Program Overview

Introduction to the AWS Academy Cloud Architecting Program

The AWS Academy Cloud Architecting program is designed to teach Solutions Architects how to optimize their use of the AWS Cloud by understanding AWS services and how they fit into cloud-based solutions. This program focuses on architectural solution best practices for the AWS Cloud that apply to all industries, types of applications, and business sizes. It provides opportunities to build a variety of infrastructures through a guided, hands-on approach.

Program Highlights

• AWS-authored course
• Cloud architecting skills employers are seeking
• Open enrolment program

What You'll Learn

Through this program, you'll learn to:

• Explain how cloud adoption transforms the way IT systems work
• Describe the benefits of cloud computing with Amazon Web Services
• Design systems that are secure, reliable, high-performing, and cost-efficient
• Describe principles to consider when migrating or designing new applications for the cloud
• Identify the design patterns and architectural options applied in a variety of use cases
• Define high availability, fault tolerance, and scalability
• Identify AWS services that have built-in fault tolerance or can be designed for fault tolerance
• Understand why load balancing is a key architectural component for AWS-powered applications
• Identify the benefits of Infrastructure as Code
• Leverage the capabilities of AWS to support automation
• Create, manage, provision, and update related resources using AWS CloudFormation
• Compare structured query language (SQL) databases with NoSQL databases
• Explain how the AWS Well-Architected Framework improves cloud-based architectures
• Identify the design principles and best practices of the Operational Excellence pillar
• Explain the design principles and best practices of the Reliability pillar
• Select compute, storage, database, and networking resources to improve performance
• Evaluate the most important performance metrics for your applications
• Follow best practices to eliminate unneeded costs or suboptimal resources
• Troubleshoot common errors

Who Should Take This Program

This program is suitable for:

• Professionals and students who have completed AWS Academy Cloud Foundations (ACF) or have equivalent experience
• Professionals and students with working knowledge of distributed systems
• Professionals and students with a working knowledge of multi-tier architectures
• IT professionals who want to prepare for and earn their AWS certification

Career Opportunities

Earning a Certificate of Completion in AWS Academy Cloud Architecting opens doors to AWS certification and could lead to highly rewarding career paths, including:

• AWS Cloud Architect
• AWS Customer Solution Architect
• Enterprise Data Architect
• Controller
• Solutions Architect
• Cloud Platform Architect
• AWS Cloud Engineer

Certificate of Completion

Upon successfully completing this program, you will receive a microcredential recognizing your learning achievement. This microcredential is digitally shareable, making it easy to add to your resume, LinkedIn profile, and to share with current or prospective employers.

Admission Requirements

This program is open enrolment, which means there is no formal application or admission procedure. To enrol in a course, simply register online. Our courses can be taken as part of a program or individually.

To enrol in McMaster Continuing Education programs, you must:

• Have an Ontario Secondary School Diploma or equivalent
• Be a mature student as defined in the Undergraduate Calendar of McMaster University
• Be deemed an exceptional case

Language Requirements

If English is not your native language, you must meet McMaster University’s English proficiency requirements by either qualifying for an exemption or passing a McMaster-approved English test.

Registration Process

To register for our courses and programs:

1. Visit the program page to find your program of choice
2. Click on each tab on the program page to learn about credential options and requirements, schedule, and fees
3. Select a course and then select an available offering, noting important information such as cost, delivery format, and start/end dates
4. Once you have added your courses, click the shopping cart icon at the top right-hand corner of the page
5. Review your cart and, once you’re ready to proceed with enrolment, click ‘proceed to checkout’
6. Complete all required fields and select a program of study when prompted
7. Payment is required in full to secure a spot in your course(s)

Payment Options

• Payment must be made in full at the time of enrolment
• Online credit card or debit payments are preferred
• Accepted credit cards: Visa, MasterCard, and American Express
• Accepted debit cards: Visa Debit and Debit Mastercard
• Google Pay is available for faster checkout

Continuing Education at McMaster University

McMaster Continuing Education is committed to providing high-quality educational programs that meet the needs of professionals and individuals seeking to enhance their skills and knowledge. Our programs are designed to be flexible and accessible, allowing you to balance your educational goals with your personal and professional responsibilities.