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 & Automation4
CLDE1231Advanced Cloud Systems4
CNTS1221Network Systems I4
CLDE2131Access Control Authentication and PKI4
CLDE2141BI, Analytics, and Data Science4
CLDE2121Automation & Cloud Architecture4
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 & Automation 4
CLDE1231 Advanced Cloud Systems 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 Automation & Cloud Architecture 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)

Exploration of the technology and terms used in modern cloud services. Portions of this course help to prepare for the Amazon Cloud Practitioner exam.

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

To provide students with a broad understanding of the field of Cyber defense, inspire curiosity, and set a foundation for more indepth cybersecurity focused courses in the future.

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)

Students will explore data structures, including relational, hierarchical, and graph database models, while mastering common search algorithms and query structures. The course covers practical database skills using Structured Query Language (SQL). Additionally, students will learn to develop responsive and secure web applications. The curriculum also introduces the Software Development Life Cycle and modern development methodologies, providing a solid foundation for real-world application design and development.

CNTS1213 | Server Systems & Automation | Lecture/Laboratory (4 Credits)

Explore server systems management with automation techniques, focusing on the installation, configuration, and maintenance of server operating systems and their primary services. Students will learn to manage system resources, implement remote administration, and develop real-world scripts using Python and PowerShell. The curriculum emphasizes programming best practices for efficient management of enterprise computer systems and networks, preparing students for the challenges of modern IT environments.

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

Students gain hands-on experience with industry-leading platforms, emphasizing Amazon Web Services (AWS). Key topics include AWS scalability and high availability design, security and compliance, cost optimization, DevOps integration, migration strategies, and emerging trends. The course combines lectures, labs, case studies, and projects, culminating in a capstone project. Students will master cloud architecture principles, gain practical AWS experience, and prepare for the AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Associate exam. Assessment includes weekly labs, exams, and the capstone project.

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

This course delves deeper into the principles and terminology of business data communications, emphasizing their practical applications in modern business environments. It covers intermediate to advanced concepts of client-server networking, including networking hardware, addressing schemes, and essential services. Topics include logical addressing, IP routing, and key network protocols. Students will also gain hands-on experience in installing and configuring client-server networking systems, preparing them for real-world networking challenges.

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)

Students will learn to leverage data for informed business decisions and improved organizational performance. Key topics include data collection and management, data visualization techniques, statistical analysis, machine learning fundamentals, and the use of cloud-based tools for BI and analytics. The course emphasizes hands-on experience with popular data analysis platforms and programming languages such as Python and R. Through lectures, practical labs, and case studies, students will design and implement data-driven solutions that support strategic decision-making.

CLDE2121 | Automation & Cloud Architecture | Lecture/Laboratory (4 Credits)

Students gain comprehensive understanding of cloud infrastructure, automation tools, and best practices for designing scalable, efficient cloud solutions. Topics include Infrastructure as Code, automated provisioning, cloud orchestration, scalability design, security automation, monitoring, performance optimization, multi-cloud architectures, containerization, and serverless computing. Through lectures, labs, and case studies, students learn to design, implement, and manage automated cloud solutions using tools like Terraform, Ansible, and cloud-native services. The course emphasizes practical skills in cloud architecture design, automation scripting, and DevOps practices.

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.

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