WVU Parkersburg launches Cloud Computing program connecting technical skills to business needs

 Parkersburg, W.Va. (October 16, 2026) — WVU Parkersburg is launching a new Cloud Computing program designed to prepare students to build and manage cloud resources while understanding the costs and business decisions behind them. Starting in Spring 2027, students can earn an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree in Cloud Computing.

The program is led by Bill Minear, Cloud Computing & Automation Instructional Specialist, who brings experience in IT and the software industry, where he worked with cloud technology and automation for large organizations using Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Microsoft Azure.

In simple terms, cloud computing means paying a provider to run computing resources that organizations access over the internet, rather than buying and housing hardware themselves. Businesses can get started without waiting to acquire equipment, and they can scale resources up or down as demand changes, such as when website traffic spikes.

“In today’s world, with regards to technology, you’re going to encounter it,” Minear said about cloud computing. “Whether it’s the primary focus of your role or not, it’s going to be a consideration.”

Students will learn AWS technologies using AWS curriculum, along with skills that transfer to other cloud platforms. Instruction will begin with hands-on labs in the AWS web console so students understand the resources and terminology. From there, students will learn infrastructure as code, which involves writing code to define and deploy computing resources rather than configuring each one by hand. Minear plans to use tools such as Terraform, which builds resources in AWS and other cloud providers, and to include some hands-on pipeline development.

Minear said the program is built around how businesses use cloud technology, including the costs involved.

“I want students to understand how businesses actually use cloud technology,” Minear said. “That means learning how to build and manage resources, but also understanding the costs and decisions behind them.”

Core IT knowledge still applies, he said.

“The fundamentals of networking and computing still apply,” Minear said. “What changes is how those resources are deployed and managed.”

Minear noted that many entry-level IT jobs begin in help desk or support roles, including positions supporting organizations that use cloud resources, which can build the experience needed to advance. He called cloud computing a growing field.

“It is an in-demand field, and it’s growing pretty quickly,” Minear said.

Because the program is new, Minear plans to watch what works and adjust it, and he hopes to bring in outside professionals to discuss how they use cloud technology.

“I want to keep adjusting the program so students gain the skills they need and employers have people prepared to use these technologies,” Minear said.

Visit https://www.wvup.edu/academics/programs/cloud-computing/ to learn more about the Cloud Computing program.