Information Technology Program

Launch Your Career in IT, Networking and Support

The Information Technology program at Harper College prepares you for a career in data management, information technology, networking and software. You’ll learn from a multidisciplinary faculty with hands-on industry experience.

Many courses offered in evening and online or blended formats to fit your schedule. High school students in the Harper College district can earn college credit while in high school through the dual-credit program.

Earn a Career-Ready Degree

The Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree is designed to prepare you for immediate entry into this career field. Coursework in the AAS may also prepare you to transfer to a four-year college or university. To learn more, visit our Transfer Information page or see your advisor.

Associate in Applied Science—Cybersecurity
Associate in Applied Science—Information Systems (with emphasis in Business, Computer Science and Mathematics, Information Assurance, Information Systems, or Web Development)
Associate in Applied Science—Information Technology (choose ONE specialization):
- Computer Support
- Network Administration

Earn a Workforce Credential

Jumpstart your career by learning new skills through a certificate program. Many of Harper's certificates are stackable to a degree program through additional coursework.

Cybersecurity

Information Systems

Software Development Certificate

Information Technology

Office Applications

NSF STEM Scholarship

The National Science Foundation offers a scholarship open to support STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) students with financial assistance and co-curricular activities. To learn more, visit the NSF-STEM Scholarship page.

Flexible Program Options

Distance Learning (Earn degrees/credentials by taking classes online)
University Center (Earn a bachelor's degree on Harper's campus)

Explore Information Technology Careers

Computer and Information Systems Managers

* Data sampled April 2025. Visit the Computer and Information Systems Managers career profile for most current data.

$165,710
Median Salary

3%
Projected Job Growth (2025-2032)

231
Job Postings

Description:

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as electronic data processing, information systems, systems analysis, and computer programming.

Core tasks:

Direct daily operations of department, analyzing workflow, establishing priorities, developing standards and setting deadlines.
Meet with department heads, managers, supervisors, vendors, and others, to solicit cooperation and resolve problems.
Review project plans to plan and coordinate project activity.
Assign and review the work of systems analysts, programmers, and other computer-related workers.

Quick facts:

Computer Network Support Specialists

* Data sampled April 2025. Visit the Computer Network Support Specialists career profile for most current data.

$73,639
Median Salary

-2.1%
Projected Job Growth (2025-2032)

24
Job Postings

Description:

Analyze, test, troubleshoot, and evaluate existing network systems, such as local area networks (LAN), wide area networks (WAN), cloud networks, servers, and other data communications networks. Perform network maintenance to ensure networks operate correctly with minimal interruption.

Core tasks:

Back up network data.
Configure security settings or access permissions for groups or individuals.
Analyze and report computer network security breaches or attempted breaches.
Identify the causes of networking problems, using diagnostic testing software and equipment.

Quick facts:

Information Security Engineers

* Data sampled April 2025. Visit the Information Security Engineers career profile for most current data.

$112,143
Median Salary

3.1%
Projected Job Growth (2025-2032)

570
Job Postings

Description:

Develop and oversee the implementation of information security procedures and policies. Build, maintain and upgrade security technology, such as firewalls, for the safe use of computer networks and the transmission and retrieval of information. Design and implement appropriate security controls to identify vulnerabilities and protect digital files and electronic infrastructures. Monitor and respond to computer security breaches, viruses, and intrusions, and perform forensic investigation. May oversee the assessment of information security systems.

Core tasks:

Assess the quality of security controls, using performance indicators.
Conduct investigations of information security breaches to identify vulnerabilities and evaluate the damage.
Coordinate documentation of computer security or emergency measure policies, procedures, or tests.
Coordinate monitoring of networks or systems for security breaches or intrusions.

Quick facts:

Network and Computer Systems Administrators

* Data sampled April 2025. Visit the Network and Computer Systems Administrators career profile for most current data.

$94,299
Median Salary

-2%
Projected Job Growth (2025-2032)

297
Job Postings

Description:

Install, configure, and maintain an organization's local area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN), data communications network, operating systems, and physical and virtual servers. Perform system monitoring and verify the integrity and availability of hardware, network, and server resources and systems. Review system and application logs and verify completion of scheduled jobs, including system backups. Analyze network and server resource consumption and control user access. Install and upgrade software and maintain software licenses. May assist in network modeling, analysis, planning, and coordination between network and data communications hardware and software.

Core tasks:

Maintain and administer computer networks and related computing environments, including computer hardware, systems software, applications software, and all configurations.
Perform data backups and disaster recovery operations.
Diagnose, troubleshoot, and resolve hardware, software, or other network and system problems, and replace defective components when necessary.
Configure, monitor, and maintain email applications or virus protection software.

Quick facts:

Software Developers

* Data sampled April 2025. Visit the Software Developers career profile for most current data.

$128,508
Median Salary

8.6%
Projected Job Growth (2025-2032)

4,065
Job Postings

Description:

Research, design, and develop computer and network software or specialized utility programs. Analyze user needs and develop software solutions, applying principles and techniques of computer science, engineering, and mathematical analysis. Update software or enhance existing software capabilities. May work with computer hardware engineers to integrate hardware and software systems, and develop specifications and performance requirements. May maintain databases within an application area, working individually or coordinating database development as part of a team.

Core tasks:

Analyze information to determine, recommend, and plan installation of a new system or modification of an existing system.
Analyze user needs and software requirements to determine feasibility of design within time and cost constraints.
Confer with data processing or project managers to obtain information on limitations or capabilities for data processing projects.
Confer with systems analysts, engineers, programmers and others to design systems and to obtain information on project limitations and capabilities, performance requirements and interfaces.

Quick facts:

Resources

For more information about starting your college education at Harper, please contact Admissions Outreach at 847.925.6700 or fill out our request information form.