If you’re currently working as a help desk technician but are looking to advance to a cloud administrator or similar role, earning an accelerated Information Technology (IT) bachelor’s degree can help. Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota offers a 90-credit online IT bachelor’s degree program that requires 25% fewer credits than a traditional bachelor’s degree. By leveraging your previous work experience and certifications, you may be able to graduate even more quickly. Here, we explore how you can map a fast IT degree plan and move into positions like cloud administration with our FastTrack 90™ program.
Key Takeaways
- IT certifications like CompTIA and Cisco can be turned into college credit through Prior Learning Assessments (PLAs).
- With an accelerated program and PLA credits, aspiring cloud administrators can complete their degree faster and start working sooner.
- Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota offers a 90-credit online IT bachelor’s degree program that can be completed in around three years.
Career Pathways to Cloud Admin: Start With Your Experience and Certifications
Help desk technicians and other IT support staff have work experience and have often earned information technology certifications for their roles. These certifications may include:
- CompTIA A+
- CompTIA Network+
- CompTIA Security+
- Cisco
- Other cloud provider certifications
These certifications may be able to translate into college credit through Prior Learning Assessments (PLAs). A PLA assesses non-academic workplace experience and training, like certifications, to see if they meet college-level standards. If they align appropriately, individuals can get college credits for their previous experience. This helps reduce the number of credits they need to graduate, shortening their degree completion time.
Program Path and Acceleration
Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota’s online IT bachelor’s degree is part of our newly redesigned FastTrack 90TM bachelor’s degree programs. These fully online programs are designed for working adults and require only 90 credits, which is 25% less than a standard bachelor’s degree, offering focused pacing and meticulous program design.
Students in the IT program will take courses like:
- Database Administration
- Enterprise Architecture Fundamentals
- Introduction to Cybersecurity
- Network Security
- Cloud Computing Fundamentals
These courses help students develop the competencies they need to move beyond entry-level roles and pursue advanced positions like cloud administrator. At Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota, our generous transfer policy allows students to transfer up to 66 credits, with up to 35 being from PLA. This can help students graduate faster, start working sooner, and save money on tuition.
Career Pathways
If you’ve been wanting to become a cloud administrator, earning an accelerated IT bachelor’s degree is a great first step. Most positions require an IT bachelor’s degree, along with work experience and certifications like CompTIA Cloud+. If you already have relevant certifications and can put them toward your bachelor’s degree, you’re on the right path.
Through skills progression, class projects, specialization, digital badges, and online training, students are well-prepared to pursue cloud administrator and similar positions upon graduation. Cloud administrators earn an average salary of $110,957 annually, compared to the average of $48,154 for help desk technicians.
At Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota, we also allow students to take approved graduate-level courses during their bachelor’s program, which can set them up for success in graduate studies if that is the path they want to pursue.
Plan Your Fast IT Degree Plan at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota
If you’re ready to leverage your prior IT work experience and training and use it as college credit, get in contact with Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota. Our 90-credit fast IT degree and generous transfer policy can help you graduate sooner and transition from help desk technician to cloud administrator. The program is taught by faculty with industry experience and is offered 100% online to let students keep working while they study. To get started on your transfer and certification evaluation or to talk with an IT program advisor, request more information today.
IT Degree FAQ
What is a fast IT degree, and how does it work?
At Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota, our IT degree is an accelerated program that offers completion with 90 credits, 25% fewer than a standard 120-credit bachelor’s degree.
Which IT certifications can convert to college credit?
Many different IT certifications can convert into college credit, including CompTIA+ and Cisco certifications. However, they must meet college-level standards and be approved by the specific school.
How does Prior Learning Assessments (PLA) credit apply in IT?
PLA credit applies in IT because previous IT work experience and training, including certifications, can convert to college credit toward an Information Technology bachelor’s degree.
What advising and career support services are available?
At Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota, we offer various student support services, including career services, guidance on transfer credits, advising, 24/7 library access, and more.
