Amazon Web Services provides UM-Flint students with university-first cloud computing certification

Students at the University of Michigan-Flint's College of Innovation & Technology can now receive certification from Amazon Web Services by completing a popular cloud computing course. This marks the first time CIT has integrated an AWS certification into its curriculum, highlighting a significant step forward in the college's collaboration with the world's leading cloud services provider.

Now, in addition to gaining experience with essential tools, students receive proof of their achievements through an AWS Academy Cloud Foundations certificate, complete with a digital badge, which could help them stand out to potential employers.

"The introduction of these credentials reflects the evolving demands of the tech industry," Alhosban said. "AWS has enhanced and incentivized the practical learning experience and provided our students with a competitive edge as they prepare to enter the workforce."

That edge may be a significant one. According to a research paper commissioned by AWS, "nine out of ten organizations with AWS-certified staff agree that certification achievement has given staff the ability to identify new and different ways to take advantage of AWS services." Companies looking to capitalize on this heightened ingenuity face a sparse talent market. Tech leaders who participated in Skillsoft's annual IT Skills and Salary survey cited "cloud computing as the third toughest area to hire for." More than half of those leaders said "they've had three or more open spots on their teams this past year, often because they struggle to attract talent with the right skills." 

One group of computer science & information systems graduate students has already been recognized for developing "the right skills," having completed CIS 515 during the fall 2024 semester and earning their AWS certification in the process.

"Working with AWS cloud tools in the classroom was both challenging and eye-opening," said Linda Agyenim-Boateng of Flint. "Setting up instances, managing storage and experimenting with different cloud configurations gave me a strong foundation in cloud computing. Having the AWS digital badge has made a significant impact on my job search, as I have been receiving many job interviews. Employers seem to recognize this certification as a testament to my hands-on experience."

For students like Prathibha Boyapalli of Andhra Pradesh, India, the certificate offers new opportunities to showcase their skills to potential employers.

"Before receiving the certificate, I used my resume and projects on platforms like GitHub to demonstrate my skills," she said. "An AWS Academy course completion certificate was the only thing missing from my profile. Earning the badge now strengthens my ability to demonstrate cloud expertise to potential employers and recruiters, highlighting my latest skills and reflecting my growth since I last worked."

Ehsanul Haque of Dhaka, Bangladesh, said that earning his AWS certificate and badge helped him display a level of credibility that would have been difficult to convey otherwise.

"Coming from a non-technical background, this achievement is especially meaningful because it validates my ability to work with cloud technologies in a structured, hands-on environment," he said. "Companies are increasingly prioritizing cloud computing skills, and this certification, along with the digital badge, highlights my proficiency in using AWS tools."

The core curriculum of CIS 515 hasn't changed, so Alhosban's students will continue to gain valuable experience with the industry's leading cloud solutions. The new AWS certification program ensures that students' hard work is universally recognized.

"CIT is dedicated to preparing students for success in technology-driven careers," Alhosban said. "By combining cutting-edge tools, practical applications, and recognized credentials, we put our students on the surest path to a rewarding professional future, with the skills and experience needed to excel in cloud computing and beyond."

For more information on CIT's degree programs, visit the college's website.