Computer Networking Systems (CNTS), AAS

At Dunwoody College of Technology, the Computer Networking Systems program prepares graduates for careers in the rapidly growing and changing fields of enterprise computer systems and networking administration.

Students are taught current technologies and skills to architect, support, build, and maintain enterprise networks and systems. Those technologies include cloud services, virtualization, IT security, directory services, network and systems automation, enterprise applications, and routing and switching.

Coursework includes Amazon and Microsoft cloud services featuring Amazon Academy curriculum, Microsoft and Linux operating systems, related network support services featuring Cisco® Academy curriculum, and desktop and server hardware. Students also develop skills in coding, computer logic, and data communications. Interpersonal soft-skills are emphasized in all courses.

Arts & Sciences courses enhance and support the technical coursework.

Credits earned in the Computer Networking Systems 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: 

  • Create an enterprise network system
  • Configure enterprise hardware
  • Build a virtualized enterprise environment
  • Use programming fundamentals for automating networks and services
  • Deploy relevant industry applications in an enterprise environment
  • Apply troubleshooting techniques to discover and resolve problems
General Requirements
MATH1000Algebra & Trigonometry3
MATH1250Boolean Algebra3
Communications Elective3
Humanities Elective3
Social Sciences Elective3
Technical Requirements
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
CNTS2114Server Systems II4
CNTS2121Network Systems II4
CNTS2132Enterprise Identity & Account Management4
CNTS2215Server Systems III4
CNTS2225Network Systems III4
CLDE2292Summative Experience3
Total Credits60

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
CNTS1112 Introduction to Systems and Networking 3
CWEB1116 Application Design I 3
MATH1250 Boolean Algebra 3
 Credits13
 Total Credits13
Plan of Study Grid
First Year
SpringCredits
CNTS1213 Server Systems I 4
CLDE1231 Cloud Systems I 4
CNTS1221 Network Systems I 4
MATH1000 Algebra & Trigonometry 3
Humanities Elective 3
 Credits18
 Total Credits18
Plan of Study Grid
Second Year
FallCredits
CNTS2114 Server Systems II 4
CNTS2121 Network Systems II 4
CNTS2132 Enterprise Identity & Account Management 4
Communications Elective 3
 Credits15
 Total Credits15
Plan of Study Grid
Second Year
SpringCredits
CNTS2215 Server Systems III 4
CNTS2225 Network Systems III 4
CLDE2292 Summative Experience 3
Social Sciences Elective 3
 Credits14
 Total Credits14

Descriptions

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

CNTS2114 | Server Systems II | Lecture/Laboratory (4 Credits)

This course builds on foundational Windows Server and scripting skills to explore advanced enterprise network administration. Students will configure multi-domain Active Directory environments, implement Group Policy for security and compliance, and audit file system and user activity. Also emphasized is securing Active Directory, deploying high-availability services like DFS, and integrating with Azure Active Directory for hybrid identity solutions. Learners will also manage DNS and DHCP, delegate administrative roles, and design backup and recovery strategies.

Prerequisite(s): CNTS1213

CNTS2121 | Network Systems II | Lecture/Laboratory (4 Credits)

This course builds upon foundational networking concepts to explore enterprise-grade network design, security architecture, and dynamic routing technologies in multi-site environments. Students will deploy dynamic routing protocols, implement sophisticated network security policies, and design resilient network infrastructures that support business continuity. The course emphasizes network troubleshooting methodologies, performance optimization techniques, and integration of wireless and wired networks in secure enterprise environments. Students will gain experience with network automation tools, monitoring systems, and advanced firewall configurations that prepare them for Network Systems III.

Prerequisite(s): CNTS1221

CNTS2132 | Enterprise Identity & Account Management | Lecture/Laboratory (4 Credits)

Students will explore the complexities of managing identities, access rights, and authentication across large-scale enterprise environments. The course covers key IAM concepts including identity lifecycle management, single sign-on (SSO), multi-factor authentication (MFA), role-based access control (RBAC), and privileged access management (PAM). Students will gain hands-on experience with industry-standard IAM tools and technologies, learning to implement and manage directory services, federation protocols, and identity governance solutions. The course also addresses compliance requirements and best practices for identity security in hybrid cloud environments. Through practical labs and case studies, students will develop skills in designing, implementing, and maintaining robust IAM architectures. Topics include integration with cloud services, mobile device management, and emerging technologies like biometrics and adaptive authentication.

CNTS2215 | Server Systems III | Lecture/Laboratory (4 Credits)

This course develops advanced Linux administration skills through comprehensive deployment and management of Open-Source Software (OSS) in enterprise environments. Students deploy web servers, database systems, file services, and automation tools commonly used at enterprise and ISP levels. Strong emphasis on infrastructure-as-code, configuration management, and automation.

Prerequisite(s): CNTS1112

CNTS2225 | Network Systems III | Lecture/Laboratory (4 Credits)

This advanced course serves as the culmination of the Network Systems track, focusing on enterprise-scale network architecture, advanced security implementations, and cutting-edge networking technologies. Students will master complex routing protocols, design comprehensive network security architectures, and implement advanced automation and orchestration solutions. The course emphasizes real-world problem-solving in large-scale enterprise environments, including integration of operational technology (OT) networks, advanced threat detection systems, and disaster recovery strategies. Students will develop expertise in network performance optimization, business continuity planning, and emerging networking technologies that prepare them for network engineering roles and industry certifications.

Prerequisite(s): CNTS2121

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