How To Become a Cloud Application Engineer

Becoming a cloud application engineer typically starts with a bachelor's degree in computer and information technology or a related field, along with programming skills and hands-on practice building software.¹

Cloud application engineers work within the broader field of software development, and groups with quality assurance analysts and testers.² Here’s a look at the typical path into the field, what the work involves and the skills it draws on.

Four Steps Toward a Cloud Application Engineering Career

Step 1: Earn a bachelor's degree in computer and information technology or a related field. BLS indicates that software developers typically need a bachelor's degree in computer and information technology or a related field, such as engineering or mathematics.¹ The online Computer Science Bachelor's degree at Rasmussen University part of American Public University System (“Rasmussen University”) is designed to help build skills in software design and development, data and project management, and problem-solving using technology, and it lists cloud application engineer among its common careers.³

Step 2: Gain hands-on experience. BLS notes that internships during college can provide software development experience, and that developers usually build their programming background in school.¹ Practicing with real projects, whether through an internship or coursework, may help you apply what you learn. Rasmussen University does not offer any internships as part of its Computer Science Bachelor’s degree program.

Step 3: Develop technical skills. Rasmussen University's Computer Science program is designed to give students hands-on experience with software such as Java^® and SQL, and to build skills in designing, developing and deploying software that makes use of cloud computing and quality assurance in software engineering.³ BLS also points out that developers need to keep up with new tools and programming languages throughout their careers.¹

Step 4: Consider certification exams. Certification expectations vary by employer. The Computer Science Bachelor's degree program is designed to help prepare students for these certification exams:³

• Java Foundations 1Z0-811
• Database Foundations 1Z0-006

What Does a Cloud Application Engineer Do?

In the broader software developer category, typical duties may include:²

• Analyzing users' needs, then designing and developing software to meet those needs
• Planning how the pieces of an application or system will work together
• Documenting each aspect of an application or system for future maintenance and upgrades

Applications software developers may also create consumer and commercial applications.² Quality assurance analysts and testers, who fall in the same category, may create test plans, scenarios and procedures for new software and document defects they find.² Software development is usually a collaborative process, so working with teammates may be part of the day-to-day.⁴

What Skills Do Cloud Application Engineers Need?

The Rasmussen University Computer Science program focuses on these skill areas:³

• Software design and development using tools such as Java and SQL
• Data and project management, including collecting, storing and reviewing big data
• E-commerce, including designing and maintaining e-commerce websites
• Problem-solving using technology, including analyzing and evaluating business problems

These qualities may also be important for software developers, quality assurance analysts and testers:¹

• Analytical skills
• Communication skills
• Creativity
• Attention to detail
• Interpersonal skills
• Problem-solving skills

Typical Career Paths Related to Cloud Application Engineering

Cloud application engineering is connected to several other job titles. Rasmussen University lists these typical careers for its Computer Science program:³

• Software developer
• Software application developer
• Mobile developer
• Mobile software developer
• Mobile software engineer
• Cloud application engineer

Exploring the Computer Science Bachelor's Degree at Rasmussen University

The online Computer Science Bachelor's degree at Rasmussen University is a degree-completion program that requires a conferred associate's degree from an accredited institution, or successful completion of 60 quarter or 40 semester credits with a grade of C- or higher.³ If you're interested in building skills relevant to cloud application engineering, explore the online Computer Science Bachelor's degree at Rasmussen University.

Earning a degree does not guarantee employment or specific job outcomes. Employment conditions in your area may vary.

Java^® is a registered trademark of Oracle America, Inc., 500 Oracle Parkway, Redwood City, California 94065.

¹U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Software Developers, Quality Assurance Analysts, and Testers, How to Become One, at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/software-developers.htm#tab-4 (accessed Oct. 15, 2026). Employment conditions in your area may vary.
²U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Software Developers, Quality Assurance Analysts, and Testers, What They Do, at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/software-developers.htm#tab-2 (accessed Oct. 15, 2026). Employment conditions in your area may vary.
³Rasmussen University, Computer Science Bachelor's Degree, at https://www.rasmussen.edu/degrees/technology/computer-science/ (accessed Oct. 15, 2026). Employment conditions in your area may vary.
⁴U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Software Developers, Quality Assurance Analysts, and Testers, Work Environment, at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/software-developers.htm#tab-3 (accessed Oct. 15, 2026). Employment conditions in your area may vary.