as a job title, promotion or salary increase, we encourage you to explore potential jobs and employment settings. Here are some ideas and examples for a graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Information, Network and Cloud Computing degree.
Related job titles to explore*
- Cloud architect
- Cloud engineer
- Cloud security engineer
- Linux system administrator
- Network administrator
- Network architect
- Network engineer
- Systems administrator
- Systems analyst
Employment settings to explore*
- Administrative management and general management consulting services
- Computer-related services
- Computer systems design services
- Computing infrastructure providers, data processing, web hosting and related services
- Professional, scientific and technical services
- Scientific and technical consulting services
- Telecommunications
- Temporary help services
- Wireless telecommunications carriers (except satellite)
*These are examples intended to serve as a general guide. Some positions may prefer or even require previous experience, licensure, certifications and/or other designations along with a degree. Because many factors determine what position an individual may attain, Capella cannot guarantee that a graduate will secure any specific job title, a promotion, salary increase or other career outcome. We encourage you to research requirements for your job target and career goals.