Computer Networking Systems (CNTS), AAS
At Dunwoody College of Technology, the Computer Networking Systems program prepares graduates for careers in the rapidly 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.
Hawk Core Curriculum 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:
- Implement and manage system and network solutions for business use cases, including discovery, monitoring, and troubleshooting.
- Design and deploy secure infrastructure, including identity and access management, data protection, and wireless implementations.
- Demonstrate proficiency in current operating systems, directory services, and DNS services in mixed environments.
- Apply infrastructure as code principles to manage and provision computing resources.
- Reverse engineer system level diagrams to understand and document existing system architectures.
- Implement data retention strategies based on governance policies and industry best practices.
- Evaluate the benefits and risks of operational technology (OT) in industrial control systems, focusing on operational advantages, potential cybersecurity vulnerabilities, and challenges in integrating OT with existing enterprise IT systems.
- Architect an design secure solutions based on business use cases.
- Utilize critical thinking and innovative problem-solving techniques to address complex, ill-defined issues in systems and networking.
| 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 | ||
| CDEF1110 | Introduction to Cyber Defense | 2 |
| CLDE1110 | Introduction to Cloud Services | 2 |
| CLDE1231 | Cloud Systems I | 4 |
| CLDE2292 | Summative Experience | 3 |
| CNTS1112 | Introduction to Systems and Networking | 3 |
| CNTS1213 | Server Systems I | 4 |
| CNTS1221 | Network Systems I | 4 |
| CNTS2114 | Server Systems II | 4 |
| CNTS2121 | Network Systems II | 4 |
| CNTS2215 | Server Systems III | 4 |
| CNTS2225 | Network Systems III | 4 |
| CWEB1116 | Application Design I | 3 |
| CYBR2130 | IAM & PKI | 4 |
| 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 Hawk Core Curriculum courses and electives you take and when you take them.
| 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 | |
| Spring | ||
| CNTS1213 | Server Systems I | 4 |
| CLDE1231 | Cloud Systems I | 4 |
| CNTS1221 | Network Systems I | 4 |
| MATH1000 | Algebra & Trigonometry | 3 |
| Humanities Elective | 3 | |
| Credits | 18 | |
| Second Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| CNTS2114 | Server Systems II | 4 |
| CNTS2121 | Network Systems II | 4 |
| CYBR2130 | IAM & PKI | 4 |
| Communications Elective | 3 | |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Spring | ||
| CNTS2215 | Server Systems III | 4 |
| CNTS2225 | Network Systems III | 4 |
| CLDE2292 | Summative Experience | 3 |
| Social Sciences Elective | 3 | |
| Credits | 14 | |
| Total Credits | 60 | |
Descriptions
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.
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.
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
CLDE2292 | Summative Experience | Directed Study (3 Credits)
Portfolio or external intern based project work to exhibit all skills gained throughout program.
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.
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
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
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
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.
CYBR2130 | IAM & PKI | Lecture/Laboratory (4 Credits)
Develop comprehensive Identity and Access Management (IAM) knowledge through hands-on implementation of authentication systems, access control models, and Public Key Infrastructure (PKI). Students gain practical experience with human and non-human identity lifecycle management, certificate deployment, and enterprise PKI solutions. Covers modern access control frameworks including Zero Trust principles, privileged access management, and automated certificate lifecycle management in multi-platform environments.
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