Editing PUG Cloud Computing Degree Plan (section)

== Cloud Computing Degree Plan ==
This is a Cloud Computing Degree plan for [[Purdue University Global]] (PUG) as of approximately June of 2023. Please make sure that the suggestions are still valid before beginning to follow this plan.

The alternative credit courses were handpicked using experience from previous students as to what courses will be the easiest and quickest courses to take. In places with multiple courses listed, the first course is assumed to be the fastest/easiest course to take.

=== Tips on Order in Which to Complete Courses ===
Start with CLEP, then Sophia.  Sophia only allows 2 courses open at one time so don't have 2 courses that have touchstones (written assignments) open at the same time.  Once done with Sophia, do the certifications starting with PHP Certificate.

'''Note:''' There are two paths you could take. Either do Google Cloud or do both Azure Fundamentals & Azure Data Engineer Associate. If you did both Google Cloud and Azure, then you would not need to do the PHP Cert or the Linux cert. The Cloud certifications should take 1-2 months to complete. 

=== How Long Will It Take To Complete This Degree Once I Finish All the Alterative Credits? ===
How long to complete depends on a variety of factors such as experience, time commitment, the efficiency of studying, etc. Considering you spend at least 20 hours a week on your studies, it should take 2-3 terms to complete this degree.  

'''Battle Plan For Finishing in 2 Terms'''  

If you want to finish in 2 terms, you need to be aggressive in opening up a bunch of courses. It is possible to finish in 2 terms with less than 30hrs a week studying. Follow the advise of this [https://www.reddit.com/r/SecurityCareerAdvice/comments/k5gr64/i_got_a_bs_in_cybersecurity_from_purdue_global_in/ Reddit Thread].  The capstone is a set 10 weeks and can't be accelerated so you must start this at the beginning of your 2nd term in order to finish in 2 terms.   

=== Source of Credit ===

This degree plan was made using the following sources to map out all the alternative credits.

[https://www.purdueglobal.edu/alternative-college-credits/external-assessments/ Alternative Credits List]

[https://study.com/college/school/purdue-university-global.html Study.com Equivalent Guide]

[https://www.purdueglobal.edu/alternative-college-credits/it-certification-exams/ It Certification Exams Equivalent Guide]