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.
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
Code | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
General Requirements | ||
MATH1000 | Algebra & Trigonometry | 3 |
MATH1250 | Boolean Algebra | 3 |
Communications Elective | 3 | |
Humanities Elective | 3 | |
Social Sciences Elective | 3 | |
Technical Requirements | ||
CLDE1110 | Introduction to Cloud Services | 2 |
CDEF1110 | Introduction to Cyber Defense | 2 |
CNTS1112 | Introduction to Systems and Networking | 3 |
CWEB1116 | Application Design I | 3 |
CNTS1213 | Server Systems & Automation | 4 |
CLDE1231 | Advanced Cloud Systems | 4 |
CNTS1221 | Network Systems I | 4 |
CNTS2114 | Advanced Server Systems & Automation | 4 |
CNTS2121 | Network Systems II | 4 |
CNTS2132 | Enterprise Identity & Account Management | 4 |
CNTS2215 | Enterprise Applications & Service Mgmt | 4 |
CNTS2225 | Network Systems III | 4 |
CLDE2292 | Summative Experience | 3 |
Total Credits | 60 |
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.
First Year | ||
---|---|---|
Fall | Credits | |
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 |
Credits | 13 | |
Total Credits | 13 |
First Year | ||
---|---|---|
Spring | Credits | |
CNTS1213 | Server Systems & Automation | 4 |
CLDE1231 | Advanced Cloud Systems | 4 |
CNTS1221 | Network Systems I | 4 |
MATH1000 | Algebra & Trigonometry | 3 |
Humanities Elective | 3 | |
Credits | 18 | |
Total Credits | 18 |
Second Year | ||
---|---|---|
Fall | Credits | |
CNTS2114 | Advanced Server Systems & Automation | 4 |
CNTS2121 | Network Systems II | 4 |
CNTS2132 | Enterprise Identity & Account Management | 4 |
Communications Elective | 3 | |
Credits | 15 | |
Total Credits | 15 |
Second Year | ||
---|---|---|
Spring | Credits | |
CNTS2215 | Enterprise Applications & Service Mgmt | 4 |
CNTS2225 | Network Systems III | 4 |
CLDE2292 | Summative Experience | 3 |
Social Sciences Elective | 3 | |
Credits | 14 | |
Total Credits | 14 |
Descriptions
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.
CNTS2114 | Advanced Server Systems & Automation | Lecture/Laboratory (4 Credits)
This advanced course builds upon foundational knowledge to explore complex server systems and advanced automation techniques. Students will delve into enterprise-level server management, focusing on high availability, scalability, and performance optimization. The course covers advanced topics in both Windows and Linux environments, including clustering, load balancing, and disaster recovery strategies. Students will gain expertise in virtualization technologies, container orchestration with Kubernetes. Advanced automation is a key focus, with students learning to create sophisticated scripts and workflows using PowerShell, Python, and infrastructure-as-code tools. The course also covers configuration management at scale using Ansible. Security aspects of server administration are emphasized, including hardening techniques and compliance management. Through challenging projects and real-world scenarios, students will develop critical thinking skills for complex IT problem-solving.
CNTS2121 | Network Systems II | Lecture/Laboratory (4 Credits)
This course bridges foundational networking concepts with emerging technologies, emphasizing their practical applications in modern business environments. Students will explore advanced client-server networking principles, logical addressing, IP routing, and key network protocols. The course introduces Software-Defined Networking (SDN) and cloud networking fundamentals while developing hands-on skills in configuring networking hardware and essential services.
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 | Enterprise Applications & Service Mgmt | Lecture/Laboratory (4 Credits)
Students will explore the lifecycle of enterprise applications, from deployment to maintenance and optimization. The course covers key concepts in IT service management (ITSM) using frameworks like ITIL, emphasizing service strategy, design, transition, and operation. Students will gain hands-on experience with enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems, customer relationship management (CRM) tools, and collaboration platforms. The curriculum includes application virtualization, containerization, and microservices architecture. Students will learn to implement and manage service-oriented architectures (SOA) and API management. The course also covers performance monitoring, capacity planning, and problem management. Through practical projects and case studies, students will develop skills in change management, service level agreement (SLA) management, and continuous service improvement.
CNTS2225 | Network Systems III | Lecture/Laboratory (4 Credits)
The capstone for networking studies, integrating and expanding upon concepts from previous Network Systems courses. Students will tackle complex networking challenges, focusing on enterprise-level network design, implementation, and troubleshooting. The curriculum covers advanced routing and switching protocols, including OSPF, BGP, and MPLS, as well as software-defined networking (SDN) and intent-based networking concepts. Students will gain expertise in network security, including intrusion detection and prevention systems, VPNs, and network access control. The course emphasizes network automation and programmability, introducing tools like Ansible, Python, and RESTful APIs for network management. Students will explore hybrid cloud architectures connectivity solutions. Through hands-on labs and a comprehensive project, students will design and implement a complex network infrastructure, considering scalability, redundancy, and performance optimization.
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