Cloud Engineering Technology (CLDE), AAS

At Dunwoody College of Technology, the Cloud Engineering Technology program prepares graduates for careers building and managing cloud computing solutions for businesses and organizations. Graduates enter the field in positions such as cloud architect/engineer, network architect/engineer, DevOps engineer, or systems engineer.

Students learn to build, automate, deploy, test, run, and manage cloud-based solutions that meet real world business needs. An emphasis is placed on hands-on projects, including lots of practice with the two leading platforms: Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Microsoft Azure.

Coursework includes cloud architecture, HTML, CSS, JavaScript, GitHub, cloud native practices, DevOps, containers, Docker, Python, databases, SQL, NoSQL, application security, microservices, serverless computing, and more. Interpersonal soft-skills are emphasized in all courses.

Arts & Sciences courses enhance and support the technical coursework.

Credits earned in the Cloud Engineering Technology AAS program directly transfer into Dunwoody's Cybersecurity Bachelor of Science program.

Credential Earned: AAS
Length of Program: 2 years (4 semesters)
Classes Offered: Day on Campus or Evening Online Hybrid
Available Starts: Fall Semester; Spring Semester
 

By the end of this program, students will be able to: 

  • Design and secure fault tolerant enterprise networks
  • Implement and manage virtual server farms
  • Automation of cloud network and service deployment
  • Deploy, manage, and optimize applications in multiple enterprise cloud environments
  • Securely extend and connect on-premises and public clouds
  • Architect cloud solutions based on business use cases
General Education
MATH1000Algebra & Trigonometry3
MATH1250Boolean Algebra3
Communications Elective3
Humanities Elective3
Social Sciences Elective3
Technical Credits
CLDE1110Introduction to Cloud Services2
CDEF1110Introduction to Cyber Defense2
CNTS1112Introduction to Systems and Networking3
CWEB1116Application Design I3
CNTS1213Server Systems I4
CLDE1231Cloud Systems I4
CNTS1221Network Systems I4
CLDE2131Access Control Authentication and PKI4
CLDE2141BI, Analytics, and Data Science4
CLDE2121Cloud Systems II4
CLDE2211Cloud Security4
CLDE2231CLDE Problem Solving & Critical Thinking4
CLDE2292Summative Experience3
Total Hours:65

The following sample academic plan demonstrates how a student's schedule might look on a semester-by-semester basis, including elective courses. Your actual degree plan may differ from this sequence, depending on whether you start in the fall or spring semester, what transfer credits you may have (if any), and which General Education courses and electives you take and when you take them.

The sample academic plan is for informational purposes only. To determine your academic plan, please meet with an academic advisor.

Plan of Study Grid
First Year
FallCredits
CLDE1110 Introduction to Cloud Services 2
CDEF1110 Introduction to Cyber Defense 2
CNTS1102 Introduction to Operating Systems 2
CNTS1123 Introduction to Networking 2
CWEB1114 Introduction to Application Dev 2
CWEB1123 Data Fundamentals 2
MATH1250 Boolean Algebra 3
 Credits15
Spring
CNTS1213 Server Systems I 4
CLDE1231 Cloud Systems I 4
CNTS1221 Network Systems I 4
MATH1000 Algebra & Trigonometry 3
Humanities Elective 3
 Credits18
Second Year
Fall
CLDE2131 Access Control Authentication and PKI 4
CLDE2141 BI, Analytics, and Data Science 4
CLDE2121 Cloud Systems II 4
 
 Credits12
Spring
CLDE2211 Cloud Security 4
CLDE2231 CLDE Problem Solving & Critical Thinking 4
CLDE2292 Summative Experience 3
 
 Credits11
 Total Credits56

CLDE1110 | Introduction to Cloud Services | Lecture/Laboratory (2 Credits)

This course provides students with a foundational understanding of cloud computing concepts, core services, and deployment models. Students will explore key topics such as virtualization, cloud storage, networking, security services, and cost management while gaining hands-on experience with major cloud platforms.

CDEF1110 | Introduction to Cyber Defense | Lecture/Laboratory (2 Credits)

This course introduces the essential concepts of cybersecurity, including common threats like malware, phishing, and DDoS attacks. Students will learn key principles of secure system design such as least privilege, defense in depth, and fail-safe defaults, along with best practices for strong passwords, software updates, and multi-factor authentication. The course also covers basic incident response steps and explores the legal and ethical responsibilities in cybersecurity. Students will gain the vocabulary, awareness, and foundational skills needed to identify threats and apply basic cyber defense methods.

CNTS1112 | Introduction to Systems and Networking | Lecture/Laboratory (3 Credits)

Students will explore the core components of modern computing systems, including hardware architecture, operating systems, and network infrastructure. The course covers key concepts such as CPU architecture, memory management, storage systems, and input/output devices. Students will learn about different operating systems, their functions, and basic system administration tasks. The networking portion of the course introduces network topologies, protocols, and the OSI model, with a focus on TCP/IP. Topics include LAN/WAN technologies, IP addressing, subnetting, routing, and basic network security principles. Through a combination of lectures, hands-on labs, and practical exercises, students will gain essential skills in configuring and troubleshooting basic computer systems and networks.

CWEB1116 | Application Design I | Lecture/Laboratory (3 Credits)

This course provides students with a comprehensive introduction to building modern software applications with a focus on web technologies, structured programming, and emerging technologies like AI and data science. Students will be introduced to the methods of developing data-driven web applications using industry-relevant programming languages and will gain exposure to foundational data science and machine learning concepts through hands-on coding exercises.

CNTS1213 | Server Systems I | Lecture/Laboratory (4 Credits)

This course will provide students with essential skills to configure, manage, and automate enterprise server environments. Students will learn to create and maintain both Linux and Windows servers, including critical network services such as DHCP, DNS, and enterprise-level networking, while enforcing security through group policy, auditing, and permissions management. This course will also incorporate automation through scripting, where students will parse structured data, manipulate system objects, and automate OS and networking tasks. Additionally, the course will provide an understanding of systems at a low-level.

Prerequisite(s): CNTS1112

CLDE1231 | Cloud Systems I | Lecture/Laboratory (4 Credits)

This course provides comprehensive training in cloud computing technologies with a focus mostly on Azure with elements of AWS. Students will gain hands-on experience in operating and managing cloud resources through Azure Portal and AWS, mastering essential skills in resource deployment and management. The course emphasizes architectural decision-making based on Azure and AWS best practices, enabling students to design scalable and resilient cloud solutions.

Prerequisite(s): CLDE1110

CNTS1221 | Network Systems I | Lecture/Laboratory (4 Credits)

This course provides students with hands-on experience in enterprise networking technologies, digital communications protocols, and security-focused network design methodologies. Students will develop foundational skills in switching, routing, and basic firewall technologies using industry-standard equipment and simulation environments. The course emphasizes secure network architecture principles, implementation of basic access controls, and integration of fundamental network security practices. Through hands-on laboratories and practical scenarios, students will design, configure, and troubleshoot enterprise network infrastructures that meet basic security requirements and prepare them for advanced networking coursework.

Prerequisite(s): CNTS1112

CLDE2131 | Access Control Authentication and PKI | Lecture/Laboratory (4 Credits)

Explore the fundamental concepts and practical applications of Access Control, Authentication, and Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) in cybersecurity. Students will gain a comprehensive understanding of access control mechanisms, authentication protocols, and the role of PKI in securing digital communications. The course covers access control models and implementation, authentication methods and technologies, PKI components and architecture, digital certificates and certificate authorities, cryptographic algorithms and key management, identity and access management, multi-factor authentication, biometric authentication systems, PKI deployment and management, and security policies and best practices.

CLDE2141 | BI, Analytics, and Data Science | Lecture/Laboratory (4 Credits)

This course provides a comprehensive exploration of business intelligence (BI) and data analytics, pivotal for driving data-driven decision-making in contemporary organizations. Students will grasp the foundational concepts of BI, analytics, and their strategic importance in leveraging data for competitive advantage.

CLDE2121 | Cloud Systems II | Lecture/Laboratory (4 Credits)

This comprehensive, hands-on course equips students with cutting-edge skills for managing hybrid cloud environments and implementing Infrastructure as Code (IaC) practices across Azure, AWS, and multi-cloud scenarios. Students will master advanced cloud architectural patterns, automated deployment strategies, and enterprise-grade security implementations. The course emphasizes real-world cloud environment management, from single-cloud solutions to complex hybrid and multi-cloud architectures. This course focuses on practical, industry-relevant skills that prepare students for the modern IT landscape and advanced cloud certifications.

Prerequisite(s): CLDE1231

CLDE2211 | Cloud Security | Lecture/Laboratory (4 Credits)

This course provides an in-depth understanding of cloud security principles, best practices, and security controls across different cloud service models (IaaS, PaaS, and SaaS). Students will learn how to secure cloud environments, including Microsoft Azure and Amazon Web Services (AWS), through hands-on labs and projects. The course is designed to meet the National Security Agency (NSA) certification requirements for cloud security professionals. It covers topics such as cloud security architecture, identity and access management, data protection, network security, monitoring, compliance, and incident response.

Prerequisite(s): CLDE2121

CLDE2231 | CLDE Problem Solving & Critical Thinking | Lecture/Laboratory (4 Credits)

Students will learn to approach complex technical challenges systematically, applying analytical reasoning and creative solutions to real-world cloud scenarios. The course covers problem-solving methodologies, decision-making frameworks, and strategies for troubleshooting cloud-based systems. Topics include root cause analysis, system thinking, design patterns for cloud architecture, performance optimization, cost management, and security incident response. Through case studies, hands-on labs, and collaborative projects, students will tackle diverse cloud-related problems, from infrastructure design to application deployment and management. Emphasis is placed on developing a mindset for continuous improvement and innovation in cloud environments.

CLDE2292 | Summative Experience | Directed Study (3 Credits)

Portfolio or external intern based project work to exhibit all skills gained throughout program.

MATH1000 | Algebra & Trigonometry | Lecture (3 Credits)

Real numbers and polynomials, exponents and radicals, fractional equations; proportions and linear equations; trigonometric functions, solutions of triangles, radians, trig functions graphs, vectors, and basic identities.

General Education: Mathematics

MATH1250 | Boolean Algebra | Lecture (3 Credits)

Binary, octal and hexadecimal number systems. Boolean algebra and mapping.

General Education: Mathematics