Santa Monica College Will Accept Cloud Degree Applications
The college opens its application process on Oct. 1 for a new Bachelor of Science in Cloud Computing degree.
Updated on Sept. 27, 2026 in Distance Learning
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Beginning Oct. 1, Santa Monica College will accept applications for its second baccalaureate degree, a Bachelor of Science in Cloud Computing. The program is designed for students entering as juniors, with coursework developed in partnership with Amazon Web Services.
Why it matters
The program aims to address a regional labor market demand, which projects 2,777 annual job openings in cloud-related occupations in the Los Angeles area. This initiative seeks to bridge the gap between education and local workforce needs for highly skilled technical professionals.
The estimated cost for California residents to complete the four-year degree is $10,000. Curriculum includes preparation for the AWS Certified Solutions Architect-Professional credential.
The players
Santa Monica College
This is a public community college located in Santa Monica that provides various associate and baccalaureate degree programs.
Amazon Web Services
This is a comprehensive and broadly adopted cloud platform that provides over 200 fully featured services from data centers globally.
The details
Classes will be available through a mix of online, in-person, and hybrid formats to accommodate diverse student needs. The degree program prepares graduates for cloud architecture roles by utilizing specialized materials from Amazon Web Services.
Timeline
SMC launched its first bachelor's degree in 2015.
The application window opens on Oct. 1.
Priority consideration is given to applications received by Jan. 15, 2027.
The final application deadline is March 1, 2027.
Classes are scheduled to start in the fall 2027 semester.
Roadmap
This program aligns with the broader industry trend of integrating corporate certifications into public degree pathways to solve workforce shortages. By formalizing technical skills training, Santa Monica College positions itself to meet the evolving demands of the technology sector.
California residents can access a four-year degree for an estimated $10,000, significantly reducing the cost of entry for a high-demand tech career. Students can balance their education through flexible hybrid and online course options.
The takeaway
Students interested in cloud architecture should prioritize the Jan. 15, 2027 deadline to ensure the best chance of admission into the program. By leveraging industry-recognized certifications, graduates can improve their readiness for roles in the growing Los Angeles tech market.
What happens next
Prospective students should submit applications by the priority deadline of Jan. 15, 2027, or no later than the final deadline on March 1, 2027.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest developments in local education on the Distance Learning page.
More information
View detailed program requirements and course offerings on the SMC Cloud Computing program information page.
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