Grambling State News

Louisiana’s First 4-Year Cloud Computing Degree Program to Begin Fall 2020

GRAMBLING, La. – May 29, 2020 – On Thursday, the Louisiana Board of Regents approved Grambling State University’s proposal to offer Louisiana’s first bachelor’s degree in Cloud Computing.

“World markets benefit tremendously from increased diversity in career fields like cloud computing, and our students are the perfect fit for this need,” said President Rick Gallot. “We are proud to have the support of the University of Louisiana System and the Board of Regents to prepare the next wave of digital geniuses and tech talent for the innovation industry.”

The program will train students to become cloud computing experts who can build and maintain cloud infrastructures. Professionals with these skills are projected to remain in high demand for decades to come. According to Forbes, in 2019 there were 50,248 cloud computing positions available in the U.S. from 3,701 employers and 101,913 open positions worldwide. Beginning with the graduating class of 2024, Grambling State alums can don the title of Cloud Architect, Cloud Consultant, IoT Engineer and many other high demand tech-based positions with a median starting salary over $80k for many positions.

“Our work doesn’t end at graduation. In this new environment of increased distance learning and teleworking, the demand for professionals in disciplines like cloud computing and cybersecurity only continues to grow,” President Gallot said. “As a university, we had the forethought to integrate these programs as we continue to prepare our students to meet the demands of an evolving workforce.”

“The GSU Career Center, our vast alumni network, and our Friends of Technology Advisory Board are a few of the many ways that we ensure our alums are employed upon degree completion,” said President Gallot.

The hard work of curriculum development and gaining the proper approvals to offer the degree program is overseen by the University’s Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Connie Walton.

“Grambling State University is excited about the approval of the new program in cloud computing,” Dr. Walton said. The global cloud computing market size is expected to grow to $623.3 billion by 2023.

“The average length of time a cloud computing-related position remains open is close to 50 days. The degree program in Cloud Computing will allow Grambling State University to play a major role in ensuring that workforce needs related to cloud computing can be met,” Dr. Walton said.

Grambling State has long been a national leader in producing African American Computer Science graduates. The new program’s development is being spearheaded by Grambling State faculty member and member of the Louisiana Cybersecurity Commission, Dr. Yenumula B. Reddy. Dr. Reddy also serves as the chair of the department that houses Louisiana’s first degree in Cybersecurity.

“Our program will remain current with emerging workforce needs via strong industry partnerships and by using an innovative staffing approach,”Dr. Walton said. “The faculty teaching in this program will include individuals who are currently working in cloud computing positions. Students who are in this program will have the opportunity to learn from experts. Further, Dr. Reddy and his team will ensure that students receive assistance in placement in internships and cooperative education experiences. His team will also build into the program opportunities for students to engage in cutting edge research in cloud computing.”

Grambling State has been designated as a Center of Academic Excellence in Mathematical Achievement for Science and Technology (CeMAST).The Center supports the six STEM undergraduate degree programs housed in the College of Arts and Sciences, and one program in the College of Business. These programs are biological sciences, chemistry, computer science, cybersecurity, engineering technology, mathematics and physics, and computer information systems.

For more information, please contact mediarelations@gram.edu or call (318) 274-2866.

About Grambling State University  
Grambling State University, located in Grambling, Louisiana, is a historically black university founded in 1901. The University has been accredited by 13 accrediting associations and holds accreditations in all programs required by the Louisiana Board of Regents. The 590-acre campus offers 43 undergraduate and graduate academic programs. Grambling State University is a member of the University of Louisiana System. For more information, visit gram.edu.

Contact:
LaNita Hughes
hughesl@gram.edu
(318) 274-6286