OVERVIEW
Build a Versatile Foundation in Both Cloud and Traditional Network Engineering
The General Track of the Bachelor of Science in Cloud and Network Engineering is designed for students seeking a broad skill set in cloud computing and on-premises network infrastructure. It is ideal for learners who want flexibility in their career path and the ability to work across a variety of environments, platforms, and technologies.
In this program students will learn to:
- Design and manage traditional and cloud-based network systems
- Implement security practices across hybrid infrastructure
- Configure, monitor, and troubleshoot operating systems and networks
- Script and automate IT processes for efficiency and scalability
- Apply vendor-neutral best practices in cloud, virtualization, and infrastructure
- Communicate technical solutions effectively across teams and stakeholders
Students will gain hands-on experience through performance-based learning and develop critical competencies that span systems administration, networking, cloud architecture, and security—all without being locked into a single vendor ecosystem.
61% of graduates in similar programs finish within
36 Months*
WGU lets you move more quickly through material you already know and advance as soon as you're ready. The result: You may finish faster.
*WGU Internal Data
Tuition per six-month term is
$3,915
Tuition charged per term—rather than per credit—helps you control the ultimate cost of earning your degree online. Finish faster, pay less!
Average salary increase
$13,785*
Graduates of our School of Technology graduate programs report an average salary increase of $13,785 after completing their WGU degree.
*WGU Internal Data
COURSES
General Cloud and Network Engineering Courses
Program consists of 34 courses
At WGU, we design our curriculum to be timely, relevant, and practical—all to help you show that you know your stuff.
The B.S. Cloud and Network Engineering program is an all-online degree that you will complete through independent study with the support of WGU faculty. You will be expected to finish at least eight competency units (WGU's equivalent of the credit hour) each six-month term. (Each course is typically three or four units). There’s no limit on the number of units you can complete each term, so the more courses you get through, the quicker you can finish your program.
The General specialization allows you to have additional focus on vendor-agnostic systems and strategies, preparing you for a wide-variety of networking positions. The experience and knowledge you gain in this program will help prepare you for specific career goals and outcomes in cloud and network security, boosting your résumé and preparing you for the next step in your career.
Pathway To a Cybersecurity Master's Degree
The coursework that you complete in your Network Engineering and Security degree can be applied to our Master of Science in Cybersecurity program which shortens the path to a master's degree in cybersecurity by 2 courses/6 credits.
34 Courses
Program consists of 34 courses
At WGU, we design our curriculum to be timely, relevant, and practical—all to help you show that you know your stuff.
Skills For Your Résumé
As part of this program, you will develop a range of valuable skills that employers are looking for.
- Automation: Integrate Python scripts, modules, packages, and libraries to automate networking tasks and processes.
- Cloud Computing: Design a hybrid network environment that incorporates both a traditional network and a cloud-based network.
- Computer Networks: Deploy cloud solutions for storage, networking, and security, as well as design and troubleshoot networks.
- Data Analysis: Evaluate the relationship between two quantitative variables through correlation and regression.
- Information Systems Security: Execute operations and incident response with tools, policies, forensics, and mitigation techniques.
- Python: Apply Python principles and syntax to manage variables, data structures, and operators and to perform IT tasks.
“Success looks like having the opportunity to get up every day and enjoy the work one does. I can genuinely say, WGU and the degrees I earned from WGU have afforded me the opportunity to do something I love!”
—G. Theresa Quitto-Dickerson
WGU School of Technology Graduate
WGU vs. Traditional Universities
Compare the Difference
Traditional Universities
AVG. cost
For 3RD PARTY IT CERTIFICATIONS
$350*
Included with your tuition cost
TUITION STRUCTURE
Per credit hour
Flat rate per 6-month term
SUPPORT
Schedule and wait days or even weeks to meet with one of many counselors
Simply email or call to connect with your designated Program Mentor who supports you from day one
EXAMS
Scheduled time
Whenever you feel ready
SCHEDULE
Professor led lectures at a certain time and place
Courses available anytime, from anywhere
TIME TO FINISH
Approximately 4 years, minimal acceleration options
As quickly as you can master the material, typically less than 3 years
TRANSFER CREDITS
Few accepted, based on certain schools and specific courses
A generous transfer policy that is based on your specific situation
*The cost of valuable industry certification exams can range from $150 to $400. At WGU, we offer vouchers for certification exams, so the cost is included in your tuition price. Students may have to pay additional fees for membership to complete the certification requirements.
Traditional Universities
AVG. cost
For 3RD PARTY IT CERTIFICATIONS
$350*
AVG. cost
For 3RD PARTY IT CERTIFICATIONS
Included with your tuition cost
TUITION STRUCTURE
Per credit hour
TUITION STRUCTURE
Flat rate per 6-month term
SUPPORT
Schedule and wait days or even weeks to meet with one of many counselors
SUPPORT
Simply email or call to connect with your designated Program Mentor who supports you from day one
EXAMS
Scheduled time
EXAMS
Whenever you feel ready
SCHEDULE
Professor led lectures at a certain time and place
SCHEDULE
Courses available anytime, from anywhere
TIME TO FINISH
Approximately 4 years, minimal acceleration options
TIME TO FINISH
As quickly as you can master the material, typically less than 3 years
TRANSFER CREDITS
Few accepted, based on certain schools and specific courses
TRANSFER CREDITS
A generous transfer policy that is based on your specific situation
*The cost of valuable industry certification exams can range from $150 to $400. At WGU, we offer vouchers for certification exams, so the cost is included in your tuition price. Students may have to pay additional fees for membership to complete the certification requirements.
Why WGU?
You Aren't On Your Own
WGU has Program Mentors who work with you from the day you start, all the way through graduation. They help you chart your courses, answer your questions, and ensure you can go through your program. You're not alone when you choose an online degree at WGU.
Flexibility You Need
Students choose WGU for their online degree program because of its flexibility. Whether you already have a full-time job, have responsibilities as a parent, or just have a busy schedule, WGU can work for you.
Strong Alumni Network
When you enroll in an online master's degree program at WGU, you join an impressive network of alumni all around the United States.
Accredited, Respected,
Recognized™
One important measure of a degree’s value is the reputation of the university where it was earned. When employers, industry leaders, and academic experts hold your alma mater in high esteem, you reap the benefits of that respect. WGU is a pioneer in reinventing higher education for the 21st century, and our quality has been recognized.
IT CERTIFICATIONS
3rd Party Networking Certifications Included
Industry certifications in this degree program include CompTIA, ITIL, and Linux. These certifications are unique to this specialization and are built to help you boost your résumé in vendor agnostic settings.
The cost of these certifications is included in your tuition, helping you save money as you enhance your skills. Earning certifications before you’ve even finished your degree gives you the knowledge, skills, and credentials that will immediately boost your résumé.
Both tracks include the following:
- CompTIA A+
- CompTIA Project+
- CompTIA Cloud+
- ITIL® 4 Foundation Certification
- LPI Linux Essentials
COST & TIME
When We Say Affordable We Mean It
By charging per six-month term rather than per credit—and empowering students to accelerate through material they know well or learn quickly—WGU helps students control the ultimate cost of their degrees. The faster you complete your program, the less you pay for your degree.
A Bachelor's Degree Is Within Reach
There is help available to make paying for school possible for you:
The average student loan debt of WGU graduates in 2023 (among those who borrowed) was about half* the national average.
Most WGU students qualify for financial aid, and WGU is approved for federal financial aid and U.S. veterans benefits.
Many scholarship opportunities are available. Find out what you might be eligible for.
*WGU undergraduate students have approximately half the debt at graduation compared to the national average, according to the College Board and WGU Data (2023).
FLEXIBLE SCHEDULE
A Different Way to Learn: Degree Programs Designed to Fit Your Life—and All the Demands on Your Time
At WGU, we understand that you have professional responsibilities, family obligations, and personal commitments. That’s why we offer a personalized, flexible approach to higher education. You'll be challenged. You'll put in hours of hard work. And you'll get a solid, career-focused education that fits your life. Complete your coursework online, anytime and anywhere your schedule allows, and move through assignments and assessments as quickly as you're able.
"A WGU degree means doors that were previously closed have been opened, creating access to opportunities. Earning my degree from WGU has served as the 'True North,' compelling other family members to pursue their degrees at WGU as well!
—Jerry Davis
WGU School of Technology Graduate
CAREER OUTLOOK
A Bachelor's Degree in Cloud and Networking Sets You Apart
As more more organizations utilize cloud systems in their tech infrastructure, experience and knowledge surrounding cloud and network security will be critical. This program focuses on setting you up for success with a variety of software systems and processes, so you can stand out as you grow in your career.
In this program you will design and manage both traditional and cloud-based systems, focus on security practices across hybrid infrastructures, understand operating systems and how to configure and maintain them, and more. With a focus on efficiency and scalability, you will understand vendor-neutral best practices to be utlized across a variety of teams and stakeholders.
Return on Your Investment
On average, WGU graduates see an increase in income post-graduation
Average income increase from all degrees in annual salary vs. pre-enrollment salary. Source: 2023 Harris Poll Survey of 1,655 WGU graduates.
Survey was sent to a representative sample of WGU graduates from all colleges. Respondents received at least one WGU degree since 2017.
13%
The market for computer network architects is projected to grow 13% through 2033.
—U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Learn About Careers for Cloud and Network Engineering
Some of the job titles and industries a graduate of this cloud and network engineering degree program are qualified for include:
Job Titles
- Network/Cloud/Infrastructure Engineer
- Systems Administrator
- Network Administrator
- Network Engineer
- Cloud Security Engineer
- Cloud Platform Engineer
- Infrastructure Engineer
- Network Technician
- Network Analyst
Diverse Industries
- Finance
- Energy
- Healthcare
- Technology
- Retail/Commercial
- Government
- Manufacturing
Major Employers
- Microsoft
- Apple
- Northrop Gruman
- JPMorgan Chase
- Meta
- Duke University
ADMISSIONS
Admission Requirements Unique to the Bachelor of Science in Cloud and Network Engineering
Students must be able to use key Calculus principles, rules, and applications while in the B.S. Cloud and Network Engineering program. Students must meet the following admission requirements for admittance to this program:
1. Possess a high school diploma or its equivalent.
2. Demonstrate readiness through completion of one of the following:
Option 1: Submit all transcripts documenting completion of college-level coursework with a minimum of 2.75 cumulative GPA or higher, AND successful and verifiable completion of a precalculus (or higher level) course from a WGU approved third-party provider with a grade “C” or better.
Option 2: A high school cumulative GPA of 3.0, or higher, AND a B grade, or better, in a high school honors, IB, or AP level advanced mathematics course.
If no previous Precalculus course has been completed by the time of application, students can complete this course through WGU Academy, prior to matriculation.
NOTE: You do not need to take the ACT or SAT to be admitted to this program. Learn why we don't require these tests.
Get Your Enrollment Checklist
Download your step-by-step guide to enrollment.
Get Your Questions Answered
Talk to an WGU Enrollment Counselor.
Transfer Credits
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