Computer Networking Systems is an Associate Degree program offered by Dunwoody College of Technology in Minneapolis, MN. The program takes 2 years to complete, with a total tuition of $55,308.
Program Overview
Companies and organizations of all sizes need networking technician professionals who can support their critical IT infrastructure systems, including hardware, software, and networking. Gain experience with data communications; client and server operating systems (such as Microsoft Windows and Linux); networking technologies, including wireless networks and Cisco©; and IT security issues. Learn to bring hardware, software, and networking solutions to efficiency and productivity.
Through hands-on projects in your computer networking courses, you’ll program real-world scripting solutions used to manage enterprise networks and explore the use of virtualization software and the advantages and disadvantages of moving to a virtualized environment.
Instruction from industry experts will allow you to discover best practices in troubleshooting and maintaining Local Area Networks (LANs), Wide Area Networks (WANs), and internet connections.
Ongoing integration of cutting-edge technologies into the program keep you up-to-date and ahead of the curve. By the end of your two years, you will be able to provide actual technical solutions to all kinds of business operating needs.
Cybersecurity Bachelor Completion Degree Option. This degree transfers directly into Dunwoody’s Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity.
International Students. This program is an official STEM Designated Degree Program, as listed by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) qualifying it to fulfill the STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT) extension requirement for the F-1 student visa.
What sets this Program apart
Facilities used in this program include:
Computer Hardware Lab. Become familiar with all the parts that go into a computer and how those interact with each other and with the operating system to create the computing experience.
- 20 desktop computers (for disassembly and reassembly)
Computer Networking Lab. Learn how switches, routers and other networking equipment is used to link phones, computers, servers and other hardware and devices in fast, secure, and stable data networks.
- Network switches and routers
- Cisco Academy connection software and materials
- Serial communications equipment
- Network test equipment
- Wireless networking and VOIP equipment
Rack Server Lab. Learn how to install, configure, network and troubleshoot rack servers.
- 24 third generation professional grade rack servers
Admission Requirements and Process
Students applying for admission to Dunwoody College of Technology must provide a final, official high school transcript (with graduation date) or a GED score from a recognized GED testing center. Admission decisions are based on a careful, overall assessment of each student’s academic preparation and performance, as well as the additional information provided in the application. Additional requirements may be required for certain programs.
General Requirements
- High school diploma or GEDProvide a final, official high school transcript (with graduation date) or a GED score from a recognized GED testing center.
- College transcriptsIf you have completed college credits and intend to apply for federal financial aid, or want the credits considered for transfer, an official transcript from that institution is…
- Admission reviewAdmission decisions weigh coursework through high school graduation, any previous college-level coursework, grade point average and the application essay.
- Test scores optionalACT, SAT or PSAT scores are considered if available but are not required.
- ImmunizationMinnesota law (M.S. 135A.14) requires students born after 1956 to be immunized against diphtheria, tetanus, measles, mumps and rubella; accepted students fill out an immunization…
- OrientationOrientation is an enrollment requirement for all new students; admitted students are mailed information on Orientation sessions.
Application Process
- 1Fill out an application for admissionRegister for Dunwoody’s Admissions portal and start your application; you can save your progress and come back to it.
- 2Provide official transcriptsRequest official transcripts from all educational institutions attended (including high school), sent directly to the Dunwoody Admissions Office, or have your GED scores sent.
- 3Personal interviewA personal interview with an Admissions Counselor is recommended to ensure Dunwoody is the right fit for your educational and career goals.
- 4Admissions decisionYour completed file goes to the admissions committee, which meets once a week; students are notified of decisions within four business days.
- 5Apply for financial aidComplete the FAFSA (Dunwoody school code 004641); a completed FAFSA is also required to be considered for Dunwoody scholarships.FAFSA Code for Minneapolis Campus: 004641Complete FAFSA Application
- 6Attend orientationAdmitted students are mailed information on Orientation, an enrollment requirement for all new students, where they receive their class schedule and student ID.
Program Schedule
Length of program. 2 years (4 semesters).
Classes offered. Day on Campus or Evening Online Hybrid.
Available starts. Fall Semester; Spring Semester.
Upcoming start dates. January 25, 2027, August 30, 2027, January 24, 2028 (per the 2026-2027 academic calendar).
- January 25th, 2027
- August 30th, 2027
- January 24th, 2028
Cost of Attendance and Financial Aid Information
Program cost (2026-27). Total program tuition is $55,308 (Year 1: $27,665; Year 2: $27,643). Required fees (device) total $1,556 and books, supplies, materials and course/program fees total $605, for an estimated total program cost of $57,469.
Cost of attendance. For the 2025-26 academic year Dunwoody lists average annual costs (which vary by program) of $27,704 tuition, $744 books and supplies and $710 fees, plus living expenses of $3,898 food, $11,766 on-campus or $12,106 off-campus housing, $2,000 transportation and $2,200 miscellaneous.
Financial aid. Most Dunwoody students receive some form of financial aid, including federal and state grants, federal loans and work study. Start by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA); Dunwoody’s federal school code is 004641. A completed FAFSA is also required to be considered for Dunwoody scholarships, and each year Dunwoody gives out nearly $4 million in scholarship funding.
Minnesota programs. Dunwoody participates in the Minnesota State Grant, Dream Act, Postsecondary Child Care Grant, GI Bill Scholarship, Indian Scholarship, Fostering Independence Grant, State Work-Study and SELF Loan programs.
Veterans. The Department of Veterans Affairs recognizes Dunwoody as a Benefits Eligible College, and Dunwoody is a Yellow Ribbon School. Dunwoody waives the application fee and enrollment fees for veterans and military students.
Payment plans. Dunwoody offers a payment plan option for students to divide the balance owed each semester into smaller payments; students must enroll in the payment plan each semester.
Curriculum
The Computer Networking Systems (CNTS), AAS requires 60 credits. 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.
Class topics include:
- Computer Systems
- Network Fundamentals
- Web Development
- Routing & Switching
- Virtualization
- Open Source Software
Required Courses
| Subject # | Name | Credits |
|---|---|---|
Career Outcomes
Common job titles. Possible job titles upon graduation include:
- IT Support Analyst
- Technical Analyst
- Network Support
- IT Professional
- Network Engineer
- IT Support Specialist
Recent employers of graduates. Companies that hire our graduates include:
- American Spirit Corporation
- Best Buy
- Nagios
- Netrix IT
- United Airlines
- U.S. Bank
2024-25 graduate outcomes. Of 15 Computer Networking Systems graduates in 2024-25, the in-field employment rate was 100% and the career outcomes rate was 100% (Dunwoody Career Services Annual Report 2024-2025; employment recorded up to six months after graduation).
Average salary. $57K (Computer Technology, A.A.S.; 2023-24 Dunwoody Career Services Annual Report, as shown on the program page).
What to expect as a Dunwoody College of Technology student
Student organizations. Opportunities to get involved outside of the classroom include:
- Game Development Club
- Open Source Group
- Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society (PTK)
- SkillsUSA
Campus Address
Why Accreditation Is Important
Dunwoody College of Technology is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and registered with the Minnesota Office of Higher Education.
- A reliable indicator of quality
- Approved program of study
- Qualified instructors
- Recognition by employers nationwide
Accreditations
Student Demographics
These are demographics for all students at the Minneapolis Campus (IPEDS, 2024).
Percentages are of total fall enrollment. 9 students whose race or ethnicity was not reported are included in that total but shown as no category, so the figures above come to 99.4% rather than 100%.
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